The Wind Star recently completed its 40th year of service for Windstar Cruises, having debuted as the company’s first ship in late 1986.

Built at Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre for approximately $35 million, the 148-passenger ship introduced a new concept in modern sailing ships.

As reported by Cruise Industry News at the time, the design was developed in partnership with Wartsila Shipyards, featuring computer-controlled sails and rigging.

A 21-foot manned model was used during the project, and designers also tested the ship in a wind tunnel normally reserved for missiles and rockets to study its aerodynamics.

Later followed by two sister ships, the 5,703-ton vessel was the largest sailing cruise ship in the world when it was introduced.

The Wind Star sailed from its building yard in Le Havre on September 21, 1986. According to Windstar Cruises, 25,000 onlookers watched the ship’s departure from the shore.

Following a promotional tour in North America, the ship kicked off its maiden season in the Caribbean on December 14, 1986.

The vessel’s maiden voyage sailed from Antigua to St. Croix, visiting destinations in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean.

Windstar celebrated the ship’s 40th anniversary earlier this year during a drydock at the Navantia shipyard in Cádiz, Spain.

The company marked the occasion with a birthday cake and a photo shoot featuring the vessel’s officers and crew members.

The Wind Star was in drydock for its Setting Sails refurbishment, which updated the ship’s public areas and staterooms.

Carried out in two phases, the project was completed in April 2026 and also added new venues onboard.

For its first summer season after the refurbishment, the ship offered itineraries in the Mediterranean, visiting destinations in Spain, Greece, Turkey and more.

In November, the Wind Star is set to return to the Caribbean for a winter schedule that includes itineraries to the Panama Canal and Central America.