The boat is normally fitted with a small 3 to 6 hp (2 to 4 kW) outboard motor for docking and maneuvering.[1][4]
The design has sleeping accommodation for four people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin and two straight settee berths in the main cabin. The galley is located on the port side of the companionway ladder and is equipped with a sink. The head is located in the bow cabin under the "V"-berth. Cabin headroom is 38 in (97 cm) and the fresh water tank has a capacity of 2.5 U.S. gallons (9.5 L; 2.1 imp gal).[1][4]
The design has a PHRF racing average handicap of 288 and a hull speed of 5.5 kn (10.2 km/h).[4]
Variants
Starwind 19
This model has a length overall of 18.58 ft (5.7 m), a waterline length of 15.58 ft (4.7 m), displaces 1,350 lb (612 kg) and carries 395 lb (179 kg) of ballast. The boat has a draft of 4.50 ft (1.37 m) with the centerboard down and 1.50 ft (0.46 m) with it retracted.[1][4]
This model has a length overall of 18.75 ft (5.7 m), a waterline length of 15.58 ft (4.7 m), displaces 1,350 lb (612 kg) and carries 375 lb (170 kg) of ballast. The boat has a draft of 4.50 ft (1.37 m) with the centerboard down and 1.50 ft (0.46 m) with it retracted.[2][4]
Operational history
In a 2010 review Steve Henkel wrote, "Over 600 of these nice-looking boats were built ... Best features: The Starwind is a nicely conceived and well-made boat for her size and era. A good-sized opening hatch forward, rare in a boat this size, is good for ventilation and escape in an emergency An on-deck anchor locker is also a plus. The Starwind, with a PHRF of 288, may have a small advantage on the race course; even the smaller Precision 18, more than a foot shorter on deck, but with a waterline length only four inches less, and with eight square feet less sail area, has a handicap of only 282. Worst features: We could find none significant enough to mention."[4]