North Wind 68 Information, Review, Specs

The North Wind 68 emerged from North Wind Yachts, a builder with roots in Catalonia, Spain, established in 1973. The shipyard built upon the region's rich shipbuilding expertise, integrating highly qualified workers from other respected Catalan shipbuilders. The collaboration with Sparkman & Stephens, a firm celebrated for over 2,000 designs across five decades, underscores a commitment to cutting-edge naval architecture. North Wind's design philosophy, evident in the 68, harmonizes classic lines with modern performance, prioritizing robust construction and excellent sailing characteristics. During this era, North Wind was embracing advanced techniques like resin vacuum infusion and sandwich construction to create lighter, stronger, and more durable hulls, while still upholding traditional handcraftsmanship in interior finishes. The North Wind 68 embodies this ethos, built with a robust fiberglass hull and a solid fiberglass deck.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The North Wind 68 is characterized by a displacement-to-length ratio of approximately 202.04, placing it firmly in the category of a moderately heavy cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway while still offering solid performance. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of around 34.7%, she provides a good level of initial stability, designed to stand up to the wind and offer a secure platform. Her sail area to displacement ratio of about 19.15 indicates a yacht capable of good performance in a range of wind conditions, balancing power with ease of handling.

Equipped with a cutter rig, which breaks the sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, and featuring a furling mainsail and self-tacking jib, the North Wind 68 is designed for straightforward operation, even with a small crew. Her fin keel provides maximum stability and excellent performance across various conditions, while the spade rudder offers responsive steering. Owners report that the vessel offers a perfect balance between safety, comfort, and performance, making her well-suited for luxury bluewater cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the North Wind 68 is designed for comfort and luxury during extended voyages, featuring a truly elegant layout that emphasizes light and space. The design typically includes three double cabins in addition to a dedicated crew cabin, providing ample private accommodations. There are four heads, each with showers, ensuring convenience for all on board. The yacht boasts a well-equipped galley and laundry area, complete with two refrigerators and two freezers, often from brands like Siemens, catering to liveaboard comfort. A prominent feature is the deck saloon cabin, which is encircled by large skylights and complemented by two central hatches, creating a remarkably bright and airy interior. The finish quality is high, with interiors crafted from fine wood, showcasing the meticulous handcraftsmanship and exquisite cabinetwork for which North Wind Yachts is known.