When the keel bomb of the SW123 GT is wetted with Cape Town harbour water for the first time in spring 2027, "Thalima" will have been the flagship of Southern Wind Shipyard (SWS) for the longest time. The 33.65 metre long sloop then led the fleet of the South African shipyard with an Italian superstructure for a full 17 years. The SW123, planned at 37.50 metres in length, is set to become the lightest performance cruiser from the SWS halls and offer a perfect balance between performance and comfort. This is supported by experienced teams, proven laminating processes and a high level of vertical integration.
Maximum individual Southern Wind
The first fabric should soon be laid in Cape Town. Southern Wind showed photos in which the wooden master model is already surrounded by the negative mould. The Corecell-based fuselage shell with carbon fibres, which are combined with epoxy resin by vacuum infusion, is created in this mould. It cannot be ruled out that further SW123 units will emerge from the mould. The supersailer market is doing well. Nevertheless, a second construction number is unlikely to resemble the first.
"The SW123 is based on a versatile design platform that can be adapted to the owner's expectations and intended use - whether they want a long-distance blue water cruiser, a regatta champion or a successful charter yacht," emphasises Southern Winds CCO Andrea Micheli. The shipyard, founded in 1991 by Italian Willy Persico, calls the high degree of customisation Smart Custom.
Fast lines from Farr
Building on the success of the SW108 Smart Custom Southern Wind builds the SW123 with different sail plans, keels and deck layouts. The first unit is built in the GT configuration with a short and flat superstructure, the alternative consists of a deck saloon and shorter cockpit (X-Crossover). The crack is set, once again supplied by Farr Yacht Design. The 808th design in the history of the design office from the US state of Maryland relies on a twin rudder system with lift or telescopic keel.
"The generous width of the stern and transom allows for more interior volume and deck space. Balancing this creates additional volume forward to maintain full control with the typical heeling angle on the wind," reveals Jim Schmicker from Farr Yacht Design. The double-folding transom transforms the aft section of the SW123 into a beach club and garage for tenders up to 5.35 metres long.
Freedom continues under the deck
The Genoese designers from Nauta Design, who were involved in the conceptualisation, are also once again part of the project team and are developing the deck layout and interior in line with the Smart Custom philosophy. Only the positions of the technical rooms are fixed. In construction number 1, the largest cabin fills the foredeck, while the saloon is framed by two guest cabins aft and one forward. The crew area is designed to provide an efficient living and working space for five to six members and comprises three cabins with en-suite bathrooms.
Technical data Southern Wind 123
- Lüa: 37,46 m
- LWL: 34,4 m
- Width: 8,18 m
- Draught (telescopic keel): 3,8 - 5,9 m
- Displacement: 108 t
- Motor: Hybrid drive system
- Construction: Farr Yacht Design
- Concept: Nauta Design and Southern Wind Shipyard with Farr Yacht Nauta Design
- Deck & Interior: Nauta Design
- Systems: Southern Wind Shipyard
