Discovery / Wave 50, a catamaran with a design that does not leave anyone indifferent

The Wave 50 made its debut at the Cannes boat show, among the Port Canto sailing catamarans. And it is its different design, with this structured roof coming back to the front, that made us want to discover more. Guided tour.

A design that deserves to be highlighted

Wave Catamarans is a Polish shipyard born in 2010. After a first model of sailing catamaran launched in 2016, the Wave 58, here they are back on the scene with the Wave 50. The design has radically evolved. Gone are the curves and the Erik Lerouge-style roof. For this 14.95 m catamaran, the shipyard called on the Polish designer Agnieszka Bona. The result is a radical design with hulls with inverted bows, very high on the water, an inverted windshield, but above all a structured roof that comes back on the front balcony. Whether you like the aggressive concept or not, you will notice the effort to propose a different design. However, this structure adds weight to the design.

Le design radical du Wave 50
The radical design of the Wave 50

From 4 to 5 cabins for the sleeping area

Built in composite with carbon fiber, the Wave 50 is totally custom in terms of layout, materials and fabrics. In its minimal configuration, the port hull is entirely dedicated to the owner with a large double bed, a lounge and a bathroom. The starboard hull offers two double cabins. In total, the Wave 50 can accommodate up to 8 passengers in 4 double or twin cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms, as well as two crew members. The layout is modern and the space is rather bright thanks to the large hull windows.

Une des cabines du Wave 50
One of the cabins of the Wave 50

A reduced rear cockpit

On the main deck, the layout is on the same level as the front and rear cockpits. The latter is very wide, with huge swim skirts equipped with steps. However, the living space is quite limited, as the builder has favored the front deck for outdoor living. Thus, there are only two benches and a hydraulic bathing platform for the tender. If the handrails are numerous at the level of the skirts, the remainder of the cockpit is free of any protection, however it is possible to install removable textile nets.

Le cockpit arrière et ses grandes jupes
The rear cockpit and large skirts

Maneuvering and steering on the flybridge

From the aft cockpit, the flybridge is accessed by large side stairs. The flybridge is spacious with a helm station at the front, a huge bench seat that can be transformed into a sunbathing area, a refrigerator and a protective cover. The maneuvers come back to the helmsman, especially the sheets of the furling genoa, which are difficult to access in this kind of rostrum. With only 140 m2 of sail area upwind, the Wave 50 has little sail area. Finally, it is difficult to access the mainsail. From the flybridge, you will have to climb on the rigid hard-top with hydraulic opening, and we wish you courage.

Roof avec retour sur l'avant et flybridge
Roof with return on the front and flybridge

The front cockpit for outdoor living in privacy

At the front, the cockpit is deeply recessed with sofas and benches, but also a kitchen unit with sink. Two small trampolines form a sort of hammock suspended on the water. Access to this area is either directly from the main deck via a door in the windshield or from the gangways that widen at the front. If the return of the roof is undoubtedly an element of style, it is nevertheless a hindrance for the vision towards the front, in particular since this space.

Un confortable cockpit avant
A comfortable front cockpit

A large and bright main deck, totally custom

Finally, the main deck is a vast living room, dining room and fully equipped kitchen, made bright by the superstructure windows. The dining area is located aft near the cockpit with a central island separating the dining area from the kitchen. The lounge area is positioned forward and elevated. It offers a large L-shaped sofa with a television cabinet. The sponge comes back on the coffee table by integrating rather well in the design, kind of separation of spaces. Once again, the layout as well as the decoration is custom.

Le pont principal du Wave 50
The main deck of the Wave 50

A hybrid drive

Although lightly canvassed, the Wave 50 does not have powerful engines. It is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system with 2 Volvo Penta engines of 60 hp and two electric motors of 18.5 kW. Solar panels can be installed as an option.

Le Wave 50
The Wave 50

Interesting and innovative solutions

Although quite cubic, we nevertheless appreciate the Wave 50's hull shapes and its radically different design. The use of the forward cockpit for life on board is also a good solution that we appreciate to enjoy privacy at anchor and in port. Finally, if the flybridge offers a generous comfort zone, it is installed a little high and weighs down the boat's structure somewhat. Built on demand, the Wave 50 is sold at a base price of 1.3 million euros excluding VAT.

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