where are swan yachts built

672 Wine Club

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• Dubai Tourism
• Gateway Bronco
• On Location – Olympic Games Paris 2024
• One&Only
• The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
• Royal Salute
• St. Regis Costa Mujeres Resort
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Nautor’s Storied Swan Yachts Set the Industry Standard—Here’s How They’re Made

From first sketch to final sail..

Danielle Cutler

Danielle Cutler's Most Recent Stories

• Learjet’s Speedy New Business Jet Comes With Its Own Mini Executive Suite
• This New 146-Foot, All-Aluminum Superyacht Comes With a 3-Level Master Suite
• Heesen Just Sold Its Second Hybrid Superyacht, the Sleek 163-Foot Project Electra
• Share This Article

The Swan 78

Last year marked 20 years that the Finnish sailing-yacht builder Nautor’s Swan has operated under the ownership of Leonardo Ferragamo, passionate sailor and son of designer Salvatore Ferragamo, who bought the yard with a group of investors in 1998. Pekka Koskenkylä started OY Nautor AB in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland, by building a design by the noted naval-architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens: the 36-foot racing Swan 36 featuring a fiberglass hull. Nautor launched the first Swan 36 , Tarantella, in 1967. (The storied sailboat was moored at the yard’s docks on a recent visit.)

By 1968, British sailor Dave Johnson was winning races and garnering acclaim for the new shipyard, which to the present day has built more than 2,000 vessels between 36 and 131 feet, from performance cruisers to serious racers. New models include the Swan 78 shown here—which debuted just last year—as well as the ClubSwan 36, Swan 65, Swan 98, ClubSwan 125 and Swan 120, the last being the latest. All are designed and handcrafted at the renowned—and recently renovated and expanded—Boatbuilding Technology Center (BTC) facility in Pietarsaari.

Witness a Nautor racing yacht under sail at any of the races and regattas in the Swan brand’s ever-increasing lineup.

A Racing Resource

Sketching out the next model  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

Germán Frers, who has designed Swan sailing yachts for 20-plus years, works with the rest of the Buenos Aires–based Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering team, shuttling among Argentina, Italy, and Finland. As we said goodbye at the airport last summer in Helsinki after a freezing-cold sea-trial in the Baltic Sea aboard the first Swan 78, which he designed, I asked where he was off to next. He replied, “Roma! For the regatta!”

The Swan 65’s deck  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

You can see the size of this yacht in relation to the craftsmen standing on the wooden framework of the plug of the deck. Like the rest of the models in this series of yachts, the midsize Swan 65 is an oceangoing blue-water yacht that was conceived as either a family-crewed boat or one managed by a professional crew to be used as a racing, cruising or casual-use vessel.

Safety First

A Swan 78 foam-cored glass fiber hull  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

The hull of this Swan 78 sailing yacht is made of foam-cored glass fiber, reinforced with epoxy as well as carbon-fiber unidirectional reinforcements. It stands at the ready in the shed for Nautor’s boatbuilders to start placing insulation, laying cable and fitting out the yacht. Nautor’s Swan vessels are known for their solid seafaring and safety record.

Go, Go Gadget

Sculpting the deck  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

A robotic milling machine extends the reach and precision of the human arm to sculpt the plug of the yacht’s deck.

Easy Does It

Placing the furniture  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

Craftsmen carefully hoist and place the hand-built furniture into the hull, which already has the system’s wiring and plumbing installed. Nautor employs a “teak hunter” who handpicks the wood that will be used for veneers, which are stitched onto the plywood, foam-core furniture.

Danielle Cutler started covering yachts, marinas, and the yachting industry in 2005. Besides writing and editing yacht content for Robb Report, Danielle has worked for Yachts International and the…

• We Went to This Year’s Ferrari Racing Days—Here’s What It Was Like
• Hinckley’s Newest Picnic Boat Leads With a Plush Lounge Up Front
• Paris Airports Have Undergone Major Overhauls Ahead of the Olympics

Read More On:

• Nautor's Swan

More Marine

The Lounge on This New 90-Foot Yacht Turns Into a Driving Range at the Touch of a Button

These Boat Clubs Make It Easy to Cruise in Yachts, Sportfishers, and More

Azimut Is Backing Mark Anthony’s E1 Team in the First Electric-Powerboat Championship

A Yacht That Hosted John F. Kennedy, Richard M. Nixon, and 3 Other Presidents Is Up for Charter

Meet the Wine Club That Thinks Differently.

Receive editor-curated reds from boutique California producers four times a year.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Marine

Ladenstein 88 in Photos

‘Honey Fitz’ in Photos

More from our brands, u beauty’s plasma lip balm is now available in two new flirty and flattering tints, jerry jones avoids witness stand with paternity trial settlement, ‘inside out 2’ surpasses ‘frozen 2’ as highest-grossing animated film in history, roman mosaic floor found in naples waters, project to restore vandalized art in brazil, ‘mona lisa’ called back to italy, and more: morning links for july 24, 2024, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors.

• Find A School
• Certifications
• North U Sail Trim
• Inside Sailing with Peter Isler
• Docking Made Easy
• Study Quizzes
• Bite-sized Lessons
• Fun Quizzes
• Sailing Challenge

Never an Ugly Duckling, Always a Swan

By: Pat Reynolds Sailboats

When we were considering the next boat to spotlight in the Cruising Boat Spotlight series we thought we should do a Nautor’s Swan because they are so iconic, attractive, well-made and the dream of many a sailor. As we discussed which model should be the choice for the article, we realized that with Swan, it’s not really about a particular model; it’s the fact that it’s a Swan. These boats aren’t like Catalina’s, where you automatically think of the 27, 30 or 42; or Columbia’s, where the 50 or 26 spring to mind. Swans are more like Mercedes Benz. It’s the brand over the model – if you drive a Benz, it’s understood you have at least a certain standard of excellence going on… the same is true of a Swan owner.

