Southern Wind’s SW108 Gelliceaux has been awarded “Best Sailing Yacht” in the 24 to 40m category at the 2025 International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards. This accolade was presented during the annual Design & Leadership Awards Gala, held on October 30 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The event gathered the industry’s leading professionals to celebrate the year’s finest achievements in yachting.

With exterior and interior designs by Nauta Design and naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, Gelliceaux captivated the ISS jury, which honored her with these words:
“GELLICEAUX stands as a true marvel of sustainable sailing, featuring a cutting-edge diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. As the first Southern Wind project designed from the ground up as a hybrid, she is paving the way for eco-friendly performance sailing. This yacht seamlessly integrates the latest design innovations, ensuring they harmonize perfectly with the sleek exterior, creating a cohesive and forward-thinking sailing experience.”

Mr. Jay Wade, Chairman of The International SeaKeepers Society, a non-profit promoting oceanographic research, conservation, and education, presented the award and shared these thoughts:
“Tonight, we celebrate excellence in the yachting industry—the innovation, craftsmanship, and passion that drive this community forward. The 24 to 40-meter category showcases not only technical achievement but also the spirit of adventure and a commitment to sustainability, aligning closely with SeaKeepers’ mission. Tonight, we honor a vessel that stands out for its design, performance, and dedication to the seas we cherish, and the sailors who navigate them.”

Representing Southern Wind, Jeremy Peek (Commercial Manager) and Jim Schmicker (President of Farr Yacht Design) proudly accepted the award. Jeremy Peek remarked, “We extend our gratitude to the owners who entrusted us with creating this exceptional yacht, to Nauta Design’s Mario Pedol and Massimo Gino for their stunning lines, and to Farr Yacht Design for their visionary work in making Gelliceaux a winner.”

Massimo Gino of Nauta Design expressed his pride in this achievement: “We are honored and proud that the Southern Wind 108’ Gelliceaux received the ISS Award. We thank all involved in this project, especially Southern Wind and Farr Yacht Design, and, above all, the owners. Working alongside them has been creatively fulfilling, and we’re thrilled that our shared vision has been so successful.”

Jim Schmicker added, “Our thanks go to Southern Wind for building such an outstanding yacht and to the owners for envisioning a vessel like Gelliceaux—a yacht actively sailing, racing, and winning.”

This important victory underscores the success of the SW108 Smart Custom Project, with SW108#01 Gelliceaux proving herself as an unstoppable presence in both regattas and awards. Southern Wind is now preparing for the launch of SW108#02 in Cape Town within weeks, while SW108#03, under construction for a young, dynamic and ambitious owner, is set to launch at the end of 2025.

Congratulations to the owners of Gelliceaux for making this dream a reality and for inspiring a new chapter in Southern Wind’s commitment to excellence!