Our SECRET 3rd CREW member | How we steer across Oceans - Ep.113

[@gjeess1]

Finally, someone making some common sense of wind vanes. Many other video channels just say that the wind vane is powered by the wind, then leave it at that, you clearly explained how the device works - thank you.

[@michaelxwhite]

You two are fantastic. I wait in anticipation for your new release. Keep up the great work, and happy sailing. Also, you're my favorite sailing youtube couple. Cheers...

[@earthangel8730]

The channel has really surged in subscribership since the broadcast of this fascinating passage. This very educational episode demystifies the tireless and ever essential wind vane in a way that even we land lubbers can grasp. Brilliant!

[@algiecompositeaircraft5629]

Your videos have a nice balance of tech and scenery. I always enjoy them a lot, thanks!

[@rainfinger]

Windvanes are a true blessing. Never leave port without one.

[@sails3538]

@burningfeet57..... Autopilots fail regularly. And can not take heavy weather. A 10 Yr old Windvane is indestructible. But autopilots are great for very calm weather. To go off shore a boat needs both.

[@annafraley5388]

Thanks for the great explanation of the wind vain...✅ After watching thousands of sailing videos, no one has ever EXPLAINED It in detail. 👍😎

[@colinwilhelms6813]

Thanks for explaining the self steering system. It now makes sense.

[@thagemizer]

I had seen you using the wind vane in other videos, and I'd even looked it up to learn more about it. I'm so glad you made this explanatory video to show us how it works and how you use it. It's really a genius piece of kit! Thank you!

[@1ralpht]

I love this format of these shorter but concentrated look at what you do as sailors living aboard. I'd enjoy more. Maintaining the engine, plotting your course, planning your meals, your sail plan, etc would all be very interesting to me. Still loving the channel! Great work. Tim in Canada.

[@Thomas-eu6fj]

As always not a moment wasted ! Can't wait to see you guys in beautiful Seychelles !!

[@Coleen_West]

You guys have the best personalities of all the youtube sailing channels. I had never noticed it before, but there is something about proper British that is "proper" for lack of a better word. Not sure i have heard you swear even once in all these years or say something unkind to anyone. You have conducted youself in a manner that I rarely see here in the US. Well done indeed!

[@PeterRawlingson]

Pretty beaches, bland tourist excursions and rolling boats on rolling waves may have been interesting in early KZbin days but again today you've found a "fresh" story. Bravo, I enjoy watching interesting people, gadgets and techniques told as stories.

[@patrickmaloney6440]

Thanks guys! That just taught me more about self steering in 5 minutes than I thought possible - what a cool setup :-)

[@nickmolonlabe5780]

Thank you thank you . I have always wanted to know how the wind vane operated . It is no longer a mystery to me.great explanation.

[@wrm3016]

OK, you say you love reading comments, so here goes. I've been following your journey for about 3 years now. Came across it purely by chance. I'm in Ca. and was watching overlanding/outdoor video's and just glanced over at the preview column and spied a video of a guy sailing solo to Hawaii. Sounded cool. So as they say, one thing lead to another. Saw your channel and watched a couple. Loved the videography and underwater video. I do not sail, I know nothing of sailing. I don't even think about sailing... I have other hobbies. But I do love tropical islands, beautiful scenery and the ocean in general. So I went back and binge watched everything from the beginning until all caught up. Now sub'd and follow along. As you know, there are TONS of other couples/people/sailing channels doing the same thing. Can't watch them all. So had to pick one, but I just love the way you guys have taken on the task of navigating the whole world, are very down to earth, and invited us into your lives. Very cool! Wish you all the best. Safe sailing and God's blessings!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Thanks William, just back to an internet connection after the passage to SA and catching up on our reading!

[@cetyl2626]

That's exactly how (same Hawaii guy) and when I ended up here, too! This is the best cruising channel, filmography, voice over, story telling, modest and honest. Love for sailing and racing shines through. Love of sailing for sailing (with real risks and stakes), not just for "boat life".