Nautor’s Swan was the brainchild of Pekka Koskenkyla who produced the first boat in his homeland of Finland because he decided it was cheaper to build his own boat with the qualities he liked than to buy off the lot. In 1966 most of the boats were wood, but Koskenkyla decided to build his creation out of this new-fangled fiberglass material that was coming on the scene. This weird itchy cloth that transformed into a smooth, solid, very shapeable form was said to be much lighter and more durable than wood – requiring far less maintenance as well. Pekka had an eye for sexy aesthetics and somehow convinced the Sparkman & Stephens team to design the boat. Sparkman & Stephens is legendary now and were extremely well respected then. They produced the Swan 36 that was solid, elegant and as fast a production boat as there was.

Swan 36 – Tarantella

In the ensuing years Swan got their footing and built an array of boats in varying styles and lengths, but in 1974 they created what many believe to be the finest cruiser/racer ever built, the Swan 38. If we had chosen to talk about just one Swan, this would have been it. It was based on the 43-foot version that was also beautiful and fast, but there was something about the 38 that resonated with sailors and continues to be a sought after classic sailboat that turns heads everywhere they pop up. The 38 is a robust bluewater boat with what would become the trademark distinguished all teak decks that resonate stateliness and craftsmanship. It had elegant lines where the aerodynamic coach roof seems to just emerge from the planked deck dovetailing into the cockpit and stern in the most organic of ways. Swan built 116 of these boats, more than any other model. The beauty and grace of the 38 was the beginning of what Swan would become known and recognized for and what they would continually do through the decades. Although they broke ties with Sparkman & Stephens in the mid 80s, they moved forward with other designers who had the same discerning tastes for design and quality. There have been four designers in the forty-year run, all of which have shared a similar aesthetic taste and attention to detail.

The company would go on to create over 60 different production sailboat designs including superyachts like the Nautor’s Swan 95 and Nautor’s Swan 115, which are truly and objectively some of the most incredible sailboats ever created. Today they are split into two divisions – Swan Yachts that produces their high performance cruising boats like the well-known Swan 54 and 60, and ClubSwan Yachts that makes one-design boats and mega-yachts that are literally the stuff of fantasy. The latest boats to come from the legendary Finnish yard are the ClubSwan 50 and ClubSwan 125. Yachting World magazine called the more accessible 50: “The most extreme production yacht we’ve ever seen.”

Nautor’s Swan Club 50

The design of the ClubSwan boats is under the direction of Juan Kouyoumdjian who is probably most well known for designing all of the winning Volvo boats when they were Volvo 70s. He has also been part of gold medal Olympic campaigns and was the designer for Artemis Racing in the 2013 America’s Cup.

It’s hard to find another production boat company like Nautor that has been so reliable and respected over such a long span of time and they do not appear to be slowing down in any way.

More Information: nautorswan.com

Related Posts:

• Learn To Sail
• Mobile Apps
• Online Courses
• Upcoming Courses
• Sailor Resources
• ASA Log Book
• Bite Sized Lessons
• Knots Made Easy
• Catamaran Challenge
• Sailing Vacations
• Sailing Cruises
• Charter Resources
• International Proficiency Certificate
• Find A Charter
• All Articles
• Sailing Tips
• Sailing Terms
• Destinations
• Environmental
• Initiatives
• Instructor Resources
• Become An Instructor
• Become An ASA School
• Member / Instructor Login
• Affiliate Login

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• Boat Pro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

6 of the best Nautor's Swan sailing yachts

Clubswan 50.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of  Nautor's Swan , we take a look back at some of the yard's most luxurious sailing yachts which are admired by hardcore racers and cruisers alike.

The range starts with the new ClubSwan 50, which exhibits many of the modern design trends seen in much larger Nautor's Swan sailing yachts. Built to a very specific brief, this model is a convertible sports cruiser that can easily be helmed without the need for any crew. Her elegant styling includes naval architecture developed by Juan Kouyoumdjian, the Argentinean designer who also penned Groupama 4 , the winner of the 2011-12 Volvo Ocean Race.

The Finnish builder has delivered more than 2,000 sailing yachts over the years but one of the best Swan yachts on the water today is also the first.

The Swan 36 Tarantella was the first yacht launched by Nautor's Swan in 1966 and she was recently refitted by the yard to make her majestic return to the water. Many of her original build team members – now retired – returned to Swan in order to take on the restoration of the beloved first yacht. She sails as magnificently today as she did nearly 50 years ago.

In June 2015, Nautor’s Swan  launched its first Swan 115 sailing yacht . The new Swan flagship was built for none other than Nautor's Swan chairman Leonardo Ferragamo. Following in a lineage of Ferragamo Swans named Solleone , the latest iteration builds upon the classic, understated and "unpretentious" luxury enjoyed by her owner.

Designed by German Frers , the first Swan 115 is ready for racing and comfortable for cruising, and her dark blue hull colour cuts a striking figure on the water. Hull No 2 was named Shamanna and launched in April 2016, while Hull No 3 Highland Fling splashed less than a month later. Hull No 4 in the new Swan 115 range has also been sold and features an even greater focus on high performance racing with a flush-deck design. These slight variation are sure to provide thrilling racing when all the new Swan flagships line up at a regatta in the near future.

When Swan debuted its new Swan 105RS Ti-Coyo in 2014 she proved a real showstopper thanks to her fantastic stern design. The master cabin is placed all the way aft and becomes an on-water suite when the transom folds down, creating a giant superyacht beach club . By sliding open the glass doors into the master stateroom the owners can enjoy sea views from the bed and a morning swim is just a few steps away.

The 31.69 metre Swan 105 was designed by  Beiderbeck Designs with naval architecture by German Frers.

The 27.71 metre Swan 90 has been a popular series for the builder. Notable Swan 90s include Freya and Nefertiti . The Swan 90s are proven performers on the racecourse. Nefertiti , for instance, took first place in both the 2013 and 2014 Swan Caribbean Challenge Trophy at the RORC Caribbean 600 regatta.

They are also able bluewater cruisers, extremely seaworthy in transatlantic crossings and comfortable for long-range cruising. Swan is now updating this model and building a new 28.87 metre Swan 95, which it revealed in September 2014. The first Swan 95 , designed by German Frers, is in build and is set to launch in 2016.

The Swan 80 maxi-cruiser is the ideal pocket sailing superyacht for the owner who wants to be able to race or cruise in style. Two cockpits allow guests to unwind and stay out of the way during racing action.

