Discover the perfect equilibrium of blistering speed and sublime luxury aboard G4CE, the Southern Wind SW102 that redefined the blue-water cruising superyacht segment. Built by the renowned South African shipyard, Southern Wind, and brought to life by the powerhouse design duo of Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design, this 31.78-meter Raised Saloon (RS) masterpiece is more than just a yacht; it is a meticulously engineered sailing machine where carbon fiber technology meets Italian elegance. For discerning yacht owners, sailors, and enthusiasts searching for the pinnacle of performance and sophisticated comfort, G4CE stands as a definitive benchmark in the highly competitive maxi yacht category, offering exhilarating acceleration and secure passage-making across any ocean.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
I. The Genesis of a Modern Classic: Introducing the SW102 Series
The story of G4CE begins not just with a hull number, but with a philosophy cultivated over three decades by the Southern Wind Shipyard (SWS) in Cape Town, South Africa. SWS, founded by Italian visionary Willy Persico, has always specialized in the niche of "Smart Custom" yachts—vessels that combine the reliable, performance-driven engineering of a semi-custom platform with high-level aesthetic and functional customization. The SW102 series, launched in 2012 with Almagores II, quickly became a flagship model, perfectly encapsulating this ethos.
The SW102 was conceived to satisfy a growing demand: a luxury superyacht capable of fast, comfortable, and safe global circumnavigation, while also possessing the aggressive DNA required for competitive regatta sailing. The model’s success lies in its balanced design, which ensures easy handling by a small crew, crucial for long-distance cruising, yet delivers breathtaking performance when pushed to its limits.
G4CE, originally launched in 2015 as the fourth hull of this distinguished line, and specifically the second in the Raised Saloon (RS) configuration, represents the maturation and refinement of the SW102 concept. The Raised Saloon version distinguishes itself by offering an increased sense of interior volume and, critically, unparalleled panoramic views from the main living area—a feature that transforms the cruising experience and integrates the maritime environment seamlessly with the luxury within. It is a vessel built to conquer the world’s oceans with grace and speed, carrying its occupants in absolute comfort.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
II. The Collaborative Masters: Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design
The exceptional qualities of G4CE are the result of a seamless collaboration between two giants of marine design: Farr Yacht Design for naval architecture and Nauta Design for the general concept, exterior styling, and interior design. This partnership ensures that every metric—from speed and stability to aesthetic appeal and habitability—is optimized.
The Performance Engine: Farr Yacht Design’s Naval Architecture
Farr Yacht Design, based in the United States, is world-renowned for developing some of the fastest, most successful racing yachts in history. Their role in the SW102 project was to imbue the 31.78-meter cruiser with the exhilarating performance of a racing yacht, without sacrificing the stability and robustness required for serious blue-water cruising.
The resulting hull shape is a marvel of hydrodynamic efficiency. It features a moderate displacement (around 64 tonnes), a crucial factor that allows the yacht to accelerate quickly and maintain high average speeds, even in lighter air. The key characteristics include:
Optimized Waterlines: The hull is designed to minimize wetted surface area while sailing upright, reducing drag, but widening the waterline beam when heeled to maximize stability and power.
Draft and Stability: With a substantial draft of 4.0 meters, G4CE carries a deep bulb keel that provides a low center of gravity. This stability is essential for offshore comfort and allows the boat to carry a massive sail plan effectively.
Twin Rudders (A Conceptual Advantage): While the SW102 series generally uses twin rudders on subsequent hulls, the performance-oriented nature dictated a highly effective steering mechanism that ensures precise control, even when the boat is pressed hard under a large sail plan. The feeling at the helm, as noted by the captain during its maiden delivery, is one of remarkable lightness and responsiveness, which speaks directly to the quality of Farr’s design.
