The crisp Finnish air of Pietarsaari witnessed a landmark event today as Nautor Swan, the renowned Finnish shipyard, celebrated the launch of its latest masterpiece, the Swan 128. This 39-meter sailing superyacht, the second largest in the company's storied history after the Swan 131 launched in 2006, gracefully met the water, marking a significant milestone for the builder and setting a new benchmark in the luxury maxi yacht segment.
A New Pinnacle in the Swan Maxi Line
The Swan 128 is not just a new model; it represents the culmination of Nautor Swan's evolutionary design philosophy and commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and luxury. Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, expressed his pride during the yacht's presentation, stating, "We consider the new Swan 128 the ultimate expression of our evolution. She combines the purity of our design lines with comfortable interiors and a wide use of advanced technologies. We are truly proud and see this yacht as a benchmark in the world of maxi sailing."
This new 128-foot vessel now sits at the apex of the Swan Maxi range, a prestigious line-up that includes the Swan 80, 88, 108, and 120. The styling of the Swan 128 is a sophisticated evolution of its recently launched smaller sisters, the Swan 88 and Swan 108, all meticulously crafted at Nautor's historic Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) in Pietarsaari, the birthplace of all Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts. The first hull, now launched, is set to embark on its maiden voyage to the Mediterranean for a season of cruising and racing, eventually making its home port in Porto Cervo.
Design Pedigree: A Symphony of Expertise
The creation of the Swan 128 involved a triumvirate of world-class design talent, a hallmark of Nautor Swan's collaborative approach. The naval architecture is the work of the legendary German Frers, continuing a fruitful partnership with the Finnish shipyard that has spanned over four decades and produced 13 new yachts in the last ten years alone, seven of which exceed 80 feet.
The striking deck and coachroof styling were penned by Lucio Micheletti of Micheletti + Partners, who further developed the dynamic and sporty aesthetic introduced on the Swan 108. For the interiors, Nautor Swan entrusted the vision to architect Misa Poggi, who worked in concert with Nautor’s in-house design and product development teams and the owner’s representatives to create spaces of unparalleled elegance and comfort.
Project Philosophy: Performance, Aesthetics, and Bespoke Luxury
The design ethos of the Swan 128 builds upon the foundations laid by its smaller sibling, the Swan 108, but with an amplified focus on key attributes: exhilarating performance, captivating aesthetics, and a highly customizable owner experience.
Uncompromising Performance and Handling
German Frers, leveraging his extensive experience, undertook a specific Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis, executed by industry leader Cape Horn Engineering. This advanced modeling optimized the canoe body's shape for all dynamic sailing conditions, ensuring the Swan 128 delivers exceptional speed and responsive handling.
The hull is engineered for maximum performance across various speeds, maintaining perfect symmetry at different heel angles. A crucial element for a yacht of this stature is the adoption of twin rudders, guaranteeing optimal control even at high speeds and offering remarkable sensitivity at the helm despite the vessel's considerable size. This translates to a more engaging and confident helming experience. Furthermore, the design aims for a contained heel angle of around $20^{\circ}$ in optimal conditions, enhancing onboard comfort under sail and allowing all areas of the boat to be used with ease.
The generous sail plan, a signature of Frers' designs, provides the necessary power for a thrilling ride even in light airs, while remaining docile and manageable in more challenging conditions. The yacht's VPP (Velocity Prediction Program) polars are notable, indicating peak speeds well above 17 knots, confirming her status as a true high-performance cruiser.
Sculpted Aesthetics
The exterior design was a collaborative effort, meticulously refining the relationship between the hull and superstructure. The result is a yacht that appears remarkably agile and sporty, even with its semi-raised saloon configuration. Lucio Micheletti focused on volumes, shapes, and details, achieving a sense of lightness without compromising the functionality and protection synonymous with Swan deckhouses. This "quayside speed," as Micheletti describes it, is a dynamic aesthetic achieved through a skillful interplay of traditional Swan styling cues and taut, modern forms, enhanced by a lively chiaroscuro effect from the materials used.
The bow has been thoughtfully designed to provide good separation between the headstay and the code zero sail, enhancing performance and simplifying sail handling, cleverly achieved without necessitating a bowsprit.
The Owner's Domain: Unrivaled Customization
A significant emphasis was placed on the owner's quarters. Located in the foreship, this expansive area is intentionally free from major structural constraints, allowing for extensive customization. This flexibility ensures that each Swan 128 can be a unique reflection of its owner's vision and lifestyle.
