On deck

The extra wide side decks were easy to navigate, and handrails on the coachroof would provide a bit of safety in a seaway. The keep-it-simple philosophy was evident on deck.

“We purposely kept all the lines above deck so you can see and fix a problem easily,” Windels said. “The more stuff there is, the more that can break. We believe a good sailboat is a simple boat, and everything is designed around performance.”

At the base of the deck-stepped mast on the bridgedeck are two large lockers, one of which houses the optional generator, with the windlass and chain locker located in between. The anchor chain is led forward to the anchor, where its rigged to a bridal system. Forward in the hulls are huge lockers for sails and fenders.

Two short steps at the base of the mast reach the top of the cabinhouse, where there is an optional lounging area to be used when not underway. The boom sweeps low across the hard top, making it easy to reach the mainsail with no need to perform acrobatic maneuvers to zip the lazy bag.

The heart of the boat is the large cockpit tucked beneath the hard top. There’s an L-shaped settee and table to port and small settee and drawer refrigerator to starboard. A long settee stretches between the helm stations on the aft rail. The helm seats hinge up to provide access to the transom.

Under sail

Getting under way was a simple process, with all control lines led to a bank of clutches and a pair of electric Harken two-speed winches at the starboard helm. The full-batten, flat-top main went up lickety split, and with a quick unfurl of the headsail, we headed into the bay. 

Windels said the aim was to make a multihull with the same helm feedback that a monohull provides, and it was readily apparent. The bright orange Carbonautica wheels were comfortable, and the helm was responsive, tacking easily, with the deep twin rudders shouldering the bulk of the work. With the helm position pushed all the way aft, the wheels are above the rudders, allowing for a direct connection using Dyneema cables. 

The anemic 8-knot northwesterly didn’t provide much of a test, but we chased the 10-knot puffs funneling off Hackett Point, playing the lifts and headers. The boat was very responsive, and in true multihull style, the apparent wind quickly built and
went forward.