Blue Water Sailing

Southerly 49 to make Sydney debut

The design brief was very specific – to build a powerful, sleek  yacht, with blue water cruising capabilities, for continuous long distance sailing, around the world. Shallow draft was an essential feature. The ‘easy to handle’ sailing characteristics of the Southerly 42RST were necessary, but on a longer waterline length for fast ocean passage making. Rob Humphreys,  was commissioned to work alongside our in house naval architects to design the hull, rig, keel and sail plan.  This blue water cruiser offers the latest thinking in cruising yacht design.  The hull is characterised by a long waterline, fine entry and beam carried aft to ensure the highest degree of performance, stability and safety.  The Southerly 49 is primarily designed for a high cruising specification, with easy handling and can be sailed by just two people. With sleek exterior styling, similar to the 46RS, specific deck details have been incorporated, such as a double headsail rig configuration (self tacking jib and overlapping genoa) for cruising in varying wind conditions.  A large sail locker at the bow can accommodate an asymmetric gennaker and fenders. The mainsheet track is set across the coachroof with lines led aft to both helm positions, for easy handling, whilst keeping the cockpit free and uncluttered.  The cockpit is secure and enclosed, with deep comfortable seating. For entertaining, a central fold down table can provide dinette facilities for guests whilst also providing a foot brace, when the yacht is heeled.  Teak double seats to the pushpit provide further seating areas for socialising.  The fold down transom door gives access to a large stowage area, ideal for a dinghy or diving equipment. The Southerly 49 features the highly developed Swing Keel system which  gives the freedom and versatility to sail in almost any waters. With the keel lowered, the variable draft of 10'3'' (3.13m) makes for fast, serious blue water cruising. At ‘the touch of a button’, the keel can be raised to give a shallow draft of just 2’10’’ (0.86m) perfect for sailing in shallow water. A fixed keel option is also available. Once you step inside, you enter a light and airy interior. The well planned layout with three cabin accommodation is designed for total comfort and luxury. The pilothouse windows in the raised coachroof provide panoramic views, giving an instant feeling of space. Partially reflective tinted glass gives privacy whilst also deflecting the heat from the sun's rays and opening hatches provide cross ventilation for warm weather. The companionway steps are wide and gradual for safe footing. The chart table is to port in a high level position for good visibility and easy communication with the cockpit. The large linear galley is well equipped and situated at a lower level. Large work surfaces, a fully gimballed oven with four burners and grill, stainless steel twin sinks, front loading fridge, freezer and plenty of stowage provides excellent facilities for entertaining in style. Every aspect of construction throughout the Southerly 49 reflects the highest standards of British craftmanship. Internal joinery, fittings and upholstery are of the highest quality with practicality and durability being of the utmost importance. Designed for comfortable living, there is plenty of stowage throughout the yacht, whilst large fuel and water tanks ensure adequate supplies for long distance cruising. Installation of machinery, wiring, electrics and ancillary items are carefully planned to ensure proper function and accessibility. Under power, the Yanmar 56hp engine will easily approach 9 knots. Each yacht is built to suit its owner's personal requirements at Northshore Shipyard in Chichester, England.  A comprehensive list of options includes a choice of interior timbers, upholstery, hull colours, deck, rigging and navigation equipment. Additional items such as microwave, air conditioning / heating, generator, flat screen computer, TV/DVD are available, to make living aboard a real pleasure.

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