[@gefginn3699]

I always enjoy tuning into your channel. Bless you two 😇🤩

[@eeteetravelfreely0001]

That's a very good way of steering the boat...💗💗🙏🙏

[@meh4743]

I love your videos. You two have the only sane KZbin channel out there.. Thank you and take care, and God bless.

[@edrosenberger6947]

I knew vaguely how a self-steering system worked....but through your explanation and the extra work of demonstrating it working, I now understand it much better now......thank you both!! I enjoy watching your videos.

[@Sydney2217]

Thanks for this explanation and it is a clearer understanding of how they work & having the original cable system on your boat is easy to see how the cables work. I have never sailed & now follow you & the others around the world regularly . At 76 i will probably never be game , now , to sail .

[@soggybottom3463]

Super little movie, and what a long lived reliable piece of kit, well done.

[@dalewatson7982]

We had one on our boat,Brilliant piece of engineering. Did the Indian Ocean, and crossed the Atlantic twice. Sometimes we had to use the electric one,just wouldn't be without one. That was back in the 1980s.

[@andysmithson7957]

Thanks for the video. Have been anticipating your landing in the Seychelles and got worried when nothing had been put up for several weeks. Did something go wrong? We like sailing videos, and follow several others, but you guys are the best. Really down-to-earth but very interesting material, no drama or gimmicks like some of the others. Keep up the good work, looking forward to your landing in the Seychelles.

[@rickkwitkoski1976]

So... WHO "thumbs down" this? I just don't get the haters. Thanks Matt and Amy for this little tidbit. Now... when you get to scuba diving water, I really would like to see more of that!

[@philgray1023]

I don't think anyone takes any notice of that anymore. Perhaps Google should consider removing it, or at least publish the real identity, email address and mobile number of folks that do that. Perhaps you could sent a feedback message to KZbin suggesting that it is time to say goodbye to this useless facility. I have, because what the world needs now is a little less polarisation.

[@SailingSquib]

I thinks it´s from jealous people, they are frustrated that they can´t manage such journeys.

[@bdphourde]

Good job educating the viewers and sailors alike on the very useful wind vane!

[@normansufrin207]

They’re an excellent bit of kit. No blue water yacht should be without one. Hope your time in the Seychelles is going great

[@GypsyHeart2012]

A really got a lot of good info from this video, you both always give some basic good advice.

[@kimcarpenter8661]

After all that journey i can't wait to see what the islands are like.

[@margaretbrudzinski5411]

Thanks for the autopilot tutorial! So interesting!

[@johnbosworth777]

I love learning about the windvane system. If I ever eventually do what you are doing it will be single handed so can imagine that a windvane will be an essential piece of kit

[@janxwazul1180]

I watch all of your videos guys your very brave to circumnavigate the world with small yatch travelling by means of sail I'm impress of you both.👌👍

[@terrytavelli8254]

Do you have a name for your Aries? When I sailed to Hawaii, we named ours “Hector the Helmsman”. As this was before GPS, we navigated using paper charts, a sextant, a trailing Walker Log and an almanac. We had larger, lighter wind vanes to use in light air so that it was more responsive. On my trip from Panama to New Zealand on a different boat, our self steering was named “Windy”. Watching your videos brings back lots of great memories blue water sailing.

[@tomriley5790]

Wind vanes are genius! Such a cleverly designed piece of kit :-) !

[@charliewyatt7507]

I really appreciate the focus on technical practical components of your crossing. Learned tons watching sail changes , jibes, fishing w hand lines Etc. THANKS

[@StormSignal]

I think it important to note that when 'in command' as it were the wind vane is reacting to changes in the boat's angle to the wind to maintain course. A protracted change in the wind direction would necessitate either a reset of the wind vane or the sails or both.

[@TheAncientMarinersBlog]

Brilliant. Simply brilliant.

[@stumagoo3372]

Thankyou for explaining how the wind vane works! great video as always!

[@stephaniewaite6833]

Yes! what about the Seychelles .

