Southerly 470 Information, Review, Specs

The Southerly 470 began its production journey in 2013 under Northshore Yachts, a builder with roots tracing back to Fairways Marine in the early 1970s. Northshore established a reputation for robust, adaptable cruising vessels, primarily crafted from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), with the revolutionary swing keel technology being its defining feature. Stephen Jones Yacht Design, known for combining classic yacht concepts with modern design knowledge, was responsible for the naval architecture of the 470. This collaboration aimed to create a yacht that offered both excellent sailing performance and the unique shallow-draft capability that Southerly owners cherish. While the specific production run for the 470 may have concluded, the Southerly brand itself was revitalized in 2017 when it became part of the Discovery Yachts Group, ensuring the continuation of its design philosophy and innovative keel system. 6, 13, Builder Article

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Southerly 470, with its length overall just over 47 feet and a waterline of 42.81 feet, is designed as a capable cruiser. She carries a displacement of 38,043 pounds and a reported sail area of 1,035 square feet. Her sail area to displacement ratio, around 14.21, suggests she is a moderately powered vessel, designed to deliver comfortable passage-making rather than being a light-air flyer. With a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.354, the Southerly 470 demonstrates a reasonable level of stability, capable of standing up to a good breeze while providing a steady platform for offshore cruising. Her displacement-to-length ratio, around 216.3, positions her as a moderately heavy cruiser, indicating a solid, sea-kindly motion in various sea states. The defining feature, her swing keel, allows for a remarkable variable draft, from a minimum of 3.28 feet for shallow water access to a maximum of 10.24 feet for optimal upwind performance. This innovative system allows the yacht to be sailed effectively in deep water, yet grants access to cruising grounds inaccessible to most fixed-keel vessels. Owners of Southerly yachts often praise their easy-to-manage nature, comfort, and versatile capabilities.

Accommodations and Layout

As a center-cockpit yacht, the Southerly 470 typically offers a spacious and well-arranged interior designed for extended cruising comfort. Layouts often include three guest cabins, providing ample sleeping arrangements. A prominent feature is often a generous, full-width master cabin located aft, which may benefit from distinctive vertical windows, enhancing natural light and views. While specific details of the interior finish can vary, Southerly yachts are generally regarded for their high-quality, luxury fit-out, emphasizing intelligent space management within the confines of a yacht. Expected features in a vessel of this size include a well-appointed salon, a functional galley, and multiple heads, all designed to maximize livability and storage for long voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Southerly owners consistently highlight the brand's unique swing keel as a major strength, praising the unparalleled freedom it provides for exploring shallow waterways and accessing otherwise unreachable anchorages. This versatility is a recurring theme in owner feedback. Owners appreciate the robust construction and the comfortable motion in a seaway, often describing Southerly yachts as solid, capable cruisers. The thoughtful interior layouts, often offering customisation options, are also frequently cited as a positive, providing roomy and comfortable living spaces suitable for extended periods aboard. While specific recurring issues for the Southerly 470 are not widely documented, the general consensus among Southerly owners points to a high level of satisfaction with the brand's blend of innovative design, build quality, and cruising capability.