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Tailwind 38
Designer: Bergstrom/Ridder  ·  Builder: Hurley Marine Ltd.  ·  First built: 1973
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About the Tailwind 38

Designed with serious coastal and offshore cruising in mind, the Tailwind 38 is a capable bluewater sailboat that appeals to sailors seeking a reliable passage-maker with enough comfort for extended time aboard. Built to handle a range of conditions, this vessel carries a reputation for solid construction and seaworthy behavior, making it a practical choice for couples or small crews planning extended voyages. While detailed specifications for the Tailwind 38 are limited in available records, the boat reflects the design priorities common to its era — a emphasis on stability, manageable sail plans, and comfortable accommodations below deck. Sailors researching this model often note its steady motion at sea and its ability to handle open-water conditions without demanding an overly experienced crew. For anyone considering the Tailwind 38 as a bluewater cruiser or a boat for ambitious coastal passages, it warrants a thorough survey to assess current condition, as much of its appeal will depend on how well individual examples have been maintained over the years. Finding owners through sailing forums can yield valuable real-world insight.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 38.16 ft / 11.63 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 29.83 ft / 9.09 m
Beam 11.92 ft / 3.63 m
Max Draft 6.50 ft / 1.98 m
Displacement 14,784.00 lb / 6,706 kg
Ballast 5,824.00 lb / 2,642 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 663.00 ft² / 61.59 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin with rudder on skeg
Rigging Type B&R
Construction FG
Designer Bergstrom/Ridder
Builder Hurley Marine Ltd.
First Built 1973
Last Built 1974
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Known Issues & What to Watch For

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
17.67
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
26.05
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.95
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.32
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.0
How It Compares

vs. Cabo Rico 38, Hood 38 Wauquiez, Pearson 385, Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton, Yankee 38

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Tailwind 38 ★
38.2 ft
Cabo Rico 38
38.0 ft
Hood 38 Wauquiez
38.1 ft
Pearson 385
38.3 ft
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
38.3 ft
Yankee 38
38.2 ft
LWL
Tailwind 38 ★
29.8 ft
Cabo Rico 38
29.3 ft
Hood 38 Wauquiez
30.0 ft
Pearson 385
30.0 ft
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
28.7 ft
Yankee 38
28.8 ft
Beam
Tailwind 38 ★
11.9 ft
Cabo Rico 38
11.5 ft
Hood 38 Wauquiez
11.8 ft
Pearson 385
11.6 ft
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
11.6 ft
Yankee 38
11.8 ft
Displacement
Tailwind 38 ★
14 lbs
Cabo Rico 38
21 lbs
Hood 38 Wauquiez
23 lbs
Pearson 385
20 lbs
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
18 lbs
Yankee 38
16 lbs
Ballast
Tailwind 38 ★
5 lbs
Cabo Rico 38
7 lbs
Hood 38 Wauquiez
11 lbs
Pearson 385
9 lbs
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
7 lbs
Yankee 38
7 lbs
Sail Area
Tailwind 38 ★
663 sq ft
Cabo Rico 38
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
615 sq ft
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
638 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Tailwind 38 ★
Cabo Rico 38
180 s/nm
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
180 s/nm
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
120 s/nm
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Tailwind 38 ★
17.7
Cabo Rico 38
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
13.2
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
16.1
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Tailwind 38 ★
Cabo Rico 38
37.1 %
Hood 38 Wauquiez
47.2 %
Pearson 385
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
38.8 %
Yankee 38
45.8 %
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Tailwind 38 ★
26.1
Cabo Rico 38
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
37.5
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
29.4
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Tailwind 38 ★
1.95
Cabo Rico 38
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
1.69
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
1.87
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Tailwind 38 ★
Cabo Rico 38
374
Hood 38 Wauquiez
385
Pearson 385
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
345
Yankee 38
300
Hull Speed
Tailwind 38 ★
7.3 kts
Cabo Rico 38
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
7.3 kts
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
7.2 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Tailwind 38 ★
Cabo Rico 38
Hood 38 Wauquiez
Pearson 385
1.2
Swan 38 Ss 1 Ton
Yankee 38
1.7
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