catamaran windelo 54

New Windelo 54: Discovering the Essence of Eco-Friendly Sailing

Windelo revealed the New Windelo 54 at the 2024 Boot Dusseldorf event in January, with plans for its World Premiere at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte, scheduled for April 2024. While awaiting the opportunity to discover it firsthand, we have decided to unveil the secrets behind the latest creation from the French shipyard . Enjoy reading!

Since its inception , Windelo has consistently demonstrated innovation in the realm of eco-friendly sailing. Since its inaugural participation in boat shows, Windelo’s catamarans have garnered enthusiastic reception, evident in the extension of their order book until 2025. This success can be attributed to several factors, including the integration of eco-friendly composite materials, electric propulsion systems, and the generation of renewable energy. Meanwhile, the success of the French shipyard is confirmed by its official debut on the American market, during the Miami Boat Show 2024 , where the Windelo 50 Yachting is docked for the first time.

Furthermore, Windelo’s catamarans distinguish themselves through thoughtful design elements such as the division of living spaces (featuring a nacelle and single-level terrace, as well as a forward cockpit at the base of the mast) and their adaptable interior-exterior modularity. Collectively, these innovations have significantly influenced the long-distance cruising catamaran market, positioning Windelo as a transformative force within the industry.

In collaboration with architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman , alongside design studio Ladida Design led by Charlotte Schiffer, the shipyard embarked on a mission to imbue their catamarans with a renewed identity. The objective was to bolster their character and infuse them with a contemporary aesthetic, while preserving the distinguishing features that have contributed to Windelo’s current success.

Through substantial modifications to the deck, superstructures, coachroofs, and layout, all Windelo models underwent a significant upscale transformation. This culminated in the introduction of the New Windelo 54.

Innovations Through Design 

When discussing Windelo’s innovations, the focus naturally gravitates towards ecological advancements, such as the incorporation of an electric engine, utilization of green energy sources for extended range, and the integration of eco-composite materials like basalt fiber and PET foam . Additionally, attention is drawn to the management of spaces, exemplified by features like the forward cockpit, interior-exterior modularity of the nacelle, and aft terrace.

Therefore, it was imperative to accentuate these aspects in the design of the New Windelo 54. The shipyard enhanced the coherence of the New Windelo 54’s hull sides, top (including decks, nacelles, and coachroof), and interior layout. Efforts were directed towards imparting a more dynamic and robust appearance, in alignment with the brand’s DNA and values.

The wave motif, historically prominent on Windelo’s sides, is now intricately woven throughout the entire boat. Symbolizing movement and energy, this wave imparts a vibrant ambiance to the catamaran, while also mirroring the performance capabilities of Windelo catamarans. As a quintessential element of the marine environment, the wave symbolizes Windelo’s commitment to eco-friendly sailing, encompassing features such as the electric engine, green energy production, and eco-composite materials (basalt and PET).

Moreover, the Windelo wave serves a dual purpose of combining functionality with aesthetic appeal. Beyond its role in facilitating assembly and water run-off, it contributes to visual organization and offers a guiding focal point by directing one’s gaze towards the horizon.

Key Features of the New Windelo 54

Enhanced Integration of Solar Panels: In an effort to optimize the integration of solar panels, the coachroofs of the New Windelo 54 have undergone an aesthetic refinement. This includes the incorporation of raised areas and variations in levels, accentuated by a wave-inspired design motif. The extension of the hardtop, by 50 cm specifically on the New Windelo 54 model, augments the solar panel capacity, thereby extending the cruising range on green energy.

Forward Cockpit Integration and Design: A notable innovation of Windelo catamarans, the forward cockpit has been further reinforced through the addition of coaming around the nacelle. This serves to enhance the assertiveness of the forward cockpit while visually harmonizing its integration with the overall design. Additionally, ergonomic enhancements have been implemented in two main areas:

• Deck Organizer Distribution: The layout of the deck organizer has been optimized, simplifying the line circuits and refining the positioning of the steering wheels.
• Seat Ergonomics: The design of the seats has been revised to offer increased depth, achieved through the remodeling of their corners for improved comfort and usability.

Windelo catamarans exhibit remarkable performance, effortlessly sailing at wind speed even in light air, owing to the meticulously crafted design of their hull and meticulous weight optimization. This inherent capability is further accentuated by the redesign of the New Windelo 54.

