Windship 63 Information, Review, Specs

The production of the Windship 63 commenced in 1982, marking its entry into the large cruising yacht market. Windship Yachts, established by William Waite in Clearwater, Florida, in 1980, focused on crafting sophisticated, custom-built luxury vessels. The company's design philosophy, evident in the Windship 63, prioritized spaciousness and comfort without compromising on luxury, employing high-quality materials and craftsmanship. The hull of the Windship 63 is constructed from fiberglass with a PVC foam core, while the deck utilizes fiberglass with a balsa core, indicating a commitment to durable yet lightweight construction for its era.

A distinctive design feature of the Windship 63 is its centerboard keel, allowing for a variable draft ranging from a minimum of 5.75 feet to a maximum of 13.0 feet. This innovative design provides considerable versatility, enabling access to shallower anchorages and marinas while offering enhanced stability and upwind performance when the board is fully deployed for offshore passages. The vessel is ketch-rigged, a popular choice for larger cruising yachts, known for dividing the sail plan into more manageable sizes and offering flexibility in sail trim across various wind conditions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 63 feet and a waterline length of 54 feet, the Windship 63 boasts a theoretical hull speed of approximately 9.85 knots, indicative of its cruising capabilities. Its Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.0 suggests a balanced performance profile; while not an extreme light-air performer, it is well-equipped to manage diverse wind conditions, offering a good blend of power and control for its substantial size.

The Windship 63 features a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of around 0.28, which is relatively moderate. However, this is significantly offset by its generous 17.0-foot beam, which contributes substantially to its form stability. This broad beam, combined with the ketch rig, would likely provide a comfortable motion in a seaway, making it well-suited for extended cruising. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 212.6 positions the Windship 63 as a moderately heavy displacement cruiser. This suggests a solid, stable vessel designed for comfort and seakindliness on long voyages, rather than outright racing performance. The centerboard mechanism further enhances its versatility, allowing adjustment of its underwater profile to optimize performance across different points of sail and sea states.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Windship 63 are not widely publicized, its design as a luxury cruising yacht of over 63 feet, coupled with a generous 17-foot beam, strongly indicates a spacious and well-appointed interior. As a large-volume cruiser, it would typically feature multiple cabins, accommodating a significant number of guests or a large family. Common arrangements for yachts of this size and vintage include a substantial salon, a well-equipped galley, dedicated navigation station, and multiple private staterooms, often with en-suite heads. The emphasis on luxury by Windship Yachts suggests the use of high-quality marine-grade timbers, fine fabrics, and premium fixtures throughout the interior, creating a comfortable and elegant living space for extended periods aboard. Storage would be extensive, designed to accommodate provisions and gear for long-distance cruising, and ventilation would be carefully considered for comfort in various climates.