For the test of the Windelo 50, we benefited from mild conditions. Off Canet-en-Roussillon, we tacked towards Collioure in order to take advantage of a possible anchorage off the coast. To reach it, we found ourselves facing changing winds, which allowed us to test the different sail configurations. Just to validate all aspects of navigation and life on board.
This Windelo 50 stands out in 3 aspects:
- performance and habitability
- ecology
- modularity
Performance and livability
As far as performance is concerned, Christophe Barreau has designed a light catamaran with a short platform. However, on board, you don't feel cramped at all. This is due to the huge saloon which opens entirely on the back thanks to a tilting door. No more demarcation between the saloon and the cockpit.
Precisely in navigation, there is no cockpit. This one is reduced to its simplest expression with a passage which joins the 2 floats. This passageway is well protected by the bathing platform which can be easily raised.
Once at anchor, once the overhead door is raised and the rear platform lowered, the cockpit is fully revealed with even the possibility of installing a large table outside.
Ecology
In terms of ecology, this catamaran ticks almost all the boxes. Indeed, it is built in foam sandwich with foam from recycled plastic bottles. The fiber used is made from basalt fiber, the most present rock on earth.
In addition to an ecological construction, this catamaran is also motorized with an electric propulsion in line of tree. Silent, it is powered by two lithium battery parks. These batteries are recharged via the numerous solar panels on the deckhouse and the side decks (3000 W) as well as the possibility of regenerating under sail (hydrogeneration). Finally, a generator (or a second one as an option) also allows to sail with empty battery at 5 knots.
All that is missing is a clean deconstruction (which has yet to be imagined) for this Windelo to tick all the boxes of ecology.
Modularity
This catamaran has been designed for living on board. With distinct spaces without adding many partitions. We will note the advanced position of the helm station, at the foot of the mast, which offers an extraordinary view to the helmsman and facilitates the maneuvers. This space, open to the square, can be closed with a sliding window. It will then be an office with a view of the sea or a meditation areaâ?¦
Behind the square and the kitchen are very open to the outside. The side windows slide to offer air or give the impression of being inside outside.
In the hulls, we find the classic installation of 4 cabins that the shipyard can arrange according to the customer's choice. We particularly appreciate the porthole which occupies the whole rear corner of the cabin offering both light and visibility.
