Cape Town, February 25, 2024 – The Southern Wind Shipyard is proud to announce the latest marvel in its prestigious lineup, the SW96#05 Liberty, now gracing the waters of Cape Town. This yacht marks a significant milestone as the fifth installment in the acclaimed SW96 series, embodying a seamless blend of comfort, style, and high performance.
Liberty was commissioned by a discerning owner, returning to Southern Wind for his second project, with a vision to balance luxurious family cruising and spirited racing adventures. The yacht’s design is a collaborative masterpiece by Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, pushing the envelope of the SW96 series’ success with an enhanced focus on competitive sailing.
Under the guidance of Niki Jennings, Southern Wind’s first female Project Manager, and backed by her extensive 14-year tenure at the shipyard, Liberty stands as a testament to groundbreaking leadership and innovation. Jennings’s dedication and expertise have been pivotal in steering this project to fruition, reflecting a strong commitment to excellence.
The yacht’s christening was a heartfelt celebration, led by the yacht's Godmother, who encapsulated the journey of Liberty as not just a construction project but an adventure filled with passion, elegance, and the pursuit of sailing perfection. This sentiment was echoed in the collaborative efforts of the owner, his captain, and advisor, ensuring that Liberty is a yacht defined by sailors, for sailors.
SW96#05 Liberty has already captivated many, with her launch being honored by dignitaries such as Mr. Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape Province, and Mr. Alberto Vecchi, Italian Ambassador to South Africa. Their presence underscores the global acclaim and support for Southern Wind’s endeavors.
Before setting sail for the Mediterranean to embrace her inaugural summer season, Liberty will undergo rigorous sea trials in Cape Town’s challenging waters, a testament to her readiness and resilience.
Technical Elegance and Performance
Liberty’s engineering is a marvel of modern yacht design, featuring a lightweight carbon sandwich hull and deck, ensuring swift navigation even in the gentlest breezes. The yacht boasts a 62-tonne lightship displacement paired with a towering rig, courtesy of Hall Spars high-modulus carbon mast and boom, and EC6+ carbon rigging. This setup promises an exhilarating sailing experience, further enhanced by her optimized hull design, twin rudder system, and a versatile lifting keel.
The yacht’s interior is a sanctuary of light and luxury, thanks to the Raised Saloon layout, panoramic windows, and the series’ largest hull portlights. The innovative Southern Wind “Twin Fold” transom is a debut feature in this series, blending functionality with aesthetic grace.
Accommodation on board is as lavish as it is comfortable, with a three-guest cabin layout, a spacious TV area, and a sumptuous owner’s suite equipped with extensive closet space. The crew quarters reflect the yacht’s overall attention to detail, offering a large captain’s cabin and well-appointed crew cabin.
A New Chapter of Nautical Excellence
The SW96#05 Liberty is more than just a yacht; it’s a symbol of Southern Wind’s unyielding pursuit of excellence, blending performance, luxury, and innovative design. As Liberty embarks on her journey, she carries with her the legacy of a shipyard that continues to set the benchmark in the world of luxury sailing yachts.
