Nauta Design demonstrated the depth of its design skills in the new Southwind 105GT Taniwha, one of the stars of the recent Monaco Yacht Show.

Delivered this summer, she just had her first public outing and won the applause of the entire industry.

The fourth and lightest version of the Southern Wind 105 hull, the "Gran turismo" shape creates a more stylish deck silhouette. Carefully use natural materials to bring a clean and comfortable feeling. Floating furniture reveals the hull lines below.

Nanfeng 105GT Taniwha-Photo © Rob Kamhoot

This was a particularly challenging project because it meant explaining the owner’s profile by adding customization to the multifunctional SW105 platform, and Nanfeng proved to be the most suitable shipyard for this challenge. The Milan-based studio has drawn deck lines and designed interiors for the first three hulls in Nanfeng's "Smart Custom" series.

Nauta co-founder Massimo Gino (Massimo Gino) said: "When Nanfeng introduced us to potential customers, we carefully recorded all their wishes and brief descriptions, and immediately had that shiny moment." "We launched a more stylish, sportier, and car-inspired ship model with a new deck design and named it "Gran Turismo" together with Nanfeng Shipyard. When we designed a new design for this SW105 #4 When it is displayed, we can see from the enthusiasm in the eyes of the owners that we have understood and met their requirements."

Nanfeng 105GT Taniwha-Photo © Rob Kamhoot

Nanfeng carefully studied every element of the design to reduce weight in an effective way-the final delivered yacht has a smaller displacement than the fastest SW105 so far, so as not to affect the typical comfort of a superyacht.

"We want to reduce weight in an ingenious way. We have provided a rating for each kilogram of weight reduction recommendations. Saving weight above the deck is good and cost-effective. It has a great advantage in terms of distance from the center of gravity." Andrea said Micheli, Commercial Director of Southern Wind Shipyard.

It prompted Nauta to completely redesign the deck to create a sense of speed and streamline. The lower toe rails, the slender roof and the wider and shallower cockpit-all these combine together and the effect is very good.

"This new deck design has an innovative and clean appearance, which is driven by composite construction methods and racing yacht styling," Gino said. "The end result is a yacht that combines a powerful sailing plan and lightweight structure with all the comforts of a blue water cruiser."

It also created some interesting opportunities, and Nauta took full advantage of these opportunities. Along the coaming of the stepless cockpit, Gino envisioned a sturdy teak cap that would provide an aesthetic highlight and a comfortable habitat for the helmsman and trimmer. You will never realize that it is a nomex core composite structure with a rich teak finish.

It is seamlessly connected to the side of the hull and then bends parallel to the deck. It looks like it is floating above the cockpit. It is visually stunning during the day and more special at night, when a string of hidden LED lights brings it to life.

Nanfeng 105GT Taniwha-Photo © Rob Kamhoot

To celebrate express

The owner's attention to everyone is essential to achieve the final result of internal harmony and balance.

The briefing of the shipowner is very clear: they want a holistic indoor-outdoor connection. This connection is reflected in all the shapes under the deck. The deck design should be sober, clean, and light.

Indoor furniture should use natural materials. They require every detail to be carefully designed to "beyond the top" and establish a new reference for interior design.

Nanfeng 105GT Taniwha-Photo © Rob Kamhoot

The transparent main gangway is equipped with glass on the side. When moving between the deck and the interior, you can see from the interior to the exterior, allowing direct communication between the interior and the exterior, creating a flow of life and style between the exterior and the interior.

From the helmsman position on the deck, you can see the entire interior towards the TV lounge and even further away.

In the same way, you can look out from the owner’s cabin to see what is happening in the stern cockpit.

The interior design and geometry follow the natural curves of the hull, rather than trying to hide it behind the 90-degree angle of a standard cabinet. This method is clearest in the two cabins at the bow and stern of the shipowner.

The cabin is characterized by floating storage cabinets fixed on both sides of the hull, which are both practical and beautiful, and at the same time show rather than hide the true hull shape of the yacht. The bed is located on a sloping and curved base, which creates additional foot space and harmonizes the shape of the yacht’s hull.

Nanfeng 105GT Taniwha-Photo © Rob Kamhoot

Teak is widely used under the deck, just like above. It has been desaturated and oiled to create an effect that not only attracts the eyes. "It's cute," Gino said. "Warm and bright, easy to see and soft to the touch. The combination of light-colored floors and fabric-covered wall panels add luster to the interior."

The spacious bathroom is equipped with a lightweight molded resin basin and surface, specially formulated by professional Italian craftsmen, which perfectly resembles "Italian stucco". The main salon includes a stunning teak dome surrounding a skylight, emphasizing plenty of natural light and headroom, while creating a sense of comfort.

The teak table in the cozy full-beam salon has a dual purpose. It can be raised for catering or lowered as a coffee table. The design of the tables is also designed by using thin-edged tops with metal inlays, which look as if they are light and floating-echoing the effects seen elsewhere on the ship.

Taniwha’s interiors are state-of-the-art and represent the latest step in the recent development of sailing superyacht design. "In this yacht, you will find all our latest design innovations combined in a particularly coherent way, so they GT style with the appearance of the yacht. Here, we use the same language inside and outside, it is the whole." Gino said.

The owner’s lifestyle satisfies the interior design with a sober and elegant taste.