on 21 Mar 2023
South African boatbuilders Southern Wind has launched the new SW100X Allseas fast cruiser, a semi-custom vessel characterised by clean, elegant lines and a modern coachroof.
Stemming from the DNA of the Cape Town-based company, the new SW100X is an evolution of the acclaimed SW100 and SW102 mini-series that marked Southern Wind’s position in the 30m performance sailing yachts category.
The SW100X stands out for its fresh, functional and contemporary design, combining the very latest naval architecture technology, aerofoil techniques and hydrodynamic design.
Another creation of the partnership between Southern Wind, Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, the SW100X project has been in the conceptual stage for several years. However, the longer design process has allowed this project an exclusive level of calibration and efficiency both in the yacht design phase and in the building process.
Functionality is the core of the new model. Featuring ample outdoor spaces including an aft deck that can be fitted with a seaside lounge and swim platform, a first for the boatbuilder, the yacht’s carefully designed deck and well-thought interior layout ensures the yacht can be easily managed by a reduced crew and has built-in redundancies. Its modern and efficient systems are user-friendly and can be serviced worldwide.
“Twenty years ago we conceived the first SW100. Today we are back to the drawing board with the aim to launch the iconic SW100 into the future,” says Southern Wind CCO Andrea Micheli. “At the time, the first series of SW100 set a benchmark for the whole sector in terms of ergonomics, efficiency, and interior layout.”
“SW100X re-visits the enduring legacy of the SW100 with added experience and knowledge,” continues Micheli. “While SW108 and SW96 Smart Custom appeal to those who desire to achieve more at no compromise, the SW100X winks at those owners who are looking for a simple and fast decision process, functional solutions and an efficient and cost-effective construction.”
According to the company, the SW100X will offer an exclusive combination of high quality and good value, providing owners with the opportunity to cruise the oceans comfortably and safely, as well as an option to participate in competitive racing.
Comfort is assured on board, thanks to the boat’s high-volume interiors: the SW100 features the Classic Southern Wind four-cabin interior plus a multi-purpose area for a TV lounge, work space or bar. The large and comfortable crew area aft hosts up to four crew in two en-suite cabins.
“The SW100X will be an efficient yacht, also in the way it is built,” says Southern Wind CEO Marco Alberti. “The mandatory high quality and reliability standard of the SW100X are obtained while constantly remaining cost conscious during the building process. This is thanks to a wide range of pre-determined options and solutions that SW has in place which offer a leaner decision process in project development. The optimized usage of sustainable procedures and materials in the construction of tooling as well as of the yacht itself will make this yacht both sustainable and efficient.”
The deck design has been carefully created by Nauta Design in collaboration with Southern Wind to offer guests the freedom of movement, a clear line of vision while steering and maximum comfort. This includes wheels and winches that have been moved as far back towards the stern as possible to ensure a flowing open space. The new modern coach-roof design allows for a 270-degree°panoramic outside view from the light and spacious saloon, while the multipurpose aft lounge can be furnished with sunbeds, L-shaped seating, or even a coffee table.
“The reverse windshield enhances the distinctive sporty character of the roof design, while the new cockpit arrangement provides additional space for sunbathing and relaxing,” says Massimo Gino from Nauta Design. “The under patent aft cockpit coamings, coined “wing islands”, where steering stations and winches are placed, have been moved further outboard to optimize the visibility and line of sight from the helm positions, resulting in an incredibly wider aft cockpit space to get width for a 4.35m transversally stored tender and the outdoor beach club.”
But the SW100X’s main innovation can be found in the groundbreaking design of the versatile Seaside Lounge, part of a design ethos that encourages al fresco living. In response to a demand for larger swim platforms and more versatile use of the aft deck, Southern Wind developed, in collaboration with Nauta, the new Seaside Lounge system that creates a 20.2sqm beach club linked directly to the enlarged swim platform and to the sea itself.
Beyond, there’s a storage spot for a Williams 435 SportJet tender; Southern Wind says it developed this design in response to requests for larger swim platforms and more versatile sterns.
As a next-generation sailing superyacht, the SW100X is available with either a traditional Cummins engine or a hybrid propulsion system. In addition, she boasts a 13-foot fixed keel, a separate keel that can be expanded to 18ft, and a propeller that doubles as a hydro generator to produce power under sail, while battery power can be used for docking and berth requirements.
The shipyard will start the mould construction this coming spring and the first launch slot available for a new SW100X is the beginning of 2025.
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