North Wind 43 DS Information, Review, Specs

The North Wind 43 DS represents a period of modern shipbuilding for North Wind Yachts, which commenced operations in 1973 in Catalonia, Spain. Designed by the prestigious Sparkman & Stephens, the vessel's creation aligns with North Wind's enduring philosophy of combining robust construction with meticulous finishes. During its production run from 2001 to 2004, North Wind was known for integrating advanced techniques such as resin vacuum infusion with traditional handcraftsmanship, ensuring lighter, stronger, and more durable hulls, alongside exquisite cabinetwork in the interiors.

The "DS" in its name signifies its deck saloon configuration, a design choice that reflects a commitment to enhancing onboard living. This particular design ethos, typical of modern center-cockpit layouts, features a raised coachroof with windows on three sides, intended to maximize interior space and natural light, a hallmark of comfortable long-distance cruisers. The design of the North Wind 43 DS focused on creating a vessel well-suited for passages and extended periods of living aboard, emphasizing seaworthiness and comfort.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 42.58 feet and a waterline length of 36.75 feet, the North Wind 43 DS is a substantial monohull designed for capable offshore performance. Her displacement of 25,000 pounds classifies her as a medium-displacement cruiser, with a Displacement to Length Ratio of approximately 225. This ratio suggests a yacht that offers a good balance between comfort in a seaway and respectable cruising speeds, rather than a light, agile racer.

The reported sail area of 850 square feet, combined with her displacement, results in a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of around 15.88. This indicates a sail plan geared towards comfortable cruising rather than high-performance in light airs, suggesting she will perform best with moderate to fresh breezes. A ballast of 8,500 pounds, composed of lead in a fin keel, contributes to a Ballast to Displacement Ratio of 0.34 (34%). While this figure might appear moderate, it is complemented by the vessel's robust hull form and deep fin keel, ensuring a stable and stiff platform capable of standing up to significant wind and wave conditions, a crucial characteristic for a blue-water boat. The hull features a fin keel and a spade rudder, providing a good blend of directional stability and responsiveness. Her theoretical hull speed is calculated at 8.12 knots. Owners generally find the North Wind 43 DS to handle with simplicity and ease, thanks to a well-thought-out cockpit, sail plan, and rigging layout, making her particularly suitable for a small crew or family.

Accommodations and Layout

True to its deck saloon designation, the North Wind 43 DS boasts an extensive interior layout designed for spaciousness and comfort on long voyages. The raised coachroof with surrounding windows floods the main saloon with natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. While specific room-by-room details vary with individual models and owner customizations, a typical modern, center-cockpit layout would feature a comfortable saloon area, a well-equipped galley, and private cabins forward and aft.

North Wind Yachts is renowned for the exquisite cabinetwork and meticulous finishes in their vessels, indicating a high standard of interior craftsmanship, often utilizing rich wood trim. The generous water capacity of 145 gallons further underscores its design for extended self-sufficiency, reducing the need for frequent stops to replenish supplies. Ample storage and good ventilation are typically prioritized in these blue-water cruising designs, ensuring comfort during prolonged periods at sea.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the North Wind 43 DS consistently laud its capabilities as a fantastic blue-water deck-saloon cruiser. The solid construction, a hallmark of North Wind Yachts, is a frequently praised aspect, instilling confidence for offshore passages and extended cruising. Owners appreciate that the vessel is well-constructed for living aboard, offering a comfortable motion in a seaway. The design is often highlighted as being particularly suitable for a small crew or family, reflecting the ease of handling built into its sail plan and rigging layout. The reputation of North Wind for robust, seaworthy vessels, combined with the dedicated design for liveability, contributes to a highly positive ownership experience for those seeking a capable and comfortable long-distance cruising yacht.