New Windy 44 Sports Cruiser Named European Boat of the Year
The Windy 44 Chinook hardtop sports
cruiser was named “European Powerboat of the Year” in the under 50 ft. category
at the Dusseldorf Boat Show Jan. 17-25. New boats launched in the last 12 months
were judged by an editorial panel from seven leading European powerboat magazines.
The three double stateroom, two full head express cruiser has a deep-V hull and is powered
by twin IPS 600 diesels.
 The Windy 44 won “European Powerboat of the Year”. |
Windy is a leading European powerboat builder that has been in business since 1966.
Located in Norway, the company builds 15 models from 25’ to 58’. With a seafaring
history that stretches back at least 1,200 years, building seaworthy boats finished
to high yacht standards is a given for Windy. In the country of Nanson, Amundsen
and Heyerdahl, Norwegians would settle for nothing less.
Windy says its new 44 was designed with families in mind – “families who are not
willing to sacrifice style and performance for space and comfort.” The Chinook is
the only 44’ express we know of that has three guest cabins and two full heads.
With a beam of 13’ and the IPS drives, Windy has managed to squeeze two cabins in
under the bridge deck with at least a little standing headroom in each. The third
cabin is in the bow. This express is one of the most innovative express cruiser
designs we have seen in years.
Two other aspects of the boat that we feel are notable include the three forward-facing
companion seats located next to the helm and a large dining table abaft the helm
that can seat a large group of people in a “U”-shaped lounge and actually have room
for their plates.
A Word from Windy
Windy President and CEO Knut Heiberg-Andersen said: “We are delighted to receive
such a prestigious award for the 44 Chinook, the first in a new generation of leaner,
greener Windy models which was designed and built at our Arendal boatyard. Windy
is proud to be taking a lead in environmentally responsible boat design and production,
and the 44 Chinook is clear evidence of our ability to combine quality with exceptional
style, comfort, and performance.”
 Forward cabin in the 44 Chinook. |
Construction
The boat was built with vacuum injection molding of the hull, deck and all major
GRP components which the company says has resulted in a lighter, more fuel efficient
hull, and reduced carbon emissions. Windy says that the boat’s environmental footprint
has been further reduced by the use of steamed ash instead of teak, and sustainably-sourced
light oak in place of tropical wood interior and exterior finishes.
 Port side galley. Note door to port guest cabin next to the companionway stairs. |
The boat displaces 23,000 lbs. and Windy says that the boat should have a top speed
with the IPS 600s of between 36 and 38 knots.
About Windy
Windy Boats AS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Periscopus AS, Oslo, Norway - a privately
owned holding company with interests which include publishing, media, hotels and
property. Windy boats are built at Skarpnes, just outside Arendal on the southern
coast of Norway, and in Västervik, Sweden. Founded in 1966, the company today employs
around 270 people producing 15 models ranging from 25 to 58 feet.
For more information…http://www.windy.no