"Liberty" measures a good 29 metres, including the bowsprit 31.41 metres. The Slup is a typical representative of the South African brand through and through - an elegant, high-performance cruiser that should also score points on regatta courses. Aesthetics played a major role, says project manager Niki Jennings, "she wouldn't be a real Southern Wind if she didn't have that Italian style".
High-performance carbon rig, design by Nauta
The hull and deck of the almost seven metre wide superyacht were built using a sandwich construction with a foam core and carbon decking. Her light displacement of around 62 tonnes and her sophisticated, high rig deliver outstanding speed and acceleration. For top performance, "Liberty" was fitted with a Hall Spars carbon mast and boom as well as an EC6+ carbon rig with double backstays, which is preconfigured for both mainsails with pinhead and square top. Doyle Italia supplied the sails.
Farr Yacht Design drew the hull of the superyacht under sail - with a continuous waterline, a wide, low transom and a fixed bowsprit. Thanks to the lifting keel (3.4 to 5.5 metres) and the twin rudder configuration, the SW96 should also be easy to sail and steer.
Nauta Design was responsible for the interior and exterior design. For example, "Liberty" was the first SW96 to be fitted with a "twin-fold" transom and a raised saloon roof with panoramic windows, which floods the spacious saloon with plenty of daylight. Massimo Gino from Nauta confirms that the deck and various details of the number five have been brought up to date and refers to the teak and coaming panelling. "Below deck, light, calm wood colours provide a modern elegance and an inviting ambience," he says. This feeling is further emphasised by the soft fabrics and nuanced textures, the work of Cape Town-based interior designers Ebony Design.
Superyacht with five cabins for guests and crew
The yacht has three guest cabins below deck, each with its own shower/WC, while the owners use the suite in the bow. There is a separate TV lounge in front of the midships saloon with corner sofa and dining table. The aft area is reserved for the crew, with two cabins, navigation corner, galley and crew mess - all with direct access to the technical and engine rooms.
The owner - a European who has already commissioned his second Southern Wind with the 96 - is very satisfied after his first sailing experience off Cape Town: "The yacht has fully met my expectations, it was fantastic to be at the helm for the first time." He is now looking forward to sailing extensively with his family in the Mediterranean this summer.