[@nevillesaunders1916]

I just finished watching all of your videos and have caught up with you arriving in the Seychelles. Looking forward to your next video. What a great adventure you have had.

[@quatsi212]

Enjoy the Seychelles, some beautiful islands - groceries are very expensive! Hope you plan to stop at Knysna in South Africa. Lovely entry to the lagoon through The Heads. Worth spending some time in that region as it’s spectacular!

[@steveeggert8814]

Great explanation and demonstration of the hydrovane. I understand it much better now. Thanks for taking us along on your adventure. All the best...

[@oschonrock]

It's an Aries. "Hydrovane" is a brand of wind vane which actually works quite differently to the pendulum rudder system of the Aries.

[@steveeggert8814]

@@oschonrock Thanks. I learned more.

[@lizflorom6021]

Nice recap of the wind steering.

[@whathree]

great video. very clear description of the workings of a wind vane steering. thank you

[@Mr.Stacey-L-SCC]

Not going to lie, I was hoping the third crew member was going to be a puppy .😁 Thanks for sharing.

[@earthangel8730]

No dogs, cats, parrots or heaven forbid.... babies on-board PLEASE!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Amy would love a puppy, Matt is more of a cat person, but neither would be easy to get into countries when we are travelling and we don't think they would like being at sea in rough weather!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Earth Angel, we are with you on that last one.

[@richardellis4156]

Great video explanation of the Aries Auto Pilot.

[@alexandersunter4899]

Oh! Your back. Thank goodness. You are sorely missed.

[@saylaveenadmearedead]

I've saved this video to reference for my install of capt cruize, a slightly different version of Aries that has a job to do with my SV this winter steering around the sandwich isles!!!

[@garrysmith898]

Love the video guys, always comes across as easy listening and interesting content. Thank you for sharing

[@SailingwithScott]

Nice segment. Very nice!

[@idreecemian2192]

Thanks to both if you, I learnt more about the wind vane function in this short presentation and what more it takes to setup its working,

[@christophermelo7889]

Brilliantly explained! Very true about them not being for everybody and the need to learn to sail balanced. I think it helps having been around for the first generation of windsurfers! Many prefer the push button brute force of a powered unit but only until (as you've shown) a bit of moisture gets where it shouldn't. My own is a Cape Horn vane but using an Aries wheel drum. After 30 years I sometimes challenge myself by engaging it before I've cleared the harbor, even for a daysail!

[@BillChild2njoy]

Always wanted to know how the auto non electric wind vane steering system works. It must be a real Godsend on long passages.. Thank you! 😊

[@jamesrussell9745]

I have been trying to identify the fairleads used on the selfsteering lines going to the helm. So clever.

[@saltysnoopy]

My boat's not in the water yet .. hope to launch my Spencer 42 in December. A few months ago I installed a Hydrovane system. I can't wait to see how it performs. I'll let you know.

[@johanvantonder4642]

You guys are awesome!!!!

[@FREEDOOOOM]

A very useful and inventive piece of kit, indeed.

[@keithh3463]

amazing tecnology

[@parrishfloyd5684]

Excellent video. Thanks for your insight. Our fixer-upper is 1983. We are equipped with an autopilot configuration but we don’t have one. This type of automatic steering is a wonderful option.

[@tomcraddock244]

Nice to see the Indian Ocean has been calm so far! Safe travels ⛵️

[@jingbar]

Thanks guys, loved the video

[@ratukinijojiramasima8738]

Stay safe. Really enjoyed watching your videos. Greetings from FIJI 🇫🇯.

[@aarondean01]

hope everything is well.

[@vhollinrake]

Learnt something new today...what a great piece of kit😎

[@tracyraley4003]

Well done

[@АлександрМинаков-ч9г]

Я желаю вам свободы, счастья и добра. В мире очень мало людей которые могут порвать всё что их связывало с прошлой жизнью. Страх управляет жизнью этих людей. Удачи вам, смелые люди!

[@rondeane2003]

Awesome!, great explanation!

