Windship 60 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Windship 60 commenced in 1989. Windship Yachts, founded by William Waite in Clearwater, Florida, in 1980, quickly established itself with a focus on larger, sophisticated cruising yachts, 9]. While Windship Yachts managed the design and sales, the construction of some of its vessels, including the Windship 60, was undertaken by Trident Shipworks in Tampa, Florida.

William Waite himself was instrumental in the design of the Windship 60, reflecting the company's core philosophy of crafting spacious and comfortable cruising yachts without compromising on luxury, 2]. Windship's emphasis on semi-custom and fully custom projects allowed discerning clients significant input into the final specifications and amenities, ensuring each vessel met bespoke requirements, 4]. The construction utilized advanced fiberglass composites, indicative of the high-quality materials and craftsmanship characteristic of the brand during its operational period from 1980 to 1991. A distinctive design feature of the Windship 60 is its keel/centerboard configuration, offering both robust performance and a shallow draft option for versatile cruising.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Windship 60 is often described as a well-crafted vessel designed for both performance and comfort. With a reported sail area of 1700 square feet and a displacement of 51,000 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) calculates to approximately 18.95. This relatively high ratio suggests that the Windship 60 is well-powered for its size, indicating a good potential for performance in lighter wind conditions while still providing ample sail area for robust offshore work.

Its ballast-to-displacement ratio, at roughly 0.35, points to a moderately stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling. Furthermore, the displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 185.4 confirms it as relatively light for its length, balancing the needs of a performance-oriented cruiser with the demands of a larger yacht. This combination allows the Windship 60 to perform well in a variety of wind conditions.

The cutter rig, a common choice for serious cruising yachts, divides the total sail area into smaller, more manageable sails, simplifying handling, especially in strong winds or when sailing offshore. Owners benefit from modern conveniences such as hydraulic winches and furling options for the sails, which contribute to making the yacht simple to sail, even for a couple or single-handed crew.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific interior dimensions like maximum headroom are not detailed in general specifications, the Windship 60 was built to luxury standards, focusing on spacious and comfortable living, 7]. The vessel typically features a three-cabin layout, making it suitable for family adventures or accommodating multiple guests.

The customizable nature of Windship Yachts' builds meant that interior arrangements could vary significantly from one vessel to another, reflecting individual owner preferences. Common amenities found on yachts of this caliber often include a well-equipped galley, multiple heads (bathrooms), and a comfortable salon area designed for extended living aboard. The emphasis was on high-quality materials and craftsmanship throughout the interior, consistent with the brand's luxury positioning. Equipment lists for these yachts often feature items such as a washing machine, oven, and bow thruster, hinting at a comprehensive and comfortable onboard living experience.