Southerly 420 Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 420 entered production in 2010, embodying Northshore Yachts' commitment to innovative shallow-draft sailing through its distinctive swing keel technology. Northshore, originating as Fairways Marine in the early 1970s, focused on creating robust, adaptable cruising vessels from GRP. The Southerly brand, a hallmark of Northshore's design philosophy, gained renown for its pioneering lifting keel system, which dramatically reduces the boat's draft to as little as 2.76 feet. This design allows owners to access secluded anchorages and shallow waters inaccessible to most fixed-keel yachts.

The Southerly 420, specifically designed by Stephen Jones, features a modern, well-balanced hull form with a long heeled waterline. Key design elements include a Solent rig with twin headstays, a self-tacking jib for ease of handling, and twin rudders for enhanced control. The vessel is also characterized by its raised saloon, a feature that provides excellent visibility from within the main living area. While the Southerly 420 is a centre-cockpit model, it shares its hull with the aft-cockpit Southerly 42 and was later noted to have evolved into the Southerly 430. Production of the Southerly 420 has seen new build series initiated even in recent years under the Discovery Yachts Group, indicating its continued appeal and development.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a displacement of approximately 26,014 pounds, the Southerly 420 falls into the medium-heavy displacement category, suggesting a focus on comfort and solid construction ideal for cruising rather than lightweight racing. Her sail area to displacement ratio of around 14.30 indicates a moderate light-air performance, suited for comfortable cruising without being overly demanding. The ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.30 contributes to a decent level of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a good breeze while maintaining a comfortable motion.

Owners frequently praise the Southerly 420's outstanding performance, noting its ability to point effectively. The well-balanced hull form, combined with its long waterline, contributes to its excellent handling characteristics in various sea states. The center cockpit configuration and twin rudders further enhance control and ease of management. Features like the self-tacking jib and in-mast furling mainsail streamline sail handling, making the Southerly 420 an easy boat to manage, even for a single-hander or a couple. This blend of performance and ease of use positions the Southerly 420 as an ideal ocean yacht capable of flexible cruising across diverse waterways.

Accommodations and Layout

The Southerly 420 is renowned for its generous and practical interior, characterized by its distinctive raised saloon. This design choice provides crew and guests with excellent panoramic views from the saloon, enhancing the liveaboard experience. The standard layout typically includes full-beam ensuite staterooms both forward and aft, ensuring privacy and comfort for all occupants. Many configurations feature two heads, providing ample facilities onboard. The aft owner's cabin is particularly spacious, offering significant comfort for extended periods at sea. Large portlights integrated into the topsides further contribute to the bright and airy feel of the saloon, allowing seated occupants to enjoy the surrounding seascape. More recent build series have also introduced three-cabin versions, offering even greater flexibility for larger crews or additional storage.