Sandbank dodging in the Thames estuary.

Then after about 1 hour of bliss along came 30-35Kts of wind plus rain & today I am totally cream crackered ( I will let someone else explain that phrase to our European friends)

It was only for about 10 hours

It amazes me how on earth long distance sailors can stand days on end of bad weather. My day was only a good F7 but some sailors are out there in 8's & 9's for ages

 

It is interesting to see on the photo that you use both an (electronic) autopilot and wind vane, to steer. Can you let us know a little more about this set-up?

 

Thanks

Quit simple really

My helm is very heavy - The wife cannot steer for longer than 15 Mins & tires quickly

The electric autopilot is not strong enough to steer the boat in any sort of wind. Plus it does not steer a course to the wind. I tend to use it when motoring , entering & leaving port & when hoisting sails

The Aeries is extremely powerful. When the boat is moving over 5 Knts a man cannot hold it back when the oar moves over from side to side

The Aeries steers to wind & is excellent helming to windward. I rarely do any helming to windward if there is any breeze. It is not so good off the wind but having had it for several years I now know how to adjust it & depower it  for down wind use

Note in the pic that the vane has been tilted down. That is because it reacts too violently if fully up.

It is a great piece of kit & uses absolutely no electric & does not argue back

Daydream Believer

 

I know a guy who uses a hydrovane on his Nicholson 34 and is quite happy with it.

The hydrovane has its own (little) rudder, so no lines are needed to the tiller / steering wheel.

The little hydrovane rudder can also be used as a emergency rudder.