SW108#02 Kiboko 4 Christened in Cape Town: a new milestone for Southern Wind
In the presence of her proud owners, the Southern Wind team, and distinguished guests, SW108#02 Kiboko 4 was launched last week on a sunny and windy Cape Town.
Kiboko 4 marks the fourth yacht Southern Wind has built for this owner and represents the culmination of his extensive sailing experience aboard her three predecessors. As the owner expressed: "This yacht represents an evolution for me—building on my previous boats while reflecting Southern Wind’s continued advancement in crafting reliable yachts with increasingly elegant and aggressive lines. Compared to my earlier yachts, I’ve taken a leap toward performance with a lifting keel, an enhanced sail plan, and a performance mast and rigging package which I hope will make her highly competitive in regattas. I also chose a dark hull and mast this time, giving her an even more dynamic and bold aesthetic. The SW108 incorporates many innovative features from Southern Wind, Nauta Design, and Farr Yacht Design, making her, in my opinion, the best in this market range today".
SW108#02 was crafted in the wake of her successful sistership, Gelliceaux, while embracing her unique character and individuality. As Marco Alberti, Southern Wind CEO, remarked: "Hull #1 of the SW108 project proved its excellence by winning the St. Barths Bucket Regatta on her debut and being awarded ‘Best Yacht in the 24-30m Range’ at the ISS Awards. True to our Smart Custom philosophy, Kiboko 4, the second unit of this project, stands apart with her own personality, much like the three previous yachts the owner commissioned from us. Our design priorities for Kiboko 4 focused on weight optimization, performance, and aesthetics while maintaining the light, airy Mediterranean ambiance of her interiors".
A key figure in Kiboko 4’s construction was her captain, who worked closely with the shipyard throughout the build. His input, particularly on systems and mechanical details, was invaluable, reflecting his deep understanding of the owner’s expectations.
Looking ahead, the owner shared his aspirations for Kiboko 4: "She will primarily be a family boat, perfect for enjoying Mediterranean summers and, for the first time, sailing across the Atlantic to explore the Caribbean. I also dream of taking her to Maine someday".
Kiboko 4 sets sail as a testament to Southern Wind’s craftsmanship and the enduring partnership between the yard and her owner, as Marco Alberti confirmed “I’m thrilled to see another yacht come to life. It has been an honor to build the fourth yacht for this owner—not only for the trust and confidence he has placed in us but also for the opportunity to deepen our friendship".
The Southern Wind team wishes fair winds to Kiboko 4 and her crew
