Reversing Entropy · video

What this video covers

The owner of a Valiant 40-2 ketch explains the removal of two traditional blue-water sailing features—slab reefing and an Aries wind vane—in favor of modern alternatives. The original slab reefing system was replaced with an EasyFurl external furling system on both masts.2:18 The owner argues that external furling allows for easier sail deployment and reefing, which encourages more frequent sail adjustments, and prevents the freezing of sail cars on tracks during cold-weather passages.3:51 The Aries wind vane was removed due to perceived unreliability in varied sea states, interference with the swim platform and dinghy davits, and the weight of the unit.7:51 The boat now relies on two redundant, efficient electric autopilots, which the owner claims can operate for 12 days without battery recharging due to advancements in lithium battery technology and lower power consumption of modern autopilot motors.10:50 The owner maintains that the ketch rig allows for balanced sailing without self-steering in specific conditions.9:48

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