During a press conference coinciding with the Düsseldorf Boat Show, the SWCAT90 project was unveiled. The SWCAT90 is a 27m sailing catamaran, constructed in carbon composite, that combines all the greatest attributes of the SWS monohull yachts into a versatile catamaran design, offering an even higher level of comfort and greater autonomy with the ability to stay longer periods without touching ports.
The SWCAT90 concept has been developed in collaboration with the long-term partner Nauta Design, who were responsible for the interior and exterior design and styling. Berret-Racoupeau, the catamaran specialist design firm based in La Rochelle conceived the naval architecture.
Established in Cape Town in 1991, Southern Wind Shipyard has been recognized as the preeminent builder of 27-35m composite sailing yachts that combine performance with comfort and reliability. These elements have become part of the DNA of every SWS yacht and in response to a demand for greater levels comfort without compromising on performance, the shipyard has developed a new catamaran project that embodies and enhances these principles.
Southern Wind’s Commercial Director Andrea Micheli explains the motivation to develop the SWCAT90 ‘We began by examining what a yachtsman is expecting on their yacht and identified four main requirements. Escape, or the desire to get away from everyday life. Performance, the thrill of true sailing and a connection with the sea. Comfort, the ability to explore the seas with friends and family in privacy on a luxurious and reliable vessel. Importantly, these objectives must be achieved with an environmentally conscious approach, with reduced dependency on fossil fuels and more focus on well-being. Our solution is to expand our range of offerings by multiplying what we do at best, matching a wider range of needs by introducing the SWCAT90 = SWSsquared.”
The benefits of catamarans are becoming more widely recognized and the multi-hull market is the fastest growing segment in the new yacht construction industry. There are several mass-production multihull builders but for owners looking for high quality and reliability, the only avenue was to commission a new design and build a one-off custom yacht. The SWCAT90 has been developed as a versatile platform that can be tailored to an owner’s wishes and allows for a high level of customization. Whether an owner’s priorities are high performance, eco-friendly sustainability or to have the perfect luxury charter yacht, the SWCAT90 can be adapted and enhanced to achieve the owner’s expectations.
The space and volume available on a catamaran of this scale is comparable to a 39m monohull. Massimo Gino from Nauta Yacht Design adds “with 171mq of interior floorspace, the SWCAT90 will feature vast saloon area of 45m2 with 360o panoramic views. The deck space, including the flybridge and two cockpits is an impressive 207mq, an increase of 50% from similarly sized monohull. With the SWCAT90 we transferred the full experience and expanded the contents in terms of layout, comfort and quality of the successful SWS yachts. In developing the interior and exterior layout we gave the same attention to the privacy and comfort of both guests and crew. The interior layout sees four guest cabins plus two or three crew cabins, with the crew quarters separated from the luxury guest areas to allow for maximum privacy.”
Berret-Racoupeau bring their knowledge and expertise to this partnership. Performance was high on the list of priorities, not only boat speed but a yacht that appeals to the sensations and is a pleasure to sail. Olivier Racoupeau describes the characteristics that will achieve this objective “The design is based on our latest shapes in terms of efficiency by combining a maximum waterline length, moderate waterline beam and reduced wetted surface to strike the right balance between performance and interior volume. Two sail plan options have been developed to appeal to the varying expectations of potential owners. While the cruising-oriented owner may prefer a fixed mast, the performance enthusiast may choose the larger sail plan with rotating mast. For the appendages, we have developed high-efficiency curved daggerboards with T-rudders, offering an increase in boat speed while improving comfort by reducing pitching in rough conditions.”
The SWCAT90 will be built at the Southern Wind Shipyard in Cape Town. The hulls, bridge deck and superstructure will be constructed in carbon fibre sandwich utilizing the infusion technique and Marco Alberti, the SWS General Manager explains this unique approach: “The construction process of this catamaran will apply the same techniques as our monohulled yachts by using several moulds, allowing versatility of design modifications and to achieve high quality in an efficient manner.”
Yann Dabbadie, the shipyard’s chief naval architect has led the team that developed the specification and equipment selection in line with the highest superyacht standards and with an eye on the environment. In his words, “The SWCAT90 has been designed to accept either a classic shaft line or to have an electric serial hybrid propulsion system.
A serial hybrid diesel electric would allow this catamaran to motor in silent mode. The range will depend on the speed and of the size of the battery pack chosen following the client’s preferences. It also allows the two main engines to be independent from the shaft line resulting in a greater efficiency as generators. This will bring a savings of both weight and space and the centering of the machinery will realize better seakeeping and reduce pitching motion.”
With this exciting new project, SWS has magnified their greatest qualities and will deliver a sailing catamaran that is fast and fun to sail to the furthest corners of the globe in the ultimate comfort and safety.