On Sunday 5 May the first hull from Southern Wind's new 102 DS series was launched in Cape Town, South Africa. Commissioned by an Italian owner, this 31.42m sailing yacht has been christened Almagores II.
A successor to the successful SW 100 DS series, which saw nine launches between 2006 and 2009, the SW 102 DS was introduced in mid-2010 by the South African shipyard. The first hull was started a few months later, and the construction of a second hull is already under way with a launch slated for December 2012.
The SW 102 DS is a deck saloon sailing yacht with naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design and general design, exterior and interior styling by Nauta Design. The waterline length of the composite hull was increased by 1.35 metres to enhance its stability and performance.
The SW 102 DS has 17 per cent more interior volume than the SW 100 DS and a layout that accommodates eight guests in a master, a VIP and two twin cabins. However, the owners of the first two hulls have opted for completely different layouts, with owners and guests areas located aft on Almagores II, while the second hull follows the standard design with crew quarters aft and the master cabin forward of the mast.
The 36.3m single mast of the SW 102 DS will allow for a sail area of 477 m², and in light winds she will be powered by a single 305hp Cummins QSB 5.9 MCD engine.
Almagores II will start her sea trials soon, and she will make her official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September.