Windpearl announces its presence at the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle in September 2018 with the Ponza 35 . We know this site for its 58-foot model launched in 2009. This time this shipyard launches a smaller model, but still designed by Philippe Briand.
Windpearl, like major shipyards like Hanse, produces its hulls in China. But the boat remains a "Made in France" product since it is then assembled, fitted out and masted locally. All finishes are made in France: teak furniture and deck are manufactured by Line Concept (in La Rochelle) and cushions and bedding by Ruchaud (in La Chapelle-Achard). Finally the mast was assembled at V1D2 in Caen.
Modern and sporty lines
For this 11.69 m overall design, Philippe Briand wanted sporty water lines with a fairly narrow master beam (3.12 m) and above all a reasonable total weight (4.3 tonnes). The keel plan has been specially designed to offer both a very low centre of gravity (1.51 m below the waterline) and a reduced draught (1.75 m). This is achieved by combining a stainless steel leg (plus a fibreglass moulded part at the front) of less than 300 Kg with a lead bulb (2.7% antimony) of 1T. A technique used on large yachts designed by Philippe Briand and made financially possible by production in China.
This sailboat, which despite its 2 cabins, is intended to be a weekend boat, has a very refined look. The deck layout has been very well worked out with ergonomics with 2 cockpits to separate the manoeuvring part from the guests' part. An ideal location for short-handed or even solo sailing.
A price list in preparation
Considering its lines and its program, the Ponza 35 clearly comes to play in the waters of the Tofinou 12 m. If its price has not yet been set, we have been able to learn that it should be 15% cheaper than a Sun Fast 3600 or a First 35 35 with its sails and therefore at a very attractive price compared to a Tofinou...
The first model has just left China and is in the container carrier that is bringing it home. She is expected to sail in the summer of 2018.
