Tailwind 38 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Hurley Tailwind 38 was produced for a brief period between 1973 and 1974, coinciding with the concluding phase of Hurley Marine Ltd.'s operations. During this era, Hurley Marine had established itself as one of the United Kingdom's leading sailboat manufacturers, known for its commitment to building durable, seaworthy, and practical fiberglass yachts. The company's embrace of fiberglass allowed for consistent production and offered owners greater durability with reduced maintenance.

The design of the Tailwind 38 was penned by Lars Bergström and Sven Ridder, who also developed the distinctive B&R rig that is central to the boat's identity. This innovative rig, a variant of the Bermuda sailboat rig, was originally conceived in the 1960s for short-handed, around-the-world racing yachts. A key characteristic of the B&R rig is its elimination of the traditional backstay, allowing for a more efficient mainsail shape, and it utilizes a light mast section reinforced with numerous stays and swept spreaders. The development of the Tailwind design itself required several years of tank and wind tunnel testing, underscoring the meticulous approach to its creation.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tailwind 38 was conceived as a performance cruiser, promising "first-rate performance under sail". With a length overall exceeding 38 feet and a waterline length just shy of 30 feet, she boasts hull speed potential of approximately 7.32 knots. Her displacement of 14,784 pounds combined with a reported sail area of 663 square feet yields a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 17.63. This figure suggests a boat capable of respectable performance in a variety of wind conditions, offering a good balance for both light air ghosting and stronger breezes without being an extreme light-wind specialist.

The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at approximately 0.39 (39%), indicating a stable vessel designed to stand up to a good amount of wind. This solid ballast ratio, coupled with her fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, contributes to her reputation for being a "fast and powerful cruiser/racer" with "excellent environmental conditions for the ocean". The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 249 places the Tailwind 38 in the moderate displacement category. This suggests a design that strikes a balance between the speed of lighter performance boats and the comfortable motion and load-carrying capacity of heavier traditional cruisers, making her suitable for discerning sailors who prioritize both speed and comfort. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Tailwind 38 is characterized by strong stability, often noted around 34-38 degrees of heel.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Hurley Tailwind 38 are less commonly documented, available information indicates the model offered at least two interior layout options during its brief production run. Given Hurley Marine's reputation for building practical cruising yachts with comfortable accommodations for their size, it can be inferred that the Tailwind 38 would have followed this philosophy. Typically, a sailboat of this size from the era would feature a conventional layout including a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees and a table, a galley area, and a navigation station. The construction of the hull and deck in solid fiberglass speaks to a robust and durable interior shell. Further details regarding specific finishes, materials used, storage capacity, or ventilation systems are not readily available through general searches, suggesting that these aspects likely varied or were customized over time by owners.