WINDIGO - HENRY HINCKLEY FOR SALE

S/Y Windigo is a superb bluewater ocean racer and classic sailing yacht, launched in 1956 by Henry Hinckley to a renowned Sparkman & Stephens pedigree. Commissioned by Hal Haskell of Wilmington, Delaware, this vintage yacht embodies timeless elegance and the spirit of a true cruiser‑racer.

A comprehensive refit in 2004, guided by Classic Yachts Management in partnership with Cantiere Sangermani, was executed with scholarly fidelity to her original character. The interior was meticulously dismantled, inspected, restored, and reassembled to discreetly integrate modern hydraulic and electrical systems. A fresh teak deck was laid over premium marine plywood, and a new Yanmar 200 engine was fitted, complemented by new masts with updated standing and running rigging—enhancing reliability while preserving authenticity. Returning to the regatta scene, this luxury sailing yacht posted standout results: third at Argentario Sailing Week 2006; class and overall victories at the Capraia races in 2005 and 2006; third overall at Mahon–Porto Rotondo in 2006; and the CIM Championship title that same year—proof of her continuing prowess as a performance racing yacht.

A further restoration at Cantieri dell’Argentario in 2013 saw the mahogany hull completely replanked, with frames and floors thoroughly surveyed, repaired, or newly crafted as required, and the entire structure refastened in silicon‑bronze. Today, this classic yacht is presented in immaculate condition—regatta‑ready, deeply pedigreed, and exquisitely maintained—an exceptional heritage sailing yacht for connoisseurs of Sparkman & Stephens design and Hinckley build quality.

History

Commissioned for Hal Haskell of Wilmington, Delaware, the yacht was launched with the pedigree of a Sparkman & Stephens yawl and soon began to build a notable record. Later renamed Venturer and then Audacious, she set an elapsed-time record in the 1963 Bermuda Race under the name Audacious and scored a second place at the Transpac. She cruised north to Alaska and, upon returning to the East Coast, took part multiple times in Antigua Sailing Week, where she holds the distinction of three elapsed-time victories for Classic Yachts in 1990, 1992, and 1993, as well as first overall in 1989. Windigo reached the Mediterranean in the early 2000s, where her legend continued to grow.

Construction and accommodations

Along with her elegant lines and powerful sailplan, Windigo offers remarkably comfortable living and voyaging spaces: three private owner/guest staterooms serve as wide, restful retreats, complemented by two bathrooms and a total of 14 bunks that prove invaluable for ocean racing. The full-beam main saloon welcomes eight around a gimballed dining table, creating a secure, convivial heart of the yacht under way. Forward, the galley and crew quarters are arranged traditionally and can be completely separated, as on the finest classic yachts of her era. A windowed doghouse provides a cosy haven in foul weather while preserving clear sightlines across deck and sea. Expansive, well-organized deck space remains supremely comfortable whether racing hard, cruising far, or resting at anchor.

Equipment

Power is delivered by a Yanmar 200 hp engine installed in 2004, showing 2932 hours as of April 2023 and benefitting from meticulous, fully documented servicing. Thrust is optimized by a MAX PROP propeller, while a 15 kW genset supplies abundant onboard power. The electrical backbone is supported by batteries from 2017 that remain in excellent condition, with fresh engine batteries from 2023 and a generator battery also renewed in 2023. Navigation and safety systems include Furuno radar, a comprehensive B&G electronics suite with autopilot, and an EPIRB. For independence at sea, a 120 l/h watermaker complements the 24/220V refrigerator and freezer fitted in 2017, and a new water pressure system installed in 2022 enhances comfort. The sail inventory is extensive and seaworthy: a North mainsail in good condition, a Quantum mainsail in good condition, three spinnakers in very good condition, a gennaker in good condition, a Genoa 1, plus Yankee, staysail, mizzen, and mizzen staysail—each in good order, all North from 2006. A Zodiac tender measuring 3.60 m, paired with a Yamaha 20 hp four-stroke outboard from 2018, extends shore access with reliable performance.

Maintenance

The yacht is presented in exemplary condition, maintained continuously with annual hauling and launching for thorough hull inspections and checks of the MAX PROP propeller. Scheduled servicing of the main engine and power generator is carried out every season. In March 2023, the watermaker underwent a complete overhaul with replacement of the membrane unit. The main engine has received a comprehensive service, including full overhauls of the engine’s heat exchanger and the gearbox heat exchanger, ensuring reliable performance and longevity.

Additional accessories

For winter protection, a waterproof canopy forming a full global boat cover shields the yacht comprehensively. Safety is further enhanced by a CO2 fire extinguishing system fitted in the engine room.

Disclaimer

The details of this vessel are offered in good faith but without guarantee or warranty as to accuracy or the vessel’s condition. Buyers are advised to instruct their agents or surveyors to investigate and verify particulars as desired. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Main description

S/Y Windigo is a magnificent ocean racer built in 1956 by Henry Hinckley to a Sparkman & Stephens design. In 2004, Windigo underwent a prestigious restoration by Classic Yachts Management and Cantiere Sangermani—an exacting, respectful, and truly philological process. Her interior was carefully removed, thoroughly inspected, restored, and reassembled to allow seamless integration of new hydraulic and electrical systems. A new teak deck was laid over premium plywood, a new 200 hp Yanmar engine was installed, and new masts with fresh standing and running rigging completed the transformation. Following this work, Windigo returned to competition with distinction: third at Argentario Sailing Week 2006, first in class and overall at the Capraia race in 2005 and 2006, third overall at Mahon‑Porto Rotondo 2006, and overall winner of the CIM Championship in 2006. In 2013, at Cantieri dell’Argentario, the yacht benefited from another major restoration: all mahogany hull planking was renewed, with frames and floors checked, restored, or newly built where required, and the hull was entirely refastened with silicon bronze screws. The result is a classic of rare pedigree, perfectly maintained and ready to inspire.

Key features

Three private owner/guest staterooms with two bathrooms create a rare combination of privacy and volume, while a total of 14 bunks equips the yacht perfectly for ocean racing. Her condition is immaculate, supported by continuous, diligent maintenance and annual hauling for comprehensive hull care. Practicality meets protection with a waterproof full-cover winter canopy, ensuring the yacht remains pristine season after season.