Abstract: A vertical axis wind turbine with blades which articulate to reduce drag when they are moving upwind and which are suitable for use in small scale electrical generators. The turbine has blades which are rotatable about a blade axis of rotation and the blade axis is rotatable about a turbine axis of rotation. A vane is coupled to the blade axis of rotation to change the orientation of the blades in response to changes in wind direction. The vane maximizes the effect of the wind on the one or more blade by adjusting the blade position to maximize the blade surface area facing into the wind when the blade is moving downwind and to minimize the blade surface area facing into the wind when the blade is moving upwind.