[@sandycurriedashcamera7007]

Excellent video!! Very clear and useful! Thanks a lot for your fine work!

[@craigclark9806]

Can I come and crew with you please.? Much love and fair winds ⛵️

[@michakj4994]

The technical explanation that has been prepared by two experts in sailing is great. That is an interesting topic. After your lecture I feel more prepared to follow your adventures. Well I hoped to see you walking along coasts of Seychelles. Unfortunately, two more weeks to wait. Safe time with African islanders of Seychelles; am I correct the Seychelles are Africans? Hugs and kisses, your friend, Michał

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Yep Seychelles is Africa!

[@brianwessner4108]

Ah...Aries may not eat, but looks like she needs some spray ever once in a while! I've seen wind vanes that directly steer the boat (guessing the rudder would be locked). Was that something you considered? Might provide a backup rudder. Love the video...you guys are so good! Brian & Deb s/v Toujours (PS: Does Aries have a name?)

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

The Aries does not have a name but everybody thinks it should! It was already on Florence when we bought her so we did not consider any alternatives.

[@oschonrock]

Nice simple explanation. Well done, tricky topic. You would probably find that a more modern Windvane system like the Windpilot Pacific would lower the wind and boat speed at which you can effectively use it. The Aries is known to have much more friction on the control ropes and a less effective transmission and pendulum rudder compared to the Windpilot. These differences allow the Windpilot to perform much better at low wind speeds, including while running. It can also be easily lifted up out of the water when not being used. Plus it is more resistant to extreme storm conditions due to the lack of a "bounding frame" (ie it can give way during hard knockdowns / rollovers and is hence less likely to break in those conditions)

[@blok5555]

How many hard knockdowns do you experience in your average crossing?

[@oschonrock]

​@@blok5555 Hopefully none! Ever, on any crossing! However, it also happened to friends of mine on their first crossing of the Bay of Biscay. One double stacked wave is all it took for 110 degree knockdown, with mast top in the water... If you have a better chance of coming out of that with a working wind wane, it helps. It's not the most important advantage of Windpilot over other wind vane systems.That's why I listed it last. I think it's much more important that it steers better in a wider range of conditions. Because that matters every day.

[@SailingSquib]

Hi Oliver, we are using now an Aries since 7 Years, on our previous boat we had an old Windpilot Atlantik from the 70tes. I compareison I agree that the windpilot performs better in light wind conditions. I was a fool to sell it with the boat, the Aries works well, but the windpilot worked better, we made an atlantic circle on a 30 foot boat with it. Without it would have been impossible for us. Now in lightwind conditions we connect our tiller pilot to the Aries, that works much better than our electric pilot for wheel stearing.

[@oschonrock]

@@SailingSquib hi Peter. The windpilot Atlantic is very old and not made any more. The current windpilot Pacific is totally different. Its a pendulum system like the Aries but with a much more lightweight transmission system which is why is performs better in light winds.

[@SailingSquib]

@@oschonrock Hi Oliver, our old Windpilot was a Pendulum System as you ca see in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5iwap6Nd8-qhJY Built in the 70s

[@vraymond108]

We have the exact same kit but honestly we hardly ever use it although we did when we first started out with the boat.

[@AHmad-pm4pb]

I was also wondering what the hack that mechanical part was🤔. Some boat have some boat don’t.

[@philgray1023]

So, it doesn't need a jiggery pokery of strange weights offset at magical angles and proprietary orbital cogs joined with a spiders web of lines not to mention the suicidal pins that take every opportunity to leap into the depths. Now I understand a whole lot more.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Thank you for the explanation of your auto pilot, I owned an Irwin 45 in the early 90’s and changed out my auto helm to a modern unit that allowed GPS input. I wondered how your auto pilot worked! I knew it was driven off of a wind vane but how it interfaced with the rudder I was not sure! Thanks Guys. 😁🛫

[@KaptainKastle]

I wanna see the Maldives

[@gschwendinger]

Thanks. Always wondered how those work.