Another collaboration between Swan and German Frers, the new Swan 80 will have huge portholes in the owner's cabin down below, letting in plenty of light, and she offers multiple layout options to suit her owner. She also offers a few transom design options to personalise the yacht further and the galley is fitted out to a professional standard.

Sponsored listings

• Concepts , News , Superyachts

Swan 120: here is the new Nautor superyacht

• Giorgio Ranucci
• December 21, 2020

The Swan 120 brings together the skill and craftsmanship of three distinct groups, all renowned in their individual fields, and working together, in partnership, to create a masterful interpretation of the modern superyacht. Delivering unparalleled comfort, safe passage-making and the requisite level of reliability, the Swan 120 resets the bar for this size of yacht.

The naval architecture for the inspirational project emanates from the Buenos Aires office of maestro, Germán Frers, house designer for Nautor’s Swan since the early 1980s. A fresh, influential element in the longstanding collaboration between Argentinean flair and Finnish build-prowess, is the interior design contribution of Genovese architect, Misa Poggi. Featuring the latest construction techniques and materials, along with an innovative range of solutions, the Swan 120 is aimed at defining the next generation of performance superyacht design.

Shaping the present, influencing the future

The shape of the Swan 120 reflects the elegance and style Frers brings to all his yachts, particularly Swan yachts where the lines are instantly recognizable and make a statement in every harbour and on every ocean. From the stunning stem, with the typical Germán Frers sheerline, the hull lines sweep gently aft. From around the mid-point, the smooth rocker in the hull rises to a masculine stern with powerful, dynamic quarters above the waterline. The hull design carries almost all of the maximum beam right aft, a concept that delivers excellent form stability when heeled and at the same time creates generous volume below.

At deck level, a clean foredeck leads aft to the coach roof of the raised saloon, which blends seamlessly into an expansive, protected cockpit area. This core element of the experience afloat is completely free of lines, enabling those not engaged in the sailing of this sublime superyacht to truly relax while underway. The detailed design conceals a sophisticated, electrically controlled bimini top and sprayhood, which disappears into completely flush coach roof cassette when not in use, and offers extensive shelter from sea and sun.

At anchor, the cockpit area transforms into an encompassing lounge space. With versatile deck sofas, it is the perfect place to unwind as the sun sets before converting into an elegant, intimate dining area. Following the philosophy of other designs in the Maxi Swanline, the Swan 120 also offers ‘aisle seats’ to enhance both the sailing and leisure experience. Aft of the deck lounge is a clean deck space, still sheltered by the coamings, which runs to behind the steering pedestals with ‘aero-seating’. In-between the helming stations, it is possible to incorporate a ‘snug-island’, which provides protected access to the aft accommodation with a dodger, sprayhood and cozy seating for those on watch.

The voluminous stern section will gain real attention when the yacht is at rest. The transom folds down hydraulically to form a teak-decked swim platform and reveal spacious garage housing a tender of 4.5 metres and other toys of choice. Once the tender is launched, the large area becomes available for watersports, sunbathing and even dining. The design means the clean Swan stern under sail effortlessly transforms into a large ‘beach-deck’, connected to a well-organized ‘hangar’ for maximum entertainment at anchor. In addition to the stern platform swinging down, a section of the aft-deck may be opened up to convert into a large sunbed at deck level.

The hull and deck of the Swan 120 will be a full carbon fibre construction, using epoxy SPRINT® pre-preg carbon fibre interior and exterior skins on a core of M-grade Corecell foam. The pre-preg system provides the ultimate in structural stiffness and rigidity at the lightest possible weight, while at the same time ensuring absolute structural integrity. The hull will be laid up in a female mould tooled from the same technology, thereby ensuring identical mechanical properties when the hull undergoes heat curing using the very latest in oven technology. The yacht will be brought to life in Nautor’s Swan’s state-of-the-art superyacht facility in Pietarsaari, Finland. Latest materials, cutting-edge build techniques and the finest craftsmanship, for which Nautor’s Swan is renowned the world over, will be employed.

The Interior Touch of Swan 120

Within this graceful hull is an interior designed by architect Misa Poggi. Two principal interior concepts have been conceived: Owner Aft and Owner Forward. Both Owner stateroom configurations, offer three exceptional guest cabins, each with ensuite bathroom. Misa has developed a sophisticated theme specifically for the Swan 120 project, featuring the finest Italian textiles and leathers to create the ultimate ambiance in comfort and luxury, for the Owner as well as family and guests.

The spacious saloon is accessed from deck via a magnificent 1.8m wide companionway door constructed of curved glass to maximise ease of access and natural light below. Both full-beam, comprehensively-appointed owner’s suite options feature Misa Poggi’s stylish design-touches with ensuite facilities and the possibility of a walk-in wardrobe.

In addition to the Owner’s stateroom, there are three ensuite guest cabins envisaged, one double and two twins, along with three twin crew cabins, also ensuite. In both layouts, for privacy, the galley and laundry are positioned close to the crew quarters and provide everything needed for seamless service of the Owner and guests. At the heart of the yacht, and flooded with natural light from the coach roof above, is a spacious saloon, featuring a lounge area to port and a dining suite to starboard. There is a unique saloon layout option that features a large hull window adjacent to daybeds. This soft-furnished space is perfect while under sail or just before the night falls. The proximity to the hull and water offers an experience of the sea in true alignment with Misa’s core philosophy for the interior. It has been commented that these saloon beds are reminiscent of the ‘pilot berths’ typically found in Swan yachts from the 1970s.

Systems, Rig & Appendages

The Swan 120 comes with a comprehensive specification as standard, but there is an extensive list of options to ensure each yacht reflects her Owner’s unique interests and style. Three sail-plan configurations echo the diversity of approach to the sport of sailing and that different Owners will favour different sailing grounds. Capable of world girdling exploits to concentrating exploration of the Mediterranean, Caribbean or Pacific, the emphasis will always respond to the needs.

