This 134 meter cruise ship, built at the Atelier et Chantiers du Havre in 1986, is owned by Windstar Cruises of Seattle and has modern computer-controlled sails. The “Wind Star” is a high-end cruise ship which carries only 150 passengers, so the service on board tends to be excellent.
This kind of ships still allow passengers on the bridge, though not when entering or leaving port. Given their small size and with a shallow draft of only 4 meters, the “Wind Star” can enter ports that are inaccessible to larger cruise liners.External links: Windstar Cruises (Wikipedia)
It does have a shallow draft.
ReplyDeleteWhat's her route?
She's real beauty:)
ReplyDeletei like the second photo best. magnificent is the only word to describe such a beautiful ship
ReplyDeleteVery high-tech. A little too much luxury for my taste probably, but good photos.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to take a cruise, this definitely looks like the way to go. And if they are looking for a publicity person, I would certainly recommend you for the job. Good post!
ReplyDeleteYou've got some big ships up there in Livorno!
ReplyDelete@ henny - She disappeared from all my tracking apps... I don't know!
ReplyDelete@ Steffe - I agree.
@ brattcat - I like big boats as something beautiful to see, but I'll not take a cruise even for free. (this is obviously open to debate...)
@ Saretta - The world largest cruise ship, the Independence of the Seas, left this morning.
She does look high-tech. I think I prefer the more traditional wooden sailing ships.
ReplyDeleteAnd unlike you and Steffe, I would love to go on a cruise, but I don't think it'll happen in this lifetime.
I'd love a cruise on her. She looks beautifull, even though with the shallow draft I'd be a bit worried she'd capsize when the sails are set. But of course the designers have made their homework:-)
ReplyDeleteThey used to have offices in Miami. I think they were bought out years ago and moved. Certainly is an alternative to the larger cruse ships.
ReplyDeleteMost beautiful VP and your photos are superb!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how she would handle a hurricane?
I remember that ship being launched! A huge ships go, she is quite good looking and I love who's behind it!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe second picture
ReplyDeleteis magnificent!!!
:-)
We sailed aboard the Wind Star in October 2001, right after September 11th and changes in security worldwide. It was a grand adventure on the Mediterranean. 90 passengers for 10 days from Rome traveling to Nice. Stops in all the Italian and French Riviera. Wonderful memories. Thank you for the photos. They're great.
ReplyDeleteAwesome ship! Modern computer sails - wow! Would love to see her on the open waters
ReplyDeleteState of the art.
ReplyDeleteWould be interesting to somehow evaluate the difference between traditional sailing and relying on computer-controlled sails.
ReplyDelete@ Per - I'd like to know something more about it, but I know about nothing on this subject. Do you know something more?
ReplyDeleteSorry, not a clue. I find it difficult to navigate beyond my bathtub... ;)
ReplyDeleteSailing is pure physics i.e. physical rules are in force.
ReplyDeleteIn computerized sailing
Mechanized computer based systems calculates and controls
- course in respect to wind and current deviation
- best sail trim according to course and relative wind
Mechanized computer based systems also controls sail setting and reef after the masters configuration.
Mechanized computer based systems needs supervision by a skilled master, you can't mess with laws of the nature.