South African shipyard Southern Wind has released further details on its new flagship, the 37.5-metre yacht known as SW123. The first unit of SW123 is already under construction at the yard's facilities in Cape Town, with launch scheduled for February 2027.
The build has been conceived as an "entirely new, customisable platform" and brings together longstanding collaborators Farr Yacht Design, responsible for the naval architecture, and an exterior and interior design courtesy of Nauta Design.
The SW123 has been billed as "the lightest performance cruiser in its range", commissioned by passionate owners who discovered their love for sailing through charter experiences and therefore plan to make the yacht available to charter. Following on the success of the SW108 Smart Custom, the SW123 is available in different keel configurations, sail plans, deck configurations (GT, X-Crossover) and different interior styles and layouts.
The hull shape of the SW123 has been developed to accommodate a twin rudder configuration in conjunction with either a lifting or telescopic keel giving a manageable draught of 3.85 metres (keel raised). As Jim Schmicker of Farr Yacht Design explained, the wide aft sections and transom of the yacht allow for more internal volume and deck area. He said: "This generous width is carefully balanced with extra volume in the forward sections to ensure the yacht remains in control with a level fore-and-aft trim when sailing at typical upwind heel angle."
The SW123’s wide aft cockpit allows for two distinct transom configurations: the twin-fold transom system, which transforms the yacht’s aft section into a beach club and tender/toy garage able to accommodate a tender of 5.35 metres, or the the Seaside Lounge transom, which allows for a significantly larger beach club area and swim platform. in addition to creating a versatile lounge area.
Andrea Micheli, Southern Wind CCO said: "The SW123 is based on a versatile design platform that can be adapted to suit her owner’s expectations and intended usage. Whether the preference is for a long-range bluewater cruiser, regatta champion or successful charter yacht, the SW123 can be optimised to match the design brief of the owner’s dream yacht."
He continued: "Following the Smart Custom philosophy, the initial platform has been created so that owners can adapt certain features to their objective while leaving the reliable and tested base structure untouched."
In terms of interior configuration, the interior layout can be fully customised as in the Smart Custom philosophy. SW123 offers a four-guest cabin layout – which can be used as an onboard studio with day head, a gym/sauna or used as a regular cabin – with a spacious social area forward of the saloon. Meanwhile, the main saloon is the centrepiece where 10 guests can relax and converse on sofas or around the eight- to 10-seat dining table. There is further complement for a crew of six.
Massimo Gino, co-founder of Nauta Design, said: "The Southern Wind 123 embodies the smart custom concept, offering a refined platform that allows for tailored deck geometry designs and interior styles to customise each yacht according to the owner's desire and vision, while maintaining a proven structure."
Propulsion is also customisable, offered with IMO Tier III-compliant diesel propulsion or serial hybrid power and propulsion system with an integrated high-voltage energy storage system.
According to BOATPro, Southern Wind has four yachts on order or actively under construction, including the 35.4-metre Kiboko 4, which embarked on her sea trials in December 2024.
Read More/Watch: Second SW108 sailing yacht Kiboko 4 on sea trials