by What you see here is a rare beast A sub-40ft sportscruiser where handling and performance take precedence over interior volume and living space.
That’s not to say the 37 isn’t a handsomely crafted and well thought out weekender, but one look at the narrow beam, open cockpit, and a pair of sterndrives mated to either 400hp or 440hp diesels and it’s obvious that this is a boat with intent to go to sea.
The Shamal marks a new direction for the Norwegian yard with the services of superyacht designer Espen Oeino, he of Dilbar and Flying Fox fame, who is responsible for the exterior and interior design. He has worked with Windy on special projects before but this is the first time he’s been let loose on a production boat. It’s a fine-looking craft, muscular and taut with cues that purposely hark back to Windy’s sportsboats of the 70s and 80s.
Inside it’s thoroughly modern and finished to a typically high standard. The stylish open-plan lower deck is great for families but a clever detachable section springs off the bathroom bulkhead to compartmentalise the amidships cabin if the owner has friends to stay.
The cockpit is pure Windy with familiar traits like the driver-focussed helm with three supportive bucket seats, the pop-up bimini that stows beneath the engine hatch, and a sliding backrest on the aft sun pad that allows guests to sunbathe facing in to or away from the cockpit. Despite the narrow beam, the lack of side decks means that cockpit space is maximised, though the only route forward is to walk through the split windscreen.
It’s a very promising design and we’ll see if it lives up to expectation with a full sea trial in next month’s issue.
ABOVE With 880hp and a razor sharp hull the Shamal is impressive out on the water BELOW The deep, practical cockpit is pure Windy.
