FLEMING

Gentlemen:
“The Fleming Minor I purchased has proven to be a marvellous machine. It is a perfect match for my Dana 24.”
Many Thanks,

William Martin

Hi Kevin,
I am so sorry, the vane just does not break, works as it’s supposed to, so there is nothing to talk about it.
Well, when I got time, I will add to this.
Shaun

Hi Kevin
We used it (Fleming Auxiliary Rudder) over the Xmas period.  We went north in a 20 knot southerly and came south in a 25 knot north easterly so couldn’t have had better sailing conditions. We were the only boat in the fleet that sat down to a full breakfast of bacon and eggs, toast and coffee downstairs in the saloon while thumping along at 8 knots with the vane steering.

Greg Cockle Yacht Torestin (Sydney NSW)
02 February, 2004

Dear Kevin,
We made it! Looking forward to a sensible and boring winter in St. Johns Nfld which we reached 12 hrs. Before Hurricane Michael hit town. It blew another plywood vane into the woods somewhere but by then we were snugged up to the dock.
Eight thousand miles since Florida, about half of those north of 60 degs., all the conditions you’re ever likely to encounter. The wind vane worked brilliantly the whole time, even in tricky steering situations where I had expected to “baby-sit” it. It sure was nice to sit in our “bomb shelter” inside, saving power whilst watching those freezing winds blow!
One of the best things though was being able to detach it so easily from the transom during the times that we were beset by drift ice and it would have been vulnerable even with the paddle retracted. Remove one bolt and it could be out of the way in an instant. Many times it proved its strength too: from being “attacked” by drift nets in the Atlantic to being “nudged” by ice floes in Baffin Bay. This is one of the really good pieces of gear & we thank you for your part in getting us there & back.

Keri & Greg

Click here for info on their latest adventures.

Dear Kevin:

“We departed San Diego on our Tartan 37 and sailed over 18,000 miles. Our Fleming vane was our only crew member and steered a true course in all conditions and all points of sail in winds from 5 to 50 knots.”

“You have built a strong, seaworthy and valuable device which we recommend wholeheartedly. We hope we will never have to go to sea without one.”

Susan & Jon Briggs
S/V “FANCY FREE”

We installed a Fleming KA-60 self steering system on Pelagic in the fall 0f 1989. The system has performed flawlessly over the last 9 years. During that time the boat has averaged about 15,000 sea miles per year. and the KA-60 has been “at the helm” for almost all of those miles.

I would recommend your products to anyone. Please use us as a reference in any situation you may choose.

Skip Novak

Dear Kevin
“Below is a report on the performance of the KA 45 windvane used during my solo, non-stop sail around the world aboard my yacht “Blackmores First Lady”

“To all intents and purposes the KA 45 worked extremely well, especially in heavy weather and big seas. The medium sized ply sail remained flat and stood up to all conditions. Overall, I was very impressed with the unit’s performance during the 24,500 mile voyage and have no hesitation in recommending it. Also, I think it was the perfect size for my Cavalier 37, “Blackmores First Lady.”
Yours Sincerely,

Kay Cottee

Fleming wind vane steering the first Woman to circumnavigate non stop single handed

12 March 1988
Log reads:
Motion of boat rolly and swerving all over the place, am using the vane to save power.
Solar panels putting in two amps even though it’s cloudy so that should help somewhat.
Tried using Autohelm 3000 but it couldn’t cope with  correcting the course so radically in these seas and we ended up with a mangled drive shaft pin. Replaced it with a thick stainless steel pin so will be ready for use again when seas die down.

Pictures of Blackmores First Lady now on display at the Australian National Maritime Museum