Characterized by curved, assertive, and dynamic surfaces, the catamaran’s aesthetic draws the observer’s gaze seamlessly from bow to stern, mirroring the acceleration of the vessel and the play of reflections. These reflections imbue the catamaran with a sense of direction and purpose, enhancing its overall dynamism and energy—a subtle yet influential aspect that resonates with the subconscious.

In pursuit of a more refined aesthetic, Windelo has extended and reimagined the coachroof to infuse it with an airier and lighter ambiance. The former sharp edges have been replaced with alluring curves, which play with variations in thickness, resulting in a dynamically elevated design. Furthermore, the redesigned tilt of the windshield, symmetrically juxtaposed with the corner of the coachroof arch, amplifies the boat’s elegant and dynamic character, even in stationary state.

If we talk a bit about prices, the French shipyard has provided quotations for the month of January, at the time of the official presentation, which obviously vary depending on the configuration chosen by the owner:

€ 1,380,000 for a New Windelo 54 version Adventure  € 1,470,000 for a New Windelo 54 version Yachting  € 1,495,000 for a New Windelo 54 version Sport 

New Windelo 54 specs

Length :16.24 m  Beam : 7.98 m  Draft of standard version : Maximum draft 2.35 m – Minimum draft 1.05 m  Light displacement : 12.8 t  Freshwater tank : 400 l  Blackwater tank : 200 l  Max. number of cabins : 4 (+1 skipper)  Max. number of people: 12  Hull materials : Basalt and PET/PVC foam sandwich  Deck materials : Basalt and PET foam sandwich  Type of rigging : Sloop  Sail area upwind : 199 mq Sail area downwind : 289 mq  Mainsail area : 99 mq  Foresail area : 45 mq Gennaker area : 190 mq  Type of engines: Electric and hybrid engines  Engines power : 2 x 20 kW  Generator : 18 kW (or 2 x 18 kW on option)  Engine transmission type : Shaftline  Energy type : Electricity and diesel 

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The New Windelo 54

Windelo relaunched its flagship catamaran in 2024. Like the new Windelo 50, the new 54 now has a longer, sleeker coachroof to maximise solar power.

Let’s take a look at some of the other features of this eco-performance catamaran that help her stand out from the crowd.

Recycled and Bio-Sourced Materials

One of the key things that differentiates this boat from the competition is her construction. Sustainability and ecology are some of the key aims of Windelo and they have taken an uncompromising approach to the build of these yachts to achieve this. They use volcanic basalt and PET foam – made from recycled bottle plastic – in the hull construction – which makes Windelo the leader of the pack in this area.

Windelo catamarans are made from an innovative environmentally-friendly composite sandwich. This basalt fiber and PET foam sandwich reduces carbon emissions by nearly 50% compared with traditional GRP composite manufacturing methods.

Basalt is a natural volcanic fiber that offers vibration resistance and durability while still maintaining a high strength-to-weight ratio. These Basalt laminates are used to construct a stiff, light, and sustainable hull compared to traditional fiberglass construction. The basalt fiber has high fire resistance, high heat resistance, and good mechanical features. The basalt fiber can be fully recycled in the oven.

If you need to make any repairs on a round-the-world sailing trip, basalt fiber is fully compatible with fiberglass.

10 Windelo 54 Facts!

Many yachts’ hulls are constructed using a foam core. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) – is made mainly from reused drinking bottles – it is both light and 100% recycled. PET foam is a key part of the jigsaw that ensures that Windelo catamarans are kinder to the environment than traditionally constructed rivals.

PET foam is made from recycled PET, mainly from reused old drinking bottles which are crushed into very small pieces and then melted again to create PET foam. During the production process, the PET core produces half the CO2 than PVC core production does, PVC being a traditional material for naval construction.

Windelo uses a mix of PET foam and PVC to achieve the structural demands of their performance catamarans. PET foam is used for 56% of the construction.

They are currently working with their PET foam supplier to steadily increase the quantity of PET foam they use in their boats.

In the image above, the blue areas represent the hull structure made with the eco-composite (Basalt and PET foam).

Basalt fibre and PET foam have been tailored to the structure but also used in indoor fittings, furniture, and floors, which optimize the weight of the Windelo catamarans.

FSC Wood (Forestry Stewardship Council)

FSC wood is used throughout Windelo’s interior. All of the wood has been certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council and has attained the high standards of the council to ensure the wood is sourced in an environmentally responsible and socially beneficial manner.

