SW108 Kiboko 4 crowned Sailing Superyacht of the Year
by Southern Wind Shipyard Australia and New Zealand 8 May 08:36 PDT
SW108 Kiboko 4 crowned Superyacht of the Year © Southern Wind
Southern Wind Australia and New Zealand is thrilled to announce that the SW108 Kiboko 4has been awarded both the "Sailing Yacht" category win and the prestigious title of "Sailing Yacht of the Year" at the 20th edition of the Boat International World Superyacht Awards. The prestigious ceremony took place on May 3, 2025, at the historic Arsenale di Venezia in Venice, Italy, where the yachting world gathered to honor the finest superyachts launched over the past year.
The distinguished panel of judges, consisting of accomplished superyacht owners and industry experts, commended Kiboko 4 for its exceptional design, performance, and innovation, calling it a true testament to modern sailing excellence. The yacht, which represents the second hull in the SW108 series, stood out not only for its advanced design and engineering but also for its ability to combine bluewater cruising capabilities with competitive racing potential.
In their evaluation, the judges noted:
"Kiboko 4 is a true bluewater yacht that can also race competitively. As the second hull in the SW108 series, Kiboko 4 showcases advanced design and engineering. This is the owner's fourth SW yacht, and the plans include Mediterranean cruising, a transatlantic crossing, and participation in regattas, which highlight the yacht's versatility. Kiboko 4 follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, Gelliceaux, which won the St. Barth Bucket Regatta in her first outing, emphasizing her potential for exceptional performance in competitive settings. The dark hull and mast enhance her visual appeal, while her clean deck layout is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. An innovative opening transom reveals a tender garage for a five-metre tender, transforming the stern into a beach club and enriching the onboard leisure experience. The interior is contemporary and nautical in its inspiration. Together, these innovations make Kiboko 4 a significant evolution in Southern Wind's offerings, blending enhanced performance with modern design and functionality."
Kiboko 4 also impressed renowned journalist Toby Hodges, Editor-in-Chief of Yachting World, who had the rare opportunity to sail aboard the yacht in Cape Town just one day before her official handover. Hodges' firsthand experience aboard Kiboko 4 adds an invaluable layer of insight into what makes this exceptional Smart Custom yacht so unique.
A Milestone for Southern Wind
We extend our deepest gratitude to all those who contributed to this remarkable achievement, including:
- Farr Yacht Design and Nauta Design for their creativity and technical brilliance.
- Our dedicated Cape Town shipyard team, whose craftsmanship brought the vision of Kiboko 4 to life.
- The yacht's crew, who have already sailed over 8,000 nautical miles to test the yacht and bring her to the Palma Superyacht Village for her premiere last week.
- Most importantly, the Owner, for placing their trust in Southern Wind for the fourth time.
This award stands as a powerful affirmation of the strength of our vision and the enduring appeal of Southern Wind's approach, where elegance, innovation, and performance are seamlessly balanced in every yacht we create.
About Southern Wind Shipyard
Southern Wind is a renowned yacht builder known for creating exceptional semi-custom and custom superyachts that embody excellence in design, craftsmanship, and performance.
Combining innovative design with cutting-edge technology, each Southern Wind yacht is a unique blend of luxury, elegance, and functionality, making them the ideal choice for yacht owners around the world.
For more information on Southern Wind Shipyard Australia and New Zealand, please contact:
Kevin Wallis
(m) +61 414 254 666
(e)
(w) www.sws-yachts.com