Twin rudders, T-keel with forward projecting fin, central 9/10 rig, fixed bowsprit. The foredeck is conventionally fine; the trend towards a full foredeck has not yet arrived on the new Swan 51. It helps the appearance, the 51 is also immediately recognisable as a Swan, which is due not only to the typically harmonious and timeless lines but also to the design of the flat superstructure with two almost rectangular long windows. With a very generous sail area in relation to its weight, the new Swan should have the potential that sailors expect from a nautical yacht. The sail load factor is 4.6, which is a potent cruising yacht.
Swan 51 with useful options
The deck layout of the new Swan is available in various configurations for pure cruising use or for regatta sailing. A 2.05 or 3.20 metre deep keel can be fitted depending on the sailing area and area of use. There are also options below deck: Two cabins in the stern or one to starboard and a huge forecastle with emergency berth to port. In front of the owner's cabin in the foredeck, there is a sail locker from which a code zero or gennaker can be set directly. An emergency berth is also possible here. Otherwise, the interior styled by the Italian Misa Poggi is just like the exterior: classy, dignified, timeless, appealing and inviting. And aisle-like, which is no longer a matter of course today. The interior layout is also conventional: the L-shaped galley on the port side, opposite a bathroom with separate shower and no connection to an aft cabin. U-shaped sofa and opposite a dinette, which also serves as a navigation corner or optionally a long sofa with navigation table on the main bulkhead. The owner's cabin is forward with a shower room and small desk.
Swans at yacht.de
Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
Fridtjof Gunkel was born on Helgoland in 1962; he started his sailing career there in the Opti and quickly switched to keelboats. North Sea Week, Cowes Week and Kiel Week were early stops, followed by many years in the Admiral's Cup scene on the cuppers “Container” and “Rubin” World Championships and international regattas in the Starboat, with the mini-maxi “SiSiSi” and various tonner yachts as well as participation in the Whitbread Round the World Race were further formative stations, flanked by extensive cruising trips. Fridtjof Gunkel joined YACHT back in 1985 as part of a traineeship, where he later became Head of the Test & Technology department and then Deputy Editor-in-Chief around 25 years ago. He is also responsible for the regatta and sports section. Fridtjof Gunkel privately sails a performance/cruiser moored on the Baltic coast, his favorite areas are the eastern Swedish archipelago and Brittany.
