A racing and cruising enthusiast who enjoys Southern Wind Shipyard performers inspired a new series. His desire for a custom 90-footer (25.2-meter) led to her becoming hull number one of the RP90 series.
Southern Wind Shipyard refers to the RP90 as a “mini series” based on her LOA in comparison to its other cruiser/racer sailing superyachts. They are the SW96 and SW105, embodying the racing spirit in a primarily performance-cruiser body. Nauta Yacht Design is responsible for their styling and overall concepts. Much of what makes these two series work as regatta entrants and leisure cruisers went into the RP90.
While Nauta Yacht Design is once again a team member for the RP90, it’s handling interior design. Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design is the naval architect. Southern Wind says the lifting keel and other aspects of the hull stem from performance studies of similar-size sailing superyachts. That lifting keel means draft ranges from 12’5” to 19 feet (3.8 to 5.8 meters, respectively). For pursuing regatta bragging rights, horizons, and anchorages somewhat close to shore, the flexibility is key.
Light weight is also key for performance. This is why Southern Wind Shipyard is using carbon fiber construction and Nomex honeycomb coring for the interior bulkheads. The tracks and blocks are custom-designed for the RP90. Further of note, she has a removable bowsprit.
The RP90, with a 22’8” (6.96-meter) beam, still has interior accoutrements fitting for a luxury yacht. The owner gets a master suite with a small office area. A settee in that office can convert to a berth, too. Two guest staterooms are aboard as well, with crew’s quarters for four aft. Trips to shore from an anchorage will be simple thanks to a tender stowed in a dedicated locker.
Look for the RP90 to debut on the Caribbean and Mediterranean regatta circuits next year.
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