May 2008 Windy Boats and Ed Dubois join forces on new flagship Windy 74 Motor Yacht
Windy Boats AS, Scandinavia’s leading boat builder, has signed an agreement with Dubois Naval Architects, the world renowned yacht designers, for the design and development of a new Windy 74 Motor Yacht. Work on the flagship design is already underway and the first 74 is expected to be ready for launch by early 2011.
Windy is planning a distinctive entry into the 70ft+ motor yacht sector, which marries the exceptional design flair and ingenuity of Dubois, with the superb build-quality, production capability and environmentally sustainable credentials of the Windy brand.
Says Windy CEO, Knut Heiberg-Andersen: “As long-time admirers of
Ed Dubois’ work, we are delighted to be partnering with him and his team on the new Windy 74. Ed has a unique sensibility which enables him to successfully blend the best aspects of classical yacht design, with modern ideas and concepts which are truly exciting. Together, we intend to create a motor yacht that stands boldly apart from its competitors, whilst meeting the varying demands of Windy customers in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and the Gulf.”
Unlike the more macho breed of 70 footers, with their emphasis on speed and power, the Windy 74 is being designed for the long range cruising market. Combining graceful lines, with luxurious, contemporary accommodation and superb seaworthiness, it will comprise three en-suite cabins and a huge cockpit saloon which will extend imaginatively into the yacht’s external living space. With a cruising speed of 28-30 knots, and a maximum speed of 34-36 knots, the 74 will be powered by the latest generation Volvo Penta IPS engines.
Like the two latest models to come off the Windy production line, the Windy 44 Chinook hard top sports cruiser, and the Windy 48 Triton luxury cruiser (to be unveiled in June), the Windy 74 will be one of a new generation of leaner, greener Windy models.
Vacuum injection moulding of the hull, deck and major GRP components will reduce styrene emissions and produce a lighter, more fuel-efficient hull. Steamed ash and sustainably sourced light oak will be used in place of teak decking and tropical wood interior and exterior finishes. Windy will also be working with Volvo Penta to limit the 74’s fuel consumption and carbon emissions.
Commenting on the Windy partnership, Ed Dubois said: “We were extremely pleased to be contacted by Windy about this project in October last year. We regard Windy as being foremost in their field, both in terms of production quality and general standing within the industry and we are delighted and honoured to be entrusted with the design of the Windy 74. We see this cooperation with Windy as another important milestone in our 32 year history.”
Note to editors:
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 further information on Windy projects, please contact:
Knut Heiberg-Andersen, Windy Boats AS; Telephone: + 47 900 61175, Email: sales@windy.no
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