If there’s any question as to whether the newly launched Nyumba GT will be a second home for her owner, the sailing superyacht has the Swahili word for “home” in her name. She’s hull number four in Southern Wind Shipyard’s SW96 series and splashed last weekend.
A deeply engaged, hands-on sailor, the owner initially considered a custom project from the South African shipyard. He envisioned a high performer complying with the new IMO emissions regulations. Additionally, he wanted to take the wheel during shorthanded journeys, plus enjoy global experiences with his family. Interestingly, the SW96 semi-custom series fit the bill. A high-performance sailing series, it features an all-carbon-fiber deck, bulkheads, and hull. A lifting keel, twin rudders, carbon fiber rigging, and a fixed bowsprit are highlights as well. Naval architecture is by Farr Yacht Design.
Ticking the boxes, too: a new hybrid propulsion system that the shipyard and technology company BAE Systems jointly developed recently. “Effectively, this boat will be the very first to brandish a hybrid-gen system in a superyacht of this size range,” explains Marco Alberti, Southern Wind Shipyard’s CEO.
Briefly, the system allows zero-emission cruising, especially for long ranges, plus extended overnight zero-emission mode. It employs BAE Systems’ technology that initially benefitted rugged transit on land. Furthermore, it employs a Hundested controllable-pitch propeller for better maneuverability and, notably, hydrogeneration.
Whether relying on her hybrid system or at anchor, Nyumba GT shows off a customized GT deck design. The GT styling, from Nauta Design, has characterized other Southern Winds superyachts, too, starting with the SW105 Taniwha. (“GT” stands for “Gran Turismo,” in honor of auto design.) In terms of the customized aspects, the owner wanted to balance the need for deck equipment against an uncluttered and movement-friendly deck layout. Additionally, the mainsheet traveler track shifted far aft for lesser loads. And, finally, the steering wheels are farther forward and outboard, improving visibility and sails control.
Of course, the interior of the sailing superyacht has a variety of custom touches, too, from Nauta Design. The owner and his wife get their stateroom forward, with two guest staterooms amidships. Crew cabins and the galley all sit aft. When the family isn’t outside, they can gather in the bright, open saloon, much like a house’s living room. Alberti concludes, “I believe Southern Wind succeeded in giving Nyumba a real feeling of a home away from home.”
Delivery should take place early next year, after which the owner’s family intends to cruise familiar and new regions alike. Anticipate them especially enjoying an extra-large swim platform, part of 91 square feet (8.5 square meters) of beach area waterside.
Farr Yacht Design farrdesign.com
Nauta Design nautadesign.com
Southern Wind Shipyard sws-yachts.com
Leave a Reply