a vertical axis wind turbine having a rotor assembly within a support structure supporting a rotor assembly . a directional vane repositions a guide track to maintain a substantially fixed position relative to changes in the wind direction . a blade is rotatably connected to a strut extending from a rotatable shaft . the blade pitch is controllable with a guide pin positioned substantially near the trailing edge of the blade . the guide pin follows a guide track resulting in a blade pitch that may change as the blade rotates through a revolution . multiple guide tracks may be used to change the blade pitch pattern at a given position as a result of varying operating conditions such as wind velocity . using guide track pitch control , the drag and lift forces can be optimized for improved starting torque as well as improved lift and reduced drag under high wind velocity conditions .