Southerly 540 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Southerly 540 in 2017 marked a significant chapter for both the Southerly brand and its new custodian, Discovery Yachts. Discovery Yachts, founded on a vision for effortless, short-handed global voyaging, integrated Southerly's innovative lifting keel technology into their portfolio after acquiring the brand., 13] This collaboration brought together Discovery's reputation for building robust, comfortable, and highly capable bluewater cruising yachts with Southerly's hallmark variable draft system., 9, 18]

The design, penned by Edward George Dubois of Dubois Naval Architects, aimed to create a vessel that was both easy to handle by a small crew and exceptionally capable for long-distance passages. The Southerly 540 was a direct evolution, replacing the Southerly 535 in the builder's lineup in 2018, and was also marketed under the name Southerly 535. A notable variation exists: while the Southerly 540 features the signature lifting keel, a fixed-keel version of the same hull design was marketed as the Discovery 54, appealing to those who preferred a more conventional keel arrangement.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 540 is designed as a serious bluewater passagemaker, evidenced by its robust specifications and performance characteristics. With a reported sail area of 1443.01 sq ft and a displacement of 54,806 lbs, the boat exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.2. This suggests a yacht with moderate to good performance in light airs for a vessel of its size and cruising aspirations, capable of making good progress without excessive wind.

Her Ballast to Displacement (Bal/D) ratio stands at around 34.4%, reflecting a solid, if not exceptionally stiff, platform. This level of ballast, combined with the Southerly's renowned lifting keel mechanism, provides a versatile balance between stability when the keel is fully deployed to its 11.0 ft maximum draft, and the shallow-water access afforded by its 3.42 ft minimum draft. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio, calculated at approximately 208, places the Southerly 540 squarely in the category of a moderate-displacement cruiser, capable of comfortable motion in a seaway without being sluggish.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Southerly 540 for its easy handling, noting that the vessel can be sailed effectively by just two people. Its tall, powerful rig with swept-back spreaders, coupled with an overlapping genoa, enhances upwind performance, especially in lighter conditions. For downwind sailing, the double headsail arrangement is ideal for trade wind passages. The yacht is equipped with twin rudders, which contribute to excellent control and balance, particularly when the keel is raised to its shallower draft. Overall, the Southerly 540 is described as stable, surprisingly fast, and safe, offering great upwind performance while maintaining the critical advantage of accessing skinny waters.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its relatively low exterior profile, the Southerly 540 boasts a massive interior volume and impressive headroom, a feature often highlighted by those who step aboard. The yacht's center cockpit design provides a secure and comfortable space on deck, while allowing for a spacious and private aft cabin below.

The typical interior arrangement features three cabins and two heads, providing comfortable berths for up to six individuals. The owner's stateroom, usually located aft, is particularly luxurious and generous in its dimensions, offering ample stowage—a critical aspect for extended cruising. Reviewers note that owners "will lack for nothing, certainly not for stowage." While specific details on the finish quality and materials often vary with individual owners' choices, Discovery Yachts is known for its emphasis on spacious, luxurious accommodations and robust construction. The interior layout is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the mechanics of the lifting keel, ensuring that the keel box is seamlessly integrated without significantly compromising living spaces. The water capacity of 209 gallons and fuel capacity of 138 gallons further underscore its self-sufficiency for long voyages.