Nautor's Swan
Encyclopedia
Oy Nautor AB is a Finnish
producer of luxury sailing yachts, based in Jakobstad
. It is known for its Swan line of fiberglass
yacht. The company was founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkylä. Since its inception, Nautor's Swans have had an enviable reputation for their combination of seaworthiness, performance, and high quality interiors.
Sparkman & Stephens were the designers of the first 775 Swan yachts sold by Nautor, including the original Swan 36. These early designs combined in a fiberglass hull a luxurious interior with features that were then current in successful racing boats, such as the separation of the skeg-hung rudder from the keel. They won numerous races including the Bermuda Race
in 1972 and the first Whitbread Round the World Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race
) in 1973/74.
During the mid to late 1970s, the designs from the American company were not as successful as contemporary designs from relatively new architects from Northern Ireland (Ron Holland), Argentina (Germán Frers) and New Zealand (Bruce Farr). The new designers were more focussed on performance than comfort. The tie with Sparkman & Stephens was broken, and between 1978 and 1981 Ron Holland
started his cooperation with Nautor’s Swan, designing five models of which 283 yachts were sold.
In the 1980’s, Nautor’s Swan entered a new era with the appointment of Argentinian Germán Frers
as designer. Over 900 yachts have been produced on the design of Frers. The yard has continued to stay with Frers, and the hull designs have continued to follow modern trends, becoming more and more skiff-like in appearance, with shallow hull, flat run aft, almost vertical bow, and narrow fin keels. In recent years, the average size of the boats has increased greatly.
From 1998 on, Italian businessman Leonardo Ferragamo and a group of investors have controlled and managed Nautor’s Swan, continuing to push forward innovations and changes intended to place Swan yachts at the forefront of the international sailing world.
The historical plant in Kållby, just outside Jakobstad, is dedicated to plug and mold fabrication and the lamination of all Swans’ hulls, using an advanced and fully computerized milling machine to shape the moulds. Another part of the plant is dedicated to the assembly of the smaller size yachts from “Swan 42” to the “Swan 53”. The Kållby plant also includes an in-door water facility to test the yachts prior to delivery.
In 2002, a new yard, close to the sea, has been opened in Jakobstad. The new yard is dedicated to the assembly of “Maxi” Swan Yachts, from the “Swan 60” to the “Swan 100”.
The third plant is in Kronoby, close to Jakobstad, and it is here that expert carpenters work, dedicated to the hand-made preparation of the wood interiors which have become a feature of all Swan yachts. A sample of the wood of each yacht is kept at the factory so that an exact replacement could be made if required.
, Pekka Koskenkylä, German Frers, Ron Holland and Lady Pippa Blake, wife of deceased Peter Blake (yachtsman)
.
The highlight of the racing calendar for Swan owners is the biennial “Rolex Swan Cup”, held in Porto Cervo
, Sardinia
in association with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which traditionally embodies “The Spirit of Swan” in its glamour and quality of sailing. Two other well known events are the “Swan European Regatta”, usually taking place in the waters of Cowes in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron; and the “Swan American Regatta” taking place in the waters of Newport Rhode Island, in association with the New York Yacht Club.
ClubSwan has been also the entity that has favoured the creation of some special racing classes, like the “Swan 45 Class”, the “Club Swan 42 Class” and more recently the “Swan Maxi Class”.
“ClubSwan” also organizes a series of annual cruising rendezvous in some of the most spectacular sailing areas.
|}
(FD = Flush Deck; RS = Raised Saloon; S = Semi-Raised Saloon)
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
producer of luxury sailing yachts, based in Jakobstad
Jakobstad
Jakobstad is a town and municipality in Ostrobothnia, Finland. The town has a population of and covers a land area of . The population density is .- History :...
. It is known for its Swan line of fiberglass
Fiberglass
Glass fiber is a material consisting of numerous extremely fine fibers of glass.Glassmakers throughout history have experimented with glass fibers, but mass manufacture of glass fiber was only made possible with the invention of finer machine tooling...
yacht. The company was founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkylä. Since its inception, Nautor's Swans have had an enviable reputation for their combination of seaworthiness, performance, and high quality interiors.
The Designers
Nautor has worked with three design firms since its founding.Sparkman & Stephens were the designers of the first 775 Swan yachts sold by Nautor, including the original Swan 36. These early designs combined in a fiberglass hull a luxurious interior with features that were then current in successful racing boats, such as the separation of the skeg-hung rudder from the keel. They won numerous races including the Bermuda Race
Bermuda Race
The Bermuda Race, or Newport Bermuda Race, is a biennial yacht race from Newport, Rhode Island to the island of Bermuda, a distance of 635 nautical miles across open ocean. The first Bermuda Race started in 1906 from Gravesend Bay, N.Y. with three entries. The race was held several times in the...
in 1972 and the first Whitbread Round the World Race (now the Volvo Ocean Race
Volvo Ocean Race
The Volvo Ocean Race is a yacht race around the world, held every three years. It is named after its current owner, Volvo...
) in 1973/74.
During the mid to late 1970s, the designs from the American company were not as successful as contemporary designs from relatively new architects from Northern Ireland (Ron Holland), Argentina (Germán Frers) and New Zealand (Bruce Farr). The new designers were more focussed on performance than comfort. The tie with Sparkman & Stephens was broken, and between 1978 and 1981 Ron Holland
Ron Holland
Ronald John Holland is a yacht designer, who came to prominence in the 1970s with his successful racing designs, and is now best known for his superyachts such as Mirabella V and Ethereal...
started his cooperation with Nautor’s Swan, designing five models of which 283 yachts were sold.
In the 1980’s, Nautor’s Swan entered a new era with the appointment of Argentinian Germán Frers
German Frers
Germán Frers is a naval architect renowned for designing successful racing yachts. He designed his first yacht in 1958. There is a design team consisting of Germán Frers and his son, also named Germán Frers, supported by a team of engineers, architects and designers, some of whom have been with...
as designer. Over 900 yachts have been produced on the design of Frers. The yard has continued to stay with Frers, and the hull designs have continued to follow modern trends, becoming more and more skiff-like in appearance, with shallow hull, flat run aft, almost vertical bow, and narrow fin keels. In recent years, the average size of the boats has increased greatly.
Ownership
In late 1969 the assembly hall of the Nautor’s Swan boat yard burnt to the ground, destroying a dozen hulls in various stages of production. As a result, Pekka was forced to sell stakes in Nautor’s Swan to finance the rebuilding of the yard and to re-start production.From 1998 on, Italian businessman Leonardo Ferragamo and a group of investors have controlled and managed Nautor’s Swan, continuing to push forward innovations and changes intended to place Swan yachts at the forefront of the international sailing world.
The Nautor Yard
Since the foundation of the company in 1966, almost 2,000 Swan yachts have been produced, ranging from 36 to 131 feet in length. About 400 staff, and an almost similar number of indirect staff, are employed by the firm.The historical plant in Kållby, just outside Jakobstad, is dedicated to plug and mold fabrication and the lamination of all Swans’ hulls, using an advanced and fully computerized milling machine to shape the moulds. Another part of the plant is dedicated to the assembly of the smaller size yachts from “Swan 42” to the “Swan 53”. The Kållby plant also includes an in-door water facility to test the yachts prior to delivery.
In 2002, a new yard, close to the sea, has been opened in Jakobstad. The new yard is dedicated to the assembly of “Maxi” Swan Yachts, from the “Swan 60” to the “Swan 100”.
The third plant is in Kronoby, close to Jakobstad, and it is here that expert carpenters work, dedicated to the hand-made preparation of the wood interiors which have become a feature of all Swan yachts. A sample of the wood of each yacht is kept at the factory so that an exact replacement could be made if required.
Club Swan
ClubSwan is a non-profit organization whose members are present, past and future Swan yacht owners. The club house is located at the Segelsällskapet Yacht Club in Jakobstad, Finland. Leonardo Ferragamo is the chairman of the club. Among the honorary members are HRH Juan Carlos de Borbone King of SpainSpain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
, Pekka Koskenkylä, German Frers, Ron Holland and Lady Pippa Blake, wife of deceased Peter Blake (yachtsman)
Peter Blake (yachtsman)
Sir Peter James Blake, KBE was a New Zealand yachtsman who won the Whitbread Round the World Race, the Jules Verne Trophy – setting the fastest time around the world of 74 days 22 hours 17 minutes 22 seconds on catamaran Enza, and led his country to successive victories in the America’s Cup...
.
The highlight of the racing calendar for Swan owners is the biennial “Rolex Swan Cup”, held in Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo
Porto Cervo is an Italian seaside resort in northern Sardinia. It is a frazione of the comune of Arzachena, in the province of Olbia-Tempio. The village is the main centre of the Costa Smeralda, on the gulf of the same name. It was created by Prince Karim Aga Khan...
, Sardinia
Sardinia
Sardinia is the second-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea . It is an autonomous region of Italy, and the nearest land masses are the French island of Corsica, the Italian Peninsula, Sicily, Tunisia and the Spanish Balearic Islands.The name Sardinia is from the pre-Roman noun *sard[],...
in association with the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, which traditionally embodies “The Spirit of Swan” in its glamour and quality of sailing. Two other well known events are the “Swan European Regatta”, usually taking place in the waters of Cowes in association with the Royal Yacht Squadron; and the “Swan American Regatta” taking place in the waters of Newport Rhode Island, in association with the New York Yacht Club.
ClubSwan has been also the entity that has favoured the creation of some special racing classes, like the “Swan 45 Class”, the “Club Swan 42 Class” and more recently the “Swan Maxi Class”.
“ClubSwan” also organizes a series of annual cruising rendezvous in some of the most spectacular sailing areas.
Current Swan Line - Models
Nautor is globally recognised as a producer of exquisitely crafted yachts capable of offering style and performance. The current Swan yachts are all designed by Germán Frers and come in several different models|}
Current Swan Line - Model Sizes (Imperial)
LOA: Length Overall, LWL: Length of Waterline, Beam: Width, Draft: Underwater Depth, Disp: Displacement, Ballast: Leverage Weight, Ratio: Ballast/Displacement, I: Headsail Height, J: Fore-Triangle Length, P: Mainsail Height, E: Mainsail Length, Main: Mainsail Area, Gen: Genoa Area, SA: Working Sail Area, Spin: Spinnaker Area| Model | LOA | LWL | Beam | Draft | Disp | Ballast | Ratio | I | J | P | E | Gen | Main | SA | Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swan CS42 | 42.58 | 37.04 | 12.89 | 8.86 | 15,983 | 7,046 | 44% | 59.06 | 16.34 | 56.56 | 18.95 | 727 | 661 | 1,388 | 1,647 |
| Swan 53 | 54.07 | 47.24 | 15.58 | 8.01 | 48,500 | 18,100 | 37% | 71.95 | 19.52 | 65.88 | 21.98 | 1,053 | 840 | 1,893 | 2,833 |
| Swan 60 | 61.89 | 54.80 | 16.70 | 11.81 | 41,200 | 17,000 | 41% | 83.53 | 23.19 | 79.79 | 27.88 | 1,455 | 1,355 | 2,810 | 3,444 |
| Swan 66 | 66.01 | 56.40 | 17.68 | 10.50 | 66,000 | 20,720 | 31% | 90.22 | 24.44 | 82.84 | 24.93 | 1,653 | 1,309 | 2,962 | 4,166 |
| Swan 75 | 76.44 | 63.98 | 19.00 | 9.50 | 83,800 | 27,600 | 33% | 94.16 | 27.82 | 88.68 | 30.22 | 1,965 | 1,591 | 3,556 | 4,811 |
| Swan 80 | 82.28 | 72.80 | 19.95 | 13.12 | 79,150 | - | - | 104.98 | 30.84 | 99.41 | 34.10 | 2,421 | 2,030 | 4,451 | 6,166 |
| Swan 82 | 81.66 | 69.75 | 19.22 | 12.40 | 90,400 | 29,300 | 32% | 105.48 | 29.66 | 102.79 | 34.12 | 2,346 | 1,754 | 4,100 | 5,631 |
| Swan 90 | 90.91 | 80.54 | 21.19 | 14.44 | 117,400 | 40,500 | 34% | 120.73 | 35.30 | 116.47 | 37.56 | 3,195 | 2,730 | 5,925 | 8,288 |
| Swan 100 | 99.11 | 86.81 | 23.15 | 13.19 | 170,638 | 65,477 | 38% | 131.23 | 35.10 | 126.31 | 40.88 | 3,454 | 2,583 | 6,037 | 8,582 |
| Swan 110 | 110.04 | 96.16 | 24.11 | 17.72 | 209,440 | - | - | 145.44 | 41.5 | 137.63 | 44.78 | 4,500 | 3,082 | 7,582 | 11,656 |
| Swan 130 | 131.23 | 113.81 | 27.23 | 15.25 | 385,800 | - | - | 165.09 | 49.21 | 154.20 | 51.31 | 6,200 | 4,822 | 11,022 | 15,680 |
Current Swan Line - Model Sizes (Metric)
| Model | Length | LWL | Beam | Draft | Disp | Ballast | Ratio | I | J | P | E | Gen | Main | SA | Spin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swan CS42 | 12.98 | 11.29 | 3.93 | 2.70 | 7,250 | 3,196 | 44% | 18.00 | 4.98 | 17.24 | 5.78 | 67.6 | 61.4 | 129.0 | 153.0 |
| Swan 53 | 16.48 | 14.40 | 4.75 | 2.44 | 22,000 | 8,200 | 37% | 21.93 | 5.95 | 20.08 | 6.70 | 97.5 | 78.0 | 175.5 | 263.0 |
| Swan 60 | 18.86 | 16.70 | 5.09 | 3.60 | 18,700 | 7,700 | 41% | 25.46 | 7.07 | 24.32 | 8.55 | 135.1 | 125.8 | 261.0 | 320.0 |
| Swan 66 | 20.12 | 17.19 | 5.39 | 3.20 | 30,000 | 9,400 | 31% | 27.50 | 7.45 | 25.25 | 7.60 | 153.6 | 121.6 | 275.2 | 387.0 |
| Swan 75 | 23.30 | 19.50 | 5.79 | 2.90 | 38,000 | 12,500 | 33% | 28.70 | 8.43 | 27.03 | 9.21 | 182.5 | 147.8 | 330.3 | 447.0 |
| Swan 80 | 25.08 | 22.19 | 6.08 | 4.00 | 30,900 | - | - | 32.00 | 9.40 | 30.30 | 10.40 | 225.0 | 188.6 | 413.6 | 572.8 |
| Swan 82 | 24.89 | 21.26 | 5.86 | 4.02 | 41,000 | 13,300 | 32% | 32.15 | 9.04 | 31.33 | 10.40 | 217.9 | 162.9 | 380.8 | 523.0 |
| Swan 90 | 27.71 | 24.55 | 6.46 | 4.40 | 53,250 | 18,350 | 34% | 36.80 | 10.76 | 35.50 | 11.45 | 297.0 | 253.8 | 550.8 | 770.0 |
| Swan 100 | 30.21 | 26.28 | 7.06 | 4.70 | 77,400 | 29,700 | 38% | 40.00 | 10.70 | 38.50 | 12.46 | 321.0 | 240.0 | 561.0 | 797.0 |
| Swan 110 | 33.54 | 29.31 | 7.35 | 5.40 | 95,000 | - | - | 44.33 | 12.65 | 41.95 | 13.65 | 418.2 | 286.3 | 704.5 | 1,082.9 |
| Swan 130 | 40.00 | 34.69 | 8.30 | 4.65 | 168,000 | - | - | 50.32 | 15.00 | 47.00 | 15.64 | 576.0 | 448.0 | 1,024 | 1,456.7 |
Swan production history
Swan production yacht models are listed below:| Model | Years | Designer | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swan 36 | 1967–1970 | Sparkman & Stephens | 90 |
| Swan 36 | 1988–1996 | Germán Frers | 55 |
| Swan 37 | 1970–1974 | Sparkman & Stephens | 59 |
| Swan 371 | 1979–1986 | Ron Holland | 87 |
| Swan 38 | 1974–1979 | Sparkman & Stephens | 116 |
| Swan 39 Racing | 1978–1979 | Ron Holland | 12 |
| Swan 39 Cruising | 1978–1980 | Ron Holland | 21 |
| Swan 391 | 1981–1987 | Ron Holland | 52 |
| Swan 40 | 1970–1972 | Sparkman & Stephens | 51 |
| Swan 40 | 1992–2001 | Germán Frers | 58 |
| Swan 41 | 1973–1977 | Sparkman & Stephens | 61 |
| Swan 411 | 1977–1979 | Sparkman & Stephens | 42 |
| Swan 42 | 1980–1985 | Ron Holland | 38 |
| Swan 42 One-Design | 2006- | Germán Frers | 56 |
| Swan 43 | 1967–1972 | Sparkman & Stephens | 67 |
| Swan 431 | 1976–1978 | Sparkman & Stephens | 32 |
| Swan 43 | 1985–1990 | Ron Holland | 28 |
| Swan 44 | 1972–1975 | Sparkman & Stephens | 76 |
| Swan 441 Racing | 1978–1979 | Ron Holland | 5 |
| Swan 441 Cruising | 1979–1982 | Ron Holland | 40 |
| Swan 44 Mk I | 1989–1994 | Germán Frers | 19 |
| Swan 44 Mk II | 1996–2002 | Germán Frers | 69 |
| Swan 45 Swan 45 (yacht) The Swan 45 was designed by German Frers and built by Nautor Swan and first launched in 2002. The class is recognised by the International Sailing Federation in November 2005-History:... |
2002-2010 | Germán Frers | 51 |
| Swan 46 Mk I | 1983–1989 | Germán Frers | 81 |
| Swan 46 Mk II | 1990–1997 | Germán Frers | 28 |
| Swan 46 Mk III | 2004–2007 | Germán Frers | 24 |
| Swan 47 | 1975–1984 | Sparkman & Stephens | 70 |
| Swan 48 | 1971–1975 | Sparkman & Stephens | 46 |
| Swan 48 | 1995–2003 | Germán Frers | 57 |
| Swan 51 | 1981–1985 | Germán Frers | 36 |
| Swan 53 Mk I | 1986–1994 | Germán Frers | 50 |
| Swan 53 Mk II | 2004- | Germán Frers | 17 |
| Swan 55 | 1970–1974 | Sparkman & Stephens | 16 |
| Swan 55 | 1990–1996 | Germán Frers | 22 |
| Swan 56 | 1997–2006 | Germán Frers | 45 |
| Swan 57 | 1977–1984 | Sparkman & Stephens | 49 |
| Swan 57 CC | 1996–2000 | Germán Frers | 5 |
| Swan 57 RS | 1996–2000 | Germán Frers | 5 |
| Swan 59 | 1984–1990 | Germán Frers | 21 |
| Swan 60 Mk I | 1994–2001 | Germán Frers | 28 |
| Swan 60 Mk II | 2009- | Germán Frers | 5 |
| Swan 601 | 2004–2007 | Germán Frers | 7 |
| Swan 61 | 1985–1990 | Germán Frers | 14 |
| Swan 62 FD | 2004–2006 | Germán Frers | 2 |
| Swan 62 RS | 2001–2005 | Germán Frers | 4 |
| Swan 65 | 1972–1989 | Sparkman & Stephens | 41 |
| Swan 651 | 1982–1991 | Germán Frers | 19 |
| Swan 66 FD | 2007- | Germán Frers | 7 |
| Swan 66 S | 2007- | Germán Frers | 8 |
| Swan 68 | 1991–2004 | Germán Frers | 24 |
| Swan 70 | 2001–2008 | Germán Frers | 7 |
| Swan 75 FD | 2004- | Germán Frers | 4 |
| Swan 75 RS | 2003- | Germán Frers | 2 |
| Swan 76 | 1979–1981 | Sparkman & Stephens | 5 |
| Swan 77 | 1992–2003 | Germán Frers | 10 |
| Swan 80 | 1999–2004 | Germán Frers | 10 |
| Swan 80 FD Mk II | 2010- | Germán Frers | 4 |
| Swan 82 FD | 2000–2008 | Germán Frers | 10 |
| Swan 82 RS | 2000–2005 | Germán Frers | 7 |
| Swan 82 S | 2002- | Germán Frers | 6 |
| Swan 86 | 1988–1990 | Germán Frers | 3 |
| Swan 90 Mk I | 1991 | Germán Frers | 1 |
| Swan 90 FD Mk II | 2008- | Germán Frers | 7 |
| Swan 90 S Mk II | 2008- | Germán Frers | 9 |
| Swan 100 FD | 2002- | Germán Frers | 3 |
| Swan 100 RS | 2002–2006 | Germán Frers | 1 |
| Swan 100 S | 2002- | Germán Frers | 3 |
| Swan 110 | 2010- | Germán Frers | 0 |
| Swan 112 RS | 1999–2006 | Germán Frers | 5 |
| Swan 130 | 2010- | Germán Frers | 0 |
| Swan 131 | 2006 | Germán Frers | 1 |
| Total: 71 Models | 45 years | 3 Designers | 2,014 |
(FD = Flush Deck; RS = Raised Saloon; S = Semi-Raised Saloon)