Maybird Classic Sailing

Swinging the compass

16th February, 2010
Mr Robinson, the local compass adjuster

Mr Robinson, the local compass adjuster

Maybird’s Henry Browne Sestral Moore compass dates from the 1970’s. Mr Robinson, the local compass adjuster, refurbished the compass whilst we were restoring Maybird. It was the same Mr Robinson who “swung” Maybird’s compass in the Western Solent on 9th December, 1971 prior to her voyage to New Zealand. We were very pleased that Mr Robinson was up for the task again some 38 years later!

It was another overcast day, threatening rain and very cold when Mr Robinson arrived with his pelorus, inclinometer and other mysterious artefacts. He “swung” Maybird’s compass just off Saxon Wharf taking sightings off various buildings in the vicinity. It took us about an hour of going round in very slow circles for Mr Robinson to make his adjustments. He also calibrated the autopilot for us.

For some fifty years and thousands of sea miles her Henry Browne compass has kept Maybird and her crews safe whilst guiding them to their destinations. On her Compass Deviation Card, Mr Robinson left the date of the next ‘service’ blank and politely suggested we did not leave it for another 38 years!

Restoring a classic yacht Restoring a classic yacht Restoring a classic yacht Restoring a classic yacht Restoring a classic yacht