Summer in Cape Town means sun and wind and sometimes also the launching of a carbon fibre super yacht in the heart of the Mother City. Once again, there was great excitement and joy in the marina at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, even though "Kiboko 4" is the fourth yacht that Southern Wind has built for this owner. The SW108, which is 35.51 metres long with a bowsprit, is the sister ship of "Gelliceaux".
Commenting on the launch, the European owner said: "This yacht represents an evolution for me - building on my previous boats while reflecting Southern Wind's continued progress in producing reliable yachts with increasingly elegant and aggressive lines. Compared to my previous yachts, I have made a leap in performance with a lift keel, an improved sail plan and a powerful mast and rigging package that I hope will make her highly competitive in regattas.
Fourth Southern Wind for the same owner
Farr Yacht Design designed the SW108 with aggressive yet harmonious lines that extend 7.51 metres in width, not just at the stern. The superstructure, deck layout and interior were developed by Nauta Design from Milan. Twin rudders and a 4 to 6.20 metre deep lift keel protrude from the carbon hull. The Cape Town shipyard laminated the hull and deck using the vacuum infusion process - which has been continuously perfected since 2005 - on Corecell cores and with the help of a three-part mould for better resin distribution. As a result, "Kiboko 4" has a displacement of 76 tonnes and is therefore a good two tonnes lighter than its sister "Gelliceaux", which, however, was launched with hybrid propulsion and correspondingly heavy battery banks.
Second unit of the success concept
The lower deck layout of "Kiboko 4" was almost completely taken over from "Gelliceaux", while retaining her unique character and individuality. As Marco Alberti, CEO of Southern Wind, commented: "Build number 1 of the SW108 project proved its excellence by winning the St Barths Bucket Regatta on its debut. True to our Smart Custom philosophy, 'Kiboko 4' stands out with her own personality, similar to the three previous yachts the owner has commissioned from us. Our priorities focused on weight optimisation, performance and aesthetics, while retaining the light, airy Mediterranean ambience of her interiors."
According to the shipyard, the captain played a key role in the construction of "Kiboko 4", working closely with the shipyard throughout the build. Looking to the future, the owner shared his expectations for the Kiboko 4: "She will be first and foremost a family boat, perfect for enjoying summers in the Mediterranean and sailing across the Atlantic and exploring the Caribbean for the first time. I also dream of sailing her up to Maine one day."
Full order books at Southern Wind
For a superyacht shipyard - the interior outfitting is often outsourced - Southern Wind Shipyard has a high level of vertical integration. All customised furniture is built in its own halls in Cape Town. The concept has been well received. The third SW108 will be built for a young owner by November 2025. The sixth SW96 was ordered by a North American customer who wants to take delivery in spring 2026. The first SW100X is being built on a speculative basis and is still waiting for an owner who would like to take delivery of her at the end of 2026. The South African shipyard, which has a sales and marketing office in Genoa, also informed YACHT sister magazine BOOTE EXCLUSIV that a young European family has ordered a new SW flagship. Completion: February 2027!
