Avanyu, a native american deity (pronounced “uh-von-U”), is the guardian of water, and fittingly, the namesake of our Pedrick 41’ Cheoy Lee built sailing vessel (1982).  The Avanyu is primarily linked to the eight northern New Mexico Pueblos with its traditional form being a horned or plumed serpent with curves suggestive of flowing water and a zigzag of lightning protruding from its mouth suggestive of power.  The image of Avanyu can be found on many cave and cliff walls in New Mexico and is a common motif on Native American pottery.

Avanyu, the sailboat, is a seaworthy vessel known for her fine lines and solid construction.  She is as easy to sail on a Sunday afternoon in protected waters as she is comfortable on extended blue water passages.  This blend of capabilities is the brilliance of David Pedrick’s original design. To his credit, Pedrick had the foresight to combine a centerboard keel with generous sail area and heavy displacement while resisting the temptation of excessive beam and large cockpit.  The result is a design that is both responsive and stable, attributes that are reflected in the performance analysis based on her dimensions and mass.  But performance analysis alone cannot tell the whole story as it is under sail in freshening air and confused seas that the true accomplishment of the design can best be appreciated and understood.