The star architect from Argentina has a well-known name when it comes to designing fast racing machines. He designed the Volvo 70 racers "Groupama", "Ericsson 4" and "ABN-Amro 1" as well as the maxi racer "Rambler 88". The brief from Nautor's Swan went in a slightly different direction: a fast performance cruiser was required that reflected the latest developments in yacht racing, but at the same time should be seaworthy and easy to sail even with a reduced crew. Not an easy task.
The result is a surprisingly radically shaped racer with low freeboard, a wide stern, negative deck leap and wave piercer bow. The boat is built entirely from carbon fibre (prepreg/epoxy) using the vacuum infusion process at Nautor's Swan in Finland. The mast, the main boom and the fixed bowsprit with a length of 1.50 metres are also made of carbon. As with the current offshore racers in the Volvo 65 class, the rig is positioned extremely far aft with a noticeable amount of mast drop, even behind the centre of the ship directly above the keel. Despite this, the main boom remains long and even protrudes a little beyond the stern - a rather wacky look.
Below deck, however, it's a completely different world: the layout with two generously proportioned double cabins, the comfortable saloon and a spacious galley emphasises the cruising-oriented nature of the concept. Two heads between the saloon and forward cabin share a toilet and washroom. For regatta use, the foredeck can be largely cleared out so that the sails can be stowed there.
With the ClubSwan 50, Nautor's Swan is further expanding its club racing concept. The Swan 45, Club Swan 42 and Gazprom Swan Class 60 have already successfully established themselves as standardised classes and are sailed internationally in strong fields. The new ClubSwan 50 is now also aiming for rapid class development and the establishment of a worldwide regatta series in parallel.
The shipyard has not yet finalised the price for the ClubSwan 50. However, the high-end boat with its high-quality equipment is unlikely to be cheap. The first boat in the series is due to be unveiled in June 2016 and will then undergo its first tests.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
