This is a rare layout, previously reserved for larger yachts. The new Southerly 420 can therefore fulfil several requirements of cruising and blue water sailors at the same time: a high, fully protected cockpit and exquisite living comfort thanks to maximum volume below deck.
In addition, there are the advantages of the typical centre-cockpit layout with the spacious owner's cabin and its own wet room aft. The galley is mounted lengthways in the passageway from the saloon to the aft cabin, as is usual for centre-cockpit yachts. In the raised saloon area with the double-sided sofas, up to six people can sit comfortably at the fold-out table and dine together. The navigation is also raised. Thanks to the large panoramic windows on the superstructure, it is also possible to steer the ship from here in bad weather, albeit only to a limited extent. The foredeck accommodates another large double cabin with its own bathroom.
The Southerly 420 is equipped with a self-tacking jib at the shipyard; there is no alternative to this rig plan with a genoa. Active sailors can order a gennaker or spinnaker as an option in the equipment package. Typical of the yachts from the Northshore Yachts shipyard programme in Ipswich, East England, the new yacht is also equipped with the integral keel system. The ballast centreboard is completely retracted into the hull. With the double rudder and the propeller protected by a fixed skeg, this Southerly can also dry out anywhere without any problems.
The 420 will cost around 460,000 euros at launch. The ship was shown as a world premiere at the London Boat Show at the beginning of January. The sales partner for Southerly in Germany is the company Ancora Marina in Neustadt.
Technical data Southerly 420:
Lüa (hull length): 12.86 m
LWL (waterline length): 11.11 m
Width: 4.03 m
Weight: 11.5 tonnes
Draft integral keel: 0.77-2.67 m
Sail area downwind: 73.5 square metres
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
