MASTERCLASS
As a note of caution, before significantly changing the settings on any pilot, make sure you have noted what your starting point was. Take photos, or write it down so you can always return to base
The latest generation of autopilots require less manual input to perform well but, besides selecting the correct mode (see Yachting World last month), there are other ways your pilot can be trimmed for optimum comfort and speed.
Manufacturers have rolled the basic adjustments into ‘umbrella settings’ to allow ‘one touch’ tuning – some pilots (such as the H5000 from B&G) are even able to change settings automatically if the boat is struggling to hold its course. However, many of us will still be sailing boats with older systems and even modern pilots sometimes require a bit of
