Gelliceaux Goes Green and Grabs Gold at ISS Awards

A New Wave of Elegance and Sustainability: Southern Wind’s SW108 Gelliceaux Wins Best Sailing Yacht at ISS Awards

On October 30th, the annual Design & Leadership Awards Gala brought together the crème de la crème of the yachting world in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. But among all the shimmering sails and sleek hulls, one yacht stole the show: Southern Wind’s SW108 Gelliceaux, named Best Sailing Yacht in the prestigious 24 to 40-meter category at the 2025 International Superyacht Society (ISS) Awards. It’s an honor in yachting that not only crowns technical prowess but recognizes innovation that pushes the industry—and the environment—forward.

A Testament to Design Excellence

With her impressive silhouette and eco-conscious engineering, Gelliceaux isn’t just a pretty face on the water. Designed by the renowned team at Nauta Design and featuring the naval architecture expertise of Farr Yacht Design, she’s a seamless blend of beauty and brains. The Gelliceaux feels like a modern classic, capturing the essence of yachting’s adventurous spirit while incorporating state-of-the-art technology to reduce her ecological footprint.

Nauta Design’s vision for Gelliceaux speaks to the future: minimalist elegance on the exterior that houses a warm, luxurious, and practical interior. Every element of the yacht—from the deck layout to the interiors—has been meticulously thought out. Each space invites you to stay a while, feel the breeze, and savor the journey.

A Big Step for Eco-Friendly Sailing

In a time when sustainability isn’t just a bonus but a necessity, Gelliceaux leads the charge with her diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system. This revolutionary setup, the first of its kind in Southern Wind’s fleet, represents a significant leap for eco-conscious yachting. While many yachts still depend solely on conventional engines, the SW108 is tailored for efficient energy use without sacrificing performance.

The ISS jury recognized Gelliceaux for her “cohesive and forward-thinking sailing experience,” a testament to her success in combining luxury with sustainability. Such innovation reflects the demand for “green” yachting solutions, not just from environmental advocates but from an increasingly discerning clientele seeking elegance without compromise. This is yachting for the next generation, pushing towards a cleaner, more sustainable horizon.

The 24-40m Category: Where Craftsmanship Meets Adventure

The 24 to 40-meter category has always been highly competitive, embodying a sweet spot between grandiosity and nimbleness. This is where craftsmanship is tested; yachts in this class must balance the lavish comforts of a superyacht with the dynamic performance of a racing vessel. Gelliceaux does just that, showcasing the kind of versatility and craftsmanship that makes this category an exciting playground for innovation.

As Chairman of The International SeaKeepers Society, Jay Wade, shared during the awards, Gelliceaux epitomizes not only technical prowess but a commitment to sustainability, echoing SeaKeepers’ mission to protect and understand our oceans. His words resonated with everyone in the room—because in yachting, the call to adventure is also a call to responsibility.

The Future Looks Bright: The SW108 Fleet Expands

Southern Wind’s SW108 series is only getting started. Gelliceaux, the inaugural vessel, is already proving herself in regattas and has set a high bar for the next two yachts in the series, set to launch soon from Cape Town. SW108#02 and SW108#03, the latter of which will belong to a young and ambitious owner, are expected to further refine the balance between eco-responsibility and high-performance yachting. There’s an excitement in the industry about what Southern Wind will deliver next, and Gelliceaux has certainly stoked those flames.

The Award’s Impact and a Word of Caution

Winning the ISS Best Sailing Yacht award is no small feat; it’s a benchmark that could shape the future of Southern Wind’s influence in the 24 to 40-meter category. It’s a win that highlights the growing demand for yachts that respect both luxury and the environment—a demand the industry would do well to heed. Gelliceaux and yachts like her represent not just a new direction but a new standard.

But let’s not be swept entirely by the romance of the open seas. Eco-friendly yachts, while promising, still require considerable resources in construction and upkeep, and hybrid systems in yachting remain an evolving technology. There’s an element of aspiration, even idealism, to projects like Gelliceaux. The challenge now is for these innovations to become accessible, scalable, and sustainable across all levels of yachting, not just in the luxury superyacht segment.

Sailing into a Greener Future

As Southern Wind’s Gelliceaux glides into the spotlight, she doesn’t just bring with her an impressive trophy; she’s a reminder of the industry’s potential to lead in both style and sustainability. The ISS Best Sailing Yacht award is more than a feather in her cap—it’s a call to other yacht builders to set their sights on a horizon where luxury and responsibility sail in tandem. If this is where yachting is headed, it’s safe to say the future looks as bright as the gleaming waters it so passionately explores.