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"Kalantis"35 metre slup on test drive

Martin Hager

 · 17.02.2026

The 35-metre carbon slipper "Kalantis" on the wind in Table Bay off Cape Town.
Photo: SWS, Oriol Esteve
The 35.31 metre long "Kalantis" is currently undergoing sea trials in Table Bay off Cape Town. The third unit of the SW108 model from the South African shipyard Southern Wind was ordered by an experienced sailor who plans to sail around the world as well as take part in regattas.
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The 35.31-metre carbon-fibre sloop sits alongside its sister ships "Gelliceaux" and "Kiboko 4" which were launched in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The Italian management of the South African shipyard Southern Wind describes "Kalantis" as a yacht that "reflects the strong personality of its owner". The exterior and interior styling was created by Nauta Design, while the US design office Farr Yacht Design was responsible for the fast hull lines and structural calculations. The owner formulated clear wishes: maximum comfort when exploring remote regions and enough sailing performance to be able to compete ambitiously in maxi and superyacht regattas. This dual role as a blue water yacht and racing machine characterised the entire design of the "Kalantis".

"Kalantis" owner wished for the best sailing performance

The design of the "Kalantis" consistently favours weight reduction. The hull, deck and bulkheads are made of carbon fibre, supplemented by a high-modulus mast and boom. A lifting keel and a wide range of titanium fittings complete the lightweight construction. The newly designed deckhouse in the characteristic GT look has a central skylight that allows a view forwards from the saloon. This solution creates a bright, open atmosphere in the interior and at the same time improves visibility when navigating. The choice of materials and construction details aim to maximise rigidity while minimising weight. The lift keel ranges from four to 6.2 metres deep as well as numerous titanium components. With a displacement of 74 tonnes, the latest SW108 is set to become a real sailing machine, which it has not yet proved to be on the transfer voyage to the Mediterranean.

Flexible room layout for eight guests

"Kalantis" offers space for up to eight guests in four cabins. The owner's suite is located in the forward area, three further guest cabins are located amidships. The owner's suite is located forward, with three further guest cabins amidships. The forward VIP cabin, called the "Petit Salon" by the owner, is a versatile space that can be converted into a studio, single cabin or double bunk bed cabin as required. This arrangement creates a spacious L-shaped communal area, while a comfortable TV lounge is positioned forward on the starboard side.

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Seaside lounge with direct water access

The stern presents a special feature: the aft deck and transom arrangement, known as the Seaside Lounge, opens up to a beach club that offers direct access to the water. Below this area, the lazarette serves as storage space for water sports equipment and toys. The foredeck has been fitted with a recess that accommodates a custom-made 5.2 metre carbon tender. This tender converts into an additional sunbathing area. Propulsion is provided by a single Cummins engine. The test runs off Cape Town will serve to test all systems under realistic conditions before Kalantis embarks on her first longer cruises.

Technical data SW108 "Kalantis":

  • Overall length: 35.51 m
  • Width: 7.51 m
  • Draught: 4-6.2 m
  • Material: Full carbon fibre (hull, deck and bulkheads)
  • Mast and boom: high-modulus carbon fibre
  • Cabins: 4 guest cabins for up to 8 people
  • Construction: Farr Yacht Design
  • Exterior/interior: Nauta Design
  • Shipyard: Southern Wind Shipyard, Cape Town
Martin Hager

Martin Hager

Editor in Chief YACHT

Martin Hager is editor-in-chief of the titles YACHT and BOOTE EXCLUSIV and has been working for Delius Klasing Verlag for 20 years. He was born in Heidelberg in 1978 and started sailing at the age of six, in an Opti of course. This was soon followed by 420s, Sprinta Sport and 470s, which he also sailed on the regatta course with his brother. His parents regularly took him on charter trips through the Greek and Balearic Islands. Even at a young age, it was clear to him that he wanted to turn his passion for water sports into a career. After graduating from high school and completing an internship at the Rathje boatbuilding company in Kiel, it was clear that he did not want to become a classic boatbuilder. Instead, he successfully studied shipbuilding and marine engineering in the Schleswig-Holstein state capital and focused on yacht design wherever he could. His diploma thesis dealt with the “Testing of a new speed prediction method for sailing yachts”. In 2004, the superyacht magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV was looking for an editor with technical and nautical background knowledge, a position that was perfect for Martin Hager. The application was successful and a two-year traineeship was arranged. After twelve years as an editor, the editorial team changed and he took over responsibility for BOOTE EXCLUSIV as editor-in-chief in 2017. After long-time YACHT editor-in-chief Jochen Rieker moved to the role of publisher, Martin Hager also took over the position of editor-in-chief of Europe's largest sailing magazine YACHT, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year, at the beginning of 2023. When he's not working on topics for the two water sports titles, Martin Hager likes to go out on the water himself - preferably with kite and wingfoil equipment or on a little after-work trip across the Alster.

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