Kiboko theatre
At the Boat International World Superyacht Awards, held in May in the historic waters of the Venetian Arsenal, Kiboko 4 was crowned "Best Sailing Yacht of the Year."
This is the second hull in the SW108 Smart Custom mini-series recently launched by the South African shipyard Southern Wind. Interestingly, the first hull, Gelliceaux, was also recognised as the best sailing yacht in its debut year. It received the International Superyacht Society award in the category of yachts between 24 and 40 meters. Moreover, Gelliceaux excelled on the racing circuit, winning both regattas it participated in during 2024: the St. Barths Bucket (in both its division and overall) and Ibiza JoySail.
This consistent recognition highlights the exceptional collaboration between Southern Wind Shipyard, Nauta Design (responsible for styling, exterior, and interior), and Farr Yacht Design (naval architecture). Their creations have been regularly awarded by professional communities in recent years. So, what made Kiboko 4 stand out to the discerning international experts? The verdict from the WSA judging panel, which included experienced superyacht owners, stated: “This yacht is a testament to the excellence of modern sailing—an open-water vessel capable of competitive racing. Kiboko 4 showcases cutting-edge design and engineering.”
The priorities of the yacht’s owner, for whom this was the fourth Southern Wind build, were similar: weight optimisation, enhanced speed performance, and aesthetics. “Our goal was to realise the owner’s dream of combining performance with beauty while offering the versatility required for both thrilling, adrenaline-pumping races and serene cruising,” explained Nauta CEO Massimo Gino.
The yacht’s exterior immediately reflects Nauta Design’s signature style, developed for Southern Wind and well-known from other GT series. The modern design features long, elegant lines, a low profile, and a minimalist deck plan, which look particularly striking in its bold colour scheme. The glossy dark grey hull, mast, boom, and sails are complemented by contrasting zigzagging white accents on the superstructure and coamings, as well as a sustainably sourced light wood deck chosen instead of traditional teak.
Thanks to Farr Yacht Design, the 32.87-meter hull (35.51 meters with bowsprit) and 7.51-meter beam were constructed with exceptional strength and lightness using advanced composite materials. The sandwich structure includes a carbon and epoxy resin shell with a shock-resistant Corecell core. Interior bulkheads were lightened using honeycomb composite sandwich structures veneered with thin wood. The standing rigging is made of high-modulus carbon, while all deck hardware is titanium.
This innovative construction achieved a record-low displacement of just 76 tonnes when the ship was light.
The sloop rig, complemented by twin rudders and a lifting keel (adjusting draft from 4 to 6.2 meters), ensures excellent performance even in light winds and remarkable manoeuvrability. During its journey from South Africa to Europe for its world premiere and subsequent award ceremony, Kiboko 4 repeatedly reached speeds of 20 knots. For calm conditions, the yacht is equipped with a Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel-electric engine delivering 305 horsepower, providing a cruising speed of 10 knots and a maximum speed of 14 knots.
The deck design incorporates original solutions that ensure comfort and safety while allowing the yacht to transform seamlessly from a family cruiser into a racing machine. The large coamings protect guests in the cockpit from spray and, closer to the stern, double as benches and winch platforms. The C-shaped sofas in the cockpit are wide enough to serve as sun loungers but can be easily removed during regattas, along with the telescopic dining tables, to provide the racing crew with unobstructed movement.
One of Kiboko 4’s standout features is its innovative stern design, known as the "magic transom." The fold-down transom door serves as a swim platform and provides access to a small yet cosy beach club (suitable for two loungers) and a garage housing a 5-meter RIB tender.
The yacht’s interior layout accommodates eight guests and five permanent crew members. Given the owner’s plans to participate in offshore races, the guest cabins, except for the master suite, are equipped with twin beds to allow for a larger racing team.
The master suite, located in the bow, features a king-size bed slightly offset from the centerline, creating space for a mini-lounge to starboard. Wardrobe modules are placed on either side of the entry corridor. The adjacent guest suite can be converted into a gym if desired, while two additional symmetrical guest suites are positioned amidships.
The central area of the yacht is dedicated to an L-shaped saloon, which houses the dining area and lounge. The floor here is slightly raised to accommodate the engine room underneath, freeing up additional space for living quarters. Although the deckhouse is relatively low, the issue of natural light was resolved with a wide strip of longitudinal glazing in the roof.
A continuation of the saloon, accessed via three steps down to starboard from the mast, serves as a cinema room with a large display on the wall or as a quiet space for working on a laptop.
The galley is located aft, along with three crew cabins (including a single captain’s cabin), a mess, and a navigation station. An additional exit from the service area to the deck allows the crew and guests to move freely around the yacht without interfering with one another.
The owner’s brief described the interior as “modern, functional, inspired by nautical style, fresh, warm, and welcoming.” Nauta designers proposed a concept of Mediterranean vacations, enriched with intriguing material contrasts and refined details.
The colour palette is dominated by beige tones with accents of terracotta and coffee-brown shades. The primary material for bulkheads, doors, and furniture frames is bleached oak, with subtle touches of darker walnut. Upholstery is crafted from handmade fabrics sourced from Mallorca, while cushions and throws feature a nautical palette ranging from navy blue to turquoise. Stainless steel and copper details add a classic marine touch. Instead of natural leather—chosen for environmental reasons by the owner’s family—high-quality synthetic leather was used, indistinguishable from the real thing. The lighting scheme includes targeted wall and niche spotlights that draw attention to key architectural elements and decorations, such as a collection of half-hull models and posters depicting marine fauna.
“The interior reflects a light, airy Mediterranean atmosphere, perfectly aligned with the yacht’s overall design philosophy,” concludes Massimo Gino. “We’ve created a space that is both contemporary and timeless, offering an environment ideal for relaxation and the enjoyment of sailing.”
Kiboko 4 will spend its first summer season in the Mediterranean before the owner plans to cross the Atlantic for a winter retreat in the Caribbean. While the racing calendar remains undisclosed, it is certain to be packed with exciting events.
