Fitting that a sailing superyacht with a spellbinding name slipped into the water on an equally mesmerizing morning. As the photos here show, mist greeted Sorceress as she launched at Southern Wind Shipyard’s Cape Town facility.
Sorceress is the first SW96, with an LOA of 96’1” (29.3 meters). She’s based on a concept from Nauta Design. The firm is further responsible for styling and interior design, while Farr Yacht Design contributed naval architecture. In fact, the studios envisioned a mini-series of high-performance cruiser-racers.
That surely struck a chord with Sorceress’ owner. Having owned a smaller sailing superyacht, he further thoroughly enjoys racing. In seeking a new project, he wanted to pursue long-range cruising as well as enter coastal and transoceanic regattas. As a result, Sorceress has deck hardware suitable for both needs, particularly with few hands aboard. She also has a 57-ton displacement under light load, appropriate for spirited performance in light winds. Furthermore, Sorceress features a lifting keel, making draft range from 11’1” (3.4 meters) to 17’7” (5.4 meters).
Her owner doesn’t plan to waste any time putting her performance to the test, either. Following delivery in May, Sorceress will make way for the Med for the summer. She’ll then compete in the Maxi Rolex Cup in Sardinia in September.
The photo of her low transom hints at her width, and what it may feel like inside. Sorceress has a 22’8” (6.95-meter) beam, and accommodates eight people in the owner’s party. Three guest staterooms sit aft, while the master stateroom is forward. Naturally, everyone can enjoy the saloon—which, quite noteworthy, is adjacent to a full-standing-room control room.
Sorceress is set for a global show debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September. In the meantime, Southern Wind Shipyard has hull number two in the SW96 series in build. She’ll launch in January.
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