Exceptional Sailing Performance & Versatility – A Brief History of Southerly Yachts

Southerly Yachts have been in production since the early 1970s, initially manufactured by Northshore Yachts and later by the Discovery Shipyard. Renowned for their exceptional sailing performance and versatility, the brand owes its reputation to innovative lifting keel technology, which was revolutionary at its inception.

The variable draft keel offers a deep draft, enhancing stability through an increased righting moment. The aerofoil shape is super efficient, allowing the yacht to point high with minimal leeway. These lifting and swing keels, effortlessly controlled at the touch of a button, enable sailors to access those remote, idyllic anchorages other yachts can but dream of.

The History of Southerly Yachts

From the 1970s until 2014, Southerly Yachts were built at the Northshore Shipyard in Chichester, West Sussex. The Southerly range grew over several decades to include models from 32ft to 57ft. However, production came to an abrupt halt in 2014 when the shipyard encountered financial difficulties, forcing it to close its doors.

In 2017, the Discovery Shipyard (another UK yacht builder) acquired the rights to restart production of the Southerly brand, which was fantastic news for Southerly enthusiasts. During their tenure, Discovery focused on mid-range yachts and introduced the updated aft cockpit raised saloon design with the Southerly 42 and Southerly 480. Southerlys were a perfect fit alongside the Discovery Yachts line up, consolidating their place as a favourite brand amongst bluewater sailors.

After more than 20 years of building high quality yachts, the Discovery Shipyard was also forced to close because of financial difficulties at the end of 2021. Both Discovery and Southerly yachts continue to be highly sought after on the brokerage market today, with their legacy, capabilty and reputation enduring.

The Southerly Yachts Range

In the beginning…

Produced by the Northshore Shipyard in Itchenor, the Southerly 28 marked the beginning of the renowned range of lifting keel cruisers and was designed by John Bennett. The first Southerly 28 splashed in 1975.

Building on the success of the Southerly 28, Northshore enlisted designer Dick Carter to create the Southerly 105 and Southerly 115. The Southerly 105, introduced as the first swing keel model in the range, was groundbreaking for her time. The Southerly 115 featured an innovative drop keel designed as a triangular airfoil, paired with a single shallow rudder to match its keel-up draft. However, under certain heeling conditions, the rudder tended to ventilate. Northshore subsequently brought in British designer Rob Humphreys, who refined the 115 into the improved Mark II version.

The popularity of these versatile sailing yachts went from strength to strength, with numerous models added to the range over the years.

The Noughties

From 2000, Northshore’s Southerlys were designed by Stephen Jones and a team that included Ed Dubois and Rob Humphreys. This decade saw the Southerly 32, Southerly 38 and Southerly 135 join the fleet, all of which had airfoil swing keels.

2012-2016

 

2017 – a New Chapter for Southerly’s under Discovery Yachts

Discovery expanded the Southerly range, focusing on mid-sized models, and continued to collaborate with Stephen Jones, Ed Dubois, and Rob Humphreys for hull designs.

2017–2019

 

Berthon & the Southerly Yachts Brand

As specialists in bluewater cruising yachts and experienced brokers for pre-owned Discovery yachts, it’s only natural that we are also passionate advocates for Southerly yachts. Renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship, the Discovery Shipyard breathed new life into the Southerly brand when it took over production in 2017. With Stephen Jones’ innovative, fast, and powerful hull designs, complemented by practical deck layouts, luxurious deck saloons, and well crafted interiors, Southerly yachts remain popular with sailors seeking versatile bluewater yachts. A number of Southerlys are always present in the Berthon brokerage yacht fleet.

The closure of the Discovery Shipyard at the end of 2021 was a poignant moment for the industry. At Berthon, we were fortunate to welcome Harry Lightfoot, the former New Sales and Brokerage Manager at Discovery, to our team. Harry joined us in January 2022, bringing with him unmatched expertise and an enduring passion for both Discovery and Southerly yachts. As a recognized authority on all things Southerly, Harry is very much our go-to broker for these exceptional yachts. His in-depth knowledge, professionalism, and enthusiasm have been instrumental in managing the sales of numerous Southerlys and other bluewater cruising yachts.

Ask Harry about the Southerly yachts that are on the market with Berthon today.

SOUTHERLY YACHTS FOR SALE

Southerly 480, IZANA – https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/southerly-480-izana/
Southerly 42RST, SAVING GRACE II – https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/southerly-42rst-saving-grace-ii/
Southerly 32, GRACE – https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/southerly-32-grace/
Southerly 135, YAHOOO – https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/yachts-for-sale/southerly-135-yahooo/

Our Historical Southerly Brokerage Yachts

For the fullest information contact harry.lightfoot@berthon.co.uk.

About Harry Lightfoot | Meet the Berthon Sales Group