The first hybrid sailboat Nyumba of Southern Wind was launched
South Wind, a South African shipyard, has launched the fourth sailing boat of the SW96 series, which is named "Nyumba", which means "home" in Swahili.
This 29.24-meter-long sailboat is the first hybrid propulsion ship in the Southern Wind Group fleet. It is specially designed for experienced yacht enthusiasts. They are ambitious to participate in the Super Sailing Race and travel around the world with insufficient manpower.
Like her three sister ships, the construction work was completed in the South African shipyard. The hull line was designed by Farr Yacht Design, and the interior was operated by Nauta Design. Its feature is the advanced composite sandwich hull and deck, which is composed of the inner and outer layers of the Corecell inner lining carbon/epoxy resin, and equipped with titanium deck accessories to reduce weight and facilitate maintenance.
High-performance models are equipped with lifting keels (from 5.5 meters to 3.4 meters), double rudder configuration, carbon fiber rigging and fixed bow mast. Other highlights include Hendested controllable pitch propeller and upgraded hydraulic winch kit, which complement her flat deck and racing settings.
The interior includes one master cabin and two passenger cabins. The main salon has a spacious area with sufficient natural lighting. It serves as the entertainment area on the ship. The fourth cabin is dedicated to leisure and is equipped with comfortable TV space. The crew dormitory and kitchen are located at the stern of the ship.
Power and propulsion systems are developed in cooperation with BAE Systems, a global company that designs and manufactures leading technology solutions. It is also characterized by its patented HybridGen system, which can achieve zero emissions, comply with the most stringent environmental regulations, and enhance the propulsion power and hydropower capacity. She is the first sailboat of the same size equipped with the system. At the same time, the advanced lithium battery energy storage system can achieve zero emission cruise, extend the voyage under power, and enjoy a quiet night in hotel mode.
Other facilities include a 4.5-meter small hangar and an 8.5-square-meter beach club. Massimo Gino of Nauta Design said: "The Nyumba deck design is the evolution of the successful GT deck concept, which has been applied to the newly launched SW105 GT Taniwha." "The clear and clean deck equipment positioning can easily move on the deck, and the main sail track and steering position are completely new. The GT design style makes everything look amazing in its simplicity and lightness."
When talking about the choice of propulsion system, Marco Alberti, CEO of Southern Wind, explained that it was the innovative HybridGen propulsion system that facilitated the transaction. "This will be the first ship type to use hybrid power system on a super yacht of this size. The cooperation between Southern Wind and BAE Systems has pushed the boundaries of sustainable super yacht construction to a new stage, making the ship owner take the first step in this direction."
"Nyumba" is now ready for sea trial in Cape Town and is expected to be delivered in October 2023. She will join her sister ships "Seatius", "Aminite" and "Sorceress", and the fifth SW96 ship has been built in July 2022.
