Nautor Swan launched the first Swan 80 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The new model marks the beginning of the Maxi line, which is extended upwards from the Swan 128 will be finalised. The flagship was recently second unit into the water. Maxis usually start at 24 metres in length, but the new 80 ranks below this in regulatory terms. The background: The CE directive is based on the hull length, which corresponds to the overall length minus the forward attachments such as the pulpit or bowsprit as well as the rudder or the moving parts of the bathing platform. With the nose, the Swan 80 has an overall length of 25.55 metres, while the hull length is "only" 23.99 metres.
Freedom under the 24 metre limit
By sailing below the magical 24 metre limit, owners can avoid numerous regulatory requirements relating to anchoring, harbour fees, crew requirements and insurance costs. The Swan 80 builds on historical model series of the same length that have already sailed around the world several times. The shipyard's development team utilised the experience gained from the successful Swan 78 and transferred it to the new maxi creation, whose volume has increased significantly according to Swan.
Construction and hull shape
The hull designed by Germán Frers is designed for safety at sea - whether ocean crossings or fast strokes in Mediterranean conditions. Two rudders ensure control and precision when in position, while an optimised bow and wide stern section are designed to create a good balance between speed, stability and comfort on long trips.
The basis of the fuselage shell is a foam core around which a glass fibre composite with epoxy resin and carbon reinforcements is laminated. The two rudder blades have sacrificial tips, which are designed to give way first in the event of grounding. Buyers can choose between three keel versions: a deep fixed keel, a flat version and a telescopic keel.
Deck and cockpit
The deck has an almost continuous sheer teak surface from the cockpit to the stern. The winches are positioned so that a small crew can handle the yacht. The cockpit can be converted between cruising mode and regatta configuration. A sheltered seating area offers space for longer crossings. If required, the area opens up to form a larger work surface for sailing manoeuvres. The stern folds out to form a bathing platform and provides access to the tender garage.
Lucio Micheletti designed the exterior with a low deck superstructure and teak-clad coaming with a small step. The shape follows the silhouette of larger Swan models such as the Swan 88 and Swan 108. The look is elongated, even when stationary. As all lines are concealed as is typical for Swan and the hatches are recessed into the teak, the result is a sheer deck without any tripping hazards.
Interior and layout
The first unit was given a four-cabin layout. The owner's cabin is located in the bow, followed by a VIP cabin, which becomes a lounge in the alternative version. Two guest cabins are located behind the saloon. The crew quarters in the stern have separate access.
Misa Poggi designed the interior with a focus on versatility. The saloon combines a lounge area with daybed and TV as well as a dining area. One of the guest cabins can be converted into a media room or additional dining area. This flexibility adapts to different usage scenarios. To maximise the room volume, the technical systems are located under the saloon floor.
Sailing characteristics and rigging
The Swan 80 is aimed at owners who want to sail both regattas and longer cruises. When empty, the maxi entry-level model displaces 42.6 tonnes. As befits a maxi-swan, the team around Germán Frers prescribed plenty of sailing horsepower. The main has a surface area of 196.0 square metres with a downhaul that is a good ten metres long. In front of it are either headsails with 154.4 or 174.3 square metres, the halyard of which comes out of the mast 32 metres above deck.
The first unit of the Swan 80 will still be clocking up many miles before its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. The "little big one" will then sail in the Rolex Swan Cup, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the shipyard.
Technical data Swan 80
- Torso length: 23,99 m
- Length over everything: 25,55 m
- Waterline length: 22,18 m
- Width: 6,40 m
- Draught (standard): 4.00 m
- Draught (flat): 3.50 m
- Draught (telescopic keel): 3,00 - 4,30 m
- Displacement (empty): 42,600 kg
- Ballast: 11,600 kg
- Mainsail: 196,0 m²
- Fock: 154,4 m²
- Genoa: 174,3 m²
- Motor: Steyr SE186E38, 129 kW / 175 hp
- Shipyard: Nautor Swan, Pietarsaari (FIN)
Sören Gehlhaus
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