This performance focus ensures that passages are completed quickly and comfortably, upholding Southern Wind’s commitment to "Smart Custom" performance.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
The Italian Artistry: Nauta Design’s General Concept and Styling
Complementing the technical brilliance of Farr is the sophisticated aesthetic genius of Nauta Design, the revered Milanese studio responsible for the yacht's overall concept, deck layout, and interior spaces. Nauta’s philosophy is defined by clean lines, natural light, and a sense of understated elegance—a "less is more" approach that maximizes volume and serenity.
For the SW102, Nauta Design crafted a look that is both modern and "aggressive"—a term often used to describe the yacht's powerful stance and purposeful low-profile superstructure. Key external design elements include:
Raised Saloon Silhouette: The distinctive RS profile is sleek, yet allows for the large, bright panoramic windows that define the interior experience. This profile cleverly disguises the added interior volume while maintaining the sporty, low-slung look of a high-performance maxi.
Deck Integration: The deck is meticulously clean, with all lines led aft to dedicated control areas and twin recessed helm positions. This design philosophy keeps the guest cockpit free of clutter, enhancing both safety and aesthetics. The transition from the sailing workspace to the comfortable lounging areas is seamless.
Color Palette and Personality: G4CE stands out with a strong personality, utilizing a contrasting color palette that is often replicated in the interior. The exterior's gray tones—frequently seen in the hull, coachroof, or soft furnishings—provide a modern, high-tech backdrop that reflects its carbon construction.
The collaboration between Farr and Nauta is the perfect marriage of performance and poetry, resulting in a yacht that is as rewarding to sail as it is luxurious to live aboard.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
III. Technical Mastery: Advanced Composite Construction and Engineering
The true secret to G4CE's unique ability to blend luxury with speed lies in its construction. Southern Wind’s shipyard in Cape Town has mastered the art of advanced composite construction, which is essential for achieving the required balance of strength, stiffness, and light displacement.
The Carbon Backbone: Hull and Deck Composition
Both the hull and deck of G4CE are constructed using advanced composite sandwich technology, primarily utilizing carbon fiber. This choice of material is non-negotiable for a yacht targeting serious performance metrics:
Inner Skin: The inner skin is built using high-modulus Carbon/Epoxy resin, providing immense tensile strength and stiffness.
Core: The yacht uses a Corecell foam core. Corecell is a structural foam known for its excellent shear strength and ability to resist water absorption, making it an ideal choice for the core of blue-water cruising yachts.
Outer Skin: The outer skin is a blend of E-glass and Aramid (Kevlar) fibers in Epoxy resin. This composite mix is chosen for its superior impact resistance and durability, especially important for offshore sailing where impacts with debris or unexpected strains can occur. Aramid fibers are particularly effective at preventing propagation of cracks, adding a layer of crucial robustness.
This meticulous, multi-layered approach results in an ultra-lightweight, yet incredibly stiff structure. A stiffer hull translates directly into better performance, as the energy from the sails is converted more efficiently into forward motion, rather than being absorbed by hull flex.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
The Art of Lightweight Luxury: Interior Joinery
A key innovation pioneered by Southern Wind is the implementation of ultra-lightweight interiors. While the aesthetics speak of classical, solid joinery, the construction is pure high-tech weight saving. This is achieved by:
Foam-Core and Honeycomb Panels: Instead of using heavy marine plywood, SWS utilizes sandwich panels with foam or honeycomb cores (like 20mm thick Kraft paper honeycomb) that reduce the density to a fraction of traditional materials.
Hard Spots: To ensure durability where hardware (like hinges, latches, and handles) is attached, the light cores are locally removed and replaced with "hard spots"—solid inserts that securely anchor fittings, ensuring the joinery is robust enough for constant use, even in heavy seas.
Veneer and Capping: The lightweight panels are finished with beautiful horizontal closed-grain teak veneers. Crucially, the edges are closed and reinforced with thicker veneers (up to 4mm) or solid hardwood capping to prevent wear and tear, ensuring the luxurious aesthetic lasts.
