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Specifications  

Some of the basic numbers for the Windmill are:

The minimum hull weight is only 198 pounds! This allows the boat to be either car topped or carried on a light duty trailer. 

Length Overall 15' 6", Beam 4' 9", Sail Area 119 sq. ft., Draft - Board Down 4' 2" / Board Up 6", 

Mast Height 20' 3", Daggerboard extends 44" below the keel of the boat, Self- Launching jib pole.

Another feature that sets the Windmill apart from some other one-designs are the two full length flotation tanks, which makes her 

a self-rescuing boat.  If she is dumped, the 'Mill lies on her side with a natural waterline half-way up the deck with the cockpit 

above the waterline. The skipper simply pulls on the daggerboard and the boat rights with little water inside, 

which is quickly removed by suction bailers, once underway.

The Windmill has a number of simple adjustments that allow a full range of control over the shape of the sails and mast, as a result, 

it has been demonstrated over the years that the Windmill sails competitively with both light and heavy crews.  The controls are 

covered further on the Controls and Adjustments page.

The Windmill has a self-launching jib pole that can either a) project the jib forward of the hull for reaching fast downwind 

(like a genoa), or b) pull the jib wide to the side of the hull for running deep downwind (like a spinnaker).  

An explanation and photographs of this feature can be found on the  Jib & Pole page.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WINDMILL OFFERED ON THIS SITE

The Windmill shown on the Home Page, and offered for sale, was built by Dan Litten.  Dan operates a fine carpentry business in 

West Virginia and is an extraordinary craftsman.  He and his wife are skilled sailors.

The Windmill was built in a frame constructed out of laminated and glued poplar lumber which was precision cut with a laser guided table saw.  

This process produced a frame that was extremely accurate and stable.  An internal jig was then constructed upon this rigid poplar 

"spine".  The hull was then constructed over the jig which resulted in achieving the exacting hull design measurements 

 that make the Windmill a high performance sailboat.

The speed of the Windmill, and the endurance of the Windmill Class Association, has been preserved over time by 

maintaining exacting specifications for the building of Windmills.  This finished Windmill was measured by the 

Windmill Class Association Chief Measurer and certified as meeting the exacting requirements.

The joining method use was the  “liquid joint type” of joinery. This is a proven process using epoxy, fiberglass and fillers at the joints.  The resulting joints are stiff and reliable while providing rounded inside corners.  These rounded corners are easy on the feet and easy to keep clean.

The particulars of construction are as follows:

• Occume 1088 BS plywood,  7 ply (9mm thickness) is used on the floor.  The sides and stern were made from 5 ply (6mm thickness).  The Air tanks were made from 4 ply ( 4mm thickness).  This high performance marine plywood is generally acknowledged to be the best possible material for this type of construction.  It provides the best strength and stiffness possible while maintaining a lightweight hull.

•    All the high abuse areas (rub rails and such) are white oak.

• The daggerboard trunk has an extension for mounting the main blocks directly behind the daggerboard and above the floor. This serves several purposes. It make the trunk longer and stronger. It makes it easier for the crew and skipper to cross from one side to the other.  This extension allows the blocks be secured without having to bolt throuh the hull and keeps the blocks off of the middle of the floor.

• The daggerboard trunk is lined with 6 oz. fiberglass and 2 coats of epoxy.

• The total boat weight is 181.5 lbs without hardware.  This will allow a choice of any hardware while maintaining the minimum finished weight that is allowed by the Windmill Class Association standards.

• Everything is coated with 2 and 3 coats of “Mas” epoxy.

• The exterior is coated with 3 coats of “Bristol” clear, and 3 coats of urethane interlux paint.  The "Bristol Finish" mentioned is advertised to be many times better than varnish for abrasion and UV protection.  It will also "touch up" easily. This impressive finish will dramatically reduce the maintenance issues with "bright finish". The link to the manufacturer is http://www.bristolfinish.com/.  

The final choice and installation of hardware and sheets has been left to the choice of the new owner.  There are a number of popular configurations and choices for blocks and sheets.  The final fittings will be installed and rigged after consultation with the new owner.

The Windmill Class has survived for generations.  It is common for several generations of "Millers" to be sailing together on boats that have been sailing for many decades.  Due to the uniformity of shape and rigging maintained by the Windmill Class Association, boats that were built 40 

years ago, and survived to race today, are still competitive.  Over the years, the changing technologies have allowed newer and better 

materials to be used; however, the shape, weight and speed have been continuously maintained.  This particular Windmill should 

last many decades and be just as competitive in the hands of the next generation as it will be to the new owner. 

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