Southern Wind
The 18th Southern Wind Rendezvous is shaping up to be a beauty.
The highly anticipated race, part of the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, will see seven Southern Wind sailing yachts face off in Porto Cervo, Italy over the next few days. Racing will run from June 4 to 8, with the winner declared on the final day.
The racecourse of approximately 25 miles leads the elegant sailers around the picturesque La Maddalena Archipelago. The Rendezvous is informal by nature, with friends and family competing in the fun yet fierce competition. Throughout the race, the sailors will enjoy casual lunches at anchor, an exclusive dinner in the picturesque village of San Pantaleo, and other glamorous events by Giorgio Armani.
Only Southern Wind yachts can compete in the Rendezvous, with the competitors ranging from seasoned racers to complete rookies. The 81-foot Grande Orazio is the favorite, completing six Rendezvous to date and never missing a podium finish.
Check out all seven yachts racing in the Southern Wind Rendezvous below.
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SW82 ‘Grande Orazio’: The Expert Performer
Image Credit: Southern Wind Grande Orazio is a clear frontrunner. Delivered in 2014, the second SW82 sailing yacht has six Rendezvous racers under her belt and has never missed a podium finish. She is capable of hitting thrilling speed and is a true champion on the seas, according to Southern Wind. Her carbon fiber mast and boom are painted matte black to emphasize her sporty soul. Let’s see if the black beauty notches another victory this week.
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SW105 ‘Kiboko’: The Silver Arrow
Image Credit: Southern Wind Named after the Swahili word for hippopotamus, Kiboko Tres is a true animal on the seas. Delivered in 2018 to an owner with multiple Southern Winds, the 105-footer moves quickly under sail and has competed in the Rendezvous no less than three times. “With her passionate new owner at the helm, and a large group of old and new friends aboard, Kiboko Tres and her crew guarantee a spectacle both at sea and ashore,” Southern Wind says.
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SW96 ‘Liberty’: The Elegant Falcon
Image Credit: Southern Wind Liberty is the newest of the seven racers having been delivered to a repeat client in Cape Town just a few weeks ago. The 96-footer is based on the successful SW96 series but has an additional emphasis on racing. She has a robust hull, a fixed bowsprit, a lifting keel, and twin rudders that ensure she is easy to sail in a wide range of conditions. This is Liberty’s first time racing in the Rendezvous. “Her motivated owner couldn’t have chosen a better occasion to christen her in the Mediterranean Sea,” Southern Wind says.
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RP-Nauta 100 ‘Morgana’: The Green Flash
Image Credit: Southern Wind Morgana is a custom RP-Nauta 100 that was delivered to an experienced and passionate yachtsman in 2020. The sleek and sporty 100-footer has a low fighting weight and a powerful sail plan that ensures excellent speed in light winds. Morgana has competed in two Rendezvous and is at home on the racecourse. As Southern Wind puts it, she looks svelte and serene but will rip the competition apart.
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SW96 ‘Nyumba’: The Gran Turismo of the Sea
Image Credit: Southern Wind Think of Nyumba as a Tesla of sailing yachts. Delivered in 2022, the 96-footer was the South African builder’s first hybrid. The yacht is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system that allows for zero-emissions cruising and extended range under power. Southern Wind has labeled her “an efficient world-girding sailing yacht with serious green credentials.” Nyumba has never before raced in the Rendezvous.
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SW100 ‘Padma II’: A Pearl of Wisdom
Image Credit: Southern Wind An oldie but a goodie, Padma II was delivered back in 2009. The ninth hull in the SW100 series, the 100-footer may be a little long in the tooth but has competed in two Rendezvous and is well-versed at racing. “SW100 Padma II is the veteran yacht in our fleet and will not miss the opportunity to show her charm and expertise,” Southern Wind says.
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SW105 ‘Taniwha’: The Eye Catcher
Image Credit: Southern Wind Delivered in 2021, Taniwha was the fourth bluewater sailing yacht in the SW105 series to take to the water. The speedy 105-footer has a light displacement, giving her excellent acceleration in all conditions. That should come in handy as she tackles her first Rendezvous this week. Southern Wind says the multi-award-winning yacht “is sure to bring elegance and charm to the dock.”
