Windelo 54 Yachting: Sustainable Sophistication of the New Windelo 54 Sailing Catamaran

Alright, folks. Today, we will review one of the most eco-friendly boats on the market: Windelo 54 Yachting, a catamaran that yells innovation, performance, and eco-friendly badassery.

Looking at this beast, you know it's just something else.

With its modern lines and robust build, the creators are dead serious about sustainability and performance. So, let's break it down.

Exterior

Christophe Barreau is well known for designing performance catamarans, so from the first look at this boat, with its streamlined shape, skinny bows, and daggerboards sticking from the hull, you can tell that this boat was meant to match the wind speed.

Oh, and it does, even in lighter winds.

Okay, now you come close and notice that Christophe did a great job with all the nuances here and there that you probably wouldn't find on other boats.

For example, this "porthole" in the bulwark not only reduces the hull's weight, which is about 12 tons (remember, it's a 54-foot cat), but also enables the aft cabins to have curved panoramic windows (I'll touch on this more later on) and contributes to the overall sporty look of the boat.

It's a good time to say a few words about what makes Windelo's hull unique: it is made from retired hot magma and your plastic bottles.

This is basalt, a type of rock that Windelo uses to create basalt fiber, which is a significantly more eco-friendly alternative to traditional fiberglass. It is more durable and lightweight.

The core material in this new composite, located between the outer layers of basalt, is a foam made from recycled plastic. Currently, this boat is the top contender for the title of the most eco-friendly boat. Isn't your granddad's fiberglass tub, eh?

On Board

So you step aboard, and you'll first notice a foldable terrace transom door. When at anchor, it gives you much more space and significantly expands your open salon space.

Nonetheless, it's also your tender lift, which adds safety to your aft deck when lifted.

If you are familiar with Bali Catamarans, you will be pleased with a similar approach to creating an open-space salon: a foldable "garage door," which can be lifted if you'd like more air and sun or closed if you need some cover from bad weather.

As you move along the deck, you see that there is no flybridge, which nowadays is rare even for a 42-foot catamaran. However, as I said before, this cat can go with the wind speed, which is even rarer.

The absence of the flybridge allows for carrying a bigger mainsail, which is a whopping 1066 sqft (99 m²). The roof's surface is used for electricity generation with solar panels (more on that later).

As you continue your tour, you cannot help but notice massive daggerboards. Unlike traditional keels, these vertical, retractable boards offer superior upwind performance and stability.

Windelo's daggerboards are centrally positioned for ease of use and are designed to enhance the yacht's pointing ability, allowing it to sail closer to the wind. When retracted, they reduce the draft, enabling access to shallower waters.

Moving on, the long foredeck offers ample space for sunbathing or stargazing—whatever floats your boat.

Usually, I criticize self-tacking foresail systems because they are jib systems (not overlapping the mast), not genoa (overlapping the mast).

Still, in this case, the elongated foredeck makes the jib area about 485 sqft (45m²), enough for a performance boat. Self-tacking jibs on cats like Bali's or Lagoon's are usually significantly smaller.

Okay, at this point, if you are unfamiliar with the main feature of the Windelo's catamarans, you may wonder, where the hell is the helm on this boat?

The Helm

You'll notice something different on the foredeck—it's not your typical cabin door but the forward cockpit entrance. Windelo has placed the helm right at the heart of the action, providing a stellar level of safety and excellent visibility. You're protected from the burning sun and bad weather. You can enclose and curtain the cockpit to ensure splashes don't get in.

All lines lead back to the cockpit, so you can do everything from there, including accessing the chain locker. It's well-designed, though, so it won't stack up anyway.

Windelo catamaran owners really like that you don't have to worry about your partner or crew being outside, particularly on night passages.

A sliding door connects the cockpit to the rest of the salon, so you can add more protection to your living space in rough seas or stay connected with your loved ones while steering in good weather.

This setup offers excellent communication opportunities. You are on the same elevation as your crew, at the center of the boat, and there is no need to shout at the top of your lungs and announce your arrival to the rest of the marina.

