Windy 580 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The narrative of the Windy 580 begins in late 1988 when Nebe Boatworks in Cape Town commissioned Dudley Dix to design a 19-foot trailer-sailer. The goal was to create a vessel with a very modern image for its time, capable of handling various conditions while offering performance. Dudley Dix's design philosophy typically emphasized sturdy and capable vessels, and for the TLC 19 (as the design was often known), he envisioned a "speedy and capable little boat with a fractional rig, fine bow, long waterline, and scoop stern." It was designed to serve as a "great little family weekender and round the cans racer."

Nebe Boatworks, active from 1970 until its liquidation around 1995, was known for its hands-on craftsmanship and reputation for constructing robust, capable cruising yachts. During the era of the Windy 580's production, the company had established itself as a respected builder in the South African yachting scene, utilizing fiberglass (GRP) for construction, 16]. The original design offered flexibility with a swing keel for shallow water access and easy trailering, or a fixed wing keel option for enhanced performance and stability. While Nebe Boatworks ceased operations in the mid-1990s, the design principles of the Windy 580 continued, influencing derivatives such as the IDEA 19, which, while using the same hull, featured different deck, rig, and interior configurations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its modest length overall of 19.03 feet and a waterline length of 17.88 feet, the Windy 580 was engineered for performance and responsive handling. The design by Dudley Dix, a noted naval architect, prioritized a fine bow and a long waterline, characteristics that contribute to a good pace upwind. The scoop stern, combined with a fractional sloop rig, aids in achieving "amazing planing speed downwind."

With a displacement of 1,488 pounds and 551 pounds of ballast, the Windy 580, or TLC 19, is described as a "speedy and capable little boat" and a "GRP performance trailer sailer." Its transom-hung rudder provides direct steering control, enhancing its maneuverability. These characteristics suggest a lively and engaging sailing experience, making it suitable for both spirited day sails and casual racing within its class. The option of a swing keel (with a draft from 2.13 ft to 4.92 ft) or a fixed wing keel (3.58 ft draft) also allows owners to tailor the boat's draft to their sailing grounds and performance preferences.

Accommodations and Layout

As a compact trailer-sailer, the Windy 580, also known as the TLC 19, offers a practical yet modest interior layout primarily designed for coastal cruising and weekend adventures. The boat features a cuddy cabin arrangement, providing essential shelter and a small space below decks. The interior is functional, with a mast compression post supporting an adjustable table, which likely doubles as a berth support or central gathering point in the compact cabin.

While specific details on materials for the Windy 580 are not extensively documented, Nebe Boatworks' reputation for sturdy fiberglass construction suggests a durable and practical finish suitable for a trailer-sailer of its era. The emphasis on a "huge amount of space in the cockpit" in related designs like the IDEA 19 implies that the Windy 580 also prioritizes a spacious deck area for sailing and enjoying the outdoors, with the cabin serving primarily for basic overnighting or storage.