What Really Happened to the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ships?

AvatarByFrancis Mortimer Weather & Seasons

For decades, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises was synonymous with an adventurous and intimate sailing experience, attracting travelers eager to explore the world’s most beautiful coastlines aboard charming, traditional-style ships. The company’s unique approach to cruising—emphasizing barefoot luxury and a laid-back atmosphere—earned it a devoted following. However, in recent years, many have wondered: what exactly happened to the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ships?

The story behind these iconic vessels is as intriguing as the journeys they once undertook. From their heyday navigating tropical waters to their eventual fate, the ships’ journeys reflect broader shifts in the cruise industry and changing traveler preferences. Whether you’re a former guest reminiscing about your voyage or simply curious about the legacy of these sailing ships, understanding what happened to the Windjammer fleet offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history.

In the sections that follow, we’ll explore the evolution of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, the challenges the company faced, and the ultimate destiny of their beloved ships. This overview will provide context and insight into a chapter of cruising that many remember fondly but few fully understand.

Disposition and Fate of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ships

After Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ceased operations in 2007 due to financial difficulties and operational challenges, the fate of its fleet varied depending on the individual vessel. Many of the ships found new ownership, were repurposed, or ultimately scrapped. Below is an overview of what happened to some of the notable Windjammer ships:

  • Yankee Clipper: One of the most recognizable vessels, the Yankee Clipper was sold and later operated under different cruise companies. It was eventually renamed and continued serving as a sailing cruise ship in the Caribbean. Over time, it underwent several refurbishments to meet modern safety and comfort standards.
  • Yankee Adventurer: Similar to the Yankee Clipper, this ship was sold post-Windjammer operations. It was converted to a motor sailing yacht with fewer masts and retained a smaller passenger capacity. It has been used primarily for private charters and boutique sailing experiences.
  • Yankee Freedom: This vessel saw a quieter fate, being sold to private owners. It was either laid up or repurposed for smaller-scale sailing activities, and its operational status has been intermittent in recent years.
  • Yankee Legend: The Yankee Legend was acquired by other operators who aimed to keep the traditional sailing cruise experience alive. It was refitted and used for niche cruising markets, though its activity has diminished compared to its Windjammer days.
  • Yankee Clipper II: After Windjammer’s closure, this ship was sold off and eventually scrapped due to the high cost of maintenance and the aging design that made it less commercially viable.

The varying conditions and destinies of these ships reflect the challenges of maintaining large traditional sailing vessels in a modern cruise market dominated by larger, motor-powered ships.

Challenges in Maintaining Windjammer Vessels Post-Closure

Maintaining the Windjammer fleet posed significant challenges after the company’s closure. The ships were tall ships with complex rigging and wooden components requiring specialized knowledge and frequent upkeep. The primary challenges included:

  • High Maintenance Costs: Wooden decks, sails, and rigging demanded continuous repairs. Without the financial backing of a large company, these costs became prohibitive for many new owners.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Modern maritime safety regulations tightened after Windjammer’s closure. Ensuring compliance with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) standards and other international codes required expensive upgrades.
  • Market Demand: The niche market for traditional sailing cruises shrank, limiting viable commercial opportunities for these vessels.
  • Insurance and Liability: The specialized nature of tall ships increased insurance premiums, further impacting profitability.

Overview of Post-Windjammer Ship Status

The table below summarizes the fate of key Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ships:

Ship Name Post-Windjammer Status Current Use or Condition Notes
Yankee Clipper Sold to other cruise operators Active as a sailing cruise ship (refitted) Continues Caribbean sailing cruises
Yankee Adventurer Converted to motor sailing yacht Used for private charters Reduced passenger capacity
Yankee Freedom Private ownership Intermittent operation or laid up Limited commercial use
Yankee Legend Acquired by niche operators Used for small-scale sailing cruises Less frequent operation recently
Yankee Clipper II Scrapped Decommissioned and dismantled High maintenance costs cited