[@DeanColegate]

We haven't yet decided which version of windvane to go with. I'm sure you've encountered there are loads of people who swear by the Auxiliary Rudder options out there. Given how well yours has performed on Florence I'm pretty sure we'll end up going for an Aries! I remember reading an article about windvanes where this person said you become so devoted to your 3rd crew that he didn't know of any long distant sailors who didn't give their a name. So, have you christened yours??

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

He was called Bruce after my Dad who rebuilt him for us but the name never really stuck. So no name really, just part of Florence and we talk to her all of the time :-)

[@tophatter15]

Well explained. I was never sure how they work. Bit more understanding now. Thank u. Beers n cheers from Australia 🍷🌹🍷🌹

[@tomst9417]

Thanks for this lesson in mechanical auto-steering, very interesting how it works. I can definitely see how it is very valuable on long transoceanic voyages . In our modern electronic/internet computer chip world, having a good reliable all mechanical device can be a real advantage. Just ask global auto manufactures who are shutting down their plants due to lack of computer chips which mostly come from one country- Taiwan. Just curious, do you have a sextant on board as back-up for your electronic navigation?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Yes there is a sextant onboard.... and the books on how to use it but somehow we have never got around to learning. Maybe one day!

[@CorM1]

Our third member is called "Marie", after my mother. Then she is allways with us :)

[@rogermueller9143]

5 minutes? awww

[@ajsnowy1429]

A 3rd and 4th crew member (aka kids) is all the rage with the other sailing channels. Maybe you should think about adding one before you run out.

[@AfricanFlightStar]

Great info, love wind vane steering systems. So the big question is: what’s her name? Because I’m sure you have one for such a hard working crew member, right? 😁👍🏻 Windy? Nightingale? 😉 Hesperus? Pray tell 😁⛵️🙏🏻

[@jacquesp403]

As always I appreciate your technicals explanations ....... but how do you find the Seychelles?? Thank you 😉

[@tgchism]

As always a great video! Ive learned so much watching you two (three) sail around the world! Do you know if this is Florence's first trip around the world?

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Yes, the furthest she had been before from the UK was North Africa.

[@tgchism]

@@SailingYachtFlorence She's a fine yacht with a great crew! I look forward to watching as you continues your travels around the world.

[@gidge34]

Always wondered can they be used as an emergency rudder ?

[@nigelmorgan3449]

Have you guys hit land yet? That video was very interesting I always wondered how the wind vane worked So dose that mean you can both nod of at the same time

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Yep we are ahead of the vids, actually just checked into SA today! Unfortunately the Aries cannot keep look out so we need to keep at least one eye open.

[@bomax1066]

We have a Hydovane, I consider it pluss the life raft are the number one things for offshore sailing. Call ours Marvin for Hitchhiker's guide to the galaxy. Looking forward to your Seychelles video. ⛵⚓🥂👍

[@StormSignal]

Mine is called 🌱CO₂🌱

[@mojoneko8303]

Are the Aires wind vane steering systems still being made? I had an electric auto pilot on my 29 foot Columbia sailing the coast of Alaska. It ruined me for driving a car. I found driving tedious after using an auto pilot. : ) Thanks for the video! Sail on!

[@oschonrock]

Yes they are, but there are more modern alternatives available now, see my comment about the Windpilot Pacific also on under this video.

[@bertplank8011]

What brand of self steering was it, again?.

[@bladebiker100]

i have a raymarine st 1000 autopilot and is not using so much power, be careful with the wiring on DC current, if the lenght of the wire from battery to consumer is more than 7 meters, the resistance and power consumption increases alot, in this case you need a thicker wire. even a small battery close to the consumer will help alot to reduce power consumption, this differs from case to case, is just an example....

[@lukebob4243]

3:52 what are the round blocks called please, been trying to find some, thanks

[@jamesrussell9745]

Find any yet?

