Windrose 20 Information, Review, Specs

Built by Laguna Yachts, a company founded by Bill Downing in California, the Windrose 20 reflects the builder's ethos of producing solid, yet simple, fiberglass sailboats. The company became well-known for its "Windrose" line, focusing on comfortable family cruisers and daysailers that prioritized ease of handling over high-performance racing. The Windrose 20 is a testament to this philosophy, offering a straightforward and enjoyable sailing experience.

History and Design

The Windrose 20 began production in 1977. While some sources credit Ron Holder as the designer, other extensive sailing databases list W. Shad Turner as the primary designer for many Windrose models, including the Windrose 5.5, 18, 22, and 24, as well as later Laguna branded boats. Turner's designs were characterized by stability and ease of handling, making them broadly appealing. Laguna Yachts, under Bill Downing's leadership, focused on creating practical and accessible fiberglass sailboats, a design philosophy perfectly encapsulated by the Windrose 20. The company's manufacturing ethos centered on solid, though simple, construction techniques suitable for recreational sailing.

A key design feature of the Windrose 20 is its centerboard keel type, which allows for a minimal draft of 1.0 foot when retracted and a maximum draft of 4.5 feet when extended. This greatly enhances its trailerability and allows access to shallower anchorages and launch points. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, a common and durable material for boats of its era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Windrose 20, with its compact size and light displacement of 1,650 pounds, is designed for accessible and forgiving sailing. Its fractional sloop rig, with a total reported sail area of 168 square feet, provides sufficient power for enjoyable cruising while remaining easy to manage, particularly for single-handed sailing or beginners. The hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.36 knots, indicating a respectable pace for its size.

Owners and reviewers generally describe the Windrose 20 as an easy-to-handle boat, well-suited for coastal cruising, lake sailing, and daysailing. The centerboard design contributes to its versatility, allowing sailors to explore shallower waters, while providing adequate lateral resistance when lowered for upwind performance. Its light displacement suggests it can be lively in lighter breezes, aligning with the general characteristics of smaller, trailerable cruisers.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its length overall of 20 feet, the interior accommodations of the Windrose 20 are designed for efficiency and practicality, typical of a pocket cruiser or weekender. While specific headroom figures are not detailed in the provided data, it is generally understood that boats of this size offer limited standing headroom, with most activities conducted while seated.

Based on common layouts for sailboats in this class from the late 1970s, the Windrose 20 likely features a V-berth forward, which can serve as a sleeping area or additional seating. A small main cabin typically includes a modest settee arrangement and perhaps a compact galley area with provisions for a portable stove and cooler. Storage would be found under berths and in small lockers. The emphasis is on maximizing usable space for short trips rather than extended living. The finish quality would align with Laguna Yachts' reputation for solid, simple construction, often featuring functional fiberglass surfaces complemented by some wood trim.

Owner's Perspectives

While explicit owner reviews for the Windrose 20 can be less numerous than for larger production boats, the sentiment around similar Laguna and Windrose models often highlights their enduring appeal as affordable and practical sailboats. Owners frequently praise the solid fiberglass construction, which contributes to the boat's longevity and relatively low maintenance compared to more complex designs. The trailerability, facilitated by its light weight and centerboard, is a significant advantage, allowing owners to explore various waterways and store the boat at home.

Common themes among owners of these classic fiberglass boats include a appreciation for their simple systems and the ability to maintain them without extensive specialized knowledge. However, as with any vessel of its age, some owners might encounter issues related to original deck fittings requiring re-bedding or the need to upgrade older rigging and engine components. The dedicated owner communities for Laguna and Windrose boats often serve as valuable resources for shared experiences, maintenance tips, and sourcing parts, ensuring these beloved designs continue to sail for many years.