The green light

The South African shipyard Southern Wind, established in 1991 by Italian entrepreneur Willy Persico, has been dedicated to crafting bespoke yachts since its inception. Over the years, the company has grown and earned a solid international reputation. Despite advancements in technology, bold innovations, and an expanded model range, Southern Wind has remained true to its philosophy—producing no more than two to three yachts per year. Often, custom yacht projects have been so successful that they’ve served as the foundation for limited series: semi-custom hulls are built on a unified prototype platform, with variations in layout and equipment. The recently launched Gelliceaux seems destined to become the progenitor of a new lineage.

The shipyard designed this yacht with the future in mind. Gelliceaux is the first hull in the SW108 Hybrid and Smart Custom series, with several deck plan options, different cabin configurations, and alternative superstructure designs developed from the outset. This wide range of configurations allows each client to create a nearly unique yacht at a significantly lower cost than a fully custom project. Let’s take a closer look.


The creators of Gelliceaux are not just a team of stars but a well-coordinated one. Southern Wind has been collaborating with Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design for decades. It was the focus on performance cruisers that initially allowed the shipyard to carve out its niche in the global market. Bruce Farr is renowned as a guru of racing yacht design, while the experts at Nauta Design, with their impeccable Italian taste, excel at making onboard living spaces not only ergonomic but also aesthetically stunning. It’s no surprise that the result is versatile yachts equally suited for family cruising and competitive regattas. The owners of Gelliceaux had a clear vision for their vessel: they wanted a sailboat capable of long ocean voyages with their teenage children—a home on the water—with "special emphasis on speed."


The hull, measuring 32.77 meters in length (35.41 meters with the bowsprit, 29.78 meters at the waterline) and 7.51 meters in width, is constructed from a composite sandwich of carbon fiber layers, resin, and a foam core, with structural elements reinforced by carbon inserts. The mast and boom are also made of carbon, while the deck fittings are titanium. These lightweight materials reduce the yacht's weight (displacement is under 79 tons) without compromising strength, enhancing its speed capabilities. The yacht’s racing pedigree is evident in its sleek aerodynamics: a vertical bow, sharp chine, and low-profile deckhouse. The sail area has been increased by approximately 7% compared to the standard rigging of the SW108 model, with Gelliceaux’s estimated top speed on a broad reach reaching 20.8 knots. A lifting keel allows the draft to vary from 4 to 6.2 meters, and the shipyard has also prepared plans for two additional keel types—a telescopic keel (3.65–5.6 meters) and a fixed keel (4.5 meters).


The deck layout and superstructure configuration are also customizable. The owner of Gelliceaux opted for the Gran Turismo deckhouse, with a design modified to their preferences: wedge-shaped side windows were added, along with a wide central skylight to provide a clear view of the mast and bring more natural light into the saloon. Other superstructure options include the Raised Saloon and Deck Saloon. There are also choices for the transom. On Gelliceaux, a fold-down door transforms into a swim platform, simultaneously revealing access to the garage for a 5-meter tender. In the magic transom version, the platform includes additional folding sections, creating an even larger beach club—spacious enough to accommodate a dining table.

The standout feature of the SW108 Hybrid series, as highlighted in its name, is its next-generation hybrid propulsion system developed by British company BAE Systems. The system comprises twin Cummins QSB 4.5 L 112 kW engines, two generators, a set of lithium-ion batteries, and intelligent software that optimizes energy consumption across three operating modes. When running under motor power, the patented BAE HybriGen system engages a diesel-electric mode, automatically optimizing fuel consumption.


Under sail, the yacht uses its propeller as a hydrogenerator, producing clean energy (35 kW at 16 knots), which can be stored—meaning the range for autonomous cruising is limited only by the amount of provisions onboard. At anchor or during maneuvering, the yacht operates in silent mode, with onboard systems powered by the batteries. This significantly reduces emissions and has earned the yacht certification under the stringent IMO Tier III environmental standards.


The Smart Custom principle, which Southern Wind employs for the SW108’s layout and interior design, allows for maximum adaptation of living spaces to the client’s needs. The yacht accommodates eight passengers and a crew of five. On Gelliceaux, the master suite occupies the entire forward section and features a large bathroom with dual sinks, a walk-in closet, and a mini-lounge on the starboard side. Adjacent to it is a room that can serve as an office or gym but can also be converted into an additional cabin, as it includes a private bathroom. Two guest suites are located midship, with an L-shaped space between them—a bright, multifunctional communal area. On the port side is a dining nook, while the starboard side features a large sofa with a low ottoman-style table. Three steps down is another lounge area, which can be used as a cinema or office. This split-level design adds a villa-like feel to the yacht. The crew quarters and galley are located aft, separated from the guest areas by a soundproof bulkhead. While they connect to the saloon, they also have a separate deck access.


On its maiden voyage from Cape Town to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, Gelliceaux demonstrated outstanding performance. By spring, the yacht was spotted cruising the Caribbean. The delighted family of seafarers believes it’s the perfect vessel for making their dream of a round-the-world journey a reality.