Windy 27 Solano
Tipped for a UK launch at this year’s Southampton Boat Show, the Windy 27 Solano is a an all-new model with a hull penned by Windy design legend Hans Jørgen Johnsen. It replaces the ageing 26 Kharma with styling that falls into line with its larger stable mates the 29 Coho and 31 Zonda.
The cockpit is sociably arranged around a central dinette with the choice of either a wet bar or extra seating space to port. The generous aft sunpad has a sliding backrest to increase lounging space and Windy’s neat bimini system stows neatly beneath the aft bench to be put in place quickly and provide shelter.
Forward, two bolstering bucket seats offer the best protection from the windscreen for when you really pick up some speed – and you will do given that the single sterndrive engine options include 280hp-430hp petrols and a 300hp diesel, all from Volvo Penta. Performance figures are yet to be released but expect mid-forties from the diesel and something knocking on the door of 50 knots from the largest petrol. The previous Kharma was one of the best-handling small boats around and we expect nothing less from the new hull too.
Below decks, the simple but tasteful interior is penned by Design Unlimited and includes a spacious convertible dinette/double berth and separate toilet compartment to cater for the odd weekend away. Hopefully, there will be a bit more headroom, too.
Prices start at £150,000 for the diesel and from £140,000 for the 280hp petrol. Contact Berthon International. Tel: +44 (0)1590 647427. Web: www.windy.no