The interior has teak paneling with a horizontal grain that gives the impression of increased space. The captain also requested a larger engine room, more powerful generators, an extra fuel tank for a maximum range under power of more than 3,500 nautical miles and a 3.95-meter T-shape keel that increases draft and improves lift without affecting the righting moment.

ShowBoats visited the Southern Wind yard shortly before the yacht made the 7,000-mile transfer to Europe on her own bottom. With 30 yachts on the water ranging in size from 72 to 120 feet, the Italian-owned company has emerged as a stiff competitor to the likes of high-end builders Nautor’s Swan and Baltic Yachts since Willy Persico set up the shipyard in the mid-nineties. Mrs Seven, the first 100-foot RS (raised salon), due to be presented in Monaco in September, was launched just after ShowBoats’ visit. There are three other 100-foot hulls in build, plus a new 110-footer.

With the yard about to augment its production space with a new 2,200-square-meter construction shed, SWS also has a 94-foot performance sloop in the pipeline. Designed by Reichel-Pugh, this racing-oriented yacht is in response to client demand. Production of the first hull is expected to begin in October. General manager Marco Alberti also announced that a new 120-foot ketch is in the design phase and construction should get under way next year.