Oh interesting - I'm familiar with the combination shoal keel/centerboard from daysailers like the Montgomery 17 but wasn't aware of it at the scale of something like the Wellington. I can imagine that being very popular out in the Bahamas (in common with most of the planet it's somewhere I haven't sailed, which is probably why I'd never come across that.)

Point taken on the auxiliary rudder/autopilot hydrovane though damage to that isn't going to sink the boat.

And yes, totally agree with your thoughts on those rowers!

Glad we could get something out of the low alpha end of the thread. Thanks for the knowledge there.

Hydrovane! That's the bloody brand. Couldn't think of it before first cuppa. Agreed it won't sink the boat, but it might reduce the appeal of the boat as a toy (or not... Wish we knew why this was happening.)

Planning a long-term Bahamas-/ICW- capable trip for family, or I probably wouldn't know about those either.

Fair winds and following seas, friend.

You too! Enjoy the cruise.

And I had an unfair advantage - I was already drinking my first cup.