What Happened To The Southern Wind, On February 4, 2021, the luxury yacht Southern Wind 102, also known as "Seawave," was on a routine, General, what-happened-to-the-southern-wind, JPOSE
On February 4, 2021, the luxury yacht Southern Wind 102, also known as "Seawave," was on a routine sail from Cape Town, South Africa to Phuket, Thailand when it encountered severe weather conditions. The yacht, which was carrying a crew of six people, was caught in a storm with winds reportedly exceeding 95 km/h (60 mph) and waves up to 7 meters (23 feet) high.
After several hours of battling the storm, the yacht's captain, Francesco Malingri, sent out a distress signal and the crew was rescued by the South African Air Force. The crew members were reported to be in good health but understandably shaken by the experience.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the yacht. The Southern Wind 102 was severely damaged by the storm and was left adrift in the Atlantic Ocean. The yacht was eventually spotted by a cargo ship, the MV Tygra, and was towed to the nearest port in Cape Town.
The damage to the yacht was extensive, with the mast broken in two places and the hull suffering from significant structural damage. The Southern Wind 102 was transported to a local boatyard for repairs, but it is still unclear whether the yacht can be fully restored or if it will be a total loss.
The Southern Wind 102, which was built in 2009, was a state-of-the-art luxury yacht designed for long-distance cruising. The yacht was equipped with all the latest technology, including a navigation system, satellite communication, and a watermaker. The yacht was also designed for maximum comfort, with luxurious accommodations for up to eight guests.
The Southern Wind 102 was owned by an Italian businessman, who has not made any public statements regarding the incident. The yacht was insured for an estimated $20 million, but it is unclear how much of that will be covered by the insurance company.
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of sailing in extreme weather conditions, even for experienced sailors and state-of-the-art yachts. The crew of the Southern Wind 102 was lucky to have been rescued, but the yacht was not so fortunate. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the Southern Wind 102, but it is clear that the yacht will never be the same again.