Southern Wind announces that the construction of the new SW105 GT, the fourth unit of the SW105 miniseries, is underway at the shipyard in Cape Town. Showing the versatility of the SW105 platform as penned by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, the yacht is being designed and constructed for a first-time Southern Wind owner.
Just like a classic Gran Turismo car is designed for speed across long distances, this project is conceived as an elegant and fast bluewater cruiser than can also be enjoyed for shorter jaunts.
The fourth unit of the SW105 miniseries will have a light configuration with a generous sail plan while still retaining all of the characteristic features of a Southern Wind yacht. Jim Schmicker, Vice President of Farr Yacht Design explains: “For the configuration of SW105#4 we had the opportunity to install a fully optimized lifting keel with 5.9m draft that includes a reduced bulb weight resulting in a fine-tuned balance between upwind and downwind performance. The SW105 GT has a generous sail area for excellent acceleration and performance in light winds and downwind in all wind speeds. Her parameters compare favourably with other well-known competitors on the superyacht circuit”.
Weight optimization
Particular attention was given to weight optimization making for a displacement reduction of over 3 tons compared to her sisterships. In fact, the SW105 GT will have a full carbon hull and Nomex and pre-preg foredeck and cockpit. The hydraulic and electric power management systems were also carefully engineered and designed for a lightweight and efficient yacht.
“In the wake of the performance attitude of SW105#02 Kiboko, some of the special features requested by SW105 #2’s owner have been carried over into the standard specification of this new project. The vessel is being engineered for a deeper lifting keel (3.8-5.90m), a higher righting moment and stiffer hull for reduced forestay sag. The increase in righting moment opens up options like carrying a square top mainsail, which will be an impressive sight combined with the new deck design”, explains Paul Dumbell, Technical Coordinator at Southern Wind Shipyard.
The exteriors
The SW105 GT will have a completely new deck layout, carefully conceived by Nauta Design to meet the owner’s brief.
The yacht will stand out for the sleek lines of her carbon coachroof and, in the words of Nauta Design’s founders Massimo Gino and Mario Pedol, will express emotion even at anchor: “By researching the most efficient ways to sail, both for the helmsman and for the tailers, and distilling the most important elements of the deck layout Nauta achieved a very appealing look that expresses performance potential and aerodynamic efficiency,” they say.
Compared to SW105 DS and RS versions, this new GT version has a wider cockpit area on a single level. The helm positions have been moved closer to the gunwales for better views forward and aloft.
The interiors
The SW105 GT’s interior will feature Southern Wind Shipyard’s most popular owner’s cabin forward layout with some important custom features that differentiate her from her sisterships and prove the flexibility of this semicustom platform.
Aft of the saloon SW105#4 has two cabins, an en suite VIP cabin with a walk-around bed and a second en suite twin guest cabin. Other special features of this yacht’s interior are the day head and studio fore of the saloon. With a deep sofa and a large desk, this space easily converts to an en suite double cabin.
The crew area aft is a working environment for five and includes an en-suite Capitan’s cabin. The interior style will be elegant and comfortable but still functional and seafaring. Particular attention is being paid to sound insulation for guests’ privacy and comfort.
The yacht is scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2021.