Engineered by Southern Wind Shipyard and penned by Nauta Design and Farr Yacht Design, the new SW108 HYBRID is now under construction.
“The production of SW108 will begin with a well-canvassed, very powerful arrangement for exceptional performance in light winds, but also up through the wind range. Configuration of SW108#01’s propulsion system, sail plan and appendages was optimized through numerous iterations and refinements to meet the owner’s specific performance goals. Southern Wind has the flexibility to accommodate multiple rig and appendage options that will allow the shipyard to tailor the SW108 to many needs and tastes,” explains Jim Schmicker, Vice President of Farr Yacht Design.
The new Southern Wind yacht will feature an increased sail plan, a lifting keel (4.0-6,2m) and a twin rudder configuration, all of which contribute to making her a very powerful yacht. A full carbon hull, deck and bulkheads, high modulus carbon mast and boom, carbon rigging and titanium deck fittings have helped to keep the displacement to only 73.2 tons.
Inspired by GT lines
Inspired by the GT lines of the two latest SWS yachts, SW105 Taniwha and SW96#04 currently under construction, SW108#01 is characterized by a deck design specifically created to meet the owner’s detailed brief, as Massimo Gino from Nauta Design recounts: “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 redesigned coachroof that lets even more light into the yacht through a central skylight and side windows. The design is more sporty and low slung than the most 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. These latter incorporate hatches to let natural airflow into the cabins below.”
The hybrid propulsion system
SW108#01 will feature a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system designed in collaboration with BAE Systems, a global leader in the design and manufacture of technological solutions. “We are collaborating with Southern Wind on electric-hybrid power and propulsion for clean and efficient yacht operation. Our next-generation electric propulsion technology uses a modular design with advanced power electronics to optimize liveable space and extend zero-emissions operation through improved electrical efficiency. A HydroGeneration mode will recharge energy storage when the SW108 is under sail,” says Peter Brooks, Account Manager of Marine and Port Solutions at BAE System.
The system may be operated on three modes:
SILENT MODE: ZERO EMISSIONS / ZERO NOISE – taking power from the battery bank for manoeuvring operations such as anchoring, movements in harbour and pilotage.
DIESEL-ELECTRIC HYBRID MODE – when motoring, allowing for a lower consumption of fuel and the ability to optimize the engine performance. This mode recharges the battery bank while under way.
SAILING MODE-HYDROGENERATION – power is generated by using the propeller as a hydro generator while sailing. Optional adjustable pitch propeller balances the power generation with consideration to the drag coefficient to ensure optimal boat speed and exhilarating sailing.
SW108#01 interior features a 4-cabin layouts: the owner’s cabin is forward in the quietest area of the yacht and 3-guest cabins are amidship. This arrangement allows for a spacious and enjoyable L-shaped social area forward of the saloon that includes living and dining areas and a TV lounge. Hull and deck of this first unit in the new SW108 are currently under lamination and the delivery is scheduled for early Summer 2023.