Discovery Yachts Group has announced that Nick Gill, founder of Gill Marine, has ordered the new Southerly 435 built by Discovery.
Chris Bodine of Discovery told Afloat.ie, 'Nick came to us looking for a larger yacht than his current Southerly 32 that was still easily managed single-handed to allow him and his wife to expand their cruising ambitions'.
Gill had sold the majority stake of his company Gill Marine, maker of premium technical sailing clothing, and was finally at a stage where he could enjoy life and pursue his love of sailing further afield. He could have chosen anything, but enjoyed his S32 ‘Buster’ so much – especially the Swing Keel that allowed him to go virtually anywhere – he decided that the new Southerly 435 was the yacht for him.
“I am delighted Southerlys are being built again and there could be no better partner than Discovery Yachts whose build quality is second to none. I am sure my boat will be the first of many in the coming years.” Gill said.
The comfort and capability that is part of the Discovery identity really appealed to him when mated with the go anywhere ability of the Southerly.
Initial reservations about the aft cabin were dispelled by the Discovery team of in-house designers who made a bespoke change to the aft coachroof that was felt to be such a good idea it has now been adopted as standard on the S435.
Some of the things that impressed both Nick and his wife most were:
· Variable draft from 2’7” (0.77m) to 8’9” (2.67m) for excellent upwind performance
· Can dry out at low tide to clean the bottom or enjoy a romantic picnic on the beach
· Spacious centre cockpit design for dry comfortable seating & entertaining
· Tall fractional rig with swept spreaders, self-tacking jib & large main for sailing ease
· Modern hull form, long waterline & broad transom for thoroughbred performance and sea-kindly motion.
Discovery Yachts Group will be showing the new Southerly 330 and 470 along with Discovery 55 and new Bluewater 50 catamaran at the upcoming Southampton Boat Show, 15 – 24 September 2017.
