South African shipyard Southern Wind has announced the construction of its first hybrid propulsion vessel, the sailing yacht NYUMBA.
Sailing yacht NYUMBA
NYUMBA is the fourth hull in the proven SW96 model and is being constructed for a passionate young Owner now on his third sailing yacht. As a hands-on Owner, he approached Southern Wind to produce a ‘ sexy, comfortable, reliable and above all sustainable’ world-cruising vessel capable of being sailed short-handed with the responsiveness to perform in some of the world’s top regattas.
To meet these criteria, she will be the first sailing yacht from the shipyard to be installed with a hybrid propulsion system. This will be designed in collaboration with multinational company Bae Systems, which constructs technology-led defence and aerospace systems as well as advanced hybrid propulsion systems. The patented ‘Hybrid Gen’ electric propulsion system has been specifically engineered to make S/Y NYUMBA compliant with the IMO Tier III environmental regulations.
Luxury yacht NYUMBA by Southern Wind Shipyard
NYUMBA means ‘home’ in Swahili and reflects the Owners’ desire to spend extensive periods onboard, comfortably cruising. She will be built with a full carbon hull and prepreg side and foredeck for a shallow draft and excellent stability, with hull lines penned by Farr Yacht Design. A lifting keel will grant access to shallower waters to anchor in quiet bays overnight, and a twin rudder configuration, carbon rigging and upgraded hydraulic winches will ensure excellent performance. There is a tender garage able to store a 4.5m/14.9ft tender, and a larger swim platform has been installed for greater comfort and more entertainment space while away from the marina.
The exterior and interior design comes from Nauta Design and features a sleek GT deck configuration designed to meet the client’s specifications. The interiors offer a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for long-term cruising, with the Owner’s cabin placed forward and two guest cabins amidships, and the crew quarters and galley aft. The main salon will be bright and airy, and the space for a fourth cabin will instead be used as a TV lounge with plenty of seating.
Superyacht NYUMBA is currently under construction at the Cape Town facilities and delivery is scheduled for summer 2022.