Energy Production

The other key area that Windelo has been focusing on is Energy Production. These are sailing boats, so they already score highly in that regard, but Windelo have gone one-step further by developing a safe eco-friendly power system and management tool that has been tested across oceans. The combination of electric power, a huge solar area, hydrogeneration and wind turbines allow Windelo to minimise the use of diesel to power the backup generators on these boats

Green Energy Production

Windelos are powered by electric motors, but these are long-distance cruisers that need to have a good cruising range. Using hydro generation, solar panels, wind turbines, and backup generators the Windelo can cruise more than 1100 nautical miles at 6 knots under power. Of course, these boats are designed to get sailing in light winds, but it is good to know you have a backup.

At 6 knots, the New Windelo 54 has a range of nearly 4 hours (about 22.7 nm with its 1120 Ah battery bank).

Hydro-generation

Windelo catamarans are designed to be sailed. As soon as you are sailing, will be able to generate electrical power, as the propellers switch to hydro-generator mode when the motors are not in use. On a Windelo catamaran, you generate an average of 1 kWh per engine, sailing at 10 knots. With only hydrogeneration power to recharge your battery bank, you will completely recharge your battery bank in one day under sail.

Hydrogeneration will slow the boat by around half a knot to a maximum of 1 knot.

Solar Panels

A catamaran has a huge platform for solar power generation thanks to its large amount of flat surface area on its deck. Windelo catamarans are designed to maximise this available space with walkable solar panels on the roof and decks.

On the New Windelo 54, you can generate up to 5,880 W of peak solar power.

If you only use solar energy to recharge your battery bank, with 5,880W of solar panels, you will fully recharge your batteries in 17 hours of sunshine (based on average sunshine in the Mediterranean).

Wind Turbines

Windelo catamarans can also be equipped with a 400W wind turbine to charge the battery pack regardless of the sunshine. With an apparent wind speed of 12 knots, two wind turbines will charge an additional 2,4 kWh per day.

Add these power generation methods up and you have a powerful system for recharging your batteries. And of course, there is a backup generator for safety, but the idea is to minimise its use.

The Electric Drive System

All this is designed to power the Windelo’s electric hybrid drive system so that you can navigate quietly even when the sails are down.

This not only makes for a quieter, more pleasurable experience, but it also reduces fatigue and helps the whole crew to sleep more soundly on passage.

Electric Hybrid

Windelo catamarans have two 20kW electric shaft-drive engines with a 1120Ah 48V lithium battery bank (53,8kWh). These brushless engines have minimal wear and tear or need for spare parts (no belts for example), and very little maintenance.

Windelo’s 1120Ah 48V lithium battery bank recharges using solar power, hydrogenation, and wind power first.

When sailing on the motor, the Windelo 50 consumes 9.09kW at 6 knots, 15.57kW at 7 knots, and 27kW at 8 knots.

At 6 knots, the Windelo 50 has a range of around 3 hours and 45 minutes (roughly 22.7nm per day with an 1120Ah battery bank).

When the energy consumed is not compensated by renewable energies, the 18-kW backup 500L diesel generator (there is an option to add another) starts up to supply the electric motors and recharge the batteries. The Boat Management System starts up the generator automatically when the batteries are low and/or when the power required is greater than the power the batteries can supply. Including generators, the full cruising range of the motor is 1100 nautical miles.

For more detail on the Windelo electric drive system watch this video :

An Intelligent Boat Management System

Navigation and life on board need a range of equipment that produces and consumes energy. To manage this, Windelo and its partners have developed a robust central management system with the software to drive it. This gives you a global vision of your energy consumption and production.

You can manage the electric propulsion system, battery and tank levels, lighting, electricity and electronics onboard, battery charge status, navigation instruments, maintenance, etc all on one console.

Windelo Catamarans are leaders in the manufacture of eco-performance catamarans. From their construction methods to the power set up on their boats, they are leading the pack in this rapidly growing segment of the market with yachts that have proven the technology with multiple ocean crossings.

More information on the Windelo 54

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Windelo 54 Yacting

Sail performance.

Description

Do you dream of high-performance, ecological, sustainable sailing? Generous yet demanding you would like to feel at home on your catamaran, enjoying the comfort of each space in good company? Experience simple luxury on our Yachting version. Sail on a boat you can really identify with. Take the time to admire the beauty of the sea and fully enjoy the moment in enveloping comfort and silence. The Yachting version is the deluxe version that offers owners the widest range of customizations. Top-quality materials are used with detailed trims. We have paid special attention to the comfort of the accommodations (thickness of cushions, feel of fabrics, etc.)

