Freebird Yacht News & Events

Spain

The Palma International Boat Show 2023 opens the Mediterranean nautical season from Palma’s Moll Vell, in the centre of the island’s capital. The show will feature some of the finest superyachts on the international brokerage and charter market.

Palma Superyacht Village

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Palma International Boat Show

Italy

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 will be returning in June for its 16th edition, held in the glorious waters surrounding Sardinia. Organised by the YCCS, with the support of title sponsor Giorgio Armani, the regatta is open to sailing yachts of over 27 metres and multihulls of over 15 metres, and is a week filled with superb competitive racing.

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2022 Day 4

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta

Magic Carpet Cubed yacht at the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2022 Day 4

Mrs Marietta Cube yacht cruising aerial

Mrs Marietta Cube yacht cruising

Southern Wind 100 RS yacht general arrangement

Mrs Marietta Cube yacht hull transport

Freebird

The third day of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 2023">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a> saw an exciting day on the water, with the Superyacht fleet sparing across the length of the 36 mile course. The highest winds of the week with south-easterly winds building from 10 to 16 knots during the afternoon. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273496/image/large-a46aed19101b391aa7d08ab94eedda07.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273496">The Race Committee set both the Superyacht and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> divisions a course that took them clockwise around the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera. The course for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> division was approximately 25 miles, with the fleet eaded under gennaker towards the Bisce pass and then completed the circumnavigation of La Maddalena and Caprera.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273498/image/large-a507fd333a816a9c6309904ef2b556ec.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273498">Once again the Superyacht fleet got off to a staggered start, with the 45-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gitana45.0m (147'8&quot;)Fitzroy Yachts2009">Gitana</a> kicking off the line. The Superyachts first rounded the islet of Monaci and sailed to the Tre Monti shallows, before going on to round the archipelago, until which point <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gitana45.0m (147'8&quot;)Fitzroy Yachts2009">Gitana</a> had retained her leading position, with the wallycento <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> at the stern of the fleet until the shallows. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273499/image/large-36a50c66ed6b671e3732d0a75dd35f71.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273499">Taking an early tack, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> under gennaker charged through the shallows and took one yacht after the other until she had overtaken <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1684" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Gitana45.0m (147'8&quot;)Fitzroy Yachts2009">Gitana</a>, leaving the island of Spargi in her wake. Meanwhile, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/34" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vitters Shipyard (Company)">Vitters</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a> and the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> were locked in their own sparing match right up until the Barrettinelli lighthouse.&nbsp;The fleet passed the lighthouse to starboard, and heading on a run along the coasts of La Maddalena and Caprera before reaching the finish line off Porto Cervo. In the Superyacht Cruising Class, the 108 foot <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inoui33.4m (109'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2013">Inoui</a>, owned by Switzerland's Marco Vogele, repeated yesterday's win in corrected time, with a narrow margin of 1 minute and 31 seconds - after about 3 hours and 40 minutes of racing - over the 33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a> in second place. The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 108 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> made a fantastic recovery in real time, but narrowly missed out in corrected time to finish in third place, 7 seconds behind <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a>. The Combined Performance &amp; Cruising Class today saw the WallyCento <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> managing to find clean air as she made her way up the fleet, gradually overtaking the other boats thanks to smart tactical choices backed up by well-executed manoeuvres from the crew. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273501/image/large-1664335436bb16029f9e588015b85c7d.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273501">﻿Pierluigi De Felice, trimmer on <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> explained: ”With today's stable breeze we were able to push the boat to its best, the performance is impressive, especially on reaches, we are all very satisfied, especially the owner as this is his first regatta."In terms of the overall standings, with today's victory Inoui widens her delta at the top of the Superyacht Cruising Class, where she sits on just 4 points, followed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a> respectively, both on 7 points. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273497/image/large-f5d52ba5878229c4125d4b5e6d043986.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273497">The victor in the Combined Performance &amp; Cruising Class will instead be decided in tomorrow's final day of racing, since the provisional overall classification sees <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> in the lead on equal points with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inoui33.4m (109'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2013">Inoui</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">WinWin</a> holds third place, just two points behind.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/273502/image/large-366e06294c659417708abe42f13eaab0.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/273502">The friendly spirit of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> Rendez-vous means no classification is drawn up, it can be noted, however, that the SW102 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Egiwave31.78m (104'3&quot;)Southern Wind2015">Egiwave</a> and the SW100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freebird30.25m (99'3&quot;)Southern Wind2011">Freebird</a> were the most punctual in crossing the starting line at their allocated times and Freebird crossed the finish line ahead of the fleet in spectacular fashion.&nbsp;

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 day 3

The third day of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023. 

