Design Insight
Design Insight
Design Insight: Nauta celebrates award-winning KIBOKO 4
Nauta is proud to share the remarkable design work of Southern Wind’s KIBOKO 4, the second 35.51-metre SW108 sailing yacht, a combination of performance, elegance and innovation.
KIBOKO 4 follows in the footsteps of her predecessor, GELLICEAUX, that showed all
her racing potential by winning the first two regattas she participated to in 2024, the
St Barths Bucket (both overall and in her division) and the Ibiza JoySail (Performance
Cruising L division).
She has also just won the prestigious World Superyacht Award organized and held by
Boat International in Venice, in the “Sailing Yacht of the Year” category.
The Owner’s design brief focused on optimising the sailing experience, achieving faster
passage-making, superior handling and exceptional comfort – whether racing in
superyacht regattas or cruising in Mediterranean waters. With naval architecture by
Farr Yacht Design, Nauta’s input provided a stunning example of how thoughtful and
refined design can elevate both aesthetic appeal and lifestyle quality.
“We wanted to create something that embodies the owner’s vision of blending performance
with beauty, all while offering the versatility required for both thrilling regatta sailing and
serene cruising,” says Nauta CEO Massimo Gino. “The result is a yacht that feels at home
in any setting, be it racing or anchored in a quiet bay.”
Clean and dynamic
The exterior design embodies Nauta’s signature GT style developed for Southern Wind
– clean, modern lines with a dynamic and refined look. The deck design allows easy
guest and crew circulation from the helm to the companionways while staying within
the protection of the coamings. The guest cockpit features C-shaped settees on both
sides for dining and relaxing under the bimini and sprayhood, and is connected to the
interior by a wide companionway that is protected by well-proportioned coamings. The
aft side of the wooden flush deck morphs into ‘floating’ bench seats that also provide a
handy platform for winches.
A defining exterior detail is the composite aft tail of the coach roof that recalls a stylized
lightning bolt and provides the yacht with a low-rise, agile look when viewed in profile.
The dark hull and mast are contrasted with a light grey superstructure, enhancing her
striking presence while reflecting the yacht’s performance-driven character. The
opening transom reveals a tender garage for a generous 5-metre dinghy and transforms
into a beach club, offering an unrivalled experience on the water.
KIBOKO 4 also features an environmentally-conscious deck made from natural wood
sourced from sustainable forests, providing both durability and alignment with the
owner’s commitment to sustainability.
Contemporary comfort
Inside, the owners wanted a contemporary and marine-inspired aesthetic with a warm,
welcoming atmosphere. Nauta responded with an interior concept that combines
thoughtful natural lighting, rich material contrasts and refined detailing.
“The interior reflects a light, airy Mediterranean ambiance, with natural materials that
enhance the yacht’s overall design philosophy,” says Gino. “We focused on creating a space
that feels both modern and timeless, offering an environment that invites relaxation and
enjoyment.”
Generous hull windows – especially in the saloon, which also includes a large skylight –
fill the interior with natural light. The material palette is based on a combination of
warm, complementary tones.
Design Insight
Light oak is used extensively as dominant wood for furniture bases, some of the
bulkheads and the vertical surfaces, doors and bed frames.
Gentle touches of darker walnut are used to define specific functions and create more
visual movement for the dining table and detailing throughout the saloon and cabins.
White, silicon fabric ceilings and linen-like fabric wall panels add softness, while
desaturated light oak floors brighten the space. Additional warmth is introduced
through handcrafted Mallorcan upholstery, leather and eco-leather inlays on selected
furniture, and soft fabrics for bed and sofa bases.
In the bathrooms, bulkheads and panels are finished with warm coloured stucco, the
countertops are in veined Corian and a touch of character is added by a unique mix of
copper and stainless-steel hardware – a personal touch by the owner’s lady.
A carefully designed lighting plan enhances the textures and materials of the interior.
Focused wall and niche spotlights highlight key architectural elements and artworks,
further enhancing the general feeling of warmth and coziness under deck.
The layout comprises four ensuite cabins for owners and guests, with the owner’s suite
located forward for maximum privacy and quiet, alongside three crew cabins and two
heads.
The result is a sophisticated, elegant environment that blends style, comfort, and
seafaring authenticity.
Builder: Southern Wind Shipyard
Naval Architect: Farr Yacht Design
General Concept: Nauta and Southern Wind Shipyard with Farr Yacht Design
Deck & Interior Design: Nauta
LOA: 32.87 m (35.51 including bowsprit)
Beam (Max): 7.51 m
Draft: 4.0 – 6.2 m (lifting keel)
Displacement: 76.000 kg (lightship | including extras)
