The Winner 8 Electric is an excellent coastal cruising sailboat, both high-performing and well-built. Like all boats from this shipyard, it is designed to offer a sailing experience that combines comfort and efficiency under sail. The Winner 8 stands out with its electric propulsion system, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional diesel engines, and a very shallow draft.
Winner Yachts is a Dutch shipyard founded in 1985 by Cees van Tongeren. Known for the quality of its fast cruising sailboats, the shipyard has produced several models appreciated by sailors worldwide. In 2016, Winner Yachts went bankrupt, but the molds of the yachts were taken over by the German dealer Nordic, which continued to develop new models, thus perpetuating the brand’s legacy.
History of the Boat
The Winner 8 was launched in 2014, designed by naval architect Cees van Tongeren of Van de Stadt Design. Built in fiberglass, this 8-meter sailboat is intended for coastal cruising and sailing along the coast. Although the exact number of units produced is not specified, the Winner 8 stood out in the transportable sailboat market for its build quality and performance. However, its 2.85m width makes it not transportable in France.
Among its competitors at the time were models such as the RM 890, the Mojito 888, and the Pogo 30, also renowned for their performance and comfort in sailing.
Interior Layout
The Winner 8 Electric offers modular and well-thought-out interior layouts to optimize the available space.
It features five comfortable berths, distributed between two cabins equipped with mattresses over 2.10 meters long and a 2-meter saloon berth. The aft cabin has large storage cupboards, and the kitchen is equipped with a two-burner stove, providing everything needed for family or friend cruises.
Seaworthy Qualities
The Winner 8 Electric is designed to offer high sailing performance while ensuring passenger safety.
Classified in category B, it has a large sail area and a high ballast ratio, ensuring optimal stability and maneuverability. Two keel versions are available: a standard keel with a 1.00-meter draft and an attached rudder, or an option with a 1.5-meter draft for enhanced performance.
The rigging is light and easy to adjust, and a mast device is available as an option to facilitate transport. Its weight and dimensions make it ideal for trailer transport behind a large car, offering great freedom in choosing sailing areas.
Owner Reviews
Owners of the Winner 8 Electric particularly appreciate its build quality, interior comfort, and sailing performance. The option to choose between electric propulsion or an integrated Yanmar diesel engine offers valuable flexibility depending on each sailor’s preferences and needs.
Moreover, its ability to be trailer-transported broadens sailing horizons, allowing exploration of different areas without relying on local port infrastructures.
Winner 8 Electric Specifications
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Length (LOA) | 8.00 m |
| Waterline Length (LWL) | 7.30 m |
| Maximum Beam | 2.85 m |
| Draft | 1.00 m (standard) or 1.50 m (option) |
| Displacement | 2,400 kg |
| Ballast | 1,000 kg |
| Sail Area | 40 m² |
| Motorization | Electric POD motor or integrated Yanmar diesel |
| Design Category | B |
| Berths | 5 (2 cabins + 1 saloon berth) |
| Interior Layout | Kitchen with two-burner stove, large storage cupboards |
| Transportability | Suitable for trailer transport behind a large car |
In conclusion, the Winner 8 Electric positions itself as a versatile sailboat, combining comfort, performance, and environmental respect through its electric propulsion. It is an interesting option for sailors looking for a transportable boat without compromising on quality and performance.