The new Windelo 50, which made its U.S. debut in February at the Miami International Boat Show, is an updated version of an earlier launch (2021) that is working to maximize the environmentally sustainable focus of its propulsion and power generating systems, build materials, and sailing performance.
Let’s start with building materials. Windelo uses basalt fiber (fabricated from volcanic rock), rather than traditional fiberglass. Gautier Kauffmann, co-founder, says that basalt requires less resin than other alternative fibers like flax, and less resin means a lighter boat: “Lighter means less energy is used to propel the boat, and sailing also starts at lower wind speeds of 3 knots true. With speed, hydrogeneration is easy—at 10 knots of boat speed, each drive is generating 1 kW.”
For a core material, Windelo turns to recycled PET (polyethylene terephthalate, commonly used to make plastic bottles) which is presented as half of the carbon footprint of virgin PVC foam. Divided appropriately by structural need, 45% of their catamarans are PVC and 55% is recycled PET. They could use 100% PET, but that would require higher foam density, which translates to more weight, which is not eco-friendly for the boat use. They even optimize interior furniture, creating a lighter composite with two-layer FSC plywood placed on either side of PET foam.
On the propulsion side, the Windelo 50 comes standard with two 20kw brushless Bellmarine electric motors with traditional shaft drive to maximize hydrogeneration capabilities. A 15kw Panda generator is standard, with an option for an additional generator.
The update by naval architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman incorporates a coachroof that’s 110 centimeters longer, which, along with solar on the foredecks, means the boat can now accommodate up to 5,680 watts of solar (a 27% increase from the previous version).
So, the boat’s 1120 Ah 48 V battery bank (53.8 kWh), with 7 kWh of services battery bank capacity, can be charged with solar, hydro, wind (if the owner wants to add it) and the genset, when needed.
Sailing performance is enhanced with slender hulls and daggerboards for better upwind abilities. And in terms of sailhandling, what sets this boat apart from other multihulls is its forward cockpit. While in full communication via sliding doors with the salon, nav station, and galley just aft, this space is where the business of sailing happens, and it makes for unparalleled visibility forward and overhead. The forward end of the coachroof provides the hardtop here, with windows and some canvas/isinglass panels forward. Both helms are here, and all lines lead through an assortment of jammers to be controlled by three electric Harken winches.
Two steps up through the centerline companionway and you are on deck, with the mast immediately at hand and the boom an arm’s length away.
The mainsail track is on the aft end of the coachroof (controlled at the helms), accessible to walk around thanks to the longer coachroof.
The boat sails with a self-tacking jib, 990-square-foot main, and gennaker. Two deep lockers in the forward hulls, accessed by ladder, can be used for sail and toy storage, while additional lockers by the mast are for lines, fenders, etc.
In the salon, the primary features are the nav and systems monitoring station to port with watchstanding bunk and/or lounge space, with a large opening window for max ventilation in good weather. The galley is to starboard with dinette just aft, also with immense sliding windows.
In the cockpit, the entire transom lifts via electric winch to create a secure space aft when underway as well as to lift a dinghy; when at anchor and lowered, it’s an easy dinghy access and swim platform.
The boat comes in three types: Adventure, which has lifting daggerboards or high-performance fixed fin keels, Yachting, maxed out for luxury, and Sport (performance, 1,100 pounds lighter).
LOA 50’ Beam 26’ Draft 7’6” (down), 3/3” (up) Air Draft 75’11” Displacement 22,400 lbs (light) Sail Area 1,980 (upwind), 2,723 (downwind) Power 2kw Bellmarine (2x) with 15kw Panda genset
