Christened Gelliceaux, the 108-footer is the first hull in the SW108 series to leave the South African shipyard. The hybrid cruiser departed Cape Town in late October to embark on a voyage around the world.

Described as a “smart custom” sailing yacht, the SW108 strikes a perfect balance between sustainability, efficiency, and luxury. Penned in collaboration with Nauta Design and Farr Yacht Design, the vessel is based on a versatile platform that can be tailored to meet each seafarer’s wants and needs. Gelliceaux’s owners, for instance, opted for a deeper keel, a higher sail plan, and more sail area than the original model.

“The smart custom obviously gives a client a platform, a hull, which is already proven, and within that platform, he’s able to put his own mark on and change a lot of things, change the interior layout to a certain degree, even change the performance characteristics of the boat,” A2B Marine’s Sebastian Allebrodt, who acted as project manager for the client, said in a statement.

Gelliceaux is equipped with a diesel-electric propulsion system that was designed in collaboration with BAE Systems. Comprising two highly efficient generators, a high-voltage lithium battery bank, and electric motors, this setup ensures a more efficient consumption of fuel while lowering carbon emissions. The newcomer also has hydrogenerating capabilities, meaning that it can produce electricity at sea to recharge the battery. As a result, the owner can cruise sans noise and pollution for longer periods.

Gelliceaux is currently sailing off the coast of Namibia with experienced captain Mariano Sotelo at the helm and a crew of seasoned sailors on deck.

“I think we achieved exactly what the owner wanted, which is a beautiful boat that is safe to sail with his family, friends, and with all the crew if we do a regatta somewhere in the middle, in the Caribbean,” Sotelo adds. “This boat is just one of the most beautiful boats.”

robbreport.com