28 000 Miles Without Steering

On May 9, 1983, on board the sloop Jean-du-Sud, an Alberg 30 (Hull #399) Yves Gélinas completed a 28,000 mile single-handed circumnavigation from St-Malo, France, to Gaspé, Québec, by way of the Roaring forties and Cape Horn.

In the 282 sailing days of his voyage, he did not steer Jean-du-Sud more than one hour.

His boat stayed on course with the aid of a self-steering system which he had designed, through the seas and gales of the Roaring Forties and in all other strengths of wind, even under spinnaker, square before a very light breeze. If there was enough wind to keep the sails full, there was enough for the self-steerer. It even survived two knock-downs and a 360° capsize which dismasted Jean-du-Sud.

Under jury rig the Cape Horn windvane was still steering!

Suite : CapeHorn Self-Steering Renders Others Obsolete