2001 North Wind 56
GanymedePrice: $339,000
2001 North Wind 56 | Heavy-Built Offshore Yacht | Exceptional Value.
She is the only 56 model designed by Sparksman & Stephens and she was the last 56 built by North Wind.
LLC Owned.
A rare opportunity to own a true offshore sailing yacht with serious construction and volume—at a fraction of the cost of a new 55–60’ production boat.
The North Wind 56 is a true blue-water sailing yacht, designed and built for serious offshore cruising and long-range independence. Constructed in Spain by North Wind Yachts, this 2001 model offers old-school build quality, substantial displacement, and a layout optimized for passagemaking and liveaboard comfort—a compelling alternative to lighter, more production-oriented modern yachts.
This is a yacht for experienced sailors and discerning buyers seeking strength, safety, and value in a proven offshore platform.
Construction & Design
Solid fiberglass hull with robust structural grid
Heavy-duty construction designed for ocean crossings
Wide beam provides excellent interior volume and stability
Deep cockpit with high coamings for offshore security
Practical deck layout with safe movement fore and aft
Unlike many newer boats built for coastal cruising, the North Wind 56 was engineered with long passages, redundancy, and durability as priorities.
Sailing & Performance
Powerful masthead rig. Mainsail mast furling system.
Balanced hull form for comfortable motion at sea
Designed for efficient passagemaking rather than racing
Sail plan suitable for shorthanded crews
Predictable handling and strong upwind performance for a vessel of this size
The North Wind 56 is known for its confidence-inspiring feel offshore, particularly in heavier conditions.
Interior & Accommodations
Below deck, the yacht offers a warm, functional interior designed for extended time aboard:
Spacious saloon with excellent seating and storage
Well-equipped galley with sea-going layout
Multiple private cabins for owners and guests
Generous tankage and storage for long-range cruising
Traditional craftsmanship with solid joinery throughout
The interior prioritizes function, ventilation, and livability—ideal for full-time cruising or seasonal liveaboard use.
Systems & Equipment
Reliable inboard diesel engine with strong motoring performance
Systems designed for serviceability and long-term ownership
Typically equipped with generator, climate control, and full navigation station (equipment varies by vessel)
Engine room and systems access suitable for owner-operators
Why This Boat
For U.S. buyers comparing this yacht to newer production boats, the North Wind 56 stands out for:
Substantially heavier build and stronger structure
Greater offshore capability
Better motion at sea
Exceptional value per foot in the 55–60’ category
This is not a dockside condo—it’s a serious cruising yacht designed to go places safely and comfortably.
Dimensions & Weight
- Nominal Length:
- 56 ft
- LOA:
- 56 ft
- Beam:
- 16 ft
- Draft - max:
- 8.58 ft
Engine
- Make:
- Yanmar
- Model:
- 140 C
- Engine(s):
- 1
- Hours:
- 3200
- Cruise Speed:
- 9 kn
- Engine Type:
- Inboard
- Drive Type:
- Direct
- Fuel:
- diesel
- Horsepower:
- 140
Tank Capacities
- Fuel Tank:
- 240 gallon - 1 tank(s)
- Fresh Water Tank:
- 320 gallon - 1 tank(s)
- Holding Tank:
- 25 gallon - 2 tank(s)
Accommodations
- Total Cabins:
- 3
- Total Heads:
- 2