Northshore Yachts has led the way in developing swing-keel designs that sail well in all conditions. Their newest and largest model is this new 46-footer designed by Jason Ker in conjunction with the Northshore design team. The yacht’s key feature is a cast-iron grounding plate that ties into a web of frames and longitudinal stringers to create a strong and light structure that supports the keel. The keel’s maximum draft of 10 feet, 10 inches can be reduced to a mere 2 feet, 9 inches when it’s time to get away from the crowd.

Another important feature is the twin-rudder assembly, which is responsive and provides excellent directional stability. Dual steering stations allow for good visibility in all conditions.

Belowdecks, the interior has a three-cabin accommodation plan, with two aft cabins and an owner’s stateroom forward. There are two heads, one forward and one aft. Plenty of storage space has been designed into the interior, and 120 gallons of water capacity and 80 gallons of fuel capacity ensure that the yacht won’t have to jump from one marina to the next.

The fractional sloop rig has twin swept-back spreaders and an adjustable hydraulic backstay. Both hull and deck are built with foam coring and have been vacuum-bagged every step of the way.

Northshore Yachts, Ltd., Northshore Shipyard, Itchenot, Chichester, West Sussex, PO20 7AY UK; tel. 011-441-243-511-743; www.southerly.com