SW96 Ammonite was christened yesterday in Cape Town under sunny skies that added a special touch to the already cheerful and enthusisastic atmosphere. Ammonite is the second Southern Wind Yacht built for Marcus Blackmore, a passionate yachtsman whose love for sailing, be it long distance cruising or breath taking racing, makes him an excellent ambassador for the Southern Wind brand.

SWS commercial director Andrea Micheli explains: "When we started building the SW82 Ammonite, Marcus Blackmore’s first SWS yacht, he trusted us to have the technical knowledge, design features and craftsmanship skills to build his ideal yacht. During the build process we also discovered that there was true friendship underlying our relationship. We have added this secret ingredient in the construction of his second yacht with us.” 

A rich and diversified sailing program is awaiting SW96 Ammonite. Delivery is scheduled for end-September in Cape Town, after which Ammonite will head to Sydney then on to New Zealand where her owner, captain and crew will defend their title in the Millennium Cup. From there Ammonite will sail off either for a tour of southeast Asia combined with some regattas or for a cruise to Alaska combined with the 2022 Transpacific Race.

This launch has a special flavour because SW96 Ammonite was built in the full respect of the South African government’s Covid-19 restrictions. Ammonite’s successful launch is a tribute to all the people at Southern Wind who have continued to work with passion, commitment and diligence while respecting the safety protocols and added restrictions required by the pandemic.

Fair winds Ammonite from all the Southern Wind Team!