Windward 30 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Windward 30 begins with its original iteration, the North Coast 30, which commenced production in 1969 under North Coast Marine & Engineering Ltd.. Designed by Richard Carlson, the boat was conceived with a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, a common and effective configuration for its era, offering a balance of performance and directional stability. While initial production numbers for the North Coast 30 were limited, the design was later "resurrected in the early 1980's as the WINDWARD 30," continuing the legacy of Carlson's design under the Windward brand. Windward Marine Ltd., based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, focused on creating sailing vessels for the recreational market, a philosophy that aligned well with the Windward 30's design. The company's name itself, "Windward," suggests an emphasis on boats capable of performing well against the wind, a desirable characteristic for any sailboat.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a reported sail area of 452 square feet and a displacement of 8,000 pounds, the Windward 30 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 18.08. This suggests a responsive vessel that should perform reasonably well in light to moderate air, offering an engaging sailing experience without being overly sluggish. The ballast-to-displacement ratio of about 38.75% indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing the boat to stand up to a decent amount of wind without excessive heeling, contributing to a more comfortable ride. Calculated with a Displacement to Length ratio of around 299.7, the Windward 30 falls into the heavier category for its length, indicative of a more traditional cruising yacht designed for comfortable motion in a seaway rather than outright speed. This robust build aligns with its designation as a coastal cruiser, prioritizing stability and seaworthiness for leisurely voyages.

Accommodations and Layout

Detailed descriptions and diagrams of the Windward 30's interior accommodations are not widely available in public records. However, as a 30-foot coastal cruiser of its vintage, one can infer a typical layout featuring a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that may convert into berths, a galley area, and a head compartment. Boats of this size and era generally prioritize functional living spaces for short to medium-term cruising. Interior finishes would likely have featured a blend of fiberglass liners and wood trim, characteristic of production boats from the 1970s and 1980s. While specific headroom figures are not provided in the available data, boats of this size often aimed for standing headroom in key areas like the main salon.