Windward 24 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Windward 24 features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration that was becoming the standard for performance-oriented cruisers of its era. This setup allows for a high degree of maneuverability in tight marinas and responsive handling on the racecourse. According to historical technical notes attributed to John Simpson Ltd., the boat was designed with a relatively high ballast-to-displacement ratio, providing the stiffness necessary to carry sail in the stiff afternoon thermals common to the Georgia Strait.

With a displacement typically cited around 3,200 to 3,500 pounds, the Windward 24 falls into the light-to-medium displacement category for its length. Its sail area-to-displacement ratio suggests a boat that is lively in light air—a necessity for Pacific Northwest summers—but it requires early reefing once the breeze climbs above 15 knots. Owners frequently note that the boat tracks well for a spade-rudder design, though it remains sensitive to trim. The "Windward" name is apt; the boat’s narrow beam relative to modern standards and Simpson’s hull lines contribute to respectable upwind pointing angles, allowing it to hold its own against more modern 24-footers in local PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) fleets.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot vessel designed in the 1970s, the Windward 24 maximizes its limited volume through a classic "four-berth" arrangement. The layout typically consists of a V-berth forward, a small chemical or marine head tucked beneath the cushions, and two settee berths in the main cabin that extend under the cockpit seats (quarter berths). The galley is rudimentary, usually featuring a small sink and a space for a recessed two-burner alcohol stove.

The interior finish varies significantly across the existing fleet because Windward Marine offered the boat in various stages of completion. While factory-finished models featured teak bulkheads and molded fiberglass liners, many were sold as "hull and deck" kits for amateur completion. Consequently, one might find a Windward 24 with a professional, high-end wood interior or a more utilitarian, plywood-heavy DIY finish. Headroom is restricted to approximately 4'10" to 5'0", making it a "sitting headroom" boat, which is common for vessels of this size and vintage.

In terms of siblings, the Windward 24 was part of a small family of designs. The Windward 30, also a John Simpson design, served as the "big sister" of the line, offering full standing headroom and true offshore capabilities. While the 24 was the most popular, the 30 remains a sought-after hull for those looking for a sturdier, long-range cruiser from the same designer-builder pedigree.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Windward 24 should focus on the common vulnerabilities associated with 1970s fiberglass construction and regional usage.

• Deck Core Saturation: Like many boats of this era, the Windward 24 uses a balsa or plywood core for the deck. Over decades, poorly bedded stanchions, cleats, and handrails often allow water to ingress, leading to soft spots. A thorough "tap test" with a plastic hammer or a moisture meter reading is essential during inspection.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: The fin keel is bolted to the hull. Buyers should inspect the bilge for signs of "keel smile"—a crack at the leading edge of the keel-to-hull joint—and check the condition of the galvanized or stainless steel bolts for corrosion.
• Compression Post Stress: The mast is deck-stepped. If the internal compression post or the structural support beneath the cabin sole has rotted or compressed, it can cause the deck to sag, leading to rig tension issues and interior door misalignment.
• Rudder Bushings: The spade rudder is prone to developing play in the bushings over time. Shaking the rudder from side to side while the boat is hauled out can reveal wear in the rudder post assembly.

Community & Resources

While there is no longer a formal manufacturer-supported association, the Windward 24 remains a staple of the Pacific Northwest used boat market. Technical information is often shared through local maritime heritage groups and regional sailing boards. Resources for the designer’s work can occasionally be found through archival mentions in publications like Pacific Yachting, which has historically documented the contributions of John Simpson to the BC boating industry.

The Verdict

The Windward 24 is an honest, entry-level cruiser that offers more "big boat" feel and performance than many trailer-sailers of the same length. It is an ideal platform for a couple or a young family looking to explore coastal waters on a budget.

Pros:

• Performance: Capable upwind sailor that handles light air well.
• Heritage: A classic John Simpson design with local Pacific Northwest pedigree.
• Value: Generally affordable on the used market, offering a low cost of entry into sailing.

Cons:

• Headroom: Lack of standing headroom limits comfort for extended cruising.
• Inconsistency: Kit-built versions may have inferior interior finishes compared to factory models.
• Age: Systems and deck cores often require significant maintenance or replacement due to the boat's 50-year lifespan.