In addition to the sail-plan considerations, Nautor’s Swan has given thought to the underwater appendages. Chief among these is the option of a telescopic keel, which reduces draught from 5.5 to 3.5 metres. In conjunction with the standard twin rudders, this keel option opens up a world of shoal-draft lagoons, colourful harbours and remote, unspoiled anchorages without compromising sailing performance. As expected, the system design is optimized for safety and reliability without any intrusion into the interior. The anchor for a vessel of this size is critical piece of equipment and the design-thinking has had made sure that the Swan 120 has an appropriate system. The anchor is launched and retrieved by means of a hydraulic retracting and folding arm, utilizing a design that has proven its reliability and ease of use over many years.

The Swan 120 has been designed to enable worldwide cruising without compromise. Advanced sail handling systems are complemented by abundant deck stowage including a spacious forward sail locker and two aft lazarettes. She also has generous tankage for both water and fuel, all easily inspected. Below the raised saloon is a full-beam engine room providing excellent access to her 450hp main engine, the two generators and other electrical and hydraulic systems. For those wishing to compete, there is a comprehensive racing package that includes a square-top mainsail with running backstays; a double-length bowsprit with bobstay for fast reaching with powerful masthead gennakers and even the option to integrate a concealed anchor system.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Browse Categories

• Boat Supply
• Captains and Crew
• Catamarans and Multihull
• Destinations
• Harbours and Marina
• Luxury Chase Boats & Tenders
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Superyachts

Azimut Baglietto Benetti Dubai International Boat Show explorer feadship Ferretti Gulf Craft Hydro Tec Lürssen Monaco Capital of Advanced Yachting Monaco Yacht Show 2023 Ocean ALexander Palumbo Superyachts Quick Sergio Cutolo Sunreef Yachts superyacht superyachts The international yachting media

You might be interested in

Ocean Alexander 35 Puro: hull #1 sold in Florida

Fans for superyachts, CEM products for water and air movement.

Cannes Yachting Festival: from September 10 to 15 in the heart of French Riviera

Mercy Ship Gala, Fiart supports humanitarian aid organization

© 2020 – THE INTERNATIONAL YACHTING MEDIA Designed by BLive Communication

Send your press release at: [email protected]

Subscribe For Latest Updates

Sign up to receive the best of superyachts news, world premieres and shipyards new models.

The only ADVERTISING FREE newsletter

Great choice! Your favorites are temporarily saved for this session. Sign in to save them permanently, access them on any device, and receive relevant alerts.

• Sailboat Guide

Swan 36 is a 35 ′ 8 ″ / 10.9 m monohull sailboat designed by Sparkman & Stephens and Olle Enderlein and built by Nautor (Swan sailboats) between 1967 and 1970.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

The Swan 36 is the boat that kicked it all off for the prestigious Finnish yacht maker Nautor’s Swan, a name recognized among sailors as makers of some of the best production boats built. Its founder, Pekka Koskenkylä, way back in 1966 approached the hallowed New York design firm Sparkman and Stephens while they were working on some design projects in Finland. Koskenkylä’s idea was to build a yacht in the 10 metre range that would be strong, seaworthy and fast enough to be suitable not only for cruising but racing as well. He wanted to utilize fiberglass molding techniques which were still in its relative infancy at the time.

The outcome of the agreement was Sparkman and Stephens design number 1710.51 which was a hull form already being used in boats being built by Cantieri Benello (Gaia Class), Cheoy Lee (Sigma 36, S&S Design #1710.8) and by Chantier Bertin in France. Where the Swan 36 design differed significantly was the use of a separate rudder from the keel, quite an innovation for its day and a configuration for which Sparkman and Stephens was having great success with in their Americas Cup designs (in 1967 and 1970 their separate rudder 12m boat -Intrepid_ went on to claim successive defense victories.)

With her departure from a full keel, the Swan 36 stands somewhere between the classic and a new generation of design thinking. She still retains moderately long overhangs and a deep bilge yet her hull has a pronounced tumblehome with a pointed diamond shaped plan profile which was becoming popular in RORC racing designs of that era. Her interior layout was simple and functional.

She was introduced in the spring of 1967 with the first Swan 36 delivered to British sailor Dave Johnson, whose racing successes around the UK generated a good reputation for Swan as a maker of performance racing yachts. Notably, in 1968, Casse Tete II won seven wins out of seven at the Cowes Week regatta. As the Swan 36 continued to impress on the racing circuit, owner feedback and wish for improvements propelled Swan to produce the Swan 37 in 1970, the same year the Swan 36 production ceased with a total production of 90 boats.

Embed this page on your own website by copying and pasting this code.

Discover Related Sailboats

Blue Water Boats

This collection of capable blue water boats features time-tested sailboats with rich histories.

Pretorien 35

Sigma 36 (S&S)

• About Sailboat Guide

©2024 Sea Time Tech, LLC

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

Swan 128 - the second largest swan in history after the 131 back in 2006

Related Articles

Open today 10 am to 5 pm

The Boston Public Garden was established on land that was once tidal marshes. Surrounded by Victorian-era cast iron fencing, the garden sits in the heart of downtown, surrounded by the historic neighborhoods of Beacon Hill and Back Bay. 

The Swan Boat story dates back to the 1870s when Robert Paget, whose descendants continue to operate the business, was granted a boat for hire licensed by the City of Boston. Rowing a small boat in the Public Garden lagoon was a favorite summer pastime for city residents during the day and evening.

In 1877, Robert introduced a catamaran-style boat to the lagoon. This boat was designed atop two pontoons and allowed passengers to sit on benches in front of the captain. The boat was foot-propelled like a bicycle attached to a paddle wheel. To cover the apparatus and wrap around the captain, Robert designed a swan.  

Robert and his wife Julia were opera fans and the idea for the swan came from the opera Lohengrin. The Richard Wagner opera is based on a medieval German story in which Lohengrin, a knight of the Grail, crosses a river in a boat drawn by a swan to defend the innocence of his heroine, Princess Elsa.

1800s to 1940s

From the late 1800s until the mid-1940s, the Swan Boats and the row boats operated together in the Public Garden.

Robert lived only one year after the first Swan Boats were launched. He died in 1878 at the age of 42 and his wife Julia, a young widow with four children, assumed full management of the new enterprise. For over three decades—and before women had the legal right to vote—Julia managed the family business while raising her children. Since a woman-owned business was so rare, Julia was required for many years to gather signatures of support from local business owners in the Back Bay.

