After undergoing intensive sea trials, Southern Wind Shipyard's Sorceress has left Cape Town for her maiden voyage to the Mediterranean Sea. Sorceress was commissioned by a passionate yachtsman who already owned an 80’ custom carbon yacht and is a keen racer.


SW96 #01 represents the first unit in the brand new SW96 min-series. Her owner was looking for a yacht to use in both coastal and transoceanic races and for bluewater cruises. He wanted a very low displacement and all the comforts typical of a cruising yacht
Willy Persico, founder and CEO of Southern Wind Shipyard

SW96 Sorceress has lightship displacement of 56.700 kg for excellent speed in light winds and a manageable rig size. Jim Schmicker, vice president of Farr Yacht Design, responsible for the project’s naval architecture, explains: 
The goal was to achieve an entirely new level of design, incorporating features of the highest performance yachts such as wide transoms, twin rudders and ample sail area and stability, melded with the well-known characteristics of our previous Southern Wind designs like easy handling, excellent balance, comfortable ride and a solid feeling of seaworthiness



The deck hardware is optimized for both shorthand performance cruising and offshore racing: a fixed bowsprit with an integrated anchor arm and fitting for gennaker tack line and furling code 0 allows for flexibility and practical anchoring and sailing manoeuvers. The transversal jib tracks ensure fast trimming while racing and more precise sail handling. The mainsail sheet system with Cariboni Magic Trim leaves the deck clean for easy movement on board. A wide “customized” recessed dodger in the aft cockpit offers maximum protection when sailing in extreme conditions.

The interior layout features a large saloon above the engine room which is accessible through a full height control room. The owner’s cabin forward with en-suite private desk and “office area” and three guests cabins amidships offer privacy for all on board.



The yacht will make her debut at the 2017 edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (Porto Cervo, September) and will be displayed as a world première at the forthcoming Monaco Yacht Show. Sorcesess’ owner will sail his brand new SW96 #01 on her maiden voyage together with a professional crew and friends. The owner of SW96 #02 is eager for the delivery of his new yacht, scheduled for January 2018. 

The previous launches of the Southern African shipyard include 27.5m sailing yacht Allsmoke that hit the water in November 2016. 

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