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(higher is faster)

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(lower is faster)

Specifications

Length (LOA)

Length (LWL)

Displacement ​ (light)

Payload capacity

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Christophe Barreau and Frederic Neuman

Daggerboards, Centerboards, Fixed keels

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Basalt and PET/PVC foam sandwich

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Windelo 51 et 55 Sport

The young shipyard has been specializing in forever green catamarans ever since launching its first two models - the Windelo 50 and 54 - in three versions: Adventure, Yachting and Sport.

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Published 18/09/2024

By Emmanuel van Deth

Published: sept. / oct. 2024

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The latter version is now going into “New” mode, starting by gaining longer, more inverted bows to increase waterline length and limit pitching. The rig has also been revised, with the adoption of a carbon mast and 3Di performance sails. The appendages - daggerboards and rudders - have been lengthened. On deck, the crossbeam and steering wheels are in carbon as standard. The redesigned interiors have of course been made lighter - with fabric doors, for example. Last but not least, the builder offers wraps that guarantee a “resolutely sporty visual identity”. Specifications Windelo 51 Sport Length: 51’ (15.54 m) Draft: 3’5”/9’2” (1.03/2.8 m) Air draft: 72’2” (22 m) Mainsail: 1,054 sq ft (98 m²) Solent: 463 sq ft (43 m²) Code 0: 1,087 sq ft (101 m²) Gennaker: 1,938 sq ft (180 m²) Specifications Windelo 55 Sport Length: 54’3” (16.54 m) Draft: 3’5”/9’2” (1.03/2.8 m) Air draft: 74’10” (22.8 m) Mainsail: 1,141 sq ft (106 m²) Solent: 495 sq ft (46 m²) Code 0: 1,302 sq ft (121 m²) Gennaker: 2,303 sq ft (214 m²)

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Windelo Celebrates the Launch of its 2nd Model, a Windelo 54, in Yachting version!

On Friday, 25 March 2022, the Windelo team successfully set the expansion of its line in motion with the launch of the 1st WINDELO 54 YACHTING !

Following the success of the Windelo 50 and its many nominations, the Windelo has marked another milestone with the launch of its second model, a Windelo 54 Yachting! Imagined and designed in partnership with the French architect duo Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, both well known for the performance of their catamarans, the Windelo 54 is the brand’s second model. Like the Windelo 50, the Windelo 54 comes in three versions ( Adventure , Yachting , Sport ), which means that we now offer six models in two different sizes.

The Windelo 54 Yachting , a new eco-friendly catamaran model, will be WORLD PREMIERED at the 2022 La Grande Motte International Multihull Show . The first Windelo 54 Yachting, called Zig Zag, will be based in Hyères for the 2022 season and will have a skippered charter program .

Experience the Windelo 54 launching!

Friday, 25 March 2022, the first Windelo 54 Yachting was launched, and we are so glad to share with you this important day!

Want to learn more?

Book your private tour of the WINDELO 54 Yachting

at the International Multihull Show in La Grande Motte

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SALES MANAGER

Windelo is a new conception brand of innovative catamarans. Ecology is at the heart of the company with the ambition to significantly reduce the environmental impact of our boats. A range of 44 to 60 foot catamarans offering sailors the opportunity to sail with pleasure and safety on eco-friendly boats.

In full development, we are hiring a sales manager:

JOB AND MISSIONS: Managed by the director of the company, and in connection with our various services and partners, you are a key player in the launch of this new brand.

Real project manager: 1. You co-build the Windelo sales and services office, 2. You recruit, train, and drive progressively a team of passionate experts, 3. You develop and innovate in the strategy of selling Windelo boats in Europe, 4. You recruit and lead a global network of sales partners, 5. You co-build and animate the company’s service strategy: port mapping places; insurance and financing; training; owner’s manual etc.

YOUR PROFIL 1. Passionate about sailing, you practice regularly, 2. Your sense of service and customer leads you to satisfy your customers every day, 3. You are enthusiastic and motivated to work in a start-up, 4. You have 2 to 5 years’ experience in the sale of boats, 5. Bilingual French – English, you also speak a third language: German, Italian, or Spanish.

