Previously, YachtHarbour has announced that the founder of Southern Wind Shipyard, Willy Persico passed away. Willy Persico’s untimely death caught his family, friends, partners and employees by surprise, but SWS’s founder and CEO left the shipyard well prepared for the future.
Thanks to his diligent mind, his passion, commitment and foresight, Persico charted the route for a smooth transition of the shipyard by preparing the already existing management team for new responsibilities and selecting partners and shareholders who could guarantee the successful continuation of the shipyard that he was so devoted to.
Southern Wind will now be run by the tightly knit team of his trusted SWS managers, who are also shareholders, with the fundamental backing and support of three SWS owners.
Willy Persico left an interview in the occasion of the SWS 25th anniversary, that already outlined his plans for his shipyard’s future:
“The shipyard, during its 25 years of activity, has invested significant resources in the selection and growth of management to create a strong, skilled and harmonious team which is now bearing fruit. Companies are made by people; at the Shipyard in Cape Town as well as at the offices of Pegaso in Genoa, I have my ‘pillars’ and I can count on their experience and advice from design to building and from marketing to customer care. In the future my team of managers will become the leader of the company to continue my way to build boats, or, maybe, their way to build boats.”
THE MANAGEMENT TEAM SHAREHOLDERS
Marco Alberti has been at SWS since 1994 and became General Manager 15 years ago. His heartfelt words express his sadness for Persico’ s sudden death and his gratitude for having worked with such an inspirational CEO. “Coming to terms with Willy’s death is a challenge for us. But he was an excellent tactician who has left us an example of passion and tenacity and a well-charted course to follow.”
Andrea Micheli, who has worked with Persico since 2003 and became Pegaso Sales Manager in 2008 echoes Alberti’s words: “Southern Wind will continue to do what it does best and in the best possible way. We are honoured to take on Willy’s legacy and will continue to walk in his footsteps, moving with renewed commitment and energy towards our goals.”
Alberto Del Cinque and Giampaolo Spera will flank Alberti and Micheli. Del Cinque began working at Pegaso in 1994 then became General Affair Manager in Southern Wind in 2000, and Spera has added on to two decades of experience as an executive in the nautical sector becoming Director of Southern Wind about two years ago.
THE OWNER SHAREHOLDERS
The supporting group of shareholders is made of 3 passionate, faithful and committed owners, all of whom can be considered “paid-up subscriber” of Southern Wind values and philosophy. Among them, Juan Ignacio Entrecanales, Executive Vice Chairman of the Acciona Group and three times Southern Wind owner. He has these words: “Our mission will not be to substitute Willy, but to make sure that his vision and heritage go on for years to come.”
The second shareholder/owner continues: “I have always considered SWS to be a family more than just a shipyard. It will be my pleasure and commitment to make sure that SWS continues to be a magnet for innovation, talent and positivity.”
The third one concludes: “We all have experience as entrepreneurs on an international level and we will put that pool of expertise to work for Southern Wind so that it can continue to build the same seaworthy, elegant and performing yachts that we know and love.”
While all the team will sorely miss Willy Persico, the future of the shipyard he so lovingly and diligently built is sure to be in good hands thanks to his careful and thoughtful planning.
The Riva Boutique, open from November 5 to January 31, 2025, will be hosted by Deodato Arte at Via Nerino 2 in Milan, surrounded by pop and street art.This exclusive new space combines timelessly elegant design inspired by the world of Riva boats with contemporary art. Riva announces the opening of the first Riva Boutique at Deodato Arte, a leading Italian gallery and international benchmark in pop and street art, featuring works by renowned artists such as Banksy, Jeff Koons, Mr. Brainwash, and David LaChapelle.Enthusiasts can explore the entire Riva Boutique collection, showcasing the quintessential quality and incomparable style that permeates the brand. From apparel and accessories to collectibles and home furnishings of rare beauty, the store offers a wide range of products.Among the items for sale are collaborations with top brands, such as the Riva by Frette collection of fabrics, the new models of the Riva Florida and Riva Junior powerboats from Kiade, two fine-art books marking the 60th anniversary of the Aquarama published by Assouline, and innovative speakers developed in partnership with Bang & Olufsen, designed for peerless acoustic quality even at sea.In addition to the Riva Boutique collection, guests can also purchase artworks by Deodato Arte artists, making this fusion of boat design and contemporary art even more unique.The Riva Boutique will host a series of exclusive events, including the presentation of scale models of Riva boats on November 21 and an evening dedicated to the books on December 5.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credit: Ferretti Group
November 5, 2024
