Southerly 42 Rst Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Southerly 42 Rst emerged from Northshore Yachts' long-standing commitment to producing robust, adaptable yachts, a legacy stretching back to its origins as Fairways Marine in the early 1970s. Northshore became synonymous with its pioneering lifting keel technology, which defines the Southerly brand. The 42 Rst, launched in 2007, built upon the success of the earlier Southerly 42 RS. The primary distinction of the RST model lies in its twin helms and a redesigned deck layout by Stephen Jones, offering enhanced sociability and ease of handling in the cockpit.

The design philosophy behind the Southerly 42 Rst, spearheaded by naval architect Rob Humphreys, focused on creating a blue-water cruising yacht that could be easily handled by a couple or small crew, while also providing exceptional performance and stability. The innovative swing keel, a hallmark of Northshore's Southerly range, allows the boat to navigate shallow waters and even beach upright, standing firmly on its twin rudders and keel grounding plate. This capability was central to Northshore's ethos of maximizing cruising flexibility, allowing owners to access secluded anchorages and explore diverse waterways previously out of reach for most monohulls.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 42 Rst is designed to offer a balance of comfortable cruising and respectable sailing performance. With a reported sail area of 792.44 square feet and a displacement of 24,802 pounds, the boat has a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 14.76. This indicates a moderate performance profile, suggesting it is a capable cruiser rather than a dedicated light-air racer. Its displacement to length ratio of around 230.6 categorizes it as a medium-displacement vessel, indicating a solid, comfortable motion in a seaway. The ballast to displacement ratio of 0.326, combined with the substantial effect of the deep keel when deployed, contributes to the boat's stability.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the 42 Rst's handling characteristics. It is described as a conventional offshore cruiser that performs well to windward and handles easily, even in light breezes. The twin rudders, a feature found on newer Southerly models, provide excellent control and responsiveness, particularly when the keel is raised and in shallow waters. The ability to vary the draft from 8.92 feet for optimal upwind performance and stability offshore, to 2.76 feet for exploring shallow estuaries, rivers, and even beaching, is its defining performance advantage.

Accommodations and Layout

The Southerly 42 Rst is celebrated for its spacious and intelligently designed interior, particularly its raised saloon. The deck saloon configuration provides panoramic views from the interior, enhancing the sense of light and space. The interior joinery is consistently described as excellent and of a high standard, often finished in a warm timber.

Typically, the 42 Rst is offered in a two or three-cabin layout. A common arrangement includes a spacious owner's cabin aft, often featuring an en-suite head with a roomy shower stall. The main saloon is elevated, creating a bright and airy living area with ample seating. Forward, there is usually a guest cabin, which can be a V-berth or a pullman berth, and sometimes an additional cabin for more berths or storage. The galley is well-appointed, and the overall design prioritizes comfort and livability for long-distance cruising. The unusual "two-story" appearance of the saloon on the inside emphasizes the effective use of volume, offering large interior spaces.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Southerly 42 Rst frequently highlight its unique combination of blue-water capability and shallow-draft access as its primary strength. The ability to navigate traditionally inaccessible areas, such as the Bahamas, and even beach the boat, is a highly valued feature. The comfortable and well-appointed deck saloon interior, providing excellent views and a bright living space, is another frequently praised aspect. The quality of construction by Northshore Yachts is generally regarded as high, with solid fiberglass hulls and decks. Owners appreciate its stability and comfortable motion, making it a capable offshore cruiser.

While generally positive, discussions among owners occasionally touch upon common maintenance considerations inherent to the swing keel mechanism, such as the keel box requiring attention if regularly dried out or beached in choppy conditions. However, the consensus remains that the Southerly 42 Rst offers a unique and rewarding cruising experience, fostering a loyal community of sailors who value its versatility and robust build.