on 13 Aug 2023
With a focus on outstanding performance, innovative design and advanced technology, Southern Wind has launched SW108#1, the first SW108 HYBRID yacht.
A milestone for the shipyacht’s luxury, high performance smart custom yachts. SW108#01 is the company’s first model conceived and engineered from the outset as a diesel-electric hybrid. Drawing experience from the recent design loop of SW96-04 Nyumba, which has a similar BAE HybriGen propulsion system, Southern Wind further optimised the position of the 108’s internal structure to suit the hybrid drive layout.
“Gelliceaux [SW108#1] is the first unit of the new SW108 model which perfectly embraces the SW concept of Smart Custom,” says Southern Wind CEO Marco Alberti. “But being the first of a new series she is in reality very close to being a full custom boat.”
With exterior and interior penned by Nauta Design and naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design, SW108#01 is characterized by a strong focus on performance.
“The production of SW108 begins with a well-canvassed, very powerful arrangement for exceptional performance in light winds, but also up through the wind range,” says Jim Schmicker, vice president of Farr Yacht Design. “SW108#01 owners were keen on the hybrid propulsion system which adds weight and some propeller installation drag. Through several design loops the sail area and keel weight were fine-tuned to the owners’ goals for performance and also for stability and sail carrying power.”
He says, to achieve the desired light wind performance, the model’s sail area was increased by 7% as well as righting moment by 18% through the fitting of a larger bulb on the lifting keel compared to a standard SW108. In 8 kts of wind, a 12 kts boat speed can be achieved, while downwind in a breeze, 20.8 kts is expected.
SW108#01 is characterised by a deck design specifically created to meet the owners’ detailed brief. The new deck layout is fresh but immediately recognisable for its clean, sober geometries that include all the touchstones of the GT look in a new configuration.
SW108#01 has a coachroof that allows lots of light to flow into the yacht through a central skylight and side windows. The design is more sporty and low slung than other 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 with incorporated hatches to let natural air flow into the cabins below.
The deck plan and interior layout, both by Nauta Design, are also fully optimised for long-range ocean passages with the owners, who are both passionate sailors and who will be accompanied by their teenage children, onboard.
“The deck, while showing a sleek line, is very protective with its lower guest cockpit that will welcome owners, guests and children in a very well sheltered and safe space behind the coachroof and dodger,” says project manager Christophe Harvey. “The foredeck was also a focus of the designers’ attention with four winches at the mast step to safely handle all manoeuvres and a huge deck locker to store a staysail and a gennaker.”
SW108#01 stands out for her transom/beach club and garage solutions. When the yacht is at anchor, the twin-fold transom concept allows the guests to have a direct connection with the sea. By opening the aft portion of the deck together with the transom door, the swim platform doubles its surface area, to a total of about 10 sqm. The garage is designed to fit a 5.05 m diesel jet tender.
The interior features a four-cabin arrangement. The owner’s cabin is forward in the quietest area of the yacht and three additional guest cabins are amidship.
The guest accommodation is centred around the spacious and split level main saloon that features an eight-person dining table to port and an innovative and extended settee along the starboard side that combines the saloon with the TV lounge, creating a large communal living space where the owners can relax and enjoy meals with their friends and family.
The completely new interior style of SW108#01 is a beautiful achievement. New furniture geometries, a refined mood board and sophisticated lighting all complement in a holistic way, offering a sense of warmth and elegance. The result is an elegant and refined interior space, utilising a neutral palette with warm undertones that are reflected in the wooden panelling.
One of the many special features of SW108#01 Hybrid is the sophisticated lighting system. The SW108#01 Hybrid features a unique lighting design conceived by PSLab which proposed a beautiful concept to create both a bright and lively ambiance during the day and a very warm and cozy atmosphere when evening comes. The lighting system has been conceived with the aim of offering the highest possible quality of light installed so discreetly to be only slightly visible at the source.
“The conception of this yacht has been stimulating since day one. It’s great to meet owners who trust you and give you input to do something new while relying on the yard’s expertise,” says Andrea Micheli, chief commercial officer at Southern Wind Shipyard.
“We were glad to be supported in the process by Sebastian Allebrodt of A2B Marine, the project manager who accompanied the client during the design and construction process. The success of this Smart Custom Yacht hinges on the positive and constructive interaction between the owners’ team and the yard. This unique approach offers the ultimate alternative to a full custom construction.”
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