Mishi 88 is Mishi Yachts’s debut sailing superyacht, featuring advanced carbon composite construction from a trusted shipyard. This yacht is designed to provide a thoroughly comfortable oceangoing experience, with a spacious guest cockpit area and class-leading safety features.Photo by Oguzhan TosunWhen the curtain rose on this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, visitors to the Mishi Yachts stand were unaware of the epic journey the gleaming 27-metre Mishi 88 had just completed. The yacht had just completed a gruelling 1,500 nautical mile passage from Istanbul across the stormy autumn Mediterranean in just seven days, demonstrating its credentials as a comfortable oceangoing yacht.Photo by Oguzhan TosunCaptain Ferhat Tosun and his crew of four sailors covered the distance with ease, aiming for an average speed of 9.5-10 knots. They used a combination of sails and engine, reaching a maximum sailing speed of 13.5 knots. The route took them from Istanbul via the Corinth Canal, Messina, Capri, and Elba to Monaco, showcasing the yacht’s stability and manoeuvrability.Photo by Oguzhan TosunCruising in comfort was a key aspect of the journey. The Mishi 88’s vast cockpit area, sheltered from sun and rain by a robust carbon-fibre deckhouse, provided ample space for relaxation. The big saloon, with deep sofas, was the perfect place to gather, even under sail. The U-shaped galley, located near the boat’s centre of gravity, offered a comfortable space for cooking and socialising.The yacht’s spacious cabins, including the master cabin forward and two aft cabins, provided ample privacy and comfort. The journey showcased Mishi Yachts’ design features, including comfort, performance, and ease of use, elevating the sailing experience to a higher level.Photo by Pozitif StudioOn the return leg, the crew took in more of the highlights along the way, fishing under sail, marveling at dolphin escorts, and enjoying memorable meals along the French, Italian, Greek, and Turkish coasts. Storm-bound in Porto Venere, they took the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings.The Mishi 88’s journey from the Marmara sea to the Mediterranean and back demonstrated its ability to provide a seamless and comfortable sailing experience, making it a standout in the yachting world.Photo by Pozitif StudioMishi founder and Chairman Şakir Yılmaztürk said: “We have brought the comfort of motor yachts to a sailing yacht, enabling us to cover long distances in a relaxed and efficient manner, as the voyage to the show so clearly showed. The level of interest we received in Monaco confirmed that our brand of family-friendly, comfortable carbon yachts is resonating with potential owners from both sail and motor backgrounds. It is clear that our offering is unique on the market.”Photo by Pozitif StudioFounded in 1986, Yonca Shipyard aimed to lead in fast boat design and advanced composites. Despite doubts, handcrafted boats reflected our vision. Now an industrial-scale enterprise, the shipyard produces cutting-edge pleasure, commercial, and naval craft. Yonca Shipyard delivered more than 180 ships and boats, specializing in fast interceptor craft and patrol boats for defense and law enforcement agencies.Credits: Mishi Yachts
November 5, 2024
Benetti is set to make a splash at the inaugural Qatar Boat Show, taking place in Doha from November 6 to 9, alongside 500 companies from around the globe.This premier event, held at Old Doha Port and dedicated to luxury yachts, marks a significant occasion for Benetti. Attendees are invited to visit the brand’s lounge at stand EQP016, where the shipyard will present its rich history, latest innovations, and future objectives. Benetti specializes in producing and marketing composite yachts ranging from 34 to 44 meters, as well as aluminum and steel yachts from 37 to over 100 meters.The highly anticipated boat show underscores the region's rising significance as a prime destination for superyacht cruising and a key tourist hub in the Middle East. It also highlights Qatar's growing community of yacht owners who appreciate high-quality Italian craftsmanship. With approximately 1,877 yacht berths available—108 of which accommodate vessels between 40 and 160 meters—and an anticipated rise in consumer spending power projected to reach between $73 billion and $90 billion by the end of 2029, Qatar is firmly establishing itself in the luxury yacht market.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
November 5, 2024
Nauta Design is thrilled to announce that the Southern Wind SW108 Gelliceaux has been honored with the ISS Award 2024 in the Best Sail 24-40m category.The prestigious Design & Leadership Award Gala took place on October 30 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, drawing together some of the most significant figures from the international yachting industry to celebrate this year's exceptional yacht launches.The Gelliceaux, the first in the Southern Wind 108 series, has been recognized by the judges for its innovative approach to sustainable sailing, featuring a state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. This unique project, designed from inception to prioritize eco-friendliness, sets a new standard for performance sailing. The judges praised Gelliceaux for its integration of modern design elements that harmonize with its sleek exterior, offering a cohesive and forward-looking sailing experience.Jim Schmicker and Jeremy Peek at ISS AwardsMassimo Gino of Nauta Design expressed pride in Gelliceaux's achievement: “We are pleased and proud that the Southern Wind 108’ Gelliceaux won the ISS Award. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the project, from the construction teams at Southern Wind to the talented Farr Yacht Design. A special thanks to the Owners, whose vision and collaboration made the creative process truly rewarding."Gelliceaux is part of the ‘GT’ series of Southern Wind bluewater sailing yachts, which also includes the award-winning SW105 Taniwha and SW96 Nyumba.As one of the first Southern Wind yachts equipped with a hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system, Gelliceaux not only showcases impressive performance, having clinched the overall title at the 2024 St Barth’s Bucket and excelling at the 2024 Ibiza JoySail in the Performance Cruising L division, but also stands out for its striking aesthetic.The yacht's deck design is characterized by clean geometry that embodies the signature Nauta GT look. Its sporty coach roof, adorned with teak and a large central skylight, seamlessly transitions to ‘floating’ bench seats, enhancing both functionality and grace. A distinctive Z-shaped composite coaming gives Gelliceaux an agile profile, while the innovative opening transom creates a staircase leading to the beach platform – perfect for connecting guests with the sea when anchored.The interior of Gelliceaux is a study in elegance, emphasizing a soothing Mediterranean vibe with a warm color palette and refined fabric-lined walls. The two-level saloon features a unique lounge sofa that bridges both levels, contributing to an open and inviting atmosphere.Natural light floods the interior through expansive hull windows and skylights, complemented by soft shapes and rounded edges for a harmonious aesthetic. The expertly designed furniture appears freestanding, enhancing the open space feel and creating a cozy ambiance that is both stylish and sophisticated.Southern Wind is a boutique bluewater sailing yacht shipyard founded in Cape Town in 1991. Since its foundation, SWS has specialized in the production of semi-custom high-performance superyachts. Credits: Nauta Design
November 4, 2024
The Swan Sardinia Challenge, a groundbreaking international sailing event focused on the newly launched ClubSwan 28, concluded successfully yesterday in Villasimius, southeastern Sardinia. Running from October 30 to November 2, the challenge marked the final stage of the 2024 Nations League within the esteemed ClubSwan Racing One Design circuit. The Swiss team Anya Race clinched the overall Nations League title, followed closely by Japan's Swing, featuring Olympic gold medalist Will Ryan as tactician, and the French team Marcello. Swing triumphed in the Swan Sardinia Challenge, with Anya Race taking second and the American team Play Bigger finishing in third.Sailing conditions throughout this exhilarating week were idyllic, permitting eight competitive races among the five national teams. The final day showcased an easterly wind fluctuating between 10 and 14 knots before tapering off below 10 knots.Keisuke Suzuki, owner of the victorious Swing team, expressed his enthusiasm: "I’m thrilled to have won for the first time in this class. I’d love to come back again next year. With only five crew members, communication is crucial."Will Ryan reflected on the final race, stating, “We were very close to the Swiss team, engaging in a competitive back-and-forth that heightened the pressure. This intensity pushed us to perform better and secure our victory. The team did an outstanding job, showcasing impressive downwind speed that helped us navigate tight situations. It’s been fantastic to be a part of this event and demonstrate the ClubSwan 28’s capabilities.”Giulio Gatti, owner of Anya Race, commented on the competition experience: “I had a lot of fun and fully enjoyed the event. Although we expected to win today, that wasn't the case – congratulations to the Japanese team for their exceptional sailing. I hope to learn from them for the next event. As more boats join the fleet next season, it’ll only get more exciting, and the friendships formed here make it all the more enjoyable.”Cecilia Perotti, racing with her team called Out of Comfort Zone, relayed her thrilling journey: “It’s my first time participating in a regatta, and there were moments I truly felt 'out of my comfort zone.' Winning a race was an exhilarating experience, filled with adrenaline until the very end!”“The Swan Sardinia Challenge successfully extended the tourist season in Villasimius beyond October," remarked Gianluca Dessì, the town’s mayor. “This event has showcased the beauty and potential of our region during off-peak times, attracting visitors eager to enjoy the local beaches and excellent sailing conditions.”Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, praised the event’s showcase of the ClubSwan 28, emphasizing its role in promoting inclusivity in sailing. Luisa Bambozzi, Managing Director of ClubSwan Racing, thanked the local partners for their support in creating a welcoming environment for all participants.Co-organized by the Autonomous Region of Sardinia, this event exemplified the spirit of camaraderie and passion for sailing, setting the stage for many more thrilling competitions in the future.Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. Credit: Nautor Swan
November 4, 2024