The Windelo 55 Sport is based on the Windelo 54, but is significantly sportier and more consistently geared towards performance. To this end, the shipyard has also revised the hull shapes. The hulls are slightly longer and have a sharper profile in the fore section. Distinctive Wavepiercer bows with a steeper negative rake (17° angle) are designed to cut through the waves more easily. The waterline is approximately 33 centimetres longer than that of the base model. The design comes from the studio of Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, which specialises in multihull boats.
Underwater improvements have also been made: the centreboards have been redesigned, are now longer and are constructed from carbon fibre. When fully lowered, they increase the draught to 2.95 metres. This is intended, in particular, to improve performance when sailing close to the wind. The carbon rudder blades, which have also been redesigned, round off the performance-oriented specification package.
More carbon fibre, more sail area
Windelo uses significantly more carbon fibre in the Sport version. In addition to the load-bearing main bulkheads, the beams – the connecting members between the hulls – are also made entirely of carbon fibre. Combined with lighter interior materials, this results in a total weight saving of around 500 kilograms compared with the Windelo 54. The shipyard states that the 55 Sport has a lightweight of 12.3 tonnes.
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Added to this is a standard carbon mast with textile shrouds (Kevlar), which is one metre taller than the base model and carries significantly more sail area. The mainsail and solent together provide 154 square metres of sail area when sailing close-hauled. High-quality membrane sails and enhanced trimming systems provide additional performance. The self-tacking jib is replaced by an overlapping headsail with line-adjustable halyard points. A removable cutter stay with a stay jib is available as an option.
The ecological approach is maintained
Despite the greater focus on performance, the shipyard is sticking to its materials concept. The sandwich construction combines basalt fibres with a PET foam core made from recycled plastic. For the carbon components, Windelo uses polyester resin instead of epoxy resin.
The distinctive layout of the Barreau/Neuman design is also retained. The helm stations and sail controls are situated in the sheltered cockpit in front of the saloon. The open-plan living areas open out onto the cockpit aft. This ensures that the sportier catamaran continues to offer the comfort required for longer voyages.
Power is provided by two Bellmarine electric motors. An electric hybrid system is available as an option. The price for the Windelo 55 Sport is 2,350,000 euros, compared with around 1,900,000 euros for the base model, the Windelo 54. Both prices include 19 per cent VAT.
Nominated for European Yacht of the Year
The Windelo 55 Sport has been nominated for the European Yacht of the Year 2027 award. Between mid- and late October, this new model will undergo jury trials off the coast of Palma de Mallorca. This will reveal how the lightweight construction, the modified hull shapes and the larger rig perform under sail. A detailed test report will follow in YACHT.
Technical Specifications: Windelo 50 Sport
- Designer: Barreau / Neuman
- Overall length including bowsprit: 17.30 m
- Width: 7.95 m
- Draught with anchors: 1.25 – 2.95 m
- Weight: 12.3 t
- Mast height above the waterline: 22.8 m
- Mainsail: 106.0 m²
- Genoa: 48.0 m²
- Code Zero: 160.0 m²
- Gennaker: 220.0 m²
- Propulsion: Electric drives / Bell Marine 2 x 20 kW
- Fresh water capacity: 400 litres
- Black water capacity: 200 litres
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology