Swan takes shape

As with all the latest Swans, the hull is designed for maximum performance at different speeds, remaining perfectly symmetrical at different angles of heel.

In keeping with the shape, the adoption of the double rudder blade guarantees optimal control even at high speeds, optimise the helming experience as much as possible and offering remarkable sensitivity of the wheels despite the boat’s considerable size. The contained heel – around 20-degrees in optimal conditions – also results in remarkable comfort under sail, allowing all areas of the boat to be used without acrobatics.

The generous sail plan, as in all Frers designs, provides the necessary power for a fun and thrilling ride even in light winds, while remaining docile and manageable in more challenging conditions. The VPP poles are remarkable, with peaks well above 17 knots.

The Deck

The deck plan features a streamlined and sculpted deckhouse, albeit in a semiraised saloon configuration, that gives the boat an especially sporty feel. The bow has been designed to have a good separation between the headstay and the code zero.

Designer Lucio Micheletti focused on volumes, shapes, and details to provide as much lightness as possible without compromising the functionality and protection typical of Swan deckhouses.

A skilful combination of traditional styling and taut forms, an interplay of materials that creates a lively chiaroscuro with a marked dynamic quality (what the architect Micheletti calls ‘quayside speed’).

The cockpit offers the typical three-area division that characterises all Swans. The front area, close to the deckhouse and protected by a sprayhood and a bimini top (a retractable model with rigid structure is optional), is dedicated to guests. The classic configuration with C-shaped sofas, double table and aft-facing sundeck comes as standard, but the flat floor layout, with no fixed volumes, allows for vast range of customised choices.

The central cockpit area includes everything needed to steer the boat, from the forward and panoramic helms to the sail winches. The second companionway is also located in this area, connecting the crew quarters directly with the steering instruments.

The entire stern, separated by a slight difference in height, is dedicated to the beach club, which connects seamlessly to the large swim platform, and that can be further extended in the optional doubleaction platform, exclusive to the latest Swan models. The generous tender garage can accommodate a rib/tender up to 4.50 metres in length.

Interiors

The collaboration between Frers studio, the shipyard’s interiors department and architect Misa Poggi has led to an optimal and flexible layout, with a large owner’s quarters in the foreship area and a generous aft crew area. The elevated saloon, accessible via an extra-large companionway, offers three levels of natural light with panoramic views both when standing and seated.

The two areas, well separated between lounge and dining area in the standard version, however, offer numerous customisations, including exclusive day beds to take advantage of the large hull windows even during navigation. The TV lounge, directly connected to the raised living room, can be converted into a large dining room that can seat up to 10 guests.

The owner’s quarters feature a master cabin and bathroom, both full beam. The customisation possibilities are endless given the size of the rooms and the reduced structural constraints of the area, which is well defined by regularly shaped bulkheads.

The various guest cabins can be fitted out differently with single or double beds, additional pullman beds and bathrooms that may also be fitted with bidets.

The entire aft area is dedicated to the crew, with no less than three double cabins, all with ensuites with separate shower cubicles, a double crew mess, of which the forward one can convert into additional stowage space, and a large galley with a central island and plenty of space for every conceivable appliance.

The service area is completed by a liveable laundry room complete with ironing board and a charting station, conveniently located near the stern companionway.

The engine room, with double-filtered access through a workshop area, uses the entire area below the saloon to accommodate machines and tanks, concentrating the main weights below and amidship.

There is a wide choice of woods, starting from a natural oak base, leathers, and textiles. Architect Misa Poggi together with the Finnish firm’s in-house team are at the owners’ disposal to interpret any desire in layout and style, suggesting tailored materials to make each Swan 128 unique and inimitable.

Construction and Technology

The Nautor shipyard has turned its longstanding tradition into the cornerstone of its prestige. For 55 years, its Swans have been built in the same place by the same families, its know-how passing from generation to generation.

Over 2300 Swans have sailed and continue to sail the seas of the world, providing experience and allowing for constant improvement that, over the years, have made our boats the most appreciated in the world. The Maxi Swans are built in full carbon, and dozens of them have crossed the oceans, also winning important competitions.

Hull and deck manufacturing is based on Sprint © technology with carbon prepreg fabrics and epoxy resin in a sandwich featuring Corecell core, all materials engineered and produced by the composite leading company Gurit. The process involves a two stage post-curing in a digitally controlled oven for about 20 hours, with a characteristic curve up to 90 degrees Celsius, plus a final structural assembly post cure.

All components, both systems and furnishings, are the result of years of selection and testing under the strictest conditions and represent the best available on the market. In terms of propulsion, this maxi yacht is equipped with most advanced SCR technology to reduce emissions in compliance with latest IMO Ill regulations, plus a variable pitch propeller to optimise efficiency and noise and vibration reduction.

Thanks to the sound insulation technology applied, a superior comfort level characterises the yacht both underway and at anchor. The new maxi yacht will be fully classed under RINA rules.

Now in the hull painting stage, more exciting developments will soon unfold as the Swan 128 nears completion.

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