I don't think that's the moral of this story at all--especially the part
about being too dependent on "high-tech" electrical stuff. None of his
electronics (VHF, Autohelm autopilot) seem particularly "high tech" to me,
and are standard items on pretty much any cruising boat. His first and
probably most serious failure (other than the boat itself) was his low-tech,
mechanical wind vane. His electronic autopilot did not actually "fail" but
was never intend nor designed to perform in the conditions he found himself
in, which he himself seemed to recognize.

--Alan Gomes


"Trent D. Sanders" wrote in message
om...
If you wonder about not being dependent on "high-tech" and electrical
stuff on your boat, and why you want a "good old boat" that was
strongly built, check this out. It's one of the guys that had to quit
the Singlehanded TransPac last week due to boat / equipment failure.
Very scary.

http://www.sailinganarchy.com/forums...showtopic=6203

Trent Sanders
S/V Cimba