Third 36m Southern Wind SW108 sailing yacht Kalantis delivered

South African shipyard Southern Wind has announced the delivery of the third unit from its SW108 sailing yacht series, Kalantis. The 35.5-metre new build has now departed the yard's Cape Town sheds to Palma de Mallorca, where she will make her world debut at the Palma International Boat Show in April. 

Kalantis follows the first unit in the series, Gelliceaux, delivered in 2023, and the second unit, Kiboko 4, delivered in March 2025, though the yard noted the new build's "new [and] distinctive flair". She was launched in November last year at a moonlight christening and has since been described by her owner as the “ultimate expression of freedom”.

The sailing yacht's owner is a "young and passionate sailor" who intends to use the full-carbon SW108 for racing and global cruising. The brief emphasised the need for multi-functionality, so he could also enjoy extended stays on board, which was tasked to Nauta, for the exterior and interior design, and Farr Yacht Design, who completed the naval architecture. 

“The brief of the owner was very clear and ambitious: to enjoy full comfort while exploring remote parts of the world, and, at the same time, to compete on the race courses with real intention," explained Marco Alberti, Southern Wind CEO, at Kalantis' launch. "This duality pushed us even more to refine our solutions for versatility and performance, aiming for the Perfect Balance. Kalantis not only extends the boundaries of the SW108 platform but also shows how far Smart Custom can go when guided by a clear and forward-looking vision.”

The SW108 benefits from a high-modulus carbon mast and boom, a lifting keel between four and 6.2 metres and titanium deck fittings, offering a displacement of just 74.2 tons, to make her "a formidable sailing machine".

“Every decision regarding deck and interior arrangements was evaluated for weight and performance implications," explained Britton Ward, naval architect at Farr Yacht Design. "Adjustments were made to the sail plan and bulb design to achieve the desired performance and stability profile. The final configuration features a high-modulus carbon rig with EC6 carbon rigging supporting a generous square-headed mainsail."

Aside from performance, a standout feature on board Kalantis is her aft deck, or "Seaside Lounge", where a transom door system opens to create a waterside terrace. This space can be configured in multiple ways with large sunbeds, L-shaped seating, transformable coffee tables or even an outdoor cinema. Below, the lazarette is dedicated to the storage of toys and watersports equipment. 

Forward, the custom-designed foredeck recess stores a 5.7-metre carbon tender, though the space transforms into an additional lounging area when empty. The yacht's twin-cockpit design separates the sailing and guest areas, the latter of which features generous C-shaped seating protected by a bimini and sprayhood. 

Kalantis' deck layout is defined by clean geometries and the signature Southern Wind look, yet the owner's brief required as much natural light as possible in the interior without compromising her profile. As a result, a newly designed coachroof with a central skylight that flares outward on the forward end has been installed, allowing for a significant amount of light and space below deck.

Co-founder of Nauta Design, Massimo Gino, explained: “The sleek flush deck gives Kalantis a sporty and contemporary profile while remaining true to our GT deck philosophy. The coachroof, finished in teak, introduces warmth and a timeless character.”

Accommodation is across four cabins for eight guests, comprising an owner's cabin and a versatile guest cabin (named "Petit Salon" by the owners), which can also serve as a studio, positioned forward. The remaining two cabins (one twin and one double) are located amidships. This arrangement allows for an L-shaped social area forward of the saloon, including living and dining areas as well as a television lounge. Crew areas are located aft.

"Natural light is central to the atmosphere below deck, enhanced by large hull windows and the forward skylight," Gino added. "Planked walnut defines the interior architecture, accented with darker walnut battens that introduce rhythm and structure throughout the space. This motif begins at the keel trunk cover and continues through key interior surfaces, creating a sense of continuity within the saloon."

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Kalantis was launched at a moonlight christening in November

Silvia Sacchi, interior technical coordinator at Southern Wind, concluded: “When we started designing this yacht, the owner asked for something very special: an interior that felt organic, smooth, detailed, modern and natural, but also something carrying the echo of ancient civilisations, a space that felt timeless, almost mythical."

"We shaped everything through curves, warm tones and inviting textures. Nothing sharp, nothing cold. Just a soft, flowing environment where every surface feels intentional and alive," Sacchi continued. "Kalantis is more than a design: she tells a story. From the drafters to the artisans, the entire team has been deeply involved with passion and dedication.”

According to BOATPro, Southern Wind has three yachts currently on order or under construction, including its new flagship, the 37.5-metre yacht known as SW123.