This mastery of weight reduction throughout the yacht—from the hull structure to every piece of furniture—allows G4CE to displace only 64.09 tonnes, a remarkable feat for a 32-meter superyacht designed for extensive cruising.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
IV. Exhilaration Under Sail: Rigging and Performance Metrics
The purpose of all this engineering is simple: to sail fast and securely. G4CE is equipped with a high-performance sloop rig designed to maximize the yacht’s potential.
The Power Plant: Sail Area and Rigging
The yacht boasts an imposing total sail area of 516 square meters, a testament to Farr’s powerful design. The rig is characterized by:
Carbon Fiber Mastery: The mast and boom are constructed from carbon fiber, significantly reducing weight aloft. This reduction in mass at height is critical, as it directly increases stability and reduces the pitching motion, making the yacht more comfortable and safer in a seaway.
Handling Simplicity: Despite its size, the yacht is designed for semi-custom operation. It features a comprehensive hydraulic system that manages the primary sail functions, including captive winches (introduced recently to the SWS line for easier management) and a powerful hydraulic backstay and vang system. This automation allows a small, professional crew (4-5 people) to manage the enormous sail plan effectively, enabling the owner to enjoy a genuine sailing experience without the complexity of a purely racing machine.
Tested Performance: The proof is in the sailing. During the initial delivery voyage from Cape Town to the Mediterranean—a defining tradition for every Southern Wind yacht—the captains universally praised its handling. One remarked on the "remarkable acceleration" when bearing away, demonstrating that the yacht truly delivers on its promise of exhilarating performance. Cruising comfortably at 9 knots and capable of bursts to 11 knots under engine power alone, G4CE shines brightest when the wind fills its vast sails.
The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE
V. An Interior Sanctuary: The Raised Saloon Advantage
Stepping below deck into G4CE's interior is to transition from a high-performance cockpit to a warm, classical haven of Italian design. Nauta Design’s vision for the Raised Saloon (RS) version emphasizes light, volume, and sophisticated detailing.
The Defining Feature: The Panoramic Saloon
The Raised Saloon configuration is the heart of the yacht. By slightly elevating the coachroof, Nauta was able to install bright, large panoramic windows, providing unobstructed views of the sea and sky. This is not merely an aesthetic choice; it’s a functional enhancement that connects guests to the external environment, alleviating any feeling of being confined below deck during long voyages.
The main saloon is an expansive, open-plan area featuring:
The Dining Area: A large dining space to port, capable of seating up to 10 guests comfortably, perfect for formal meals or relaxed gatherings.
The Lounge: To starboard, a U-shaped settee upholstered in elegant grey leather—a choice that subtly recalls the strong color palette of the yacht's aggressive exterior—offers a comfortable spot for conversation or relaxing while underway.
Material Harmony: The space is defined by the extensive use of horizontal closed-grain teak wood, providing a sense of linear elegance and warmth. This is beautifully contrasted by ivory linen on the bulkheads and ceilings, which enhances the perception of space and brightness.
The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE
G4CE’s Unique Layout and Accommodation
The layout of G4CE adheres to the classic Southern Wind configuration, proven over years of blue-water cruising, yet incorporates bespoke elements specific to the owner’s requirements.
Owner’s Quarters Forward
In the traditional SWS layout, the owner’s cabin is situated forward of the main saloon. This placement is strategic: it utilizes the widest, quietest, and most private section of the hull, offering a full-beam master suite that is truly a private apartment at sea. The master suite includes a large double berth, extensive storage, and a luxurious en-suite bathroom with separate shower facilities.
The Midships Studio: A Bespoke Addition
A key customization for G4CE (in contrast to some sister ships like Farfalla) is the inclusion of a spacious studio or lounge amidships. This area acts as a buffer or separating zone between the main saloon and the owner’s private quarters, enhancing sound insulation and providing a dedicated, quiet space for the owner to work, read, or enjoy private time away from the central activity of the yacht. This flexibility exemplifies the "Smart Custom" approach, where the owner’s lifestyle dictates the refinement of a proven platform.
