Windstar Cruises has marked the 40th anniversary of Wind Star, the first vessel to enter its fleet, while the sailing yacht undergoes a major refurbishment as part of the company’s ongoing fleet renewal programme. The 148-passenger vessel, originally launched in 1986, remains one of the defining ships in Windstar’s portfolio of small sailing yachts.
The anniversary was observed on board during the vessel’s scheduled dry dock at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain. To commemorate the occasion, the ship’s executive chef prepared a special birthday cake for the crew, marking four decades of service for the vessel.
At the same time, Wind Star is undergoing the second phase of Windstar’s “Setting Sails” refurbishment programme, a multi-year initiative designed to modernise the cruise line’s sailing yachts while retaining their distinctive yacht-style atmosphere.
The current stage of the project focuses on updates to guest accommodation and key public areas. Staterooms are being refreshed with new furnishings and décor, while dining venues such as Amphora and the Veranda are being redesigned to introduce a more contemporary appearance alongside improvements to comfort and functionality.
Windstar’s broader refurbishment programme spans all three vessels in its Wind Class series—Wind Star, Wind Spirit and Wind Surf—and includes redesigned public spaces, technological upgrades and new interior design elements across the fleet.
For the crew, the dry dock period represents a phase of preparation as familiar areas of the ship are dismantled, rebuilt and readied for future voyages. When the work is completed, Wind Star is expected to return to service with updated facilities while maintaining the intimate sailing experience that has characterised the vessel throughout its four decades at sea.