Born from the maritime traditions of Sweden, Winga Marin established itself as a notable boat builder, specializing in a distinctive class of yachts known as motorsailers. While not as widely publicized as some international giants, the company carved a niche for itself by offering comfortable, robust, and versatile vessels designed for extended cruising and pleasant living aboard, bridging the gap between sailing and motor yachting.
The Origin Story
Winga Marin AB was founded in 1963 by three individuals in Sweden. Their manufacturing operations were based in Oskarshamn, a port town on Sweden's Baltic coast, renowned for its shipbuilding heritage. Sales and exhibitions were conducted from Västra Fröunda, a district in Gothenburg. While the specific names and backgrounds of the visionary founders are not widely documented, their initial motivation appears to have been to create boats that offered a harmonious blend of sailing capability and comfortable, protected accommodation, a philosophy that would define the Winga Marin brand.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Winga Marin committed to fiberglass construction for its hulls. This material choice, prevalent in the latter half of the 20th century, provided durability, lower maintenance, and design flexibility, allowing the builder to craft strong and seaworthy vessels. The company's most active period of boat production appears to have been from the mid-1970s through the 1980s, during which many of its well-known models were introduced. While the legal entity "Winga Marin AB" is listed as "Aktiv" (active) in Swedish company registries, indicating its continued legal existence, it primarily signifies that the company fulfills its administrative and reporting obligations rather than being an active producer of new boats today. The market for Winga Marin boats is now predominantly in the pre-owned sector.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Winga Marin's reputation in the yachting world is almost singularly defined by its motorsailer designs. These vessels are celebrated for their ability to provide comfortable, often spacious, interiors and well-protected cockpits or deck saloons, offering a degree of shelter and living space not typically found in pure sailing yachts of similar length. This design philosophy catered to cruisers who valued comfort and security in varying weather conditions, without entirely sacrificing the joy of sailing.
The signature features of Winga motorsailers often include a sturdy hull, a generous pilothouse or deck saloon with excellent visibility, and a propulsion system robust enough to motor reliably when winds are light or conditions demand it. This dual-purpose capability appealed to those seeking a versatile platform for coastal exploration, extended voyages, or simply comfortable weekends on the water. Winga Marin collaborated with several notable naval architects, including Einar Ohlson, Rolf E. Eliasson, and Bruno Boström, who contributed to the distinctive designs that characterized the brand.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Several Winga Marin models have achieved iconic status among motorsailer enthusiasts. The Winga 29 stands out as one of their most significant and successful creations. Introduced in 1975 and produced until 1983, approximately 400 units of the Winga 29 were built, making it a highly influential model in the motorsailer segment. Designed by Einar Ohlson, the Winga 29 perfectly embodied the brand's commitment to comfortable cruising, offering a blend of solid sailing performance and ample interior volume for its size.
Other notable models include the Winga 78, first built in 1976 and designed by Rolf Eliasson, and the slightly larger Winga 860, introduced in 1979. The Winga 862 is another variant that continued the motorsailer tradition, while the Winga Mix 31 MS, designed by Bruno Boström, further diversified their offering. These models collectively cemented Winga Marin's legacy as a builder of practical, seaworthy, and comfortable cruising yachts.
The Builder Today
While Winga Marin AB technically remains an "active" company in Sweden, there is no evidence of new boat production under the brand name in recent years. The company's influence, however, continues to be felt through its enduring fleet of well-regarded motorsailers that populate waterways around the world. These pre-owned Winga yachts remain popular on the secondary market, a testament to their robust construction and timeless design.
The ownership experience of a Winga Marin boat often centers around a strong community of enthusiasts who appreciate the unique benefits of motorsailer cruising. Owners frequently praise the boats for their seaworthiness, comfortable accommodations, and the versatility of being able to sail efficiently or motor dependably. This enduring appeal underscores Winga Marin's significant, albeit quiet, impact on the marine industry, particularly for those who prioritize a comfortable and safe journey over pure sailing speed.
