In his native Australia, Marcus Blackmore is known for his vitamin and nutritional-supplements business as much as he is for his sailing prowess. At Southern Wind Shipyard, he’s a repeat customer, having his SW96 Ammonite launch and christened over the weekend.
The SW96 series, which saw Seatius as the first delivery in 2018, focuses on high-performance cruising. Ammonite is hull number three, plus a step up from Blackmore’s same-named SW82. This new 96-footer (29.24-meter) features naval architecture by Farr Yacht Design and styling, along with interior design, by Nauta Yachts. She’s more than just a new boat for him, however. Andrea Micheli, Southern Wind Shipyard’s commercial director, says that “true friendship” characterizes the client-yard relationship. “We have added this secret ingredient in the construction of his second yacht with us,” he explains.
Ammonite will combine bluewater cruising with racing. For cruising, from Sydney to Southeast Asia and then Alaska in 2022, the sailing superyacht will welcome up to six friends and family. The twin cabin forward and to port can convert to a double, when needed. Blackmore’s stateroom, meanwhile, is forward as well. He and guests can enjoy a beamy TV lounge aft of the raised saloon, the latter benefitting from two skylights. Furthermore, Blackmore and guests can enjoy drinks alfresco in a forward cockpit. Plus, they can go exploring in a 13-foot (3.95-meter) tender, kept in a tender garage. Interestingly, Ammonite is the first SW96 to include a tender garage.
For racing, meanwhile—which includes the upcoming Millennium Cup in New Zealand in January—Ammonite has a lifting keel, transversal jib tracks, and all-teak cockpit. Non-skid on the foredeck and side decks ensures solid footing for the crew, too.
Delivery takes place toward the end of this month.
Farr Yacht Design farrdesign.com
Nauta Design nautadesign.com
Southern Wind Shipyard sws-yachts.com
Leave a Reply