Third Southern Wind 105 takes to the water

After weeks of extensive sea trials, Power of 2, the third unit of Southern Wind’s SW105 miniseries and first with the new ‘Deck Saloon’ configuration, is ready to leave on her maiden voyage from Cape Town to the North Sea.

The third hull in the SW105 mini-series designed by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, was commissioned by a keen sailor who was looking to step up from a smaller yacht, to a larger one for faster sailing and exploring remote locations in comfort and safety. Power of 2’s twin rudder system combined with the lifting keel (3-5m) allows access to remote shallow ports and anchorages. With the keel down this configuration provides excellent upwind light air performance. Jim Schmicker, vice president of Farr Yacht Design explains: “Twin rudder arrangement works very well with the 3m shallow draft as the rudder blades only extend 2m below the waterline”. He continues: “The interior and keel tower configuration permit a generous addition of 2m resulting in a keel down draft of 5m for excellent performance, stability and comfort. The sail plan and sail design have been tailored to the righting moment generated by the keel and the versatile 105 hull shape.”

Power of 2’s fixed bowsprit with an integrated anchor arm makes for easy anchoring and her clean deck layout with efficiently engineered systems makes for easy sailing in any sea and wind condition.The deck has been cleared of technical clutter where possible, pushing jib sheets and runner retrievers below the side decks. Raising and trimming the mainsail has become simplified with two captive winches controlling the sheet and halyard, all interlinked with the furling boom via a state of the art PLC system that can also be managed by remote control.SW105#03 is built with a ‘Deck Saloon’ configuration. This idea was briefed by the owner and designed by Nauta Design and Southern Wind Shipyard. The coachroof coamings are intended to protect the guest cockpit, at the same time creating aesthetically pleasing lines. In the words of Massimo Gino from Nauta Design:”SW105#03 is the culmination of 20 years’ experience we have gained working with Southern Wind. When an owner decides to reduce the width of the saloon to get a 360’ view, it is down to the designers to provide the maximum effect while maintaining a sporty exterior look and feel, that is pleasing and yet, at the same time, slightly aggressive. This look and feel needs to be created without additional height at the front of the cockpit, which would reduce the all-round vision and also detract from the sporty lines.”

The main saloon is a light, bright open space where eight to ten people can relax together in comfort, on sofas or at the dining table, while enjoying 360° views of the outside. Immediately forward of the living area is a fully equipped custom bar that separates the main saloon from the owner’s private area. The design and placement of the lifting keel allows light to cross the saloon, joining both sides of the yacht.

SW105#03’s interior features Southern Wind Shipyard’s most popular layout with the owner’s cabin forward. This is comprised of four en-suite guest cabins with crew quarters and galley aft; a layout that allows maximum privacy for crew and guests. The master cabin, in the quietest area of the yacht, has a wide double bed and a well-lit and well appointed en suite.

One of the two twin guest cabins can be converted into a double cabin, a real bonus for a yacht of this kind.

The Deck Saloon configuration allows for a tall and easily accessible engine room, located below the saloon. A high capacity battery installation allows for longer periods of silent running and greater autonomy, a real plus for a yacht that will spend most of the time away from harbours and marina facilities.Thanks to the owner’s awareness of the environment, Power of 2 has been conceived and built to be respectful in terms of sustainability, making her an ‘eco-friendly’ yacht as Marco Alberti, SWS General Manager explains: “The precise brief for environmental awareness presented us with a number of challenges not only in the design of this yacht but in our greater build process. The result has been a number of efficiencies and improvements that will be carried over in future builds. As an example, water and fuel treatment systems on board this SW105 were more complex than normal, incorporating fuel polishers and water softeners. Added to that, fridges are stocked with carefully stowed glass bottles filled with drinking water that is desalinated, re-mineralised and sterilised on board.”