40 years ago, wind vanes were the clear hallmark of a long-distance yacht - and usually home-made. Although electric systems are now standard, many sailors still rely on the power of the wind today.
The first wind steering system was designed back in 1875 by none other than Nathanael Herreshoff himself and was used on a model catamaran. At the beginning of the 20th century, the system became established in the modelling scene, as there were no remote controls at the time. It was not until 1936 that a wind steering system was used for the first time on an Atlantic crossing, ironically on a motorboat. Since the end of the 1960s, wind steering systems have been standard products - and are not only found on the stern of blue water yachts.
We explain which type of self-steering system (whether electrical or mechanical) is suitable for which areas of application, which system is the best choice for a specific vessel and whether modern technology really does steer more precisely than a mechanical system.
