Nyumba GT Yacht

Design & Construction

Designed around a full displacement composite hull and superstructure she features a 6.95m beam and a 5.5m draft. The yacht has an internal volume of 87 GT (Gross Tonnes).

This was the fourth yacht built on the SW 96 design. Launched in December 2022 this yacht undertook sea trials over the following months.

Exterior Design

Nyumba GT's sleek and dynamic profile immediately commands attention, with a streamlined GT-style deck and coachroof that set her apart as the first SW96 to embrace such a distinctive design language. This design approach, first introduced by Nauta on the SW105 Taniwha, has been masterfully refined, culminating in what Massimo Gino, co-founder of Nauta Design, describes as "one of the cleanest, most balanced and sportiest" decks they have ever conceived.

The GT concept is elegantly executed through Nyumba GT's dark grey hull and coachroof, a color choice that underscores the yacht's sophisticated simplicity. The absence of a cove stripe or waterline stripe, coupled with anti-fouling paint in a matching shade of grey, further accentuates the purity of her lines. Titanium deck hardware complements the overall design, enhancing the yacht's contemporary appeal while maintaining its functional integrity.

Upon stepping aboard Nyumba GT, the deck's uncluttered nature immediately becomes apparent. Jib sheets are discreetly concealed within an enclosure, a design choice that not only maintains the aesthetic cleanliness of the yacht but also ensures safe and efficient operation. The owners' penchant for an undisturbed deck space extends to the custom sunpads, which were shortened to expand the maneuvering area, demonstrating a tailored approach to the yacht's design.

In a nod to both performance and aesthetics, the mainsheet traveler has been repositioned as far aft as possible, reducing loads to a minimum and enhancing the yacht's clean lines. Its placement beyond the crew companionway, which mirrors the coachroof's design, exemplifies the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of Nyumba GT's design. The twin helm positions, strategically moved forward, offer improved visibility, and are mounted on bespoke supports that echo the silhouette of a propeller's hub, further showcasing the yacht's custom features.

Another striking feature of Nyumba GT is the expansive swim platform, an 8.9-meter-plus "beach club" that unfolds from the transom, providing guests with direct access to the water. The seamless integration of the platform with the deck, connected by composite stairs, exemplifies the yacht's commitment to form and function.

The deck of Nyumba GT is not only a visual delight but also an ergonomic masterpiece, designed with guest safety and comfort in mind. Equipment is strategically positioned for ease of use, ensuring that every journey aboard Nyumba GT is as effortless as it is enjoyable.

Interior Design

The interior of Nyumba GT exudes a welcoming warmth, utilizing classic oiled teak veneers and built-in furniture, complemented by an infusion of African-inspired aesthetics.

One of the yacht's standout features is the custom-tailored saloon. Here, the typical SW96 layout has been thoughtfully modified to cater to the owners' specific needs. The standard L-shaped sofa to starboard has been reimagined into a multifunctional space featuring a practical workstation and a cozy reading nook complete with a daybed, allowing for both productivity and repose.

Opposite this, the dining area is graced with a transformable coffee table that seamlessly transitions to accommodate mealtimes, ensuring versatility in the use of space. Above, large skylights bathe the saloon in natural light, enhancing the interior's open and airy feel, while dark-wood floorboards anchor the space with a touch of sophistication.

Descending a few steps, a lower lounge to starboard beckons as an inviting retreat. This area doubles as a cinema room, furnished with a large television and a deep sofa, perfect for unwinding after a day of sailing or entertaining guests with a movie night.

The interior decor is punctuated by vibrant African-print fabrics, carefully curated by Dewald Prinsloo of Ebony Design, that celebrate the yacht's African roots. These fabrics imbue the space with a burst of color and cultural significance, while artwork by South African photographer Marc Stanes further connects the vessel to its heritage, depicting evocative scenes of native wildlife.

Accommodation

Guest accommodations are thoughtfully placed forward of the yacht, providing a tranquil and secluded retreat for those aboard. The yacht is equipped to host its guests in an elegant master suite and two additional guest cabins, each meticulously designed with the same attention to detail and luxury that Southern Wind is renowned for. The master suite boasts an innovative feature—a vertical carbon ladder leading directly to the deck via a hatch, a bespoke addition that epitomizes the level of customization available to Southern Wind clients.

The owners, with their extensive sailing experience, have ensured that the guest quarters do not merely serve as a place to rest but as sanctuaries where one can truly feel at home on the water. The cabins are adorned with fine materials, including classic oiled teak veneers and built-in furniture, complemented by vibrant African-print fabrics that add a touch of personality and connection to the yacht's heritage.

The crew quarters are strategically situated aft, designed to offer the crew a comfortable and efficient working environment. This area includes well-appointed cabins, a galley, a navigation station, and dedicated social areas that allow for seamless operation of the yacht while providing the four crew members with their own space to rest and rejuvenate.

Performance & Capabilities

At the heart of the Nyumba GT's mechanical prowess is its advanced hybrid propulsion system. This ground-breaking technology is designed to enhance the yacht's efficiency and reduce its environmental impact. The serial hybrid propulsion system, a first for a sailing yacht under 30 metres LOA, allows Nyumba GT to generate significant energy while sailing. The high-voltage energy storage system ensures that when the yacht is under sail, it can produce enough kilowatts to cover the hotel loads, which typically require around 10 kilowatts. This means that at sailing speeds of 10 knots or more, Nyumba GT can sustain its onboard energy needs without relying on fossil fuels, thereby achieving zero-emissions operation.

The hybrid system's benefits extend to the yacht's maneuverability and speed. With her optimized hull, designed by the renowned Farr Yacht Design, Nyumba GT boasts a fine waterline entry, minimal wetted surface, and a wide transom shape that collectively contribute to her excellent performance. In light wind conditions, the hybrid system's underwater drive components double as water generators, providing an additional source of power without compromising on speed or agility.

To counterbalance the additional weight of the hybrid system, Nyumba GT's hull was lengthened by 50 centimetres, fine-tuning the transom immersion for better performance. Furthermore, a 9.5 per cent increase in mainsail area was added to ensure that light wind performance remains uncompromised. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in her sea trials off the coast of Cape Town, where she consistently demonstrated her prowess, achieving top speeds of 15.5 knots.

Nyumba GT's sail inventory is equally impressive, featuring custom-designed carbon and Technora Doyle Sails. The high-performance sails, including a square-top mainsail and a suite of structured luff sails, are crafted with precision and durability in mind, employing specific resins chosen for their resistance to fatigue. The result is a sail layout that not only delivers stronger, lighter, and faster sails but also ensures they set smoothly for optimal performance.

In terms of range, Nyumba GT is built to circumnavigate the globe, offering her owners the freedom to explore the world's oceans with confidence. The yacht's hybrid system, coupled with its performance-oriented design, ensures efficient and long-range cruising capabilities, befitting the adventurous spirit of her owners.