Windward 850 Information, Review, Specs

The Windward 850 entered production in 1973, marking a period when Spencer Boats Ltd., based in Vancouver, British Columbia, had fully transitioned from plywood to fiberglass construction. The company, initially founded in 1952, had by this time established a strong identity for producing custom and semi-custom sailboats well-suited for demanding offshore conditions. During this era, Spencer Boats emphasized quality and robust construction, a philosophy that positioned their yachts as reliable performers in challenging seas. The Windward 850, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, reflects the design trends of the early seventies, prioritizing stable and predictable handling characteristic of Spencer's broader lineup of blue water cruisers.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Windward 850 is configured as a masthead sloop, a rig known for its simplicity and effective sail area. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.1, the Windward 850 suggests a capable performance profile. While not a dedicated light-air flyer, this ratio indicates a boat that should perform adequately across a range of conditions. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.44, is notably high, pointing to a stiff and stable vessel capable of standing up to significant wind without excessive heel. This substantial ballast contributes to its seaworthiness, a hallmark of Spencer-built yachts. Furthermore, with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 203.45, the Windward 850 falls into the category of a moderately heavy cruiser for its size, suggesting a solid motion through a seaway rather than a light, skittish ride. Its fin keel combined with a skeg-hung rudder also typically provides good directional stability and control.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact length overall of 28 feet, the Windward 850 offers a practical interior layout for its class. The boat provides a maximum headroom of 6.08 feet, which is generous for a vessel of this size from its era, contributing to a more comfortable living space below deck. While detailed interior descriptions are not widely documented, it is typical for sailboats of this length and production period to feature a conventional layout comprising a V-berth forward, a head, a main salon with settees and a table, and a galley area. Storage solutions would likely be integrated throughout, with the use of wood trim and solid fiberglass construction being common for Spencer Boats, known for their durable craftsmanship. The freshwater capacity is listed at 20 gallons, suitable for weekend trips and shorter cruises.