Sailing Performance & Handling
The sailing characteristics of the Wilderness 38 are defined by its exceptionally high sail area-to-displacement ratio. As an ultra-light design, the boat is engineered to plane or "surf" downwind in conditions where traditional heavy-displacement cruisers would be limited by their hull speed. Owners and sailors of the era frequently compared the 38’s handling to a scaled-up dinghy; it is highly responsive to rudder input and requires active sail trimming to maintain optimal heel angles.
Upwind, the Wilderness 38 relies on its deep fin keel for lift, though its light displacement means it can be sensitive to "hobby-horsing" in a short, steep chop. According to historical design notes from Chuck Burns, the hull form was optimized to reduce wetted surface area, making the boat surprisingly potent in light air where heavier boats often stall. In heavy air, the boat requires early reefing to stay upright and controllable. Tracking is generally good due to the balanced hull shape, but the helm can become loaded if the boat is over-canvased, a trait common among the Santa Cruz ULDBs of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Interior Comfort & Variations
True to its racing pedigree, the interior of the Wilderness 38 is functional rather than opulent. To maintain the light displacement necessary for performance, the builder utilized a "minimalist" approach to joinery. The layout typically features a standard offshore arrangement: a compact galley and navigation station flanking the companionway, followed by longitudinal settees in the salon that serve as excellent sea berths.
The use of materials was dictated by weight savings, often featuring lighter plywoods and thin veneers rather than heavy solid teak. While the Wilderness 38 offers sufficient headroom for most sailors, the cabin feels narrower than contemporary 38-footers due to its slender beam. Sibling models, such as the Gary Mull-designed Wilderness 40, offered significantly more volume and a different hull philosophy, while the smaller Wilderness 30 provided a more condensed version of the 38's performance-first interior. Some custom variants of the 38 were finished as "stripped-out" racers, omitting the forward V-berth doors and hanging lockers to further reduce weight for IOR (International Offshore Rule) or PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) competition.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers should approach a Wilderness 38 with a focus on structural integrity, as these boats were built for performance rather than longevity in a neglected state.
- Deck and Hull Core: Wilderness boats often utilized balsa or foam coring to achieve their light weight. Over decades, moisture intrusion around deck hardware (stanchions, chainplates, and winches) can lead to significant core delamination. A professional moisture meter test is essential.
- Keel Attachment: Given the high-stress loads placed on ULDB keels during offshore racing, the keel bolts and the surrounding fiberglass "sump" area should be inspected for "smile" cracks or signs of structural movement.
- Rigging Loads: The Wilderness 38’s masthead rig is often pushed to its limits. Buyers should check the chainplates and the mast step for signs of compression or metal fatigue, especially if the boat has a history of heavy offshore campaigning.
- Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect-ratio spade rudder is a critical component for the boat's handling. Play in the rudder post or stiff steering often indicates worn bearings or a bent rudder stock, which can be a costly repair.
Community & Resources
The community surrounding Wilderness yachts is primarily centered in the Pacific Northwest and California. While there is no longer a formal factory association, technical support is often found through the Santa Cruz Yacht Club circles, where many of these designs were born and tested. Technical drawings and historical design insights are occasionally available through archives related to Chuck Burns’ career, as his designs remains a point of study for students of ULDB history.
The Verdict
The Wilderness 38 is a purist's sailboat, offering a level of tactile feedback and downwind exhilaration that few modern "production" cruisers can match. It is not a boat for those seeking a "condo-on-the-water," but for the sailor who values speed and the heritage of the Santa Cruz racing scene, it remains a compelling classic.
Pros:
- Exceptional light-air performance and downwind surfing capability.
- Highly responsive and rewarding helm for active sailors.
- Timeless, sleek aesthetic characteristic of the ULDB era.
Cons:
- Interior volume and amenities are limited compared to modern cruisers.
- High maintenance requirements regarding cored fiberglass structures.
- Can be physically demanding to sail in heavy weather.