An exciting third day for the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023

The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 2023">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a> officially kicks off in Porto Cervo today, 6th June 2023, with the Captains' briefing followed by a welcome cocktail for participants on the rooftop terrace of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229376/image/large-aba5ff01196e691acc17d974971205b1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229376">The regatta will be accompanied once again by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> Rendezvous, and run by the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">Yacht Club Costa Smeralda</a>, alongside the title sponsor Giorgio Armani. The 17th edition of the event will conclude on the 10th June. Twelve superyachts are currently moored in Porto Cervo marina, a fleet which from tomorrow will be sailing the waters of the Costa Smeralda and weaving through the islands of the La Maddalena archipelago, providing a unique backdrop to the racing.Read:&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/57769" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yachts attending the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 (2023-06-05 17:30:00 +0200)">Yachts attending the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/227719/image/large-79ba94574a5e14f23f8e077957aac6b7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/227719">The fleet has been split into two divisions, Superyacht and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>. The Rendezvous is a key part of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 2023">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023</a> and sees owners and family competing in corinthian races, concluding with a sociable meet-up and dockside events. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229379/image/large-cea83b86c27ba776c36b132d65464510.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229379">Among the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> yachts, the SW105 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/10474" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SØRVIND34.59m (113'6&quot;)Southern Wind2022">Sørvind</a>, whose name means "south wind", will be attending the event for the first time. Returning to the Rendezvous are yachts such as the SW102 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5985" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Egiwave31.78m (104'3&quot;)Southern Wind2015">Egiwave</a>, the SW100 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freebird30.25m (99'3&quot;)Southern Wind2011">Freebird</a>, and the most competitive vessel in the fleet, the SW94 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6568" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Aragon28.64m (93'12&quot;)Southern Wind2012">Aragon</a>.The Superyacht division is in turn divided into 'Combined Performance &amp; Cruising Class' and ‘Superyacht Cruising Class’, reserved for superyachts in accordance with the regulations of the Superyacht Racing Association. The winner of this class will be awarded the prestigious Silver Jubilee Cup. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229263/image/large-dea1766703f97de872f8b3033d9ee0ff.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229263">Racing will take place over four days, through Saturday 10th June, with the size of the participating vessels meaning there will be a particular focus on safety. The Superyacht Division will have staggered starts every two to three minutes for this purpose. The courses, as always, will use the islands of the archipelago of La Maddalena as natural marks. As for the classic floating buoys used for the start, offset and finish line marks, organiser the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">YCCS</a> will use MarkSetBot robotic buoys, which hold their position thanks to an electric motor teamed with a GPS system, with no need for anchors on the seabed.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229378/image/large-dd64f1f46967cdc7810d78641fcbaea6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229378">The top-level fleet includes returning participants such as <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5680" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pattoo33.0m (108'3&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2016">Pattoo</a>, a 33-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4373" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design (Company)">Malcolm McKeon</a> design which claimed victory in Porto Cervo in 2021 under the name Missy, as well as the modern <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/327" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Baltic Yachts (Company)">Baltic</a> 108 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4749" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="WinWin33.04m (108'5&quot;)Baltic Yachts2014">Win Win</a>, a 2022 participant, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4020" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Inoui33.4m (109'7&quot;)Vitters Shipyard2013">Inoui</a>, designed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/53" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Philippe Briand Ltd. (Company)">Philippe Briand</a> for Switzerland's Marco Vogele, an owner who never misses the Superyacht Regatta. The Wallycento <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/6547" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="V30.48m (100'0&quot;)Wally2017">V</a> will undoubtedly attract attention thanks to its aesthetic lines and technology - designed by Mark Mills with interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4640" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pininfarina (Company)">Pininfarina</a> and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/4656" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Persico Marine (Company)">Persico Marine</a>.&nbsp;“The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Event/176" href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news#managed-by-system" target="_blank">Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta</a> opens our international sporting season, and I want to extend the warmest of welcomes to the owners and crews, many of whom return to Porto Cervo every year. Thanks to them and to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> for showing their appreciation for our event. And special thanks must obviously go to Giorgio Armani, for choosing the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">YCCS</a> and uniting his name with the Superyacht Regatta. Fair winds to everyone!” commented <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2826" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Company)">YCCS</a> Commodore Michael Illbruck. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229454/image/large-97ab5de5db02f4d908ca88fc825cf786.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229454">The programme back on land will see the Giorgio Armani Owners' Dinner held on the evening of 7th June, without doubt the most glamorous and exclusive moment of the week, while the Farewell Party taking place on Friday 9th is also not to be missed, and is open to all the crews. &nbsp;The forecast for tomorrow indicates light winds, which are set to strengthen in the following days. The first starting signal is expected to sound at 11.30 a.m. for the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> fleet, followed by the Superyacht division at 12 midday.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/229452/image/large-7f6d1fcb4614897f4cca0cf579725d46.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/229452">SuperYacht Times' Editor in Chief, Francesca Webster, is attending this week's event and will be on site to update on the latest news throughout the regatta.&nbsp;

Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 has begun, with the 17th edition featuring the Southern Wind Rendezvous.

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta returns with SW Rendezvous

Yachts attending the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023

The Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta 2023 will be returning from 6 to 10 June for its 16th edition, held in the glorious waters surrounding Sardinia.

A guide to the yachts attending Palma International Boat Show 2023

SYT takes a look at the largest yachts attending this year's Palma International Boat Show.

The superyachts attending the Palma International Boat Show 2023

In mid-2021 the South African shipyard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> announced a new sailing yacht concept, one that went beyond a single vessel and focused on a fresh new approach to semi-custom yacht design – ‘Smart Custom’. Created to enrich the process of yacht design and construction, the Smart Custom concept was unveiled alongside the first model which would feature the approach; the hybrid SW108. With exteriors and interiors by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta Design</a> and naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr Yacht Design</a>, the SW108 began with a formidable platform and it is no surprise that the first owners of the series signed on the dotted line before the end of the year. The husband and wife duo are enthusiastic sailors and they shared their experience of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> and the Smart Custom approach first hand with SuperYacht Times.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234872/image/large-025093b4ddaefc9a769457d01401b36c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234872"> The SW108 is your first yacht, what encouraged you to go with&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>?Aside from a Laser dinghy I had as a child, she is indeed our first yacht, but we have been chartering with the children for around eight years in various parts of Europe and have become enthusiastic about sailing as a family.&nbsp;We had previously chartered <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>’s <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/4276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Freebird30.25m (99'3&quot;)Southern Wind2011">Freebird</a> and Southern Star but had also sailed several yachts from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/313" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nautor's Swan (Company)">Nautor Swan</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Oyster Yachts (Company)">Oyster</a> which gave us a feel for the differences in character and execution between shipyards. What we liked about Southern Wind is the ability to reconcile strong performance with blue water cruising capabilities as well as the strong commitment to quality and reliability.&nbsp;My husband is an engineer by training and did a huge amount of research before we made the decision to build the yacht. Our brief was to build a fast race-cruiser that is exciting to sail but could also cruise comfortably and safely around the world. We then evaluated the construction of a full custom yacht with other yards against semi-custom options, in particular with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>.&nbsp;The Smart Custom approach of Southern Wind felt like an opportunity to benefit from all the lessons learned from previous successful series and to help shape an ambitious modern platform.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234058/image/large-0002322be99c7a3c3ee5b96a5255ef19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234058"> Why did the Smart Custom approach suit your desires?&nbsp;We realised in conversations with other sailors that a full custom build is not only more expensive, but also comes with increased risk. As first time owners we were concerned about getting the balance right between performance and blue water cruising and between innovation and reliability.&nbsp;When we studied the SW108 concept we realised that she was already quite close to what we were looking for. She is in many ways an evolution from previous successful designs like <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9111" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Taniwha32.27m (105'10&quot;)Southern Wind2021">Taniwha</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/7745" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Morgana30.5m (100'1&quot;)Southern Wind2020">Morgana</a> and SW96#04 and incorporates those learnings which gave us a sense of security. The Smart Custom approach then allowed us to customise the boat where it mattered to us. &nbsp; <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234063/image/large-b2e00a4c178f6972a0b0c070a491fdf0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234063">Your yacht is the first SW108 with an hybrid propulsion (system), was sustainability a motivator in you choosing her?The SW108 is available both as a hybrid and with standard diesel propulsion, but it was obvious to us that hybrid propulsion will be the future of sailing. The idea of being able to be self-sufficient when there is enough wind and have a very quiet boat is why people fall in love with sailing in the first place – being immersed in their surroundings, in the sea and the wind.&nbsp;We both drive electric cars, which we love for their silence and efficiency and of course because of the reduced emissions. I think hybrid propulsion will become the standard for sailing boats once the technology is more established and proven. We took comfort from the fact that the BAE system on SW108 has been deployed in countless buses and a number of commercial vessels for many years.As an early adopter we expect to prove the reliability and performance of the technology in the yachting context and hope that this will encourage many others. Either way, it wouldn’t feel right to us to build a sailing yacht today without a sustainability edge.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234057/image/large-ecea89fe07d5429da460d24052160370.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234057">When you talk about that balance between performance and blue water cruising, what is it that you were looking for specifically?We primarily wanted a yacht that is fast and exciting to sail but also wanted to have the option to compete in the future regattas. Jim Schmicker at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/152" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Farr Yacht Design (Company)">Farr</a> led us through numerous design loops to find the right balance between a substantially increased sail plan and righting moment on one hand as well as stability and overall seaworthiness on the other.&nbsp;Our kids are also avid sailors and have been doing their crew qualifications. We loved the idea of building a boat that is fun and allows the whole family to participate and enjoy themselves on board. That is why the SW108 seemed like the perfect balance.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234056/image/large-9daf8669c1dcae2e4d9fcaf657de2545.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234056">When it came to the customisation of the yacht, how did&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>&nbsp;apply the Smart Custom approach?<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> has been very open to input and extremely accommodating. The process was so much more than just choosing the fabrics, colours and some features.&nbsp;I already mentioned that we adapted the naval architecture with Farr to our brief. &nbsp;We very much liked the original deck design, but then worked with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">SWS</a> to refine various elements including changes to the coach roof and a new transom.&nbsp;We had particularly big ambitions for the design and quality of the interiors. Massimo Gino and Patrick Pigoni at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> developed a completely new design for us that is light and airy and will showcase the workmanship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> is capable of. The entire process was very creative, stimulating, and a lot of fun. The collaboration between <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a>, the yard and us has been very fluid and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/153" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nauta Yachts S.r.l. (Company)">Nauta</a> were incredible in translating our ideas into a coherent design. Their guidance on aesthetics and practical considerations was invaluable and gave us confidence while we tried to push the envelope. &nbsp; &nbsp;Since this is the first boat of the new series, it would be lovely to see some of these new ideas finding their way in future yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234053/image/large-589cef8222b6c7dd712decdfa2751c36.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234053"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/234051/image/large-3ccbc6fbf6e892adce1cf2000bbdd439.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/234051">When it comes to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a>, did the community have an impact on your choosing the yard?The superyacht sailing community is surprisingly open and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> do an outstanding job creating a sense of family among their owners and crews. We very much enjoy the prospect of becoming part of the family and this was a factor in our decision making. &nbsp;For instance, the Rendezvous Regattas <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/151" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southern Wind (Company)">Southern Wind</a> organises give owners the opportunity to compete and enjoy their yachts without the extreme competitiveness and costs that can come with some of the larger races. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/82537/image/large-80c60b0f4243afd1fd451e877cc26a1b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/82537">Finally, she’s due for delivery in June 2023, what are your plans once she is in Europe?Well, before she gets to Europe we look forward to sailing her for part of the journey from Cape Town. There are not many yards that have confidence to put their yachts through a 6,000 NM shake down trip after launch. That will be a fantastic passage and one we are really excited about.&nbsp;Find out more about the Southern Wind Smart Custom approach <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/southern-wind-smart-custom-video" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">by watching our video here</a>.

