At the Gulf of Panama, Pacific Ocean.

IMO Nº: 8420878

Class: BV
Class Notation: I Hull Mach. Passenger ship –EAWP. Unrestricted navigation. F , AUT-IMS (SS) , ERS-S , SDS. MACH

Type of ship: Passenger Cruise Ship
Call Sign: C6CA9
Flag: Bahamas
Port of Register: Nassau
Ship’s Managers: Windstar Cruises LLC
Registered Owners: Wind Star Ltd.

DWT: 922
GRT: 5.703 NRT: 1.710

LOA: 134,00 Mts. Lpp: 108,45 Mts. B: 15,80 Mts. D: 6,65 Mts.
Freeboard: 2.557 mm. Draught: 4,11 Mts.

Ship’s Yard: AT.& CH.Du Havre Hull Nº: 0269 Date of build: 10 October 1986

Main Engine

Manufacturer: Jeumont Schneider Engine model: Engine bore: 22,00 cm Ship’s service speed: 12,80 Knots Engine number of cylinders: 6 Engine power: 1.400 kW Engine stroke: 24,00 cm rpm: 200

Wind Star is a long, sleek-looking craft that is part-yacht, part-cruise ship, with four masts towering 170ft (52m) above the deck, and with computer-controlled sails. The masts, sails and rigging alone cost $5 million (when the masts were lowered into position, a US silver dollar, dated 1889, was placed under the main mast).The computer keeps the ship on an even keel via the movement of a water hydraulic ballast system of 142,653 US gallons (540,000 liters), so there is no rolling over 6°. You may be under sail for less than 40 percent of the time, depending on the conditions and cruise area winds. Because of the amount of sail machinery, there is little open deck space when the ship is full. A small aft water sports platform can be used when at anchor. Water sports facilities include a banana boat, kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurf boards, water-ski boat, scuba and snorkel equipment, and four Zodiacs.The ship has a nicely crafted interior with blond woods, together with soft, complementary colors and decor that is chic, but a little cold. Note that the main lounge aboard this ship is of a slightly different design from that aboard Wind Spirit.This ship had a complete makeover in 2012.No scheduled activities help to make this a relaxing, unregimented ‘get away from it all’ vacation. Windstar ships offer cruising in very comfortable surroundings bordering on the luxurious, in an unstructured environment.The dress code is casual, with no jackets and ties. Gratuities are charged to your onboard account, and 15 percent is added to bar, wine and spa accounts.Niggles?Wind Star is suited to youthful couples and singles who want contemporary facilities and some water sports in a relaxed but chic setting.The swimming pool is really only a tiny ‘dip’ pool. Be prepared for the whine of the vessel’s generators. You’ll hear it at night in your cabin; it takes some passengers a day or two to get used to. Beverage prices are a little high. The library is small. The staff, though friendly, is a little sloppy at times in the finer points of service.Overall,Wind Star is suited to youthful couples and solo travelers who want contemporary facilities and some water sports in a relaxed but chic setting.