A boat is the hardest thing I know of to put into perspective. It is so much like a human figure, there is something alive about it. -- Barry S Strauss
Boats do have personalities. They are fast, slow, sporty, formal, fun, useful, and even playful, interacting with the crew and the guests. They can be engaging hosts, or indifferent to those on board. Of course, the mix of personalities has a lot to do with it but with this Southern Wind 105, the boat acts as the confident, capable, attractive epitome of Nordic cool, making certain everyone is comfortable and safe, while taking her sailing responsibilities seriously. She dances gracefully with the wind, remaining agile and responsive, with a quickness about her that makes her a joy to watch and a dream to sail. She is Sørvind. And she was born ready.
On March 3, 2022, Sørvind was launched from the Southern Wind yard in Cape Town, South Africa. Her name translates from Norwegian to “Southern Wind.” An exquisite complement of skills and collaboration by Southern Wind Yachts, Nauta Design of Milan, Farr Yacht Design of Annapolis, Studio Hermanides of Amsterdam, and Doyle Sails Italy, Sørvind is a no-nonsense, high-performance bluewater sailing yacht with solid bloodlines of sailing royalty exuding simple luxuries and top technologies at every turn.
“A sailing vessel is alive in a way that no ship with mechanical power will ever be.”—Aubrey de Selincourt
The Owners’ Brief
Distinct. Refined. Essential. That’s how the owner described his ideal yacht upon first meeting with Southern Wind. Sailing since he was in his teens, he was looking for performance but was also determined to have comfort and luxury comparable to his motor yacht. Further, the owners wanted a yacht that would put him in touch with the water, keeping him mindful of good sailing as opposed to just driving. Let’s have a look at how Southern Wind and team ticked all those boxes.
“Sailors, with their built-in sense of order, service, and discipline, should really be running the world.”—Nicholas Monsarrat
The Exterior
A quick glance from stem to stern reveals smooth lines and a pleasing symmetry with gentle curves replacing the edgy chamfers on earlier hulls of the 105 series. The black hull contrasts crisply with the clean deck of pale Flexiteek and the white lines of the coachroof. Dark grey sails point skyward, defining the craft as both strong and chic. The aesthetics are truly grand and undecidedly Nordic. On to the technical side.
A collaboration between Southern Wind Yachts, Nauta Design, and Farr Yacht Design, Sørvind has excellent construction genetics. Southern Wind is known to build yachts for sailors, by sailors. They listened carefully to the client’s brief, then set about putting the right team together. All worked closely with the client to assure that all aspects were reflections of his descriptions.
One of Southern Wind’s hallmarks is weight. They have solid experience building yachts that are packed with performance yet light on the scales. A full carbon hull, deck, and bulkheads save weight and give strength. A synthetic teak deck saves weight and requires less maintenance than teak. Titanium stanchions, pulpits, cleats, and fairleads continue to lighten the load. All told, Sørvind tips the scales at 69,500 kg, making her fast even in lighter wind conditions, with less need to rely on her engine. Aft of the twin helm stations, lazarettes designed to carry sea kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, dive tanks, road bikes, windfoils, and assorted toys serve as storage to keep the decks clear. The stern tender garage holds a 4.6 meter jet tender.
Sørvind’s aggressive hull style by Farr Yacht Design makes her fast, safe, easily passage capable, and regatta ready. Farr’s naval architecture concept delivered a light and powerful yacht sporting an advanced appendage package with ample rig size. As a good match for the lifting keel and the wide, powerful transom, twin rudders were appropriate. The telescopic keel ensures extra righting moment without disrupting interior volumes or layout, moving between 3.65 meters and 5.6 meters.
Fully aft, the tender door lowers to a platform allowing removal of the RIB tender and access to the sea. Just forward of the stern, Sørvind’s twin helm stations are perfect for racing. Forward of the helm stations, sun pads and access to the lazarette lead forward to more sun pads and a spacious seating area with facing C-shaped sofas, one with an adjustable height table for alfresco dining or drinks. Forward of the seating area, the entry to the raised saloon opens to access protected areas of the yacht.
From the helm stations, a sundowner seems an almost mandatory companion to the clean, beautiful stretch of deck laid out ahead. With the sun’s descent, Sørvind’s lighting begins to glisten as nature paints the perfect horizon line across the bow, framing a stunning, dynamic masterpiece.
“Hoist the sails of choice to harness the winds of joy.” – Jonathan Lockwood Huie
