The New SW96 Liberty Splashed Down in Cape Town
The fifth vessel of the renowned SW96 project has been launched in Cape Town. This particular yacht was crafted for a repeat Southern Wind client seeking a blend of leisurely cruising with family and heightened performance. Crafted through the collaborative efforts of Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, the SW96 Liberty represents a progression of the SW96 series, placing a heightened focus on competitive sailing.
Guiding the construction team in Cape Town is Niki Jennings, who holds the distinction of being Southern Wind’s first female Project Manager, drawing upon her extensive 14-year tenure with the company to excel in this role.
Godmother of the yacht, as per the owner’s desires, she proudly introduces her baby: “Every yacht we build represents an adventure, and the one with Liberty has been a memorable one. This is the kind of project Southern Wind loves to build. The brief closely aligned with our own principles of building elegant performance cruisers that are practical and seaworthy. At every point of decision making, these principles were considered. That is not to say that aesthetics, and the occasional folly, did not play a role. They certainly did. Liberty would not be a true Southern Wind if she didn’t have the characteristic Italian style.”
SW96 Liberty will now undertake extensive sea trials in the waters of Cape Town before heading to the Mediterranean for her first Summer season.
About SW96 Liberty
The hull and deck of the yacht are constructed using a sandwich technique, incorporating a foam core and infused carbon skins to reduce weight. With a lightship displacement of 62 tonnes and a tall rig, it boasts impressive speed even in light airs. Enhancing its performance-oriented design, the yacht is equipped with a Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and carbon boom, along with EC6+ carbon rigging featuring double-backstay pre-configuration to accommodate both pinhead and square top mainsails.
SW96 Liberty’s hull design comprises full waterlines with straight-end diagonals, a wide, low transom, and generous forward sections. Together with a fixed bowsprit, a lifting keel (3.4-5.5m), and twin rudder configuration, these features ensure ease of sailing and control across diverse conditions.
Featuring a Raised Saloon layout, the yacht boasts a sleek coachroof adorned with panoramic windows that flood the interior with natural light. Additional illumination is provided by the largest hull portlights in the series. Notably, its deck incorporates the latest Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom, a first for the series.
Inside, the yacht offers a three-guest cabin layout, with a spacious TV area located forward of the saloon and a generously sized owner’s suite boasting ample closet space at the bow. The aft crew area includes a sizable captain’s cabin on the portside and a crew cabin on the starboard side.