From a show jumper named Windstar to a yacht-inspired VIP experience, Windstar Cruises brought its signature 180 Degrees From Ordinary® spirit to Bridgehampton

View all event photos here. Photo credit: Kind Media & the Hampton Classic Horse Show

MIAMI, Sept. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- Windstar Cruises brought a little yacht-style magic to Bridgehampton this past week, wrapping up an unforgettable inaugural sponsorship of the 2026 Hampton Classic Horse Show with memorable moments both inside and outside the show ring. And leading the way was perhaps the most unique Windstar ambassador of all: Windstar the horse.

The Dutch Warmblood stallion, owned by Windstar Cruises and ridden by Grand Prix rider Kelli Cruciotti-Vanderveen of Serenity Farm Show Stables, competed throughout the iconic week in Bridgehampton and delivered an impressive top-ten finish in the CSI5* Power and Speed.

For Windstar Cruises, seeing its namesake stallion competing at one of the most prestigious horse shows in the world was the centerpiece of a week designed to introduce Hampton Classic guests to the brand in a distinctly Windstar way.

From the show ring to the VIP tent, the cruise line brought its signature 180 Degrees From Ordinary® philosophy ashore through three unique experiences: Windstar the horse, the Windstar Cruises Clear Round, and a yacht-inspired hospitality destination known as The Yacht Club.

Throughout the competition, every clear round on Grand Prix Sunday received a distinctly nautical celebration as Windstar Cruises' signature departure horn sounded across the showgrounds. The playful activation quickly became part of the rhythm of Grand Prix Sunday, celebrating horse-and-rider combinations as they sailed clear through the finish.

Just steps away, guests were invited to experience another side of Windstar inside The Yacht Club, a hospitality space inspired by the comfortable, intimate café and lounge found aboard Windstar's fleet. Crisp white and navy details, relaxed seating, afternoon Champagne and libations created an atmosphere that felt less like traditional event hospitality and more like stepping aboard a Windstar yacht. Visitors included Gloria Bohan, the godmother of Windstar's Star Legend yacht as well as several loyal Windstar guests.

"Seeing Windstar compete in Bridgehampton while hearing our departure horn celebrating clear rounds and welcoming guests into The Yacht Club made this an incredibly special week for our brand," said Patricia Gonzalez, Vice President of Marketing, Windstar Cruises. "There is such a natural connection between these two worlds. Both are about the journey, extraordinary experiences and enjoying them with people who share your passion."

That connection is especially meaningful through Windstar the horse. Windstar Cruises acquired the young stallion as part of a unique equestrian initiative and has entrusted his development to Cruciotti-Vanderveen. Rather than simply placing its name alongside the sport, Windstar Cruises has become part of the journey itself—following the development of a talented young horse and rider partnership as they compete at some of the sport's most recognizable venues.

The Hampton Classic offered another milestone in that journey. Just as Windstar Cruises believes the best travel experiences are often defined by the places discovered and memories created along the way, Windstar the horse represents a story that continues to unfold one show, one round and one adventure at a time. And while Windstar continues his journey in the show ring, his namesake continues its own around the world.

Windstar Cruises, the leader in yacht-style cruising, sails to more than 330 ports around the globe aboard intimate yachts carrying fewer than 350 guests. With smaller ships, personalized service and an ability to travel closer to the heart of the destinations it visits, Windstar offers travelers a relaxed and distinctly personal way to see the world—always 180 Degrees From Ordinary®.

Contacts:    
Patricia Gonzalez, Vice President of Marketing Windstar Cruises / Patricia.gonzalez@windstarcruises.com, LDPR, windstar@ldpr.com

About Windstar Cruises:        

For four decades, Windstar Cruises has been reimagining small-ship cruising with a distinctive blend of relaxed luxury and genuine connection to the world's most captivating destinations. From its origins with motor sailing yachts tailored for upscale yet casual travel, Windstar Cruises has grown into a diverse fleet of four Star Class all-suite yachts (including its newest addition of Star Seeker in December 2025) and three Wind Class sailing yachts, offering voyages that are both intimate and inspiring. Its highly anticipated yacht, Star Explorer, will debut in December 2026, expanding the fleet to eight yachts accommodating 150-350 guests. Windstar Cruises' legendary Wind Class sailing yachts are also undergoing a meticulous two-phase redesign to be completed by 2027. Windstar yachts sail to more than 330 ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, Alaska, Canada and New England, Japan, the South Pacific and Asia. Unlike most cruise lines, Windstar Cruises sails year-round in the Mediterranean and Tahiti, offering different destination experiences seasonally. Each Windstar Cruises voyage is designed to immerse guests in authentic cultural experiences, all while delivering the comfort, service and style that define the Windstar difference. 

Windstar Cruises is proud to be part of the Xanterra Travel Collection®, a distinguished group of global hospitality and travel companies with a legacy spanning over a hundred years. Xanterra operates iconic national parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Glacier and Death Valley. The Xanterra Travel Collection® is owned by The Anschutz Corporation, the ultimate owner of the Broadmoor, Sea Island and entertainment giant AEG, Anschutz Entertainment Group. 

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SOURCE Windstar Cruises