EVOLUTIVE JOB Director of sales

AVAILABILITY / PLACE OF WORK 1st Quarter 2019 / Occitanie Region, Canet en Roussillon FRANCE

TYPE OF CONTRACT AND REMUNERATION Permanent contract / fixed to be defined according to experience + variable.

If you are a passionate of sailing and this challenge to participate in the development of a company in full creation arouses your enthusiasm, welcome to send your application by e-mail to:  contact@windelo-catamaran.com

RESPONSABLE DES VENTES

Windelo consiste en la création d’une nouvelle marque de catamarans innovants. L’écologie est au coeur de l’entreprise avec pour ambition de réduire fortement l’impact environnemental de nos bateaux. Une gamme de catamarans de 44 à 60 pieds offrant aux marins la possibilité de naviguer avec plaisir et sécurité sur des bateaux éco responsables.

En plein développement, nous recrutons un(e) responsable des ventes

POSTE ET MISSIONS

Managé(e) par le directeur de l’entreprise, et en lien avec nos différents services et partenaires, vous êtes un acteur clefs du lancement de cette nouvelle marque. Véritable chef de projet :

1. Vous co-construisez le bureau des ventes et des services de Windelo, 2. Vous recrutez, formez, et animez progressivement une équipe d’experts passionnés, 3. Vous développez et innovez dans la stratégie de vente des bateaux Windelo en Europe, 4. Vous recrutez et animez un réseau mondial de partenaires de vente, 5. Vous co-construisez et animez la stratégie de service de l’entreprise : mapping des places de port ; assurance et financement ; formation ; entretien ; manuel du propriétaire etc.

VOTRE PROFIL 1. Passionné(e) de nautisme, vous naviguez régulièrement, 2. Votre sens du service et du client vous anime pour satisfaire vos clients au quotidien, 3. Vous êtes enthousiaste et motivé(e) à l’idée de travailler en équipe dans une « start-up », 4. Vous disposez de 2 à 5 ans d’expérience dans la vente de bateaux de plaisance, 5. Bilingue français – anglais, vous maitrisez également une troisième langue : allemand, italien, ou espagnol.

POSTE EVOLUTIF Directeur des ventes

DISPONIBILITÉ / LIEU DE TRAVAIL 1ier Trimestre 2019 / Région Occitanie, Canet en Roussillon FRANCE

TYPE DE CONTRAT ET REMUNERATION CDI Cadre / Fixe à définir selon expérience + variable.

Si vous êtes un(e) passionné(e) de l’univers du nautisme et que ce challenge de participer au développement d’une entreprise en pleine création suscite votre enthousiasme, merci d’adresser votre candidature par e-mail à : contact@windelo-catamaran.com

As part of the creation of new types of catamaran made in Occitanie, an audacious choice of ecological innovation has been selected in partnership with the Materials Center of « Mines d’Alès » (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard, France). It’s a question of combining ecological performance in terms of minimizing the environmental footprint and structural resistance, and this, in a global approach of circular economy on all parts of the boat. To do this, and in connection with the IMT MINES ALES, Windelo has relied on the use of secondary raw materials, competitive  virgin petroleum-based materials, that fully comply with the specifications in terms of mechanical performance. This is a real first step to the development of a 2.0 fleet ships fully integrated into the challenges and ecological challenges of the 21st century.

Associated with an ecological approach of circular economy integrating a not insignificant part of competitive secondary raw materials from virgin materials, the architectural design and the resistance of materials on the new Windelo catamarans are mechanically tested in the Materials Center of « Mines d’Alès » (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard, France) in connection with the architects and designers of the project. The design of the ship, and in particular the hulls and bows, go through a search for efficient structuring and arranging of materials composing it, combined with a mechanically optimized geometrical assembly. To this end, specific test developments, such as the study of distortion of the structure and of the panels constituating the hull of the ship, are studied by digital image correlation techniques coupled with standardized strength tests.

Founder of Catana

“The cruising program for this new boat raises the question of the antagonism between the search for performance under sail and the pleasure of navigation, and the development of pleasant living spaces. The originality of the answer is provided here in the arrangement of the cockpit bringing together the helm and maneuvers to the center of the boat and in the arrangement of living space that occupies the rear of the nacelle.

Just behind the mast the outer cockpit offers two helm stations protected from the wind and spray, a beautiful view of the sails and bows, and allows to have all the maneuvers on hand while limiting the needs to circulate on the bridge. Out of navigation, the cockpit can be more widely protected from the outside and open to the rear space.

