Founded in 1980 by William Waite in Clearwater, Florida, Windship Yachts carved out a notable, albeit brief, niche in the marine industry. Specializing in the creation of larger custom and semi-custom cruising yachts, the company quickly established a reputation for luxury and quality before concluding its operations in 1991.
The Origin Story
William Waite, the visionary behind Windship Yachts, embarked on his venture in 1980 with the explicit goal of building sophisticated, larger cruising yachts tailored to discerning clients. While detailed accounts of Waite's specific background prior to founding Windship are not extensively documented in public records, his subsequent role as a designer for the company's notable models, such as the Windship 60, underscores his expertise and direct involvement in the design process. The company's establishment in Clearwater, Florida, placed it in a vibrant hub of marine activity, conducive to yacht design and construction.
History and Evolution
Windship Yachts operated for just over a decade, from its founding in 1980 until its closure after 1991. During this period, the company focused on its core mission of producing high-end cruising yachts. It's noteworthy that while Windship Yachts handled the design and sale, the construction of some of its vessels, including the Windship 60, took place at Trident Shipworks in Tampa, Florida. This collaboration highlights a strategic approach where Windship leveraged established shipbuilding capabilities for its bespoke projects. The company's relatively short lifespan indicates a concentrated period of activity, exclusively dedicated to its specialized market.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Windship Yachts quickly became synonymous with custom-built luxury in the superyacht market. Their design philosophy centered on crafting spacious and comfortable cruising yachts that did not compromise on luxury. The emphasis was on semi-custom and fully custom projects, allowing clients significant input into the final vessel's specifications and amenities. While specific proprietary construction techniques aren't widely publicized, the reputation for luxury standards suggests a commitment to high-quality materials and craftsmanship, likely employing advanced fiberglass composites common in yacht building of that era for durability and performance.
The company collaborated with respected naval architects to bring their designs to life. William Waite himself was instrumental in the design of the Windship 60. Additionally, renowned yacht designer Ron Holland contributed his expertise, notably designing the largest yacht delivered by Windship—a 32-meter vessel launched in 1991. Holland's involvement, known for his successful racing designs and significant superyacht portfolio, further solidified Windship's standing in the luxury yacht sector.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While Windship Yachts produced a limited number of vessels due to their custom nature, several models stand out:
- Windship 60: First introduced in 1989, the Windship 60 was designed by William Waite and became a recognizable model for the builder. These 60-foot cruising yachts were built to high standards and continue to appear on the brokerage market, a testament to their enduring quality.
- Windship 63: Another significant model, the Windship 63, was also a large sailboat that exemplified the company's focus on substantial cruising vessels.
- 32-meter Ron Holland Design: The largest yacht delivered by Windship, this 32-meter (approximately 105-foot) vessel designed by Ron Holland, delivered in 1991, represented the pinnacle of their custom capabilities. This project underscored Windship's ability to undertake significant superyacht commissions.
Although production numbers were inherently low due to the custom nature of their builds, Windship Yachts left a legacy of well-regarded, luxurious cruising yachts. Their boats were designed for serious cruisers who sought bespoke quality and comfort for extended voyages.
The Builder Today
As of 1991, Windship Yachts ceased its shipbuilding operations. Consequently, there is no active company producing new Windship yachts today. The impact of Windship Yachts is primarily seen in the secondary yacht market, where their well-built custom and semi-custom vessels occasionally become available for sale, appealing to owners who appreciate classic luxury and robust construction. The relatively small number of yachts built means they represent a unique segment of classic luxury cruisers. While there isn't an organized owner community in the same vein as continually operating brands, the enduring presence of these yachts on the water speaks to the quality and vision that William Waite instilled in Windship Yachts during its impactful, albeit brief, history.
