'Superyacht approach' at Southerly - One year into Concept Yachts' ownership
by Southerly Yachts 5 Jul 2024 10:20 BST
Southerly Yacht's revitalised 420 and 480 models © Tiger Co
It is now one year on since Southerly Yachts, the much-loved British brand of swing keel blue water sailing cruisers, was acquired by Concept Yachts.
Headquartered in Truro, Cornwall, Concept Yachts over the last 22 years has become well known in superyacht circles worldwide for supplying its specialist workforce, culminating the company receiving the Superyacht Contractor of Year Award in 2022. This encompasses all areas from the start to the finish of a superyacht's build process, from consultancy and project management, to engineering, composite work, metal fabrication on to interior fitout and exterior finishing.
Construction of Southerly yachts takes place in a build facility in Marchwood, close to Southampton, where Concept Yachts is using its highly experienced work force to apply its superyacht standards to the creation of it yachts. Southerly yachts now benefit from increased use of infusion in the lamination process, millimetre accurate fit-out thanks to an in-house milling machine and 3D printer and a more modular approach to interior fit-out.
Over the last year production has been ramping up with the aim, initially, of creating small exclusive semi-bespoke runs of two of Southerly's most popular models - the 420 and 480.
Of course both models feature Southerly Yachts' signature swing keel system. At the touch of a button, when the keel is swung up, this permits the 420 and 480 to draw just 0.84 or 1m respectively. This, plus their twin rudder arrangement, not only allows them access to the shallowest of anchorages to get away from the crowds, but in tidal areas means both can dry out securely on their own bottoms.
When lowered, the high aspect ratio keels of the 420 and 480 draw 2.72 and 3.12m respectively. This relatively deep draft plus the weight distribution within the fin, make the 42 and 48 very stable with welcome abilities such as being able to hold sail in strong conditions and point high. The swing keel can also be semi-raised, to improve performance downwind for example when sailing transoceanic with the trade winds.
Both the 420 and 480 are raised deck saloon models. Over the last year, Southerly Yachts first completed a 420 they inherited. This model has with a 'standard' layout offering giant forward and aft cabins, both ensuite and both spanning the full extent of yacht's beam of 4+m. The new company's first Southerly 420 has been launched and is currently en route to the Canary Islands.
Southerly also offers the 420 with a three cabin layout, with twin cabins located forward, sharing a head compartment and with the same en suite master cabin aft as the two cabin arrangement. The second 420 features this layout.
Southerly's larger 48 footer was voted The Bluewater Cruiser of the Year at the 2019 British Yachting Awards. The 'standard' layout for the 480 has an owner's ensuite master cabin aft with a V-berth in the fo'c'sle and a twin bunk cabin immediately aft on the port side with a shared head compartment opposite.
In the last year Concept Yachts has delivered its first 480 to a client in Miami while a second is about to start construction for a new client.
Southerly Yachts will be exhibiting at Southampton International Boat Show over 13-22 September, when the company will be announcing preliminary plans for it's 50th birthday in 2025 including the launch of a special anniversary edition flagship model. Those attending the Boat Show will also have the opportunity, by appointment, to visit Southerly Yacht's build facility in Marchwood to see the new three cabin 420 under construction.
"Southerly Yachts is going well," commented Concept Yacht's CEO and founder Kevin Viles, who last year was Yacht & Marine Solutions CEO of the Year. "We are fully up and running and onto our fourth customer within a year of taking over the company. We are exhibiting at Southampton Boat Show for second year running and look forward to meeting existing Southerly owners and potential new ones there."
Find out more about Southerly Yachts here.
Find out more about Concept Yachts here.