When the wind vane attachment is not fitted it is
he basic magnetic sensing unit
under both engine and sail. It should be borne in
mind, however, that the compass sensor is
internally gimballed to cope with a maximum angle
of heel of 30 degrees, and will not operate beyond
this heel angle. It will also be
slightly off the wind when sailing long passages
hauled to prevent becoming backed by gradual
shifts in wind direction.
Wind vane control is always more efficient when
hauled when it will ensure that
age is taken of changing wind
direction to ensure optimum penetration to
windward. In steady wind conditions, wind vane
control will. Usually give best results on all
When the wind is abaft the beam and unsteady in
direction surprisingly large
variations I in apparent wind direction can occur.
Under these conditions compass control generally
improves course keeping accuracy.
Tacking in enclosed waters
When the wind vane attachment is fitted the system
to automatically tack the vessel by
alternately switching over from compass to wind
vane. This is done by setting the vane to control
on the longest tack and the compass sensor on the
other. Tacking is then simply achieved by switching
o the other leaving you free to
handle the sheets.
Watch-keeping
As a final caution. it is very easy to relax
keeping, and this temptation must
be avoided however clear the sea ahead may appear
to be. Remember that a large ship can cover
just the time it takes to
brew a cup of coffee!
Stowage
After use, the Autohelm 1000 system is easily
stowed by unclipping the actuator unit from its
mounting, and removing the vane transducer from its
re system can then be stowed
easily in a small locker.
Maintenance
All moving parts of the system have been lubricated
for life at the factory. Therefore no maintenance
whatsoever will be required. Should a fault
develop, the entire unit should be return
original packing case for repair and servicing,
which will be carried out speedily and at a
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