Great Machines: Boats - Windy 25 Mirage
June 2, 2003
Some 500 years before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Leif Eriksson proved that Norwegians know a thing or two about boats. If the Viking’s discovery of America wasn’t enough to establish their nautical prowess, the Windy 25 Mirage should settle the matter. The craft’s Norwegian builders contend that the Mirage is the world’s best-handling boat—an irresistible challenge to anyone who relishes the thrill of wind, waves, and water.
Easing the Mirage out of England’s Lymington River, I already knew I was behind the helm of something special. Maybe it was the rock-solid stainless steel handrail running the length of the sportboat’s wraparound screen, an elegant yet practical detail promising serious speed. Perhaps it was the way the Mirage hunkered down in the water, her bow standing slightly proud as she ambled toward the open sea. Or maybe it was the mellifluous purring of her Volvo 5.7 GXi DP inboard engine, a 320-hp powerplant known for more than merely adequate propulsion. ; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc(); "Mirage full throttle")
Entering the Solent channel, I stood up and pushed the throttle forward. The initial lurch was followed by a sudden shove. Once the Mirage came on plane, at about 12 knots, it felt as if a giant hand had shoved us backward. Of course, the opposite was true: Within seconds we were flying straight into a three-foot head sea at 44 knots. And I do mean flying. The Mirage was launching off the waves into the air like an ecstatic dolphin. Landings were relatively smooth and comfortable. When the hull regained contact with the water, she responded to the helm with balletic agility. (Click image to enlarge)
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