Index

Windward 7 (Australian Version of the SJ23) -
Comparison & Features of Esprit from Melbourne, Australian.

2010-01-03 - Bo discovered the SJ23 web site and finally found some solutions for his Windward 7, an Australian version of the SJ23.  The biggest difference between the US and Ausy versions is the keel and the pop top.  I don't know of another sailboat that has as many different keels as the SJ23.  Four so far. 

1. The original design MKI, shoal draft keel, (USA)

2. The second design MKII, deep keel. (USA)

3. The third design MKIII, wing keel. (USA)

4. The fourth design, swing keel. (Australia)

5. The fifth design, shoal draft keel / reverse transom, (NZ)

In this article we look at Bo's Windward 7 equipped with a swing keel manufactured in Australia.  What is also revealed in this article is some history of the Windward 7 as researched by Bo Zacharchuk. 

WINDWARD 7, ESPRIT - "What a revelation your SJ23 site is for me and congratulations on such a comprehensive compilation of information.  After finding only an old sales brochure and a boating magazine article on the Windward 7, I am so happy to find your site with all the Tech Tips, many of which I can see are relevant to our boat.  If you are interested, I’d be more than happy to take some photos of our boat and send them through so you can see some of the differences in the evolution of the SJ23.

We are a cruising family and very recently upgraded our older 20’ trailer boat for a larger 23’ Windward 7, which my research has linked back to the SJ23.  We do most of our sailing on the Gippsland Lakes which is an inland salt water lake system about 3.5 hours east of Melbourne.  This is our trailer sailing Mecca where we sail our 1992 Windward 7 “Esprit,”  sail no. 703 as a family cruiser, sometimes for a week at a time.  The Winward 7 is the most recent Australian version of the SJ23.

I see that you have referenced another Windward 7, "Chardonnay", on your site, with an internal layout that seems identical to the SJ23 and her sails have the SJ23 class insignia.  This is not the final evolution of the Windward 7.  I’m not sure whether Chardonnay was imported from the US or whether it was manufactured locally.  My understanding is that the mold arrived in New South Wales (NSW), Australia where the first boats were produced at a place called Coffs Harbour.  They were known as AB23’s.  As you know, the Australian version has a swing keel instead of the shoal draft keel.  This means a Windward 7 draws only 12” with the keel up which makes it great for pulling in to a beach, stern first, when we stop overnight while cruising.

The mold later made its way to Melbourne where I live and my understanding is that only 8 boats were built as Windward 7’s, mine being hull #3 with sail no. 703.  Not sure if I’m correct but one of the design changes I can see over earlier SJ23’s I’ve seen on the Internet, is that our boat has a pop top which gives that extra bit of head room when open. 
NOTE - The photo of Esprit under sail has been reversed.  The class insignia adopted a stylized “WW” and the outboard is actually on the starboard side.

The forward cabin layout of the Windward 7 is the mirror image of the SJ23 MKI; i.e. head is to starboard and V-berth access is to port.  The galley is to port of the companionway with a “coffin” quarter berth to starboard.  Like Panache she has a clear companion way ladder (no galley bench to step over).  The starboard saloon berth has a length of plywood that lives behind the backrest when not in use.  It fits between the folded table and settee making a very comfortable “single king” or ”mini double” berth.  This is OK for two small adults or great for two kids.

I really like the ideal place to store the boom, resting on the starboard settee and bulkhead.

You’ll also note the interesting rear stainless steel works which includes a fixed mast roller that fits on top of the pushpit.  The bonus of this assembly is that it gives plenty of attachment options for the 40W solar panel, BBQ, etc; all pre-requisites for civilized cruising in Australia!.  With the solar panel and the 6 amps charging current from the outboard we run a 45 liter 12V Engel fridge that has plenty of storage for food and beverages.  This unit usually sits just inside the companionway and doubles as a step down into the saloon.  The companionway ladder is stowed when the Engel fridge is on board.  The real beauty of the Engel is that it is very dependable, takes little power and operates at 30⁰ heel.  Try that with a piston driven compressor. 

These are the photo’s of when we recently cruised with the kids and those posted when we bought Esprit.  The photo’s of Escapade below are of a sister yacht.  I am hoping to meet the owner next time we are down on the lake. 

I’ve also attached the PDF of the original brochure and press release.  You’ll note that all specs are metric, which as a Canadian, should make sense to you!  Note the difference in displacement and ballast compared with the Windward 7... mine is one heavy boat, about 1600kg (3,520 lb) + motor + gear, but boy is she stiff in the water!  Handles the chop and wake from the stink boats really well.

AB23, Escapade - The original SJ23 molds arrived in Australia (Coffs harbour) in the 1980’s and boats built there sold as AB23’s with a swing keel.  I suspect that “Chardonnay” may have been built at this time as she is 1987 vintage but interestingly runs SJ23 insignia on her mainsail.   I think that Chardonnay and other SJ23’s may have been built by this builder as they are all swing keel and not shoal draft keel.  They also have a similar interior layout to the SJ23.  Not quite sure why the forward cabin and head layout was reversed for the Windward 7.

The Melbourne based manufacturer, RMK Marine, acquired the molds in the late ‘80’s or early 90’s and built a total of 8 boats.  I believe most of which were fitted out with a “luxury” interior including heaps of teak trim, Barlow 15 winches for halyards and Barlow 16 for primary winches for and a Mariner 9.9HP 2 stroke.  The previous owner upgraded ours to a 10HP Honda 4 stroke which although heavier is much quieter and heaps more fuel efficient.  On our last cruise we used less than half the fuel than my old Mercury 9.9HP 2 stroke pushing our much heavier old 20’ boat.  RMK Marine is still in business but now builds large “Oceanic” brand cruising catamarans.  They were nice enough to give me this background info.

Note the different features from the North American version: pop top, entry to forward berth on port, motorized lift board and hand holds for companionway access. 

Hope this helps the archive!"

Bo & Melinda Zacharchuk
Camberwell, Victoria, Australia
 

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