In 1914, Julia’s youngest son John and his wife Ella carried forward the tradition of the Paget family’s Swan Boats. During this period, with increasing popularity for the ride, the boats were expanded in size to  five benches that would accommodate 20 passengers per boat.

Make Way for Ducklings is published—a children’s picture book written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey, featuring the Swan Boats. The book tells the story of a pair of mallards who raise their new family of ducklings on an island in the Public Garden lagoon. 

The current fleet of Swan Boats consists of six boats, the oldest of which was built in 1910. John and Ella raised six children, all of whom spent many summers working on the boats. In 1952, their son Paul and his wife Marilyn followed in the footsteps of Paul’s parents and maintained at the helm of the operation for over 50 years.

The Trumpet of the Swan is published—a children’s novel by E. B. White that tells the story of Louis, a trumpeter swan born without a voice who overcomes this difficulty by learning to play a trumpet in order to impress a beautiful swan named Serena. Louis plays his trumpet for passengers on the Swan Boats and resides at the Ritz Carlton Hotel.

Today, the Swan Boats continue their tradition under the management of Paul and Marilyn’s daughter Lyn and her cousin Phil—both fourth-generation members of the Paget family.

Preservation

The Paget family has preserved this tradition for almost 150 years, maintaining the charm and integrity of a vision that became a reality for a young boat builder and his wife. They are the only boats of their type in the world and are an important symbol of the wonderful City of Boston.

The history of Swan Maxis begins early on, a few years after the establishment of Nautor. An expert client asked for a 17 m Sparkman & Stephens. It was the year 1970 and the magnificent Swan 55 took shape. At that time, it was one of the largest yachts in the world to be produced in series and in fibreglass. Sixteen were built, in both yawl and sloop versions.

The architect

Germ á n frers.

“The new Swan 120 Superyacht encompasses Nautor´s philosophy and DNA on its largest expression. Her sailing performance is exhilarating, thanks to the modern canoe body of the hull and the sail plan matched by an efficient twin rudder lateral plan which includes various keel options. A pioneering clean and efficient push button control deck arrangement offering ample access to the sea and sun bathing is another of the key ingredients. All in all the 120 is a very attractive proposition, created by a team of experts, and built according to Nautor’s best practice.”

Standard Sailplan

View with options (short bowsprit)

View with options (long bowsprit)

A clean foredeck leads aft to the coach roof of the raised saloon, which blends seamlessly into an expansive, protected cockpit area. This core element of the experience afloat is completely free of lines, enabling those not engaged in the sailing of this sublime superyacht to truly relax while underway. The detailed design conceals a sophisticated, electrically controlled bimini top and sprayhood, which disappear into a completely flush coach roof cassette when not in use, and offers extensive shelter from sea and sun.

At anchor, the cockpit area transforms into an encompassing lounge space. With versatile deck sofas, it is the perfect place to unwind as the sun sets before converting into an elegant, intimate dining area. Following the philosophy of other designs in the Maxi Swanline, the Swan 120 also offers ‘aisle seats’ to enhance both the sailing and leisure experience.

Aft of the deck lounge is a clean deck space, still sheltered by the coamings, which runs to behind the steering pedestals with ‘aero-seating’. In-between the helming stations, it is possible to incorporate a ‘snug-island’, which provides protected access to the aft accommodation with a dodger, sprayhood and cozy seating for those on watch.

The voluminous stern section will gain real attention when the yacht is at rest. The transom folds down hydraulically to form a teak-decked swim platform and reveala a spacious garage, housing a tender of 4.5 metres and other toys of choice. Once the tender is launched, the large area becomes available for watersports, sunbathing and even dining. The design means the clean Swan stern under sail effortlessly transforms into a large ‘beach-deck’, connected to a well-organised ‘hangar’ for maximum entertainment at anchor. In addition to the stern platform swinging down, a section of the aft-deck may be opened up to convert into a large sunbed at deck level.

The hull and deck of the Swan 120 will be a full carbon fibre construction, using epoxy SPRINT® pre-preg carbon fibre interior and exterior skins on a core of M-grade Corecell foam. The pre-preg system provides the best in structural stiffness and rigidity at the lightest possible weight, while at the same time ensuring absolute structural integrity. The hull will be laid up in a female mould tooled from the same technology, thereby ensuring identical mechanical properties when the hull undergoes heat curing using the very latest in oven technology.

with options

The interior designer

Misa Poggi has developed a sophisticated theme specifically for the Swan 120 project, featuring the finest Italian textiles and leathers to create the ultimate ambiance in comfort and luxury, for the Owner as well as family and guests.

CONFIGURATIONS

View with optionals

INTERIOR MOODS

Dining mode

At the heart of the yacht, and flooded with natural light from the coach roof above, is a spacious saloon, featuring a lounge area to port and a dining suite to starboard. There is a unique saloon layout option that features a large hull window adjacent to daybeds.

VIEW THE FULL GALLERY -->

Lounge mode

This soft-furnished space is perfect while under sail or just before the night falls. The proximity to the hull and water offers an experience of the sea in true alignment with Misa’s core philosophy for the interior. It has been commented that these saloon beds are reminiscent of the ‘pilot berths’ typically found in Swan yachts from the 1970s.

SPECIFICATIONS

• RIG AND SAIL DIMENSIONS
• POWER SOURCES

PHOTO GALLERY

Explore the fleet

Privacy Overview

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Everything you need to know about 'swan-upping,' the eccentric royal ceremony ongoing since the 12th century

The royal family's annual ceremony of "swan-upping" has kicked off along the River Thames in a pompous affair to span five days.

It involves the crown and two trade associations journeying up the river on rowing skiffs as they pull swans out of the water to take their census and make health assessments.

What's next?

Swan-uppers will traverse the stretch from Sunbury to Abingdon until Friday, and the King's Swan Marker will later produce a report on the health of the swan population for the year.

The UK's annual ceremonial event of "swan-upping" has taken over the River Thames this week, treating Britons to a visual spectacle for five days along the riverbanks.

A centuries-old tradition, swan-upping takes place every year in the third week of July, between the towns of Sunbury and Abingdon situated along the southern English river.

It is a key event on the royal family's calendar, being upheld by the Windsors for 800 years after being established in the 12th century.

This year it runs from July 15 to 19, covering portions of the river in eight-hour daily journeys.

So what is the ceremony and how does it work?

What it entails

Swan-upping refers to a method of conservation of the mute swan population living on the Thames, in which the crown conducts a census of the birds in one section of the river and makes assessments of their health.

It is undertaken by the crown, the Vintners' Livery Company and Dyers' Livery Company — a trio that shares ownership of all swans in the nation.

Young cygnets are ringed with identification tags if they belong to the Vintners and the Dyers, and all those left unmarked belong to the serving monarch.

In the five-day journey, a flotilla of traditional rowing skiffs from the crown and the two trade associations make their way up the Thames searching for the birds, led by the King's Swan Warden dressed in bright scarlet uniform. The Vintners wear white and the Dyers blue.

"'All up!' they cry, as a family of swans and cygnets is spotted, and the swan-uppers carefully position their boats around the swans, lift them from the water and check their health," the official website of the royal family says.

There are three teams — one from each party — consisting of two boats and six men each who fly the king's standard or their trade association's flag.

All the swan-uppers are Thames watermen and many the sons and grandsons of those who previously carried out the tradition.

The birds are weighed, measured, and examined for injuries, and new cygnets — baby swans — born after the previous year's census are apportioned, before being dropped back into the water. Cygnets' ownership is determined by their parentage.

David Barber, the King's Swan Marker, collects and makes note of data for official royal records. A report is later produced on the health of the swan population for the year.

The swan-uppers perform the ceremony every third week of July because cygnets are usually in their early stages of development at this time, which is when they are most prone to being injured by fishing equipment, or attacks by vandals and predators.

Evolved significance 

Swan-upping began with the intent of preserving the bird's status as a symbol of royalty and delicacy in the Middle Ages, with all ownership of swans in open waters at the time enjoyed by the crown.

The mute swan was designated a Royal bird in about 1189 but it was only from 1483 that possession rights could be granted or sold to landowners and other organisations through a "swan mark", to be savoured in grand banquets and feasts.

The Vintners and the Dyers are the only associations that continue to retain their swan marks and right of ownership. They originally claimed the swans for entertaining, after they earned a royal grant in the 15th century.

Today, with the consumption of swans no longer commonplace, the practice of swan-upping is less a signifier of prestige and more about wildlife conservation and education.

"The increasing use of rivers for boating, fishing and other recreational activities severely inhibits the swans' natural habitat. Steel and concrete, used to prevent the erosion of river banks, results in the disappearance of river weed and reed beds that historically have provided the natural habitat on which swans feed and nest," the royal website says.

"Man has also had a devastating impact upon the mute swan population; swans are commonly being shot and killed and their nests and eggs destroyed.

"Continuing efforts are being made to educate people about the environment in which they live and the sanctity of the wildlife that surrounds them. Whenever possible, injured swans are rescued, rehabilitated and released back to the wild."

Primary school children are invited to engage with the swan-uppers on their journey up the river to learn more about the history of the species, their conservation, and the purpose of the yearly event.

The King's Swan Marker website says it has collaborated with the River and Rowing Museum at Henley on Thames to create educational resources "covering a wide spectrum of the national curriculum" focused on subject areas relating to the river's ecology, geography, and the habitat it provides for wildlife.

"The range of subjects covered by this resource includes the biology of the mute swan, the boats used during Swan Upping and, of course, the royal connection to swan-upping which can be traced back for many hundreds of years," it says.

'Seigneur of the Swans'

The monarch holds the permanent title of the "Seigneur of the Swans" given the crown has ownership of all unmarked swans in the open waters of England and Wales by prerogative right.

King Charles III currently holds the royal title like all his forebearers, passed on by his mother Queen Elizabeth II who attended the Swan ceremony for the first time in person in 2009.

Princess Anne joined the tradition in 2018.

This year's swan-upping commenced on Monday and culminates on Friday. 

It runs from Sunbury to Romney on day one, Eton Bridge to Marlow Lock on day two, until Sonning Bridge on day three, Moulsford on day four, and finishes in Abingdon.

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Princess kate's candid portraits give rare view of royal family life.

King Charles and Camilla confirm October visit to Australia

Princess Catherine attends Trooping the Colour, making her first public appearance in months

• Conservation
• Endangered and Protected Species
• United Kingdom

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Swan 65 test: The triumphant return of a true sailing icon

• Toby Hodges
• June 20, 2019

Can a yacht be all things to all sailors? Give it the illustrious Swan 65 badge and maybe it can

We tested the Swan 65 in 11-18 knots off Barcelona. Photo: Klaus Andrews

If it hadn’t been for the original Swan 65, Nautor’s Swan might never have become the famous name it is today. Sayula II ’s victory in the first ever Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973/1974 cemented the Finnish boatbuilder’s exalted reputation.

There is, therefore, some historical weight in giving a new model the Swan 65 badge. While Nautor’s latest launch is not about to win a global race, it is designed in the spirit of that original S&S-designed 65, as a cruiser that can win races.

When Sayula II was built in 1972 it was easily the largest glassfibre yacht on the market – this despite Swan having produced its first yacht, a 36-footer, only a few years earlier. With 4m more waterline length, extra beam carried right aft and substantially greater freeboard, today’s Swan 65 has substantially greater volume than its predecessor. Yet, in a sign of the times, it is only a modest-sized model in Nautor’s current range, which now extends to twice its length.

A shallow but wide toerail, combined with generous freeboard, helps keep the decks relatively dry. Photo: Nico Martinez

This gulf in volume, hull and deck design reflects a change in demand from sailors, who were originally looking for seaworthy ocean racing yachts that could be cruised but now seek comfortable and spacious cruising yachts that can occasionally race.

The Swan 65 is designed by Frers to meet broad appeal and joins a growing list of new 60ft+ models aimed at being the largest size that can still be sailed by an owner. However, it offers greater versatility than most in that it should be equally suited to Mediterranean or ocean cruising, yet be capable of regatta racing, and has the option of a proper crew cabin in the accommodation.

Take the Dutch owners of this first boat, for example: experienced sailors who have owned a ClubSwan 45 and a Swan 601. Although they will compete in the Middle Sea Race, they primarily wanted a larger yacht for short-handed distance cruising and will use a part-time skipper to maintain the boat.

Article continues below…

Baltic 67 review: Finnish superyacht yard goes back to its roots with no-compromise cruiser

Were money no object and you wanted the ultimate yacht for long-term cruising, what would you choose? How large could…

Dufour 56 Exclusive review: Smooth cruiser offers both style and substance

In some respects, Dufour yachts used to be a bit like the early Citroën cars: different, slightly quirky and created…

Comparisons in shape, style and appeal can be drawn with the new Baltic 67 . The owners of this first Swan 65 opted for the same APM telescopic keel and Hall carbon rig with in-boom furling mainsail. But whereas the Baltic is largely built in carbon and has a price tag that reflects its semi-custom build, Nautor prefers a glassfibre hull for a cruising yacht of this size for better noise insulation.

The contemporary hull and deck design also shares similarities with the Baltic. Their sheer size – notably in beam and freeboard – is striking. The Swan 65’s sheerline rises distinctly forward to a bowsprit, which protrudes a lofty 2m above the waterline. The freeboard height allows for a low-profile coachroof above the semi-raised saloon, but it does present a boarding challenge.

Seven Swan 65s were sold off the plans alone, an indication of the Finnish/Italian company’s popularity since it made the crucial decision to separate its models into bluewater cruisers , 80ft+ maxis and ClubSwan racing yachts. Astonishingly, it has another five new designs in construction from 36-125ft.

Two powered winches for running rigging with compact tail stowage below. Photo: Nico Martinez

Sailing a Swan is always a privilege, but I felt especially lucky to have ideal testing conditions – it was a beautiful spring day, with a fresh Force 5 blowing, as we departed EMV Badolona, Swan’s new service and refit centre near Barcelona.

It was only the second time the sails had been hoisted and we had the opportunity to trial Cuordisole before it was handed over to its owners the following week. So the first hour or so was spent gingerly reaching off the breeze under full sail, not wishing to push anything too quickly.

11 knots of comfort

The hull shape is designed for low heel angles. Photo: Klaus Andrews

In 15-18 knots true wind we were swiftly and consistently averaging 10.5-11.5 knots at 100-110 ° true, with a comfortable 15 ° of heel. These figures are in line with what Frers and Swan predict: that this high, beamy hull shape should be stable and produce low heeling angles typically around 20 ° . The theory is this makes for a comfortable ship aboard which to spend long periods sailing at heel.

I was keen to put the theory into more dynamic practice, and once I knew the skipper was happy, I asked if we could heat things up a bit and spend some time close-hauled.

Wow! Despite the stability designed into the hull shape, when the Swan 65 does power-up and heel, you know about it! With the full sails pinned in and nearly 30 knots of apparent wind across the deck, we pushed it until we heeled to 30 ° . From high up on the windward helm, you become very aware of the cockpit beam, and much reliance is placed on the large foot braces.

The power in the mainsail is impressive. The test boat had a small square-top to its main – a full square-top option is offered for racing. Despite pressing the boat, there was no hint of it losing grip, however you soon learn to respect and trim the heel angle. Heel too much and you pay a price in both comfort and speed.

Depowering the main levelled the boat out and we watched the speed rise to over 9 knots at around 40 ° true. The owner’s choice of a captive mainsheet, controlled via joystick on each pedestal, made it quick and effortless to dial down the power.

The hull is beamier than usual with a higher freeboard, for stability and headroom. “When I started [designing] headroom needed to be 1.85m – now it’s up to 2.15m inside,” designer Germán Frers explained, while describing the Swan 65’s form stability.

“When it heels the centre of buoyancy moves higher and further outboard than deeper, narrower designs and this increases the righting arm. As you load the boat the stability increases with beam. The wider arm increases the GZ, which is why we don’t load the boat with ballast.”

The coachroof is low enough to allow unhindered forward visibility from both helms. Photo: Nico Martinez

Smooth speed

Frers was rationalising the particularly low ballast ratio of 24.1 on the Swan 65 and explaining how the stability of modern hull shapes can increase with load where the ballast ratio diminishes.

“Ballast ratio was used a lot with old shapes, where everything saved on the interior went into lead. Now they [the hulls] are very stable up to 120 ° . We didn’t want to increase the ballast because it becomes more jerky and is hard work.”

The motion certainly felt smooth through the waves, but keep it sailing at a civilised heel angle and it was the consistency of speed that proved telling. We had some long spells of two-sail reaching where the regularity of sitting at double-figure speeds impressed me.

When the breeze picked up to 18-22 knots true, average speed increased to 11.5 knots. If we could bear away and hold the apparent breeze enough to hop onto a cross wave, the log would surge up to over 13 knots.

Flush fitting deck hatches give clean lines and allow plenty of light below decks. Photo: Klaus Andrews

This is when the magic happened – not in an instant lightning bolt sort of way, but in a growing familiarity sense. The more time you spend on the wheel the more you enjoy it and the more you discover how this Swan likes to be sailed. It’s both a forgiving yacht and one that responds to and rewards trim.

The mast has been brought aft and pierces the coachroof, to allow for larger non-overlapping foresails and for powerful reaching sails to be set off the bowsprit. It’s a sail plan that looks and feels balanced.

Equally, twin rudders result in a light feel on the helm, but the blades are large and deep enough to communicate pressure increases and provide manoeuvrability in harbour. The result of the Frers team’s analysis concluded that a single rudder on this hull shape would need to be too deep. “Twin rudders are more efficient with less angle and diminished drag,” Germán Frers explained.

A dry, clean deck

Large foot braces even things up for Toby when the yacht is heeled

The high bow helps keep the decks dry, while the extension of the coachroof into long coamings aft gives the helmsman and trimmers a nice dry perch.

The standard cockpit layout has a central mainsheet plinth, between the two wheels; however, the Harken captive winch system this owner had opted for works effectively.

The electric winch is installed under the galley sole, with the sheet running up the mast, along the boom and down to a single point in the cockpit.

This helps keep a clear cockpit and works well for short-handed sailing as it provides joystick control of the system from each pedestal. The helmsman can also sit forward of the pedestal and steer and trim both sails if desired.

