Refit News / Update

As we prepare for our upcoming global circumnavigation, Wind Shift has undergone an extensive refit to ensure she meets the highest standards of safety, performance, and comfort. From structural integrity to the smallest interior details, no stone has been left unturned to prepare her for the next three to five years at sea.

Here is a breakdown of the major upgrades and improvements:

⛵ Performance & Rigging

Our goal for the circumnavigation is absolute reliability. We’ve focused heavily on the "engine room" of the ship—our sails and rigging.

• Improved Sail Wardrobe: We’ve added a brand-new fully battened mainsail, providing a significant boost in power and windward drive. This is joined by a new mizzen and a fully refurbished yankee headsail.

• Standing Rigging: Following our rigorous Category 0 survey inspection, we renewed the mizzen stay after identifying a single broken strand—ensuring the mast remains rock-solid.

• Steering & Autopilot: For precision handling, the direct linkage system has been serviced with a new linkage arm and rose joints. Additionally, the autopilot has been completely refurbished for uncompromised reliability during long passages.

🔌 Systems & Reliability

To prevent "gremlins" at sea, we’ve streamlined the yacht's core infrastructure:

• Fresh Water System: No more "gurgling and spitting." By installing a new tank manifold and feed pipes, we’ve eliminated air leaks and restored consistent high pressure.

• Electrical Overhaul: We’ve stripped out redundant wiring and refurbished existing circuits. This clean-up makes fault diagnosis simpler and reduces the risk of random faults.

• Hull & Deck: The steel deck and hull have been extensively treated and repainted, providing a fresh, protective barrier against the elements.

• Power: New generator installed (2024) to provide reliable electricity for extensive off-grid expeditions – necessary power for our water-maker, recharging batteries and critical systems.

• Battery Management: New upgraded Victron power management system.

🏠 Life Onboard

Comfort at sea is vital for a long-term crew. We’ve refreshed the living quarters and galley for better utility:

• The Cabins: Both the Bunk Room and Bosun’s Cabin have received a facelift with refurbished woodwork, fresh paint, improved lighting, and additional cupboard storage.

• Galley & Saloon: We’ve installed a new galley floor and optimized our fridge arrangement. The new fridges (installed within the last 6 months) are now more user-friendly for meal prep while heeled over at sea.

🏆 The Gold Standard: Category 0 Certification

We are proud that Wind Shift continues to maintain its Category 0 Certification. This is the highest standard in the world for a vessel of this type, certifying her for unlimited commercial ocean passages. Very few yachts globally achieve this level of compliance, providing our crew and guests with ultimate peace of mind.

Built from steel. Designed to cross oceans. Proven in some of the world’s most remote waters.