Windy 44 Chinook named Power boat of the Year

The Windy 44 Chinook hard-top sports cruiser has been named ‘European Powerboat of the Year’ in the
under 50ft category at the 2009 Powerboat of the Year Awards, sponsored by Boot magazine.

Designed to recognise the best new powerboats launched over the past 12 months, in four size categories, the awards were judged by an editorial panel from seven leading European powerboat magazines, and presented at a gala dinner held during the Düsseldorf Boat Show (17-25 January 2009).

Commenting on the Windy 44 Chinook’s winning performance, Windy Boats’ 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 sustainability with exceptional style, comfort, performance and build-quality.”

Boasting rakish good looks and a top speed of 38 knots, the 44 Chinook is the only sports cruiser of its length to offer three double cabins. Vacuum injection moulding of the hull, deck and all major GRP components has resulted in a lighter, more fuel efficient hull, and reduced carbon emissions. 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.

With an uncompromising deep-V hull to iron out rough seas, the Chinook comes with two engine options: twin 370hp Volvo D-6 diesels with Duoprop outdrives, or twin 435hp Volvos with forward-facing IPS drives.