[@chhindz]

Did you rebuild the Aires

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Yes, new bearings were required but all good since England now with just a bit of lube every now and then

[@theasiamtmgroup]

Thanks for this video, it was very educational. I have a question, and I can't find the answer anywhere. Sometimes I see people trailing a long line out the stern (I don't know what's on the end of it), any idea what this is for? Thanks

[@StormSignal]

You may be referring to the practice of towing such a line with a weight on the end sufficient to keep it just below the surface? If so this is done to compensate for 'weather helm' that some boats experience and make it easier for the wind vane or tiller pilot to maintain course.

[@theasiamtmgroup]

@@StormSignal Thanks a lot for the explanation.

[@StormSignal]

@@theasiamtmgroup You are welcome.

[@webheadusa9377]

I'm going to watch again to make sure I understand your lesson. But my first question is does ocean current or wave height and direction impact the steering of the wind vane? It seems to me the ocean motion would impact the rudder. Also, do(does) the boat's rudder(s) affect the steering of the wind vane? Btw, again, the colors of your video are outstanding, so sharp. :¬) Webhead USA

[@guliver1950]

No matter the reason (currents, waves), if the boat changes its angle relatively to the wind, the windvane will correct the course so that the boat keeps the desired angle and, thus, course. The only needed adjustments are when the wind direction changes and you have to reset the sails and the windvane to mantain the desired course given a new wind direction. Eventually, if the boat drifts too much sideways because of strong currents, you may need to adjust the course to the destiny, wich can also involve reseting the sails and the windvane to a new wind angle.

[@webheadusa9377]

@@guliver1950 Thank you for your explanation. :¬) Webhead USA

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

The Aries actually copes with the wave motion better than the electric autopilot because of the way the vane is counter weighted. The more fierce the weather, the better it does.

[@webheadusa9377]

@@SailingYachtFlorence Thanks for your reply. What I had been missing is the Aries (any wind vane) is connected to the rudder and the rudder steers at the direction of the wind vane assembly. Btw, you two are really good at what you do. Photography, narration, storytelling - impressive. Thanks! :¬) Webhead USA

[@kirkrobbins9090]

Mat & Amy, Can you demystify the sextant too? Love your story!

[@SailingYachtFlorence]

Yes, GPS :-) Matt planned to learn to use a sextant on the way, 6 years later we still have it and a couple of how to books but he never got around to learning.

[@larswetterstrom7209]

I dont understand one bit about the self steering system. And I am an experienced sailor.

[@danielpearson6306]

I purchased Island packet 370 that has a monter wind and have issues getting it set correctly. It is not the vane it myself. Have an auto pilot but keep trying. As I solo sail I installed a bow thruster for tight places.

[@philgray1023]

It does involve pouring quality libations to Neptune over the transom I believe.

[@bjrnlvjomas8083]

Great video, your the first to explain vind wane and how it works. Thank you

[@ianb4801]

When do I get to see Kitty? More seriously though, not only does wind steering (I call my HydroVane "Brittany Steers" btw) force you to balance your sails better, especially taking away as much weather helm as you can, it also forces you, kicking and screaming maybe, into the world of virtual wind. It means tracking average direction, rather than average speed for ded-reckoning purposes, but oh so much easier with fewer trim changes. It also flows over into the way you use your autopilot - if you have one you can switch into wind-vane mode. Setting them both going together, in the same mode, is great when single-handing as you can allow the AP to auto-gybe or auto-tack easily as you man the sheets by hand - then more quickly reset the wind steering so you can shut the AP down. I also find it handy to fly a tell-tale from the vane itself. Interesting too that in the last Golden Globe, there were really two groups involved - those using Aries and those using HydroVane; Aries was fitted to the winning boat as I recall. But something I'm not keen about with Aries, besides that I couldn't fit it to my boat because I needed an off-centre setup, is those lines going into the cockpit to the wheel. Just a real annoyance in my cramped cockpit and also a tripping hazard. I'm quite content with my Brittney having everything outside the stern, save for a control loop that runs along the safety rails where I can easily reach to from the cockpit

[@philgray1023]

Britney Steers, sounds much better than her power mad brother Otto.

[@mausplan3890]

I thought it might be a baby. :)