Windrose 26 Information, Review, Specs

The Windrose 26 was designed by the prolific naval architect W. Shad Turner, who designed many of the popular Windrose and Laguna models for Laguna Yachts. Production of the Windrose 26 began in 1982 by Laguna Yachts, a company founded by Bill Downing in 1973 with a vision for producing accessible and functional fiberglass sailboats. Laguna Yachts was known for focusing on comfortable family cruisers and daysailers, rather than high-performance racers, emphasizing solid, simple construction techniques. Turner's designs, including the Windrose 26, were generally characterized by their stability and ease of handling, appealing to a broad range of sailors. The Windrose 26 shares significant similarities with the Laguna 26, which was also designed by W. Shad Turner and produced by Laguna Yachts, and later with the Classic 26, built by Classic Yachts Inc. after Laguna Yachts ceased operations around 1986. There is no information to suggest significant variations or MkI/MkII versions during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Windrose 26, with a total calculated sail area of 275.06 sq ft and a displacement of 3600 lbs, presents an interesting combination of characteristics for a cruiser of its size. Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.6 suggests that it should offer good performance in lighter air conditions, being relatively well-powered for its displacement.

With a ballast of 1200 lbs and a displacement of 3600 lbs, the Windrose 26 has a Ballast to Displacement ratio of about 0.33. This indicates a moderate level of stiffness, meaning it should be reasonably stable and able to stand up to a decent amount of wind, though it might heel more readily than boats with higher ballast ratios.

The Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at around 161.7, places the Windrose 26 in the lighter-displacement category for its 21.5 ft waterline. This suggests a boat that is relatively agile and can offer a livelier sailing experience compared to heavier, more traditional cruisers, making it a good choice for coastal cruising and occasional overnight passages. Anecdotal reports and its design brief as a cruiser by W. Shad Turner emphasize its balance and ease of handling.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Windrose 26 is designed to provide comfortable accommodations for a compact cruiser, featuring a maximum headroom of 6.17 feet, which is generous for a boat of its length. While specific detailed layouts are not consistently available across search results, typical arrangements for sailboats of this size often include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that can convert to berths, a small galley area, and a head. Based on general reviews of similar Laguna/Windrose models, the interior likely features practical, functional finishes, with a blend of fiberglass and some wood trim. Owners of related Laguna models have discussed issues with original headliners, suggesting that the interior finish, while solid, might have areas prone to aging. Storage is usually integrated where possible, and ventilation would typically rely on a forward hatch and possibly portlights. Owners have noted that these boats were designed for practical and accessible sailing, implying a straightforward and efficient use of the interior space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of Windrose 26 and its close relatives, the Laguna 26 and Classic 26, often praise these boats for their solid fiberglass construction and their suitability as affordable entry-level cruisers. Many appreciate the simple systems, making them easier to maintain and repair. The robust owner communities for these models often share advice and resources, indicating an enduring appeal for those interested in restoring and maintaining a classic fiberglass sailboat.

Common discussions among owners sometimes revolve around maintenance aspects typical of boats of their age, such as re-bedding deck fittings to prevent leaks or addressing original headliner issues. Owners also discuss the practicalities of mast raising, particularly if the original mast step does not have an integrated hinge system. Despite these common maintenance considerations, the general sentiment indicates that owners value the Windrose 26 for its reliable performance, comfortable cruising capabilities, and overall enduring utility.