How We Use Our Hydrovane Wind Self-Steering

Our Hydrovane wind self-steering system has steered Tāiko for thousands of nautical miles, across oceans and for many miles along coastlines whenever conditions allow. In this video, we show you how we use it and what we’ve learned along the way. Adam takes you through how we set up our Hydrovane for sailing, including the importance of balancing the boat, setting the wind vane, adjusting the main rudder and getting the Hydrovane steering. We also share some of the things we’ve learned along the way — including what we look for when the Hydrovane isn’t steering as we expect and why sail trim and weather helm can make such a difference. For the two of us cruising aboard our Chico 40 Tāiko, wind self-steering has become an important part of both offshore sailing and coastal cruising. We often call the Hydrovane our third crew member. It doesn’t need electricity, doesn’t get tired, and quietly steers Tāiko for hour after hour. This is how we use the Hydrovane fitted to our own boat, based on our experience sailing with it. For installation and operating instructions for your own Hydrovane, please refer to the manufacturer’s current guidance. Subscribe and join us as we continue exploring by land and sea. #Hydrovane #WindSelfSteering #Sailing #SailingLife #OffshoreSailing As always, thanks for watching. Sincere thanks to Charlotte Rockstar Jones for composing and recording Te Tāiko's theme song. Ways to support us: Subscribe to YouTube (it's free) 👉https://www.youtube.com/@adamandvickistravels?sub_confirmation=1 Become a Patreon 👉patreon.com/adamandvickistravels Te Tāiko’s Original Song—Listen now: Spotify 👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/6b73tzVqjes5sENxOmGZ5o iTunes 👉https://music.apple.com/nz/album/te-t%C4%81iko/1805284062?i=1805284063 FOLLOW US: Website 👉https://www.adamandvickistravels.co.nz/ Facebook 👉 https://www.facebook.com/adamandvickistravels/ Instagram 👉https://www.instagram.com/adamandvickistravels/ Music from Epidemic Sound. ⚓ About us: We’re Adam & Vicki — travellers, sailors, and storytellers exploring life by land and sea aboard our 40ft sailboat Te Tāiko and our motorhome Takahē. Subscribe to join our journey across the South Pacific and beyond.