Southerly 49 takes to the water

— 20 Aug 2009

The design brief was very specific – to build a powerful, sleek and stunning 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 water line length for fast ocean passage making.

Rob Humphreys with his long standing pedigree, was commissioned to work alongside the Northshore 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.

As with all Southerly’s, the semi balanced twin rudders give instantly responsive steering and precise directional stability.

With sleek exterior stying, 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 assymmetric 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 dinghy or diving stowage.

The Southerly 49 features the highly developed Swing Keel which gives the freedom and versatility to sail in almost any waters. With the keel lowered, the variable draught 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 draught 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 pilot house 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. There is well appointed accommodation with good headroom throughout. The raised saloon seating area provides a focal point for owners and guests, permitting comfortable dining with panoramic views. The linear galley is well equipped for entertaining in style. Large work surfaces, a fully gimballed oven, stainless steel twin sinks, a front loading stainless steel fridge, top opening freezer and plenty of stowage provides excellent facilities.

The chart table is in the proven, high level position for good visibility and easy communication with the cockpit. The large master cabin is a particular feature and boasts good headroom, a centreline double berth, plenty of stowage and superior ensuite facilities. There are also two double cabins aft. There is plenty of natural light and ventilation, throughout, to make living on board extremely comfortable.

Contemporary styling, powerful sailing performance, superior build quality and luxurious accommodation are all hallmarks of the Southerly 49.