South African shipyard Southern Wind has announced a new line of 30.4-metre sailing yachts called SW100X. The semi-custom series was presented at a press conference in Cape Town attended by members of the media.
According to the yard, the design of the SW100X is based on Southern Wind's original ethos of "all-seas fast cruising" but has been reimagined with a focus on the cruiser market. The aim is to replicate "the comfort of home in a worldwide cruiser".
To be built in composite, the new model features interior and exterior design by Nauta Design with naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design. The yard is aiming for an 18-month build time.
The new model bears similarities to the SW100, which was first launched in 20016 and sold 13 units in a five-year period. Key differences include a new deck layout with a modern coachroof that allows 270-degree panoramic views from the saloon and a new deck arrangement that prioritises flexibility and freedom of movement.
Read More/Taniwha: Southern Wind's new 35m regatta-ready sailing superyacht"Other visible change on deck is the coamings are pushed out to the side so the cockpit feels larger, more like the size of the 120 [foot yacht]," said Andrea Micheli, Southern Wind's commercial director.
The SW100X has a versatile aft deck with a waterfront relaxation area complemented by large sunbeds and a swim platform and there is tender storage hidden under the floor which can transversely store a Williams 435 tender. In total, this area covers more than 20 square metres. "The challenge to creating the seaside lounge was incorporating this with a garage," said Micheli.
Micheli went on to explain that the SW100X was conceived with safety and go-anywhere capabilities in mind. "The 100x is aiming for a different market," he said. "It has a smaller sail plan, lighter rig, less ballast and less displacement."
The model will be available with both hybrid and traditional propulsion packages and will feature a fixed keel or telescopic keel option, but not a lifting keel. It will have a four-cabin layout with a charter-friendly configuration. "[It] makes it a good proposal for dual charterers, as each family can be with themselves," Micheli noted.
The new model launch coincides with sea trials of the first hybrid Southern Wind sailing yacht Nyumba.