"We have sold three boats so far," said Winner boss Remco Sol with great satisfaction at the trade fair on Monday. "That's great, we're delighted, as it shows that the decision in favour of an entry-level model was exactly right." Because that was the idea: To build a 13-metre vessel to complement the existing 10.20 and 12.20 or to add to the smaller end of the spectrum? So it became the 900.
Everything there on nine metres
Nine times three. These are the external dimensions of the Winner 900 - well, the name suggests it, but the shipyard has consistently adhered to the nine-metre mark, which is important for many marinas and even for taxation in some places. And with a width of 296 centimetres, the small Winner also fits into narrow boxes. The fact that this doesn't mean that narrow is the rule on the inside can be seen by anyone inHall 16 admire: A proper saloon, wide and above all long berths (over 2.05 metres fore and aft), 1.90 metres headroom, navigation table (!!!), toilet room with optional heated oil locker and a sufficiently large L-pantry. Everything there, everything in it, what sailors need to live with four people on board.
Space utilisation at its best
Winner builds by hand and therefore very precisely. Larger tolerances, which are required for industrial production in large quantities, are not necessary. "This allows us to utilise every millimetre. On a boat of this size, that's fundamental," comments Sol. That's exactly how it is: Everywhere the shipyard goes right up to the outer skin. This creates space on the inside with very attractive lines on the outside, but also means that where larger boats have storage space, the Winner already has something built in. Storage space is rather limited. However, that is pretty much the only thing to criticise about the layout.
Versatile to grow with you
There are one and a half Winner 900s on the shipyard's stand in Düsseldorf: one whole and one with only the rear end visible. This is one of the many options available: Tiller or wheel. In the "Welcome Edition", which is available for around 80,000 euros, there is no teak in the cockpit and the tiller protrudes from the cockpit instead of the more expensive wheels. Wheels? Don't worry, the Winner doesn't fall for the double helm craze, meaning the option of choosing between a fixed and the laterally adjustable helm shown at the trade fair. Furthermore, all options can also be retrofitted, so the boat can grow with the owner's requirements and budget. Further options are available: Three draughts (1.25 to 1.90 metres) and three different rigs (12.50 to 15.50 metres).
Will she sail well?
How could you answer this question at a trade fair? Exactly, not at all. That's why YACHT took the Winner out on the water just before Christmas. The test will be published shortly. Just this much: the 900 is also a real Winner. And its sailing performance is beyond question, the Van de Stadt design office has done a good job.
The Winner 900 can be seen as a world premiere in Hall 16, Stand A 37.
