Our Yacht

Wind Shift is not your average yacht. As a Shipwright 70 designed by the renowned Laurent Giles and built by AMARC (TES) in the UK in 1990, she was never intended for casual cruising. Originally launched as the iconic John Laing, she was crafted with a singular purpose: to brave the world’s most challenging waters and provide life-changing expeditions.

Wind Shift: A Truly Exceptional Yacht.

Since her launch, Wind Shift has consistently maintained a UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) Commercial Category Zero survey—the highest level of safety certification available for commercial sailing vessels. This prestigious classification ensures that Wind Shift meets stringent safety, construction, and operational standards, allowing her to operate anywhere in the world, in all conditions, with paying passengers on board.

Uncompromising Safety Standards

saloon wind shift sailing adventure yacht

Her robust design, combined with ongoing meticulous maintenance and regular safety inspections, ensures she remains fully compliant with international maritime safety regulations. Equipped with top-tier safety gear, including advanced navigation and communication systems, comprehensive life-saving equipment, and a professionally trained crew, Wind Shift offers not just adventure but peace of mind.

Whether crossing oceans, navigating remote coastlines, or embarking on high-latitude expeditions, Wind Shift upholds the highest safety standards, making her a trusted platform for exploration, learning, and adventure.

A Legacy of Oceanic Exploration

Commissioned by the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) in the UK, Wind Shift began her life shaping future explorers. Over three decades, she has carried thousands of young adventurers on transformative journeys across the world’s oceans. Her primary mission has always been more than just sailing—it’s been about fostering personal growth, building resilience, and developing teamwork through challenging maritime experiences.

Over decades of service, Wind Shift has sailed hundreds of thousands of nautical miles across the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean, Pacific, and the Southern Ocean. Her most recent voyages have included an Australian circumnavigation, New Zealand and remote Pacific Islands. She has proven herself time and again in a variety of conditions, from tranquil tropical waters to the harsh, unpredictable environments of the Southern Ocean.

Wind Shift's Adventure Track

Wind Shift is a yacht with a remarkable history, having sailed the world under different names. Originally launched as John Laing, she later served as eXXpedition from 2014 to 2021 before being renamed Salt Lines until 2025. Her rich history underscores her reputation as a proven and capable expedition vessel.

Below Deck

galley wind shift sailing adventure yacht

Stepping down into Wind Shift, you’ll find a space designed for comfort, practicality, and the demands of offshore sailing. Every corner of the vessel is crafted to accommodate a full expedition crew while ensuring safety and efficiency at sea.

navigation station wind shift sailing adventure yacht

saloon interior wind shift sailing adventure yacht

At the centre of life below deck, the spacious saloon comfortably seats twelve crew members. This is where we gather for meals, mission briefings, and moments of relaxation between watches. With warm wood tones and sturdy furnishings, it’s a welcoming space to share stories, plan the next passage, or simply enjoy a well-earned meal after a long day at sea.

The main accommodation is a shared eight-person bunk room, designed for both practicality and comfort. Each bunk is equipped with a lee cloth to keep you secure in rough seas, a personal reading light, USB charging ports, and a fan for ventilation. Personal storage boxes are provided to keep your gear organised and accessible.

Tucked away on the starboard side, the Bosun’s cabin offers a more private space with two bunks and the same thoughtful amenities as the main bunk room.

The dedicated crew cabin is located aft beneath the cockpit, providing the professional crew with their own space to rest and recharge.

Onboard, you'll find two manual heads (marine toilets) that are also equipped as showers. These simple but functional facilities are designed to meet the needs of an active crew on an extended voyage.

A well-appointed galley ensures that even in the most challenging conditions, delicious meals can be prepared. With everything needed for cooking at sea, this is where impressive culinary feats happen, keeping the crew well-fed and energised.

Located on the port side opposite the Bosun’s cabin, the wet room is where all essential safety equipment is stored. Lifejackets, tethers, and wet weather gear are neatly organized, ready for action whenever conditions demand.

Meet our skippers