Discover SW123: the pinnacle of Smart Custom Yacht Building

Sailing boat

06/03/2025 - 16:15

In the presence of a select group of industry journalists, invited to Cape Town for this special occasion, Southern Wind officially presented its new flagship, the SW123, the largest yacht built to date by the yard.

Penned by the expert teams of Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, SW123 will be the lightest performance cruiser in its range, delivering the perfect balance between high-performance and comfort and guaranteeing the deep connection with the sea expected from a true sailing yacht.

"The SW123 is based on a versatile design platform that can be adapted to suit her owner’s expectations and intended usage. Whether the preference is for a long-range bluewater cruiser, regatta champion or successful charter yacht, the SW123 can be optimized to match the design brief of the Owner’s dream yacht. Following the Smart Custom philosophy, the initial platform has been created so that Owners can adapt certain features to their objective while leaving the reliable and tested base structure untouched." Andrea Micheli, Southern Wind CCO.

The first unit of SW123 is already under construction with launch scheduled for February 2027.

The new SW123 incorporates and advances the styling, hull design, appendages, and construction concepts continually evolving from the earlier designs.

VERSATILITY

Following on the success of the SW108 Smart Custom, the SW123 is available in different keel configurations, sail plans, deck configurations (GT, X-Crossover) and different interior styles and layouts giving each yacht its own unique personality.

"The Southern Wind 123 embodies the smart custom concept, offering a refined platform that allows for tailored deck geometry designs and interior styles to customize each yacht according to the owners desire and vision, while maintaining a proven structure. In this size range, its versatility in exterior architecture and styling, and in the interior functions, ensures a high-end yachting experience." Massimo Gino, Nauta Design.

The hull shape of the SW123 has been developed to accommodate a twin rudder configuration in conjunction with either a lifting or telescopic keel, giving a manageable draft of 3.85m (keel raised).

"The generously wide aft sections and transom of the SW123 allow for more internal volume and deck area. This ample width is carefully balanced with extra volume in the forward sections to ensure the yacht remains in control with a level fore-and-aft trim when sailing at typical upwind heel angle." Jim Schmicker, Farr Yacht Design.

DEFINE YOUR CONNECTION TO THE SEA

The SW123’s exceptionally wide aft cockpit allows for two distinct transom configurations.

The twin-fold transom system transforms the yacht’s aft section into a beach club and tender/toy garage, offering a unique experience at sea. The garage is designed to accommodate a premium tender of 5,35 m capable of carrying 9 people such as Castoldi Jet Tender 17 or Williams Sportjet 540.

The Seaside Lounge transom design allows for a significantly larger beach club area and swim platform in addition to creating a versatile lounge area.

DEFINE YOUR COMFORT 

As in the Smart Custom philosophy, the interior layout can be fully customised, while respecting the position of the technical rooms, to offer the maximum comfort and privacy to guests and crew.

SW123 offers a four-guest cabin plus a spacious and inviting social area forward of the saloon, seamlessly integrating the living and dining spaces with a comfortable TV lounge.
All guest cabins can be conceived as multifunctional to be used as an onboard studio with day head, a gym/sauna or converted into a regular cabin.
SW123 presents a generously proportioned main saloon that is the centerpiece for onboard living. It is a large single open space where ten guests can relax and converse in sumptuous comfort on sofas or around the eight to ten seat dining table.
The crew area is thoughtfully designed to provide an efficient living and working space for five to six members, featuring three ensuite cabins.

The engine room is spacious, with access provided through a fully equipped technical room. SW123 is offered with IMO Tier III compliant traditional Diesel Propulsion or built for the future with a serial hybrid power and propulsion system with an integrated high-voltage energy storage system.

The first SW123 is already under construction and scheduled for launch in February 2027.

Designed for fast, exhilarating long-range cruising, she offers unmatched comfort and luxury and will be offered on the charter market.

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