Sailing Performance

Sailing Performance.  Windjammer II performed particularly well in stronger winds and was been able to carry small furling jib and two reefs in mainsail when sailing in gale force winds.  With light number one genoa and full mainsail set she also ghosts along quite comfortably in light and fluky breezes. 

Steering is light and well balanced.  Motion is very comfortable without slamming as often found in modern boats when beating to windward. 

Long fin keel also helps for easy steering and avoids any sudden rounding up when hit by sudden gusts. 

All in all, a Compass 38 is a very comfortable sea boat, taking our family safely on cruises from Melbourne to the NSW coast.  When not day sailing on Sydney Harbour or Pitwater, Windjammer II regularly participated in weekly RANSA racing programs and even won overall handicap honours in races on Sydney Harbour.

History.  We purchased Windjammer II as a new hull and deck joined together, with the engine, propeller shaft and propeller installed by the original builder.  Planning and building process overseen by Clem Masters, a very well respected Australian naval-architect and boat builder, in 1981.  His advice on how to finish structural interior of boat was followed meticulously with professional assistance of a naval engineer and two electricians. 

Windjammer II launched in 1989 at Queenscliff, Victoria and various ‘homes’ at Port Stephens, Sydney Harbour in Rushcutters Bay and Dangar Island, on Hawkesbury River. 

From 2001 to 2007 Windjammer II on hard in boatyard at Port Stephens while I worked  overseas.  This opportunity was not wasted as we engaged a professional shipwright to complete a final interior fitout of laminated ply, plus teak and iroko.

Makes and Models.  In Australia known variously as Compass 38, Olympic 38 and Whiteway 38.  Also 40’ version which has similar hull, rig and sail plan however topsides raised lengthening bow and increasing volume of boat plus flush deck fitted.  Compass 38 is known in NZ as Pacific 38. Technical data can be found here.

See how one young couple set up their Compass 38 to cruise the Pacific recently. Their blog is in Dutch but the photos are very inspiring. (Ed. Regrettably, this link is broken.)