boot Düsseldorf 2019: Premiere VI: Swan 65 - the noblewoman from the far north

Just how radical Nautor is is demonstrated by the largest and smallest boats in the current programme. The ClubSwan 36 and the ClubSwan 125, which is already under construction, are among the most powerful and modern monohull yachts in the world. In comparison, the 65, which is currently celebrating its world premiere at boot Düsseldorf, looks almost a little normal.

But it should be, because it is not a racer, but first and foremost a cruising yacht. However, its lack of frills should not be misinterpreted as "ordinary". Because the boat designed by old master Germán Frers is anything but.

In terms of lines, the Swan 65 follows the much larger 78, which was on show last year as a plywood dummy in the exhibition halls on the banks of the Rhine. Like almost all modern yachts, it has plenty of freeboard, a wide stern and almost vertical sterns. So far, so usual.

However, Germán Frers achieved a golden compromise in the cabin superstructure and in the design of the saloon: on the one hand, the cabin roof is attractively flat and compact, which is generally an advantage. On the other hand, it provides a fantastic 270-degree view when standing thanks to a slightly higher saloon floor, because the front end of the superstructure, like the sides, has a wide window. To achieve this effect, Nautor previously needed two deck variants in its programme (as with the Swan 60 S and FD). Now one is enough.

Nevertheless, the Swan 65 is not lacking in variety, on the contrary. It offers a large number of variation options, particularly in the cabin layout. While the central area always remains identical, the fore and aft sections can be configured very differently. In the model shown at boot Düsseldorf, the owner's cabin is at the front. However, it can also extend across the entire width aft - then with a small bridge in the cockpit that separates the crew from the helm stations and winches. There are also options for a crew cabin instead of the dinette, either forward or aft, as well as an optional separate office. In this way, the shipyard avoids expensive customisation, but offers almost the flexibility of a semi-custom concept.

The Swan 65 will be followed in the autumn by the Swan 48, of which only a computer animation is currently available. Like its bigger sister, it could become a successful model. Even before it was officially announced, there were already seven blind orders. Nautor, it seems, is on a roll.