The fourth hull of the popular SW105 model, luxury sailing yacht TANIWHA, was christened and launched in front of her new Owners at the Southern Wind shipyard in South Africa on the 18th of April.

Luxury sailing yacht TANIWHA launched

The name ‘Taniwha’ comes from Māori mythology from New Zealand and relates to beings that were often revered as guardians of the caves, pools, rivers and seas that they called home.

Built for passionate Owners who provided input throughout the design and construction process, S/Y TANIWHA has a GT (Gran Turismo) deck configuration from Nauta Design, which also produced the interior and exterior styling. There is a reduced coachroof and broader cockpit in comparison to the previous SW105 DS and RS models, and the helm positions have been moved close to the gunwales for improved views. As a result, there is now space for a sunbathing area below the manoeuvring cockpit as well as a garage to store a 4.5m/14.8ft tender.

TANIWHA hitting water

The naval architecture comes from Farr Yacht Design and includes a fully-carbon hull with Nomex and pre-preg used in the foredeck and cockpit. The mast and boom are made in high modulus carbon, and together with EC6 standing rigging support a generous sail plan. S/Y TANIWHA also has a fixed single rudder, an extended bowsprit of 3.12m/10ft and a lifting keel that reduces from 5.9m/19ft to 3.8m/12.5ft.

Massimo Gino from Nauta Design describes the appearance as “an innovative and clean look that is driven by the methods of composite construction and by racing yacht styling”, resulting in what is expected to be a desirable new style for the future Owners of the SW105 model. As with the classic Gran Turismo cars which were designed for enjoyment travelling across the long-distance at speed, S/Y TANIWHA is a bluewater cruiser that will be able to cross vast distances in excellent time, while providing the utmost comfort onboard.  

The interior layout provides a spacious salon, and forward is a studio convertible to a double en-suite cabin and day head. The Owner’s cabin is father forward, and behind the salon is the VIP stateroom and twin cabin, both of which have their own en-suite bathroom. The aft area is reserved for the crew working area and cabins, which sleep five.

S/Y TANIWHA will now undergo sea trials before heading off on her maiden voyage.