Vindo 995 Information, Review, Specs

The lineage of the Vindö 995 traces back to the celebrated Nötesunds Varv AB shipyard in Sweden, a company with roots extending to 1926. While Carl Andersson, the yard's founder and primary naval architect, was responsible for many iconic Vindö designs, the Vindö 995 emerged after his passing in 1979, designed by Lennart Sandell. Its production years, 1987 to 1988, mark a transitional period for the yard, which had largely shifted from traditional wooden boat construction to Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) around 1965. The Vindö 995 continued this GRP tradition for its hull and deck, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. Despite the yard facing significant challenges in the late 1980s, the Vindö 995 reflects the enduring Vindö ethos of meticulous workmanship and thoughtful layouts, a hallmark of the "Orust boat-building" tradition. The design philosophy behind the 995 aimed for a slightly more spacious hull, indicative of a focus on comfort and cruising amenity.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Vindö 995, with a length overall of just over 32 feet (32.65 ft) and a waterline length of 25.92 feet, is configured as a masthead sloop. Its sailing characteristics underscore its design as a stable and comfortable cruiser rather than an outright racer. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 302, the Vindö 995 falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruising yacht, indicating a comfortable motion in a seaway and good momentum.

Further contributing to its stability is a Ballast to Displacement ratio of 0.4075, a figure that suggests a stiff boat capable of standing up to a considerable amount of wind. This high ballast ratio ensures excellent initial stability, providing a secure and reassuring feel on the water. However, with a calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 14.95, the Vindö 995 could be considered somewhat underpowered, suggesting it performs best with a decent breeze and might require more wind to achieve its optimal speed. Overall, the Vindö 995 is praised for its solid sailing performance, offering a reliable and steady ride for coastal cruising and extended voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Vindö 995 is a testament to the Swedish builder's commitment to quality and comfort. Characterized by a beautifully crafted teak finish, the cabin exudes a warm and traditional nautical ambiance. The design prioritized spaciousness, a notable feature for a vessel of its size.

The interior layout typically offers sleeping accommodations for 5-6 individuals across three potential cabin areas. Owners can expect a functional arrangement featuring a V-berth forward, providing comfortable sleeping quarters. The saloon offers generous seating, often converting into additional berths. Crucially for comfort, the saloon boasts a standing headroom of approximately 1.82 meters (just under 6 feet), while the bed lengths in both the front cabin and side bench extend to a comfortable 2.05 meters (approximately 6.7 feet). While specific details on the galley and head (bathroom) layout require individual vessel inspection, the overall design emphasizes a practical and cozy living space, consistent with Vindö's reputation for well-appointed and liveable interiors.