Sailing Superyacht of the Year

The winners of the World Superyacht Awards 2025 have been revealed during a ceremony in Venice, Italy. Among the 18 awards – which recognized a lot of floating mansions – was the winner of the Sailing Yacht of the Year. Details below:

Kiboko 4
Length: 35.5m
Builder: Southern Wind
Naval architect: Farr Yacht Design
Exterior designer: Nauta Design
Interior designer: Nauta Design

Kiboko 4 stands as a testament to modern sailing excellence, meriting the title of Sailing Yacht of the Year. As the second hull in Southern Wind’s SW108 series, Kiboko 4 showcases advanced design and engineering. The yacht features a lifting keel and a performance-oriented sailplan and rigging package, reflecting a commitment to both cruising comfort and competitive racing capabilities.

Commissioned by an experienced owner embarking on their first high-performance yacht, Kiboko 4 is designed for both family cruising and competitive racing. This is the owner’s fourth Southern Wind yacht, and plans include transatlantic voyages and participation in regattas, highlighting the yacht’s versatility.

Kiboko 4 follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, Gelliceaux, who won the St Barths Bucket regatta in her first outing, underscoring the yacht’s potential for exceptional performance in competitive settings.

Kiboko 4 stands out in the looks department as well. Her exterior and interior design, crafted by Nauta Design, exudes a dynamic and bold aesthetic. The dark hull and mast enhance her visual appeal, and her clean deck layout is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing.

An innovative opening transom reveals a tender garage accommodating a five-metre tender. This design also transforms the stern into a beach club, enhancing the onboard leisure experience. The interior is contemporary and nautical-inspired, with light oak pairing with subtle touches of walnut, along with upholstery crafted from handwoven Mallorcan fabrics.

Collectively, these innovations position Kiboko 4 as a significant evolution in Southern Wind’s yacht offerings, blending enhanced performance with modern design and functionality. – Full report