Swan 128 - the second largest swan in history after the 131 back in 2006
by Nautor's Swan 5 Oct 2022 15:50 BST
Finnish shipyard Nautor continues its intense operations in the field of maxi-yachts unabated.
- A brand-new model that completes the upper segment of our Maxi range
- The Naval Architecture is by German Frers, as for all Swans since 1981
- Micheletti + Partners designed the deck and coachroof, further developing the style of the smaller sister yacht, the Swan 108
- The interior design is by architect Misa Poggi
- The first yacht is already under construction in Pietarsaari, Finland, Nautor's historic headquarters, and will be launched in 2025
After the recent launch of the CluobSwan 125 and the Swan 120, Nautor unveils the new 128-foot model that places itself at the top of the Swan large yacht range, completing the line that includes the 88, the 98, the 108 and the 120. The styling represents an evolution of the other two recently launched maxis, the Swan 88 and Swan 108, which are currently at an advanced stage of construction at Nautor's historical BTC in Pietarsaari, Finland, where all Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts models are produced.
The project
The aims of the new design do not differ from those already envisaged for the 108, the smaller sister yacht, with extra care and attention given to certain key qualities.
Firstly, performance and handling: German Frers has enriched its endless know-how with a specific CFD analysis commissioned to industry leader Cape Horn Engineering, to test and optimise the shape of the canoe body in all dynamic sailing conditions. Secondly, aesthetics: the design was carefully studied and enhanced thanks to a stimulating exchange with all the parties involved, especially in terms of the relationship between the hull and superstructure, the latter being particularly agile and sporty despite the semi-raised saloon layout.
And finally, the owner's quarters in the interior layout, with a large area of the foreship entirely dedicated to the owner with no design constraints in terms of shape or structure, allowing the space to be customised and to make each yacht one of a kind.
Naval architecture
The Swan 128, project N. 1400 by Frers studio, consolidates the Argentinean designer's forty-year collaboration with the Finnish shipyard, particularly active over the last ten years with the production of 13 new yachts, 7 of which over 80 feet (the limit that separates Swan Yachts from Maxi Swan Yachts).
The Swan 128 perfectly embodies the Swan concept of the sporty cruiser, a yacht designed for long ocean voyages but also perfectly at ease in major international competitions, without needing to change any of its characteristics. 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, optimize 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 semi-raised 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 anda 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 double-action platform, exclusive to the latest Swan models. The generous tender garage can accommodate a rib/tender up to 4.50 metres in length.
The 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 ten 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 3 double cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms 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 2500 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 pre-preg 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 III regulations, plus a variable pitch propeller to optimize efficiency and noise and vibration reduction.
Thanks to the sound insulation technology applied, a superior comfort level characterizes the yacht both under way and at anchor. The new maxi yacht will be fully classed under RINA rules.