Morgana Makes Her Way to the Water at Southern Wind Shipyard

“The owner was particularly keen on three aspects of the project,” Mario Pedol from Nauta Design explains about the newly launched Morgana. “Functionality for safe and comfortable navigation, performance to enjoy racing in the most famous superyacht regattas, and sexy, appealing design to give the yacht a modern, aggressive, and sporty look.” Following sea trials in South Africa, the owner is eager to put her to the test in the Med.

Since she has been a relatively confidential project, Morgana initially went by a more general description, an SWS custom 100. She sprang from conversations the owner had starting in 2017 with Nauta Design. Collectively, they brought in Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design for naval architecture. Additionally, they selected Southern Wind Shipyard for construction, particularly due to it having built many bluewater cruisers in her 100-foot (30.5-meter) size range.

Lightweight cored carbon-fiber construction, a lifting keel, and a 6,867-square-foot (638-square-meter) sailplan all contribute to her light-wind and racing performance. Interestingly, Southern Wind says detailed engineering of the lifting keel saved more than 1,377 pounds (600 kilograms). It came thanks to input from the subcontractor Gurit. Jim Pugh, Reichel/Pugh’s president, adds, “This latest yacht features a powerful hull form when heeled and a narrow upright waterline, which provides stability when reaching and sailing upwind, in addition to great light-air performance.”

Leisure time aboard is important, too. Therefore, Morgana has three staterooms, including an owner’s suite forward. Two crew cabins are fully aft below decks, too. Although neither artist’s renderings or images are available, at least at this time, the yacht’s ambiance is nautical in nature. This includes a TV room/saloon on the main deck, at the entry. Furthermore, Morgana has a tender garage, an uncommon feature on sailing superyachts, especially ones of her LOA. Overall, Massimo Gino of Nauta Design says, “The owner challenged us to meet his requests, encouraging us to try new geometries in the interior and giving input on new balances of colors with materials.”

Morgana should see delivery before the end of the year.

Nauta Design nautadesign.com

Reichel/Pugh Yacht Design reichel-pugh.com

Southern Wind Shipyard sws-yachts.com