Before the 27.50-metre-long carbon-slipper with sporty lines from Reichel Pugh in San Diego embarked on the often challenging non-stop voyage from Cape Town via the Cape Verde Islands to the Mediterranean, extensive sea trials were carried out in Table Bay off the South African metropolis.
These were all the more important because the SW-RP90 model was built as a one-off and not as a mini-series, as was usual for the South African shipyard.
"Although we only used the robust and heavy cruising sails for the test runs, the log regularly showed a boat speed of more than 18 knots," says shipyard manager Marco Alberti with satisfaction. "The owner, captain and the dedicated professional crew were very pleased with the first performance tests."
A lifting keel with a variable draught of 3.80 to 5.80 metres counteracts an upwind sail area of 469 square metres, and the hydraulic system has been optimised for high loads and fast winch speeds.
The South Africans laminated "AllSmoke" from prepreg carbon fibre on a Nomex core and optimised the deck layout for fast regatta manoeuvres. The Nauta team is responsible for the interior design.
Participation in Supermaxi regattas is planned. It is currently planned that there will not be a mini-series.
Four more yachts (two SW96, two SW105) are currently under construction in Southern Wind's halls, two of which are due to be launched this year.
