For the first test of the sail systems, Southern Wind Shipyard chose a day with a moderate southerly breeze and no clouds in the sky, especially not over the Table Mountain plateau. A "set table" would have meant that the local wind engine known as the "Cape Doctor" or "Southeaster" would have sent strong gusts across the bay. However, this meant that the Doyle sail laminate and the carbon rig could be adjusted in peace and quiet and the lift keel, double rudder system and hydraulic winches could be put to the test.
The 29.24 metre long "Nyumbaᴳᵀ" is the fourth unit from the small series launched in 2017 with Farr and Nauta Design, of which a fifth model is already under construction. The abbreviation GT stands for Gran Turismo, a deck configuration realised for the first time on the SW105 "Taniwha". In concrete terms, this means a shorter superstructure without side windows and a longer cockpit. Massimo Gino from Nauta, who also designed the interior with his Milan studio, explains: "The clear, uncluttered arrangement of the deck equipment makes it easy to circulate on board, and the traveller rail and helm stations have been completely repositioned."
After initially considering a custom project, the owner decided in favour of a 96-foot yacht in line with Southern Wind's "Smart Custom" philosophy. The HybriGen propulsion system, which has already been tried and tested by BAE on land and in the commercial sector, is said to have tipped the scales in favour of the South African shipyard. Marco Alberti, CEO of Southern Wind, says: "The BAE HybriGen propulsion system and Hundested controllable pitch propeller improve propulsion performance and the ability to generate power under sail. The advanced 650-volt energy storage system and electric efficiency enable zero-emission propulsion, long range and long quiet nights in hotel mode." Key elements of the system were designed redundantly by BAE and Southern Wind.
Technical data "Nyumbaᴳᵀ"
- Length over everything: 29.24 metres
- Waterline length: 26.80 metres
- Width:6.95 metres
- Displacement (empty): 58.8 tonnes
- Draft lift keel: 3.40 to 5.50 metres
