Self-installing column stabilized offshore wind turbine system and method of installation

A self-installing offshore column stabilized semi-submersible platform has at least one vertical buoyant ballastable column, a telescoping keel tank or stiffened damper plate movably connected with the vertical column that extends and retracts relative to a lower end thereof, and a tilt and telescoping wind turbine tower assembly pivotally coupled to an upper end of the vertical column telescopes and reciprocates relative thereto between a horizontal retracted position and an axially extended vertical position. A wind turbine with blades is coupled to a top portion of the upper section of the tower assembly. The relative position and weight of the keel tank or damper plate is selectively adjustable to raise or lower the center of gravity of the entire mass of the semi-submersible platform including the wind turbine and tower assembly with respect to the center of buoyancy of the platform.