Two powered winches are neatly set into the coamings on each side for foresail trim and running rigging. Lines are all led aft, including the tack line, which has a side-mounted jammer that punctuates an otherwise clean side deck.

A compact locker below the side deck has the tough task of stowing all the tail ends, and there’s a dedicated liferaft locker below the forward part of the cockpit sole.

Cockpit benches are long and wide, but not especially deep. The owner of the test boat opted for a removable table to keep cockpit access clear, whereas a fixed table and/or the bridgedeck option might perhaps better suit family cruising.

An open transom combined with a beamy aft cockpit design is the current trend but one that prioritises coastal/Med sailing over ocean cruising. The Swan 65 has triple-height aft guardrails, but my concern is that, with no fixed mouldings across this aft section of cockpit, these rails would do little to stop rope tails or unsecured items being washed over the transom.

The side deck guardrails conform to requirements at 61cm, however higher rails here would give a greater sense of security for crew using the side decks at sea.

The transom garage holds a 2.8m inflated tender. Photo: Nico Martinez

The garage is accessed from the transom door, with a large deck hatch above, and is wide enough to stow a 2.8m inflated dinghy. The sail locker is even more cavernous, with standing headroom and a watertight bulkhead aft. It creates superb stowage for offwind sails and fenders, or provides the option of a crew cabin.

The slight problem we experienced with hoisting the main and an issue of air in the fuel – both understandable considering this was only the yacht’s second outing – merely demonstrated the occasional need for extra hands on a yacht this size.

Quality of finish

The design and engineering needed to create the multiple below decks options Nautor’s Swan offers is of the highest degree, matched only by the superb quality of finish. A focus with the Swan 65 was on designing this range of options to achieve one deck, one coachroof and one central section of boat. “If every boat is a new boat, you never get the quality,” reasoned Vanni Galgani, product line leader for Swan Yachts.

The semi-raised saloon allows for genset and large tanks to be installed below the sole

Galgani explained that Nautor’s Swan now tries to avoid any customisation on yachts less than 80ft, as it is time-consuming, costly, and bad for resale value. It prefers to provide pre-engineered solutions, which help centralise weight and optimise the systems layout. This also allows for a variety of accommodation solutions, which notably includes a forward or aft owner’s cabin.

The semi-raised saloon and transverse galley work particularly well. Their combined length of over 5m creates a great impression of space. I was below decks as we punched out through a sharp swell at the marina entrance, and appreciated the solid handholds on the roof and fiddles around the furniture and worktops. For a voluminous interior it still felt practical at heel.

The galley is a sociable, airy place to prepare, cook and serve food. It has long, fiddled worksurfaces with space for a variety of appliances. The dinette area to starboard can instead be used for more refrigeration space and a proper navstation.

As it is it works well as a multi-use seating area for eating, passage planning, relaxing or even sleeping. The table drops to fill the space in between the berths and has lee cloth fittings, so could make a useful snug for kids.

Large hull portlights and hatches provide ample natural light to a light, modern interior

The L-shaped sofa on the starboard side of the saloon is also long enough to be used as a pilot berth. The downside of the test boat layout was the lack of a proper navstation – the owners had instead opted for a compact chart table to starboard with a fold-out stool.

Practical features

The volume continues in the forward owner’s cabin where it is beamy enough to sleep head forward on an island berth, away from the noise of the engine, cockpit or dock when berthed stern-to. And there is still 6ft 3in headroom around the berth. The test boat had a walk-in wardrobe by the cabin entrance, which takes care of most stowage requirements.

All three cabins have smart en suites with good-sized separate showers and practical stowage. Headroom in the identical aft twin cabins is maintained aft to the berths, while outboard alcoves allow extra height, light and room by the hull portlights.

The port cabin has a door into the after part of the engine room, providing access to the watermaker and filters – which is handy, as only the lower half of the companionway steps lift, and the engine is mounted low down.

General stowage is mostly above sole height rather than in the bilges. The soleboards are all insulated with foam surrounds, have spacers, and lift with the aid of a sucker. Peek below and you’ll not only notice the meticulous layout of the wiring, plumbing and generous tanks, but find standard practical Swan features, like a foot pump to purge water from the fridge/freezers and wooden cones attached to each through-hull fitting.

Below the galley sole is a 0.5m long section of the APM keel – the only part of this telescopic stainless steel work of art that is visible. It’s an engineering feat, which costs big bucks but is increasingly offered by the big yards.

The difference 45 years makes in hull shapes. The 1973 Swan 65 Venator (left) berthed alongside the 2019 version

Our verdict

Will people talk about this model in 50 years time? It’s not about to win a round the world race and create a global phenomenon. But they might well talk about this era of Nautor’s Swan and how this Frers design sits at the heart of Nautor’s renaissance.

The Swan 65 grows on you – the longer you sail it the more you enjoy it. Cruising sailors don’t seek an adrenaline rush, they want an enduring relationship built on easy rewards and dependability. This is a powerful boat, which is easy to sail fast but will be most gratifying when trimmed to keep it on its preferred low heel angle. Take the wheel and it’s hard not to daydream about how pleasant those consistent speeds and heeling angles would feel on a tradewind ocean crossing .

It’s a versatile design that offers much potential: it has a deck suited to short-handed Mediterranean-style sailing; stowage, systems and tankage to promote ocean cruising (with or without crew); and optional keel and sailplans to configure it for racing.

The original Swan 65 might still be the choice for seaworthy ocean racing, but for cruising in sublime space and comfort its new counterpart wins every time.

Specification

LOA: 20.11m (65ft 12in) LWL: 18.38m (60ft 4in) Beam (Max): 5.62m (18ft 5in) Draught: 3.50m (11ft 6in) Telescopic keel: 2.80m-4.20m (9ft 2in-13ft 9in) Displacement (lightship): 27,250kg (60,075lb) Ballast: 6,570kg (14,484lb) Sail Area (100% foretriangle): 234.2m 2 (2,531ft 2 ) Berths: 6-7 Engine: Volvo Penta D3 150hp Water capacity: 1,000lt (220gal) Fuel capacity: 1,200lt (264gal) Sail Area/Displacement ratio: 26.3 Displacement/LWL ratio: 122 Price: €2.95m (ex VAT) Design: Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering