Windstar Cruises

msy Windsurf

The Wind Surf is a motor sail yacht (msy) which means it is powered by both motor and sail. The sails on all of Windstar's ships are unique computer controlled marvels. No more barefooted, barechested sailors swarming the rigging to tend to the sails. The captain pushes a button on the bridge and minutes later the sails are set without further human intervention.

The Wind Surf is the largest and newest of Windstars' fleet. Here are some fast facts:

The Ship: Wind Surf

Passenger Capacity: 308 passengers (based on double occupancy).

Staterooms: 123 deluxe, ocean-view staterooms, with queen beds (converts to two twins), and a sitting area. Some offer a third berth.

Suites: The 31 deluxe ocean-view suites are 376 square feet or 35 square meters.

Crew: 190 international staff. The Captain and nautical staff are European. Hotel senior staff are American and European. Stewards and service personnel are Filipino and Indonesian.

Dining: The Restaurant and The Bistro accommodate all passengers at one sitting. Windstar offers an open seating program allowing guests to dine when and with whom they like. The Bistro seats 124 in an alternative casual setting. Menus are created by renowned chef Joachim Splichal of the Patina Group in Los Angeles. Sail Light and Vegetarian cuisine is developed by Jeanne Jones. The Veranda and Terrace serves breakfast and lunch, while continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in the Compass Rose.

Water Sports: Complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, and snorkel gear. Scuba diving is available for a fee.

Ship registry: Bahamas

Year built: 1990 as the Club Med I. Extensively renovated in 1998, 2000 and 2003.

Length: 535 feet or 162 meters at water line, 617 feet or 187 meters, including bowsprit.

Tonnage: 14,745 gross registered (grt) tons

Beam: 66 feet or 20 meters

Passenger decks: 7 decks with a total of 22,090 square feet or 2,052 square meters

Sails: 7 triangular, self-furling, computer operated sails with 26,881 square feet or 2,600 square meters of Dacron surface area.

Masts: 5 at 164 feet or 50 meters

Engines: 4 diesel electric generating sets, 2 electrical propulsion motors

Speed: 10 to 12 knots with engines only, up to 15 knots wind and engine assisted.

Stabilizers: Two sets of ACH Engineering stabilizers, sails control system and 266,814 gallon/1010 CBM sea water hydraulic ballast system to limit heel when sailing.