Southerly 110 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the Southerly 110 emerged from Northshore Yachts' long-standing commitment to producing versatile GRP cruising vessels, a philosophy rooted in the company's origins as Fairways Marine in the early 1970s. Northshore, through its Southerly brand, became synonymous with innovative shallow-draft sailing, particularly its pioneering lifting or "swing" keel technology. For the Southerly 110, Northshore commissioned the Humphreys team to refine this established concept, aiming to create a popular variable-draft cruising yacht that embodied both fresh thinking and quality construction. While earlier iconic swing-keel models like the Southerly 105 and 115 were designed by Dick Carter, the 110 represents a later evolution under Humphreys' guidance. The design ensures that the boat, despite its innovative keel, maintains a solid build, a hallmark of Northshore's manufacturing ethos during this era. The vessel was offered with several rig options, allowing owners to tailor its performance to their cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 110's design ratios offer insight into its balanced performance characteristics. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.0, the Southerly 110 is generally considered adequately powered, though perhaps not a dedicated light-air racer. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of 46.6% indicates a relatively stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to a good breeze and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. The Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 248 suggests a mid-weight cruiser, offering a good balance between comfort and performance.

On the water, the Southerly 110 is praised for its ease of handling and steady bearing. Reviews highlight the steering as particularly successful, providing a sensitive and accurate feel on the helm, making the vessel responsive even in lighter conditions. The boat tracks well with its swing keel fully deployed, offering deep draft performance when needed. Sail handling is simplified by features such as single-line mainsail reefing and a furling genoa, making it well-suited for family cruising or short-handed sailing. While not renowned for extreme speed, owners can expect to achieve speeds of around 7 knots without undue effort, embodying the concept of combining shallow-draft freedom with deep-draft performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Southerly 110 is designed with practicality and comfort in mind, presenting an open, functional, and efficient plan. Although specific headroom details were not provided, the general consensus points to a well-considered arrangement for a cruising yacht of its size. The innovative swing keel mechanism, while central to the boat's versatility, is generally well-integrated into the layout, though its casing does take up some space within the cabin. Descriptions and available diagrams often reveal a typical cruising layout, featuring a comfortable saloon, a functional galley for meal preparation, and private sleeping accommodations. The finish quality is generally noted for its robust construction. However, some owners have pointed to ventilation as a potential area for improvement.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Southerly 110 consistently laud its solid construction and the comfortable motion it provides in a seaway, making it a reliable choice for extended cruising. 5, 14, Builder Article The unparalleled versatility afforded by its lifting keel technology is a frequently praised attribute, opening up cruising grounds that are inaccessible to most fixed-keel yachts, including the ability to explore shallow waters and even beach the yacht upright., 3, 19] This unique capability has fostered a loyal and active owner community.

However, common maintenance considerations for the Southerly 110, as with other swing-keel vessels, often revolve around the keel box. Owners sometimes express concerns about potential fouling build-up or the long-term maintenance of the mechanism, though temporary issues often resolve themselves. While the initial cost of a Southerly 110 can be higher than mass-produced alternatives, owners generally feel the investment is justified by the boat's unique capabilities and build quality.