Windward 36 Information, Review, Specs

The Windward 36 began its production in 1973 under the Canadian builder, Windward Marine Ltd.. While much of Windward Marine Ltd.'s detailed history remains less documented, the company, located in Richmond, British Columbia, was known for its contribution to recreational sailing. The choice of David Hale as the designer for the Windward 36 reflects a design philosophy geared towards creating capable and comfortable cruising yachts. The boat features a solid fiberglass hull and deck, a construction method that was gaining prominence during this era for its durability and reduced maintenance requirements. The Windward 36's design incorporates a traditional long keel, a hallmark of offshore cruisers of its time, providing excellent directional stability and a forgiving motion in rough seas. Its cutter rig, which divides the sail plan into smaller, more manageable sails, further underscores its suitability for blue-water sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Windward 36's design ratios paint a clear picture of its intended sailing characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 18.7, she possesses sufficient sail power to perform adequately in light to moderate wind conditions, offering respectable speeds for a boat of her type. Her Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 36.8% indicates a moderate level of stiffness, allowing her to stand up to a decent breeze without excessive heeling, while the long keel contributes significantly to her overall stability.

Perhaps the most defining characteristic of the Windward 36 is revealed by her high Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 431. This places her firmly in the category of heavy displacement cruisers. Such a design ensures a remarkably comfortable and steady motion through a seaway, minimizing pitching and rolling, making her an excellent choice for extended voyages. This comfort in a seaway is further supported by assessments suggesting the Windward 36 is "more comfortable than 96% of all similar sailboat designs." While a long keel can reduce maneuverability in tight quarters compared to modern fin-keel designs, it offers superb directional stability, allowing the Windward 36 to track true on a course with minimal helm input. The cutter rig, by breaking the total sail area into smaller, more easily handled sails, enhances sail management, particularly in stronger winds or when sailing offshore.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Windward 36 is designed to offer practical and comfortable living spaces for extended cruising. Built with solid fiberglass, the hull provides a robust foundation for the internal fit-out. While specific detailed layouts can vary between individual boats, a typical arrangement for a 36-foot cruiser of this vintage would likely include a V-berth forward, a main salon with settees that convert into berths, a galley area for meal preparation, and an enclosed head compartment. The generous beam of 11.33 feet would have allowed for a spacious interior relative to her length. The vessel also boasts substantial tankage, with 100 gallons each for fuel and water, providing ample capacity for longer passages between resupply points. The emphasis on sturdy construction and practical amenities would have been paramount in the design, catering to cruisers who prioritized resilience and self-sufficiency.