Southern Wind Smart Custom approach

The owners of the first Southern Wind Smart Custom design approach.

Owners of the first SW108 Hybrid on the Southern Wind Smart Custom approach

South Africa's superyacht builder Southern Wind has launched their latest SW 100 RS, Mrs Marietta Cube. She was built for an experienced owner, and this is his third SW yacht, which follows a Farr 72 and a SW 78 footer by Reichel Pugh and Nauta Design. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/137159/image/large-6b6b959ce0a0efa41af3b1acdfeb2e82.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/137159">Mrs Marietta Cube is a Raised Saloon version of the SW 100, one of the most successful models of the yard. Since 2006 Southern Wind delivered 9 units in the Deck Saloon version plus 4 RS units. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/137160/image/large-c58d829f7dd7b2df23c8d31e6d886d9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/137160">The Deck Saloon version of the SW 100 will soon be repleced by a new model, the SW 102, which we published about in <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/34997">this article</a> last year. The delivery of the first SW 102, to her Italian client, is scheduled for springtime 2012. Southern Wind (+27) (0)21 637 80 43 <a href="mailto:info@sws-yachts.com?subject=Mrs%20Mariette%20Cube%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@sws-yachts.com</a>   <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sws-yachts.com/">www.sws-yachts.com</a>  By Maarten Janssen, photos by Francesca Van Rooyen