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In late 1986, the first commercial sailing vessel built in 60 years slipped out of a French dry-dock in Le Havre. Although the towering sails echoed a bygone era of explorers, the msy Wind Star, with its sleek lines and computerized controls, was revolutionary in concept and design.
Windstar’s ships are officially motored-sail- yachts (msy), but the designation belies the vessels unique rigging. Unfurling in two minutes at the push of a button, billowing white sails reach to the sky. All functions are operated from the bridge by computer microchips and navigational devices. The unusual “open-bridge” operation allows guests to drop by and acquaint themselves with the veteran captains and officers who demonstrate the ship’s intriguing capabilities to modern day explorers. A new era in luxury cruising was now being pioneered by Windstar Cruises.
Wind Star and Wind Spirit Passenger Capacity is 148 passengers (based on double occupancy).
Staterooms: 74 total staterooms: 73 deluxe ocean-view air-conditioned staterooms and 1 deluxe owner's cabin with queen beds (converts to 2 twins), and dining/sitting area. Some staterooms offer a 3rd berth and some side-by-side staterooms offer an adjoining private door.
Cabin Amenities: Closed circuit color television, videocassette and CD players, personal safe, refrigerator, mini-bar, international direct-dial phones, private bathrooms with shower toiletries, hair dryer, vanity and plush robes. Each stateroom is equipped with one standard U.S. 110 and European 220 volt (converter recommended), 60 cycle AC electric outlets.
Public Areas: Skylight Main Lounge, The Restaurant, Pool Bar, Video/CD and Book Library, Water Sports Platform (aft), Salt-Water Pool, Hot Tub, Fitness Center and Sauna, Casino, Veranda and Terrace, 24-hour open Bridge and Reception.
Dining: The Restaurant accommodates all Windstar guests at one sitting with no assigned seating. The renowned chef Joachim Splichal of the Patina Group in Los Angeles creates the menus. Jeanne Jones develops sail Light and vegetarian cuisine. The Veranda and Terrace serves breakfast and lunch, while continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served on the Pool Deck.
Services: Reception, Signature Shop, Sports Program, 24-hour Room Service, Salon, Massage, Infirmary with full-time physician, Laundry Service and E-mail. Videos, compact discs, games and books are available for checkout.
Meeting Space: The Veranda, Lounge and Library are available on a request basis for private meetings and cocktail receptions.
Water Sports: Complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, sail boating, snorkeling and snorkel gear. Scuba diving is available for a fee. (see water sports sheet.)
Shipyards: Sociéte Nouvelle de Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre, and LaRochelle-Pallice, France
Ships’ Registry: Bahamas
Interior Design: Archiform Design, Paris, France
Architect: Marc Held
Year Built: Wind Spirit/1988, Wind Star/1986
Crew: 88 international staff. The Captain and nautical staff are European. Hotel senior staff is American and European. Stewards and service personnel are Filipino and Indonesian.
Outdoor Passenger Deck Area: 4 decks with a total of 10,200 square feet
Sails: 6 triangular, self-furling, computer operated sails with 21,500 square feet of Dacron surface area
Masts: 4 at 204 feet or 62 meters
Beam: 52.1 feet or 15.8 meters
Length: 360 feet or 110 meters at water line, 440 feet or 134 meters, including bowsprit
Tonnage: 5,350 gross registered (grt) tons
Draft: 14 feet or 4.1 mete
Speed: 8.5 to 10 knots with engines only, up to 14 knots wind and engine assisted
Stabilizers: 2 sets of ACH Engineering stabilizers, sails control system and 142,653-gallon/540 CBM seawater hydraulic ballast system to limit heel when sailing.
Engines: 3 diesel electric generating sets, 1 electrical propulsion motor
Wind Spirit/Star
Public Rooms and Capacities
The Veranda - 80
The Veranda Terrace - 40
The Restaurant - 148
Lounge - 148
Casino - 35
Pool Bar and Deck Area - 148
Library - 12
Staterooms: The 73 deluxe ocean-view staterooms (double occupancy) are 188 square feet or 18 square meters
Owner’s Cabin #107: 220 square feet or 21 square meters
Wind Spirit/Star Staterooms with 3rd Berths:
Upper Fold-Down Pullman: 124, 126, 129, 131-136, 138
Wind Star: 118-122, 124-136, 138
Wind Spirit/Star Staterooms with Adjoining Private Doors:
Wind Spirit: 124/126, 132/134, 136/138, 129/131, and 133/135
Wind Star: 125/127, 129/131, 133/135, 137/139, 128/130, 132/134, and 136/138
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