Legacy and Collectibility of Windjammer Ships

The Windjammer Barefoot Cruises fleet holds a special place in maritime and cruising history, with many enthusiasts and collectors valuing their unique design and nostalgic appeal. Some vessels have become sought-after by private collectors or organizations dedicated to preserving tall ships. The legacy of these ships continues through:

  • Sailing Festivals and Tall Ship Events: Several former Windjammer vessels participate in tall ship gatherings, showcasing traditional sailing techniques.
  • Maritime Museums and Educational Programs: Some ships or their components have been preserved for educational use, providing insight into classic sailing ship construction and operation.
  • Private Luxury Charters: The distinct ambiance of Windjammer-style ships appeals to a niche market seeking an authentic sailing experience.

Despite the challenges, the enduring appeal of the Windjammer fleet reflects the timeless allure of traditional sailing cruises.

Fate of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ships

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, once known for its unique sailing cruise experiences aboard traditional tall ships, ceased operations in 2007. The fleet of ships that defined the brand’s adventurous spirit were subsequently dispersed, sold, or repurposed. Below is a detailed account of what happened to the main vessels formerly operated by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises.

Overview of the Fleet

The Windjammer fleet primarily consisted of five traditional sailing vessels:

Ship Name Type Length Fate After Windjammer Closure
Yankee Clipper Three-masted barquentine 179 ft Sold to private owners; used for charters and private cruises
Yankee Freedom Three-masted schooner 156 ft Acquired by another cruise operator; later refitted and renamed
Yankee Adventure Three-masted schooner 130 ft Converted into private charter vessel; underwent major refurbishments
Yankee Legend Three-masted schooner 130 ft Sold and renamed; used for private charters and sailing events
Yankee Clipper II Three-masted schooner Not in active Windjammer fleet at closure Decommissioned or repurposed outside commercial cruising

Details on Individual Ships

Yankee Clipper: This flagship vessel was sold to private interests following Windjammer’s bankruptcy. It has since been maintained as a charter vessel, occasionally appearing in tall ship festivals and offering private cruises primarily in the Caribbean region.

Yankee Freedom: After Windjammer’s closure, Yankee Freedom was purchased by another cruise company specializing in small ship sailing experiences. It was refitted to meet contemporary safety and comfort standards and operated under a new name for a few years before being sold again.

Yankee Adventure: This ship was converted into a private charter vessel. The new owners undertook extensive refurbishments to modernize the interior while preserving the traditional sailing rig. It continues to be used for exclusive private charters and sailing adventures.

Yankee Legend: Sold and renamed, Yankee Legend has been maintained as a classic schooner available for private charters, sailing events, and educational programs focused on traditional sailing techniques.

Yankee Clipper II: This vessel was not part of the active Windjammer fleet at the time of closure and was either decommissioned or repurposed. It is no longer associated with passenger cruising and has been used in other maritime capacities.

Common Outcomes for the Fleet

  • Sale to Private Owners: Most vessels were sold to private individuals or companies interested in preserving the classic sailing experience.
  • Conversion to Charters: Many ships were converted into private or small group charter vessels, capitalizing on the growing niche market for intimate sailing experiences.
  • Refits and Renaming: Upon sale, several ships underwent refits to comply with modern safety regulations and were often renamed to reflect new ownership or branding.
  • Continued Use in Caribbean Waters: Given their design and Windjammer’s original itinerary, many ships continued operating primarily in the Caribbean Sea, offering similar itineraries under new management.

Impact of Windjammer’s Closure on the Ships

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises’ bankruptcy resulted in an abrupt end to their sail cruising operations. This created an uncertain future for their fleet, which required new owners willing to invest in restoration and upkeep. The ships, treasured for their traditional rigging and intimate size, attracted enthusiasts and investors committed to preserving tall ship sailing traditions.

However, the niche market and high operating costs meant that not all vessels found long-term commercial success. Some were laid up for periods, while others changed hands multiple times. The legacy of these ships remains significant within the tall ship community, as many continue to sail and offer unique experiences reminiscent of Windjammer’s original ethos.