Guest and Crew Arrangement
Aft of the saloon, the remaining guest and service areas are arranged:
Guest Accommodation: G4CE is designed to comfortably accommodate up to 8 guests in 4 well-appointed suites. Besides the owner's master suite, there is a double cabin and two twin cabins, all featuring en-suite shower facilities. Every guest cabin maintains the high standard of finish and the teak/linen aesthetic of the main saloon.
Crew Quarters Aft: Southern Wind’s signature layout places the navigation area, galley, and crew quarters aft, near the engine room and deck access. This separation is vital for a luxury charter or cruising yacht, ensuring that crew operations (watch standing, meal preparation, maintenance) can occur efficiently and discretely, maximizing privacy and comfort for the guests. The crew area can host up to 5 crew members in 3 cabins, ensuring seamless service.
The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE
VI. The Life on Deck: Functionality and Relaxation
The deck of G4CE is a masterclass in separating operational areas from relaxation zones, a critical design element for a successful cruising superyacht.
The Cockpit Zones
The deck is divided into two primary cockpit areas, both surfaced in traditional, beautifully laid teak decking:
The Aft Sailing Cockpit: This area is entirely dedicated to the management of the yacht. It features twin recessed helm positions, which give the helmsman excellent visibility forward and across the sails, while keeping the area streamlined. All winches, sheet lines, and control systems terminate here. The design minimizes the physical size of the coachroof intrusion, allowing the crew to work efficiently while maintaining sight lines.
The Guest Cockpit (Amidships): Just forward of the sailing cockpit is the primary guest area. This deep, protected space is fitted with comfortable seating and tables, providing an ideal spot for al fresco dining, entertaining, or simply lounging while enjoying the thrill of sailing. Its central position ensures it is safe and comfortable, even when the boat is moving quickly or heeled over.
Anchoring and Watersports
While primarily a sailing vessel, G4CE is fully equipped for luxury cruising life. The transom is a key feature, often transforming into a spacious watersports area or 'beach club' when anchored. The yacht typically features a dedicated garage or storage area for a substantial tender (up to 4.5m) and various water toys, essential for maximizing enjoyment in the world's most beautiful anchorages.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
VII. The Southern Wind Legacy: Reliability and the Maiden Voyage
Part of the allure of owning a Southern Wind is the legacy of reliability and the shipyard's unique testing process.
The Cape Town Delivery
Every Southern Wind yacht, including G4CE, begins its life with a strenuous 7,000+ nautical mile maiden voyage from the shipyard in Cape Town, South Africa, across the South Atlantic and into the Mediterranean Sea. This is not simply a transit; it is a full, real-world shakedown cruise.
This tradition serves multiple purposes:
Ultimate Testing: It tests every system—the hull integrity, the engine, the electronics, the rigging, and the hydraulics—under genuine, long-distance blue-water conditions. Any potential weak points are discovered and addressed before the yacht is formally handed over to the owner.
Proof of Concept: It proves, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the yacht’s suitability for global cruising. When a yacht completes this voyage successfully, it confirms the Farr-designed naval architecture and Southern Wind’s robust construction methodologies.
Crew Familiarization: It allows the professional crew to become intimately familiar with the yacht’s behavior in all conditions, ensuring they can operate it safely and efficiently for the owner from day one.
The Life of G4CE: Charter and Regatta Prowess
Since her delivery, G4CE (which has also sailed under the names Seawave and Egiwave) has exemplified the multi-role capability for which Southern Wind yachts are famous. She is frequently a sought-after charter yacht, offering guests the unique experience of superyacht luxury combined with genuine sailing performance. This charter life demands robust construction and flawless operational systems, which G4CE's RINA Charter Class certification guarantees.
