First SW108 Hybrid launched in Cape Town

Outstanding performance, innovative design and advanced technology: these are the ingredients that go to making the SW108 HYBRID a milestone in Southern Wind's offering of luxury, high performance Smart Custom yachts, as Southern Wind CEO Marco Alberti proudly explains: "Gelliceaux is the first unit of the new SW108 model which perfectly embraces the SW concept of Smart Custom. But being the first of a new series she is in reality very close to being a full custom boat! 

Taking this into consideration, it is evident that the design process underwent several revisions on the path to reaching the target. From the conceptual and preliminary stages to the final details, various refinements were necessary to achieve this beautiful and successful outcome."

With exterior and interior penned by Nauta Design and naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, SW108#01 is characterized by a strong focus on performance, as stated by Jim Schmicker, Vice President of Farr Yacht Design: "The production of SW108 begins with a well-canvassed, very powerful arrangement for exceptional performance in light winds, but also up through the wind range. SW108#01 owners were keen on the hybrid propulsion system which adds weight and some propeller installation drag. Through several design loops the sail area and keel weight were fine-tuned to the owners' goals for performance and also for stability and sail carrying power. To achieve the desired light wind performance, sail area was increased by 7% as well as righting moment by 18%  through fitting a larger bulb on the lifting keel compared to a standard SW108. In 8 kts of wind, 12 kts boat speed can be achieved. Downwind in a breeze, 20,8 kts is expected.'

Yann Dabbadie, SW Technical Manager adds: "To achieve the opposing goals of maximizing performance while also having the option of hybrid propulsion, weight savings had to be found in the construction design and materials. In their quest for the optimum setup, the owners have chosen a deep lifting keel (4.0 – 6.2 m) that lowers the center of gravity by 40 cm whilst keeping control on the overall weight."

SW108#01 is our first model conceived and engineered from the outset as a diesel-electric hybrid.

Drawing experience from the recent design loop of SW96-04 Nyumba, which has a similar BAE HybriGen propulsion system, Southern Wind further optimised the position of the 108's internal structure to suit the hybrid drive layout.

SW108#01 is characterized by a deck design specifically created to meet the owners' detailed brief.

The new deck layout is fresh but immediately recognizable for its clean, sober geometries that include all the touchstones of the GT look in a new configuration.  SW108#01 has a coachroof that allows lots of light to flow into the yacht through a central skylight and side windows. The design is more sporty and low slung than other recent yachts. The guest cockpit is quite spacious and is connected to the interior by a very large companionway that is protected by well-proportioned coamings with incorporated hatches to let natural air flow into the cabins below.

The deck plan and interior layout, both by Nauta Design, are also fully optimised for long-range ocean passages with the owners on board as the yard's Project Manager Christophe Harvey explains: "The deck, while showing a sleek line, is very protective with its lower guest cockpit that will welcome owners, guests and children in a very well sheltered and safe space behind the coachroof and dodger. The foredeck was also a focus of the designers' attention with four winches at the mast step to safely handle all manoeuvres and a huge deck locker to store a staysail and a gennaker".

SW108#01 stands out for her transom/beach club and garage solutions. When the yacht is at anchor, the twin-fold transom concept allows the guests to have a direct connection with the sea. By opening the aft portion of the deck together with the transom door, the swim platform doubles its surface area, to a total of about 10 sqm. The garage is designed to fit a 5.05 m diesel jet tender.

The interior features a 4-cabin arrangement. The owner's cabin is forward in the quietest area of the yacht and three additional guest cabins are amidship. The guest accommodation is centred around the spacious and split level main saloon that features an eight-person dining table to port and an innovative and extended settee along the starboard side that combines the saloon with the TV lounge, creating a large communal living space where the owners can relax and enjoy meals with their friends and family.

The completely new interior style of SW108#01 is a beautiful achievement. New furniture geometries, a refined mood board and sophisticated lighting all complement in a holistic way, offering a sense of warmth and elegance.

The yacht's owners are both passionate sailors and excited about the prospect of undergoing long passages aboard. They will be accompanied by their teenage children, so creating a harmonious and spacious living area was a vital part of the interior design process and one that they thoroughly enjoyed. As they told us: "The process was so much more than just choosing the fabrics, colours and some features. We had particularly big ambitions for the design and quality of the interior and Nauta developed a completely new design for us that is light and airy and will showcase the workmanship that Southern Wind is capable of creating."

The result is an elegant and refined interior space, utilising a neutral palette with warm undertones that are reflected in the wooden panelling: "Another important milestone in the design and engineering process has been achieved today. Everyone involved in this project can now witness the results of their hard work.

As we eagerly await the completion of the remaining details in the coming weeks, we extend our congratulations to the owners and the yard for their passion that has led us to this impressive outcome." Massimo Gino from Nauta Design proudly commented.

Andrea Micheli, Chief Commercial Officer at Southern Wind Shipyard, cannot hide his satisfaction for this great achievement: "The conception of this yacht has been stimulating since day one. It's great to meet owners who trust you and

give you input to do something new while relying on the yard's expertise.

We were glad to be supported in the process by Sebastian Allebrodt of A2B Marine, the project manager who accompanied the client during the design and construction process. The success of this Smart Custom Yacht hinges on the positive and constructive interaction between the owners' team and the yard. This unique approach offers the ultimate alternative to a full custom construction."