#Industry News
Southern Wind launches first hybrid sailing yacht Nyumba
South African shipyard Southern Wind has launched the fourth unit in its SW96 series, which has been christened Nyumba, meaning "home" in Swahili.
The 29.24 metre sailing yacht is the first hybrid propulsion model in the Southern Wind fleet and has been designed for an experienced yachtsman with ambitions to compete in superyacht regattas and sail around the world shorthanded.
Like her three sisterships, construction was completed at the South African shipyard with hull lines designed by Farr Yacht Design and an interior courtesy of Nauta Design. She features an advanced composite sandwich hull and deck, consisting of a Corecell middle lined on either side by a carbon/epoxy resin inner and outer skin, with titanium deck fittings for weight saving and easy maintenance.
The high-performance model has a lifting keel (which raises from 5.5 metres to 3.4 metres), twin rudder configuration, carbon rigging and a fixed bowsprit. Other highlights include a Hundested Controllable Pitch Propeller and an upgraded hydraulic winches package that compliments her flush deck and racing set-up.
Her interiors consist of an owner's cabin forward and two guest cabins amidships. The main saloon is a spacious area with ample natural lighting and serves as the entertaining area onboard while a relaxing fourth cabin is devoted to lounging with a comfortable TV space. Crew quarters and the galley is positioned aft.
Power and propulsion were developed in collaboration with BAE Systems and feature its patented HybridGen system, which is capable of zero emissions and is engineered for compliance with even the most stringent environmental regulations. She is the first sailing yacht of her size to be fitted with this system. Meanwhile, an advanced energy storage system allows for zero emission cruising, extended range under power and silent nights in hotel mode.
Other amenities include a 4.5-metre tender garage and an 8.5-square-metre beach club for when she's not charging around a race course.
“Nyumba deck design is the evolution of the successful GT deck concept, already applied on the newly launched SW105 GT Taniwha," said Massimo Gino of Nauta Design. “Clear, uncluttered deck equipment positioning allows for easy circulation on board and the mainsail track and steering positions are completely new. The GT styling makes everything look breath-taking in its simplicity and lightness."
Speaking on the choice of propulsion, Marco Alberti, Southern Wind CEO, explained that it was the HybridGen propulsion system that cinched the deal for the owner. "This boat will be the very first to brandish a hybrid-gen system in a superyacht of this size range. Southern Wind and BAE Systems partnered to push the boundaries into a new phase of sustainable superyacht construction, making the owner the first move in this direction."
Nyumba is now ready for sea trials in Cape Town and delivery is scheduled for October 2023. She joins sisterships Seatius, Ammonite and Sorceress on the water, while construction on a fifth SW96 model began in July 2022.