Furthermore, the yacht is perfectly suited for the competitive Superyacht Regatta circuit. The balance of a lightweight carbon composite hull, a powerful rig, and an optimized underwater profile ensures she is competitive on the race course, allowing owners to experience the exhilaration of maxi yacht racing in glamorous locations like Porto Cervo and St Barths. Her design excellence was recognized when she was named a Finalist in several categories, including Naval Architecture, Exterior Design, and Interior Design, at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards 2016.
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| The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE |
VIII. Southern Wind’s Smart Custom Philosophy
The story of G4CE is inextricably linked to the core values of its builder, Southern Wind Shipyard. Located against the dramatic backdrop of Table Mountain, the yard represents a unique blend of Italian vision and precision engineering executed by highly skilled African craftsmen.
The Italian Heart in a Global Nexus
Founded in 1991 by Willy Persico, Southern Wind’s operational model was revolutionary: building high-performance composite yachts in a location that offered excellent labor skills and value, while maintaining European (specifically Italian) management and design integrity. This blend of global resources and local craftsmanship is a pillar of their success.
The Perfect Balance
Southern Wind’s brand identity revolves around achieving "The Perfect Balance": the equilibrium between comfort and performance, between standardization and customization.
Blue Water Reliability: Every SWS yacht is fundamentally a safe, robust, and reliable blue-water cruiser. The emphasis on composite structure, high-quality engineering, and the 7,000 NM delivery ensures they are ready to cross any ocean.
Sailing Exhilaration: Through collaborations with naval architects like Farr, the yachts maintain an aggressive, performance-focused edge. They are designed to deliver a tactile and thrilling sailing experience, not merely to motor between anchorages.
Intelligent Customization (Smart Custom): This is the key. By using proven, standardized platforms (like the SW102 hull and engineering), the shipyard can focus its custom efforts on the areas that matter most to the owner—the interior layout, materials, and specific systems. This approach reduces design risk, maintains quality control, and ensures a faster, more cost-effective delivery, all while delivering a yacht that feels truly personalized, as evidenced by G4CE's unique midships studio.
The ultimate performance cruiser: Exploring the southern wind SW102 yacht G4CE
IX. Detailed Specifications and the Enduring Appeal of G4CE
To truly appreciate the engineering behind G4CE, a review of her key specifications is necessary.
| Specification | Detail |
Model | Southern Wind SW102 RS (Raised Saloon) |
Previous Names | Seawave, Egiwave |
Year Built | 2015 |
Builder | Southern Wind Shipyard (Cape Town, South Africa) |
Naval Architect | Farr Yacht Design |
Exterior & Interior Design | Nauta Design |
LOA (Length Overall) | 31.78 meters (104' 3") |
LWL (Length Waterline) | 27.72 meters |
Beam (Max) | 6.90 meters (22' 8") |
Draft | 4.00 meters (13' 1") |
Displacement | 64.09 tonnes |
Gross Tonnage | 99 GT |
Sail Area | 516 sqm |
Engine | Cummins QSB 6,7 MCD (305 hp @ 2,600 rpm) |
Cruising Speed (Power) | 9 knots |
Top Speed (Power) | 11 knots |
Construction | Advanced Composite Sandwich (Carbon/Epoxy, Corecell) |
Accommodation | 8 Guests in 4 Suites, 4-5 Crew |
Certification | RINA Charter Class (Short Range, Malta Commercial Yacht Code Compliant) |
The enduring appeal of G4CE lies in its ability to manage these conflicting requirements with effortless style. She is large enough to offer the luxury and amenities of a superyacht, yet her advanced carbon construction keeps her light and nimble, a quality rarely achieved in vessels of this size. She is a powerful performer under sail, but her Raised Saloon provides an observation deck-like comfort that makes long passages enjoyable for non-sailing guests.
This yacht is a celebration of the sailing life—a machine that asks its owners not just to cruise, but to truly sail, feeling the power of the wind harnessed by its immense rig, all from the secure and elegant sanctuary of a custom-designed luxury interior. G4CE is, and remains, a crowning achievement in the performance cruiser category, an icon of the sea where Italian flair meets South African engineering excellence.