Nauta Design’s first SW108 Gelliceaux presents a sportier evolution of the GT series

“The words ‘calming’ and ‘Mediterranean fresh’ cropped up a lot in our discussions and I think you can see that in the natural colour palette, fabric-lined walls, and contrasting light and dark veneers in Alpi wood composite,” Nauta Design Co-Founder Massimo Gino says of the first SW108 Gelliceaux. “Everything is very easy on the eye and the overall ambiance is classy but cool, understated but sophisticated, stylish but warm.”

The Gelliceaux is the latest in the GT series of Southern Wind bluewater sailing yachts that began with the SW105 Taniwha and then the SW96 Nyumba. This 35.41-metre yacht also happens to be the first unit in Southern Wind’s SW108 Smart Custom series with naval architecture, done in collaboration with Farr Yacht Design. Nauta Design, of course, would take care of the exterior and interior detail.

Its exterior has shifted to a sportier and more dynamic look all while maintaining harmony. Gelliceaux’s deckhouse is clad in teak with a huge central skylight. Arguably its most prominent feature is the Z-shaped composite coaming that mimics a stylised lightning bolt. This is only complemented by the teak sidedecks that frame the floating bench seats.

For the interior, Nauta Design was very particular about how the fixtures interacted with the space. The pieces maintain a freestanding look as opposed to the traditional built-in feel. This is why furniture units don’t run right up to the bulkheads, functioning separately from the yacht’s walls. The brand also designed the sofa seating in the airy, split-level saloon to be spacious and more relaxed.

The lighting design was a point of emphasis, as well. Nauta Design wanted practical and atmospheric solutions to increase that sense of space within the boat. This is most evident in the headboards in the cabins, made of upholstered panels arranged in “relief.” These draw attention to the depth of the area.

Notably, too, the diesel-electric hybrid’s interior has been stripped of any stainless steel accents. Its bathroom fittings, handrails, and accessories, for example, are rendered in satin-finished black, adding a more contemporary touch.

“The owners were closely involved in the whole design process. What really won them over was when they saw our section render of the split-level saloon,” continued Gino. “We were on the same page in terms of taste, but we were given free rein to come up with styling proposals and that made the creative process all the more rewarding.”

Visit Nauta Design to learn more about the first SW108 Gelliceaux.

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