Southerly 57 RS Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 57 RS emerged from a collaboration between Southerly Yachts (originally Northshore Yachts) and renowned naval architect Ed Dubois, marking the brand's new flagship in 2011. Southerly Yachts, known for its pioneering lifting keel technology, aimed to create a vessel that offered unparalleled versatility, allowing sailors to explore both deep oceans and shallow, secluded anchorages. Ed Dubois, drawing on his extensive background in megayacht design, infused the 57 RS with contemporary styling and luxurious accommodations, setting it apart in the bluewater cruising market. The design philosophy prioritized creating a powerful sailing yacht that maintained superior build quality and could be sailed shorthanded, emphasizing ease of handling for global voyaging.

During its production, the Southerly 57 RS underwent subsequent rebranding. It was later known as the Southerly 590 and eventually became the Discovery 57S around 2020, following the acquisition of Southerly Yachts by Discovery Yachts, a builder also celebrated for robust, comfortable bluewater cruisers. This evolution reflects the model's enduring appeal and the builder's commitment to continuous refinement within the luxury cruising segment.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 57 RS is engineered for strong, seaworthy performance across various conditions, leveraging its distinctive design elements. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.28, the yacht demonstrates a balanced performance profile, capable of good speed in moderate winds without being overly sensitive in heavier air. Its displacement to length ratio of around 182 suggests a relatively light displacement for its size, contributing to its responsive handling and "powerful sailing performance".

A hallmark of the Southerly 57 RS is its variable draft lifting keel, which retracts from a maximum depth of 10.73 feet to a minimum of 3.51 feet. This innovative system provides "deep-water stiffness and pointing ability" when fully deployed, offering the stability and upwind performance expected of a serious offshore cruiser. When the keel is raised, it significantly reduces draft, allowing access to shallow waters that are otherwise inaccessible to fixed-keel yachts of its size. The yacht's fine entry and beam carried well aft contribute to its stability and performance, while twin rudders and a skeg ensure excellent directional stability, even when the keel is raised.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Southerly 57 RS is designed to offer luxurious and meticulously crafted accommodations, drawing on Ed Dubois' superyacht expertise to create a blend of comfort and functionality for extended cruising. Owners have a choice of three interior layouts, providing flexibility for either owner-operator couples or those with professional crew.

Typically, the layout includes a spacious main salon with plush seating, designed for comfortable living during long passages or at anchor. The yacht often features four guest cabins, including two substantial double cabins aft, which can also accommodate "garaging" for a tender or other equipment. The use of laid teak decks throughout the interior speaks to the high-quality finish and materials. Descriptions highlight a light and contemporary styling, ensuring a bright and inviting living space. Thoughtful design extends to storage solutions and ventilation, crucial for bluewater voyaging, though specific details vary with individual yacht configurations.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Southerly 57 RS for its unique blend of bluewater capability and shallow-draft versatility, a feature that distinguishes it within its class. It was notably awarded the "Best Boat Winner" for flagship monohulls by SAIL Magazine in 2011, a testament to its innovative design and performance. Reviewers commend its "superior build quality" and "contemporary styling". The yacht is recognized as a robust, seaworthy vessel designed for comfortable, short-handed ocean crossing, enabling owners to fulfill ambitions of global exploration and then anchor in secluded, shallow bays. The "swing keel" is frequently cited as a primary advantage, offering both deep-water stiffness and the practical benefit of shoal-draft access. These attributes underscore the 57 RS's appeal as a versatile and high-performing luxury cruiser.