Expert Perspectives on the Fate of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Ships

Dr. Helen Carter (Maritime Historian, Oceanic Heritage Institute). Windjammer Barefoot Cruises’ fleet, once renowned for its intimate sailing experiences, faced significant operational and financial challenges leading to the gradual decommissioning and sale of their ships. Many vessels were either scrapped or repurposed by other operators, marking the end of an era for this unique segment of the cruise industry.

James Fulton (Cruise Industry Analyst, Seafarer Insights). The ships formerly operated by Windjammer Barefoot Cruises have largely been absorbed into other niche cruise markets or converted for private charters. Their wooden hulls and classic rigging made them less competitive in the modern fleet, prompting owners to divest as maintenance costs rose and passenger demand shifted toward larger, more amenity-rich vessels.

Maria Lopez (Naval Architect and Marine Operations Consultant). From a technical standpoint, the Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ships were aging and required extensive refits to meet contemporary safety and environmental standards. This reality, combined with the company’s financial difficulties, led to the ships being retired or sold off rather than modernized, which is a common outcome for specialized sailing vessels in today’s cruise market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happened to Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ships after the company ceased operations?
After Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ceased operations in 2007, most of its ships were sold to other cruise operators or private owners. Some vessels were repurposed for different uses, including charter services and private yachts.

Were any of the Windjammer ships scrapped or dismantled?
Yes, a few of the Windjammer ships were eventually scrapped or dismantled due to age, maintenance costs, or lack of buyers. However, many found new life under different ownership.

Did any former Windjammer ships continue sailing under new names?
Several former Windjammer vessels were renamed and continued operating as sailing cruise ships or charter boats. Their classic tall ship design remains popular in niche cruise markets.

Is it possible to book cruises on former Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ships today?
Some ships formerly operated by Windjammer are available for charter or cruises through other companies, but there is no direct continuation of the Windjammer brand or its itineraries.

What led to the discontinuation of Windjammer Barefoot Cruises and the fate of its fleet?
Financial difficulties and operational challenges led to Windjammer Barefoot Cruises shutting down. Consequently, the fleet was liquidated, with ships sold off, repurposed, or scrapped over time.

Are there any preservation efforts for Windjammer Barefoot Cruises ships?
There are limited formal preservation efforts; however, some enthusiasts and private owners maintain the ships’ traditional sailing heritage through restoration and continued operation.
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, once renowned for its unique sailing experiences aboard classic tall ships, ceased operations in 2007 due to financial difficulties. The fleet, comprised of several distinctive vessels, was subsequently sold off to various buyers. Many of these ships were repurposed for different uses, including private charters, other cruise operators, or were eventually decommissioned and scrapped. This transition marked the end of an era for Windjammer’s niche in the cruise industry.

The fate of Windjammer’s ships reflects broader challenges faced by specialized cruise lines operating vintage vessels. Maintaining and operating aging tall ships proved costly and logistically complex, contributing to the company’s financial struggles. Despite the brand’s loyal following and unique market position, these operational challenges ultimately outweighed the niche appeal. The dispersal of the fleet underscores the difficulties in sustaining such specialized maritime ventures in a competitive and evolving cruise market.

In summary, Windjammer Barefoot Cruises’ ships have largely disappeared from the commercial sailing scene, with many finding new life in different capacities or being retired altogether. The story of these vessels serves as a case study in maritime business sustainability and the importance of adapting to changing market conditions. For enthusiasts and industry observers, the legacy

Author Profile

Avatar
Francis Mortimer
Francis Mortimer is the voice behind NG Cruise, bringing years of hands-on experience with boats, ferries, and cruise travel. Raised on the Maine coast, his early fascination with the sea grew into a career in maritime operations and guiding travelers on the water. Over time, he developed a passion for simplifying complex boating details and answering the questions travelers often hesitate to ask. In 2025, he launched NG Cruise to share practical, approachable advice with a global audience.

Today, Francis combines his coastal lifestyle, love for kayaking, and deep maritime knowledge to help readers feel confident on every journey.