Wind Vane self steering systems - An easy, animated introduction on how they work

This video explains, in simple terms, how wind vane self-steering systems work on yachts and sailboats. The video follows an easy flow from auxiliary rudder systems to servo-pendulum systems, which is designed toward beginners looking to expand their sailing knowledge.

royalty free Music by Giorgio Di Campo for FreeSound Music
original video: (link to original clip in our channel)

Created with Blender 3D

[harbourdogNL]

I commented 9 months ago, and after watching this video again, am going to repeat what I said below: excellent video, and you really put a lot of work into them! I'm enjoying the new ones as well. You deserve to have a lot more subscribers.

[MeVietnam]

This is the first explanation of wind vane systems and how they work that I’ve been able to comprehend, so thank you very much!

[joshreagan]

The way you describe and show through animation on your videos are world class.

[justincase]

Unlike autopilots, wind vanes do not "steer our vessel back onto course." Nor do they even steer the boat back onto a heading. Rather, they help the boat maintain a constant bearing relative to the apparent wind. As the apparent wind changes, so does the boat's heading. The bearing relative to the apparent wind is set by the pilot or autopilot on the wind vane.

In order to maintain a constant heading, wind vanes must be manually or automatically adjusted by the pilot or an autopilot. Course control is only achieved, either by the pilot or the autopilot, by monitoring position relative to course and making small correction back to course.

Wind vanes have two primary benefits:
1) They reduce the pilot's workload, including prolong time away from the helm to adjust sails, cook, and rest.
2) They act as backups for the sailboat's autopilots. Without them, an autopilot failure requires a pilot manning the helm at all times.

As with any sailboat steering system, it's best to set and trim sails such that large changes in either wind velocity or wind direction have minimal effect on helm load. This way, wind vanes will best be able to maintain a constant relative wind.

[jonathansimmonds]

I met Bill Belcher at his home in New Zealand many years ago, his book on how to make your own is all anyone needs!

[Paul-ourx]

I have been a casual daysailor my whole life and never understood how these operated. Thanks.

[RoaldKoger]

Thank you. You're the first to make me understand the principle of windvane steering.

[GraduadoFigo]

Thank you very much for explaining how these contraptions work! Beautifully simple vid and so useful!

[pacific]

Wow now i get it perfectly. Im planning my liveaboard life 10 yrs in advance and learning all i can .thank you for the help

[JulianIbanez]

I've owned a few boats including several sailboats such as a Vagabond 47 and other sailboats in the range of 30 feet and that was in 1980 and now I'm 70 years old. But never did I truly understand the wind vane. While I was able to use it in the 30-footer, I never fully understood how it worked. This video is really great because I've searched for a similar video and never found one that would explain it in such a clear manner. Congratulations on a beautifully done explanation!

[franklund]

What a good video, it gives a wery calm and excellent full explanation of what You need to know about this issue with vind steering. Thanks for that

[michellegaeb]

Your diagrams (animations?) are wonderful! It is so nice to learn about sailing by watching as opposed to reading. I’m not new to boating but I am new to sailing so these videos are a fantastic way to get started before going out to take lessons.

[josephlai]

This is truly a complete instruction that is well thought out. It not only navigate through the mechanics of the systems and the sensitive issue of product copyright with ease, it also offer, importantly, an often neglected advice on having sail balance as a caveat before any systems can be put to effective use. Bravo! Very well done! Thank you.

[salty]

I will admit, I knew nothing about this until this video. I have learned something for sure. Personally from this video I prefer the first one.

[inixio]

Finally someone expIains graphically how the vanes work. I was starting to think I was stupid or something seriously...!!! Thanks for the great job.

[earlliotti]

Thank you for this explanation. Very easy to understand the way you present it.

[apackwestbound]

This is an excellent instructional video; clear and to the point. Outstanding! Thank you.

[alexanderbryant]

Fantastic expaination! I have always wondered how these systems work, never having owned a boat myself. Curiosity fully satisfied! Thank you very much:)

[cyuan]

Very clear explanation. Like the slower pace of explaining things.

[DucaLeindecker]

Excellent!! Thanks!!! I'll try to build one!