Southern Wind trials its first hybrid sailing yacht

Nyumba will be delivered later this month and join Seatius, Ammonite and Sorceress yachts.

Southern Wind Nyumba, a South African shipyard specializing in the design and construction of yachts from 22 to 35 meters, has begun testing its first hybrid Nyumba. This is SW96, a sailing yacht first launched in December 2022. She is undergoing sea trials near Cape Town and Table Mountain National Park.

The 29.24-meter sailboat is the first yacht in Southern Wind Nyumba's portfolio equipped with a hybrid propulsion system. The yacht is designed to be operated by an experienced yachtsman and can be used for solo circumnavigation.

SW96 is the fourth yacht in the series. The exterior of the vessel was designed by Farr Yacht Design, and the interior by Nauta Design. The hull of the yacht is made of composite material and is equipped with titanium deck fittings to reduce weight.

The boat has a raised keel, dual steering, carbon rigging and fixed bowsprit. A package of hydraulic winches and a Hundested Controllable Pitch Propeller complete the racing configuration.

“This vessel will be the first to feature the HybridGen system on a superyacht of this size. Southern Wind and BAE Systems have joined forces to push the boundaries of a new era of sustainable superyacht construction by taking the first step in this direction,” said Marco Alberti, CEO of Southern Wind.

The SW96 includes an owner's cabin in the bow and two guest cabins in the middle of the boat. The main salon, a space with natural light, is the entertainment area aboard the yacht. Crew quarters and the galley are situated aft. The vessel also includes a 4.5m tender garage and an 8.5 sq. m beach club.