Fully opened behind this cockpit, we have not developed two living spaces duplicating one inside the other but a single large space which is ajustable. We have focused our efforts on the geometry of the material and visual limits of this space and on the opening kinematics of the bays. Once opened, they “disappear” to transform the interior into an exterior. The generosity of these openings also allows to modulate the ventilation of this space by playing on a wide range of opening on its four sides

This work on the modularity and the disappearance of limits is found at the extreme rear of the nacelle, with an articulated platform to the davits transforming it into a floor when anchored, and in the rear cabins, whose wide turning porthole eliminates the angle between side plating and back side. The cabin space is therefore generous despite the relative narrowness of the hulls.

All these choices allow us to combine a contained hold of the nacelle, pledge control of the weight estimate, to a generous living space, with a central part given to navigation and maneuvering. The slenderness of the forward spikes, the significant free height under the platform, and the attention paid to the centering of the masses, complete the marine qualities expected for an offshore navigation program.

The other originality of the project brought by this new construction site is in the approach of “eco-design” on materials and construction. Strongly limiting the use of molds, the latter brings a greater margin of freedom in the variations and evolutions of the boats thus conceived. ”

Christophe Barreau et Frédéric Neuman

Architects and Naval Engineers

Who could know if it is the father or the son who is the most  passionate? It doesn’t matter. The important thing  is to write an innovative project within a family culture, for today and for generations to come. Hand over the guiding light, this is Olivier Kauffmann’s will. “At first I wanted to make my own boat, for me and my family; go on trip around the world living on a  efficient and pleasant catamaran. I dreamed of a new quality of space. Today, the dream has matured, and I want to share it with the great family of sailors. »

Windelo is the desire to expose us to something new, innovative, powerful, bigger than oneself. To seek innovations on materials, techniques of industrialization and uses to impulse a new economic reality. “We want to be part of this transformation related to the respect of our environment, it is for us, essential to work in this respect of men and nature. Men are at the heart of the project with the desire to recruit and form a passionate team, surrounded by experts recognized as the best in their field.

And the innovation doesn’t stop here, because the constructive process makes it possible to envisage fast evolutions from one boat to another while remaining well priced. An ambitious and respectful project ; Welcome to the Windelo adventure.

Dans le cadre de la confection de nouveaux types de catamaran made in Occitanie, un choix audacieux d’innovation écologique a été retenu en partenariat avec le Centre des Matériaux des Mines d’Alès (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard). Il s’agit à la fois d’allier performance écologique en termes de minimisation de l’empreinte environnementale et résistance des structures, et ce, dans une démarche globale d’économie circulaire sur l’ensemble des parties du bateau. Pour ce faire, et en lien avec l’IMT MINES ALES, Windelo a misé sur l’utilisation de matières premières secondaires, compétitives des matériaux pétrosourcés vierges, et parfaitement conformes au cahier des charges sur le plan des performances mécaniques. C’est un réel premier pas vers l’élaboration d’une flotte de navires 2.0 s’intégrant complètement dans les enjeux et défis écologiques du XXIème siècle.

Associées à une démarche écologique d’économie circulaire intégrant une part non négligeable de matières premières secondaires concurrentielles des matières vierges, l’architecture de conception et la résistance des matériaux des nouveaux catamarans de Windelo sont éprouvées par des tests mécaniques réalisés au Centre des Matériaux des Mines d’Alès (C2MA – IMT MINES ALES) (Gard) en lien avec les architectes et designers du projet. La conception du navire, et en particulier les bordées et étraves, passe par une recherche de structuration performante de l’agencement des matériaux le composant, combinée à une géométrie d’assemblage optimisée sur le plan mécanique. Pour ce faire, des développements d’essais spécifiques, comme l’étude de la déformation de la structure des panneaux constituant la coque du navire, sont étudiés par des techniques de corrélation d’image numériques couplés à des essais de résistance mécanique normalisés.

