Kalantis: Third unit in Southern Wind's SW108 series launched

South African shipyard, Southern Wind, has announced the launch of the third unit from its 35.5-metre SW108 sailing yacht series, now christened Kalantis. The sailing yacht hit the water at the yard's Cape Town facilities during a moonlight christening. 

Kalantis follows the first unit in the series, Gelliceaux, which was delivered in 2023, and the second unit, Kiboko 4, which was delivered in March this year, although the yard notes the new unit's "new [and] distinctive flair".

The unit was commissioned by 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 the experienced owner could also enjoy extended stays on board. Both exterior and interiors are owed to Nauta Design, while Farr Yacht Design 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. "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, which makes her "a formidable sailing machine".

A standout feature is the aft deck, or "Seaside Lounge", where a transom door system opens to reveal a beach club. 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 water sports equipment. A 5.2-metre carbon tender will be stored in the custom-designed foredeck recess, which transforms into an additional lounging area when empty.

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.

Accommodation is across four cabins for eight guests, comprising a versatile owner's cabin forward (named "Petit Salon" by the owners) and three guest cabins 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. 

"At Southern Wind, we love challenges, and when the owner told us his design brief, we worked hard to achieve his high expectations to create a yacht that will make a lasting impression on any passionate sailor," added Sean Cumming, Southern Wind's project manager for the build of Kalantis.

"Every time I visit this yard, I’m reminded this is more than a shipyard, it’s a family," Matthew Satchwell, Kalantis’ owner’s representative, said at the launch. "You see it in the way people talk to each other, the way teams support one another, and the pride in every detail. As a proud South African, I have to say when our people come together, something special happens. That Mzansi spirit, heart, hard work, pride and grit, can turn the impossible into something remarkable."

Delivery of Kalantis is expected in 2026. According to BOATPro, Southern Wind has four yachts currently on order or under construction, including its new flagship, the 37.5-metre yacht known as SW123.