The helm features mechanical steering with no hydraulics, giving you a direct, tactile feel of the boat's response. The big windows on the roof will give you a good view of your sails so you can trim them accurately.

The Salon

The salon of the Windelo 54 is a masterclass in seamless indoor-outdoor living. It's designed to blur the lines between the interior and exterior spaces, making you get the best of both worlds.

This space is about creating an environment that enhances your connection with the sea and the natural world.

Flexibility is the heart of the salon's design. As mentioned, the transom terrace door folds to create an expansive entertainment platform.

Removable furniture and adaptable seating arrangements allow you to transform the space according to your needs.

The large sliding windows and central sliding doors enhance this flexibility, providing an immersive outdoor experience. You're always connected to the natural surroundings, no matter the weather.

There are a few layout options, so everybody will find what suits them best.

The amount of storage space on the boat and in the main salon is sublime.

The thing I like as a skipper is a big screen that can duplicate chartplotter and display navigational information specifically to the salon, so there will be fewer "Where are we? How much longer till Margarita Island?" moments.

The Cabins

Let's face it straight away: this boat is for sailing (read: performance) enthusiasts.

Despite being a 54-footer, its cabin habitability is on par with its chonkier 43-45-foot cruiser counterparts from guys like Fountaine-Pajot or Lagoon.

Nevertheless, these cabins will find a way to surprise you pleasantly.

Just look at those panoramic windows.

Look at the amount of light. Have you seen such a wonder (corner window) before?

That's incredible.

The Windelo 54 has different cabin setups, each with plenty of storage space, including hanging lockers, drawers, and extra compartments.

The cabins have beautiful views through panoramic windows and portholes, creating a romantic atmosphere.

The boat is practical too, with working areas, heads with wasing machines, well-equipped sinks and showers, and ample storage under the beds.

One thing worth noting is the amount of headroom. It's not like I'm very tall, about 6' 1", but guess how I got my scar on the forehead? Yeah, that wouldn't be the case on this boat, even though it's performance-oriented.

The cabins offer impressive headroom and tall windows, making the space feel airy.

Power

Let's talk power. The Windelo 54 Yachting Catamaran is a high-tech hybrid powerhouse designed to sail with a conscience.

This eco-friendly marvel boasts an electric propulsion system powered by a Bellmarine 20-kilowatt engine. This engine is cooled and brushless, requiring minimal maintenance and having no wear-and-tear parts.

A straight shaft enhances hydro generation efficiency, making every joule of energy count.

Equipped with a significant battery bank, this beauty packs a combined battery capacity of approximately 60 kilowatt-hours (54 for propulsion and 6 for service).

An 18-kilowatt Fischer Panda generator is onboard as a backup.

You will only sometimes need that generator. Windelo has mastered the art of hydro generation, especially in light wind conditions, ensuring you're harnessing power even when the wind isn't howling.

And let's remember the solar panels. This catamaran features up to 6,000 watts of solar panels, soaking up the sun and converting it into pure, green energy.

The energy management system, controlled by proprietary software developed in collaboration with an external partner, oversees digital switching, lighting, and energy distribution throughout the boat.

Operating at 48 volts for the engines and 24 volts for service batteries, this sophisticated system ensures you always run efficiently.

Solar and hydro generation work in tandem to keep the batteries charged while sailing, making long journeys, even transatlantic crossings, a sustainable reality.

So, you can sail the seas in style while knowing you're leaving a minimal carbon footprint.

Now, that's sailing into the future.

Conclusion

Alright, fearless boaters, let's wrap this up. The Windelo 54 is a catamaran superhero crafted from basalt fibers and recycled plastic.

It brings hardcore performance to eco-friendly boating.

But let's get real—embracing sustainability isn't all smooth sailing. It's a balancing act, pushing the limits of innovation while keeping our oceans pristine. The Windelo 54 navigates this challenge brilliantly, from its design to its powerful electric propulsion system.

Ready to take the plunge? The Windelo 54 dares you to sail into the future with guts and grace. Until next time, eco-warriors, catch you on the high seas! 🌊⛵️