La rencontre avec Olivier et Gautier a été une agréable surprise pour moi, dès l’exposé de leur projet, j’ai vu réunis tous les ingrédients d’une réussite, l’expérience de gestion d’entreprises mais avec une modestie rassurante, le souci de former une équipe des meilleurs experts (sourire) et une réelle écoute de leurs avis. Au fil des rencontres, les discussions ont ravivé mes souvenirs de la création puis du développement de Catana. Les mêmes motivations, la même recherche de perfection, la même audace teintée de modestie que nous avions au départ du projet. Windelo est centrée sur le produit ; une ligne de catamarans performants construits avec les techniques les plus modernes. Je n’en avais pas conscience à l’époque mais je crois que le succès d’un bon bateau vient de cette passion pour la mer avec la volonté de marier confort sécurité et performance. Je retrouve ici cette passion, et aujourd’hui ce qui a fini de me conquérir c’est le souci de préservation de la nature, tant dans les matériaux choisis que dans les méthodes de production.

Le programme de grande croisière auquel se destine ce nouveau bateau pose la question de l’antagonisme entre d’une part la recherche de performances sous voiles et du plaisir de navigation, et d’autre part l’aménagement d’espaces de vie agréables et généreux. L’originalité de la réponse apportée ici réside dans la disposition du cockpit rassemblant poste de barre et manœuvres au centre du bateau et dans le traitement de l’espace de vie qui occupe l’arrière de la nacelle. Juste en arrière du mât le cockpit extérieur offre deux postes de barre protégés du vent et des embruns, une belle vue sur les voiles et sur les étraves, et permet d’avoir l’ensemble des manœuvres à portée de main tout en limitant les besoins de circuler sur le pont. Hors navigation, le cockpit peut être plus largement protégé de l’extérieur et s’ouvrir sur l’espace arrière. De plein pied en arrière de ce cockpit, nous n’avons pas aménagé deux espaces de vie dupliqués l’un à l’intérieur et l’autre à l’extérieur mais un seul grand espace dont le degré d’ouverture est très largement modulable. Nous avons porté notre effort sur la géométrie des limites matérielles et visuelles de cet espace et sur les cinématiques d’ouverture des baies. Une fois ouvertes elles « disparaissent » pour transformer l’intérieur en extérieur. La générosité des ouvrants permet également de moduler la ventilation de cet espace en jouant sur une large gamme d’ouverture sur ses quatre côtés Ce travail sur la modularité et sur la disparition des limites se retrouve à l’extrême arrière de la nacelle, avec une plateforme articulée aux bossoirs se transformant en plancher au mouillage, et dans les cabines arrières dont le large hublot tournant fait « sauter » l’angle entre bordé latéral et face arrière. L’espace de cabine est donc généreux malgré la relative étroitesse des coques. L’ensemble de ces choix nous permet de conjuguer une emprise contenue de la nacelle, gage de maîtrise du devis de poids, à un espace à vivre généreux, avec une place centrale accordée à la navigation et aux manœuvres. L’élancement des pointes avant, l’importante hauteur libre sous nacelle, et l’attention portée au centrage des masses, complètent les qualités marines attendues pour un programme de navigation hauturière. L’autre originalité du projet apportée par ce nouveau chantier se trouve dans l’approche d’« éco-conception » portant sur les matériaux et le mode constructif. Limitant fortement le recours aux moules ce dernier apporte une plus grande marge de liberté dans les déclinaisons et évolutions des bateaux ainsi conçus.

Qui sait lequel du père ou du fils est le plus passionné ? Peu importe. L’important ici est d’écrire un projet innovant au sein d’une culture familiale, pour aujourd’hui et les générations à venir. Passer le flambeau, le relais ; c’est la volonté d’Olivier Kauffmann. « Au début je voulais me faire mon propre bateau, pour ma famille et moi ; partir faire un tour du monde sur un catamaran performant et plaisant à vivre. Je rêvais à une qualité d’espace inédite. Aujourd’hui, l’envie a mûrit, et je tiens à le partager avec la grande famille des marins ».

Windelo c’est l’envie de s’exposer à quelque chose de nouveau, d’innovant, de performant, de plus grand que soi. Aller chercher des innovations sur des matériaux, des techniques d’industrialisation, des usages et impulser une nouvelle réalité économique. « Nous voulons faire partie de cette transformation liée au respect de notre environnement, c’est pour nous indispensable d’œuvrer dans ce respect des hommes et de la nature. Les hommes sont au cœur du projet avec la volonté de recruter et former une équipe de passionnés, entourés d’experts reconnus comme les meilleurs dans leur domaine ».

Et l’innovation ne s’arrête pas là, car le process constructif permet d’envisager des évolutions rapides d’un bateau à un autre tout en restant bien placé en prix. Projet ambitieux et respectueux, bienvenu(e) dans l’aventure Windelo.