North Wind 38 Information, Review, Specs

The North Wind 38 emerged during a significant period for North Wind Yachts, which was founded in 1973 in Sant Andreu de la Barca, near Barcelona, Spain. The shipyard quickly established itself by drawing on the region's rich shipbuilding expertise, integrating highly qualified workers from other respected Catalan builders. The production run for the North Wind 38 spanned nearly a decade, from 1981 to 1990.

The collaboration with acclaimed designers Bill Dixon and Angus Primrose underscores North Wind's dedication to cutting-edge naval architecture. Angus Primrose was particularly known for his designs for demanding around-the-world races and for reliable production boats. Bill Dixon, who later took over Primrose's design firm, is recognized for his comprehensive approach to yacht design, encompassing a wide range of vessels from production models to superyachts. While specific design goals for the North Wind 38 are not widely documented, the designers likely aimed to create a stable, well-performing cruiser consistent with North Wind's ethos of building vessels with robust blue-water capability and comfortable, luxurious interiors. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, a common and durable material for its era.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The North Wind 38 exhibits characteristics of a sturdy and capable cruiser. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.92, she is designed to offer a balanced performance across various wind conditions, indicating a moderate ability in lighter airs without being overly sensitive in stronger breezes.

Her Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 47.2% is notably high, contributing significantly to her stability and stiffness. This substantial ballast, coupled with a fin keel, suggests that the North Wind 38 is well-equipped to stand up to wind, offering a comfortable and secure motion in a seaway. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, around 258.6, places her firmly in the heavier cruising boat category. This robust displacement suggests a solid, well-built vessel capable of handling challenging offshore conditions with confidence, aligning with North Wind's reputation for seaworthy yachts. She is designed for comfortable overnight cruising and sailing.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific layout diagrams are not readily available, the North Wind 38 is noted for a "spacy hull design," suggesting a generous interior volume for a vessel of her size. The boat is reported to offer up to 9 berths, which indicates a highly flexible and adaptable interior arrangement, potentially utilizing convertible saloon settees and pilot berths to maximize sleeping capacity.

Consistent with North Wind's reputation, the interior likely features meticulous finishes and exquisite cabinetwork, combining traditional craftsmanship with robust construction. Given the water capacity of 106 gallons and a fuel capacity of 48 gallons, the North Wind 38 is well-equipped for extended cruising, providing ample provisions for longer passages. The interior typically includes a well-appointed saloon, galley, and head, alongside various cabin configurations designed for comfortable living aboard.