GELLICEAUX // Nauta Design // Southern Wind Shipyard

Massimo Gino, a co-founder of Nauta Design, discusses the design of the 35.41-meter yacht.

“From a design point of view Gelliceaux is the latest in the ‘GT’ series of Southern Wind bluewater sailing yachts that started the SW105 Taniwha and then the SW96 Nyumba. During this creative evolution the exterior lines have been tailored to become more sporty and dynamic with the Owner’s involvment. Gelliceaux’s deckhouse is clad in teak with a huge central skylight and the teak sidedecks aft morph into ‘floating’ bench seats that also provide a handy platform for winches. It’s a feature we’re very proud of that has been ‘borrowed’ by other designers” observes Massimo Gino.

A distinctive outer feature is the Z-shaped composite cap covering the deckhouse, which resembles a stylized lightning bolt. When seen from the side, this cap adds a sleek, nimble appearance to the yacht.

“The owners were closely involved in the whole design process: he mostly for the technical specifications and deck layout, and she more for the interior design. What really won them over was when they saw our section render of the split-level saloon. 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,” continues Gino.

Nauta Design suggested that the permanent fixtures would be designed to appear more like standalone pieces rather than being integrated into the structure. This approach ensures that the furniture pieces do not extend directly against the bulkheads, giving the space a more intimate and open feel, characteristic of open-concept interior designs. The seating in the spacious, multi-level lounge was designed to be both large and comfortable, mirroring the design trends seen in modern home furnishings. The only pieces made specifically for the yacht are the chairs around the dining table, which can seat up to eight people.

The yacht’s interior does not feature any stainless steel elements. Instead, all the bathroom fixtures, handrails, and other accessories are made of satin-finished black material. This gives the space a sleek, modern look and simplifies cleaning for the crew.

A significant amount of effort was put into the lighting design, mainly because the high-end fixtures were provided by a leading brand that needed to be modified for use on the boat to achieve lighting that is both functional and creates a welcoming atmosphere while also enhancing the perception of space. For instance, the headboards in the cabins are constructed with upholstered panels arranged to cast different shadows, adding depth to the space. Several prototypes were created to adjust the spacing of the lights to achieve the desired effect.

Since its launch in October 2023, the yacht has completed nearly 12,000 nautical miles. Following a 7,500-mile voyage known as the Maiden Voyage from Cape Town to Lanzarote, the owners, confident in the yacht’s ability to navigate the open seas, chose to embark on a journey across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, aiming to take advantage of the winter season. This journey was seen as a comprehensive test for the yacht.