Life On Deck: Elegance and Functionality
The deck plan of the Swan 128 is a masterclass in ergonomic design and aesthetic appeal, featuring a streamlined, sculpted deckhouse that contributes to its sporty profile.
The cockpit adheres to the classic Swan three-area division:
- Guest Area: Located forward, close to the deckhouse, this area is protected by a sprayhood and a bimini top (a retractable model with a rigid structure is optional). The standard configuration offers C-shaped sofas, a double table, and an aft-facing sundeck, but the flat floor layout allows for a wide array of custom choices.
- Central Cockpit: This zone houses all essential controls for steering the yacht, including panoramic helms and sail winches. A second companionway here provides direct access for the crew to the steering instruments from their quarters, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Aft Beach Club: The entire stern area is dedicated to relaxation and water access, connecting seamlessly to a large swim platform. This can be further extended with an optional double-action platform, an exclusive feature on the latest Swan models. The generous tender garage can accommodate a RIB/tender up to 4.90 meters in length, ensuring easy deployment for excursions.
Interior Sophistication: A Realm of Bespoke Comfort
The interior of the Swan 128, born from the collaboration between Frers' studio, Nautor's internal teams, and architect Misa Poggi, with significant input from the owner’s team, promises an optimal and flexible layout. The design features expansive owner's quarters forward and a generous crew area aft.
The elevated saloon is accessed via an extra-large companionway and bathes in natural light from three levels, offering panoramic views whether standing or seated. In its standard configuration, the lounge and dining areas are well-separated, but numerous customizations are possible, including exclusive day beds to take full advantage of the large hull windows, even while underway. A TV lounge, directly connected to the raised living room, can be converted into a large dining room capable of seating up to ten guests.
The owner's suite is a sanctuary of luxury, featuring a full-beam master cabin and bathroom. The sheer size of these rooms, combined with minimal structural constraints and regularly shaped bulkheads, offers endless possibilities for personalization. Guest cabins can be configured with single or double beds, additional Pullman berths, and en-suite bathrooms, which can be fitted with bidets upon request.
The aft section is entirely dedicated to the crew, ensuring their comfort and operational efficiency. It includes no less than three double cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms featuring separate shower cubicles. A double crew mess (the forward part of which can convert into additional stowage) and a large galley with a central island and ample space for all necessary appliances complete this area. The service facilities are further enhanced by a liveable laundry room with professional appliances and an ironing station, and a charting station conveniently located near the stern companionway.
Below the saloon, the engine room utilizes the entire area, concentrating the main weights low and amidships for better stability. It features double-filtered access through a workshop area. Owners have a wide choice of woods, starting from a natural oak base, along with premium leathers and textiles. Architect Misa Poggi and Nautor Swan’s in-house team work closely with owners to interpret their desires in layout and style, suggesting tailored materials to make each Swan 128 truly unique.
Construction and Technology: The Nautor Swan Hallmark
For over 55 years, Nautor Swan has built its esteemed reputation on a bedrock of Finnish craftsmanship, with skills passed down through generations within the same families in Pietarsaari. Over 2,300 Swan yachts have graced the world's oceans, providing a wealth of experience that fuels constant improvement and innovation, solidifying their position among the most appreciated yachts globally.
Maxi Swans are constructed using full carbon fiber for optimal strength and light weight. The hull and deck manufacturing employs advanced Sprint™ technology with carbon pre-preg fabrics and epoxy resin in a sandwich construction featuring a Corecell™ core, with materials engineered and produced by composites leader Gurit. This process involves a meticulous two-stage post-curing in a digitally controlled oven for approximately 20 hours, with a characteristic temperature curve up to $90^{\circ}$ Celsius, followed by a final structural assembly post-cure.
All components, from systems to furnishings, are the result of years of rigorous selection and testing under demanding conditions, representing the best available on the market. In terms of propulsion, the Swan 128 is equipped with advanced SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to reduce emissions in compliance with the latest IMO III regulations. A variable pitch propeller further optimizes efficiency while reducing noise and vibration. Superior comfort, both underway and at anchor, is ensured through the application of advanced sound insulation technology. The new maxi yacht will be fully classed under RINA (Registro Italiano Navale) rules, underscoring its adherence to the highest standards of quality, safety, and construction.
A New Chapter for Luxury Sailing
The launch of the Swan 128 is more than just the introduction of a new yacht; it is a powerful statement from Nautor Swan about its commitment to the upper echelon of the sailing superyacht market. This vessel blends cutting-edge technology with timeless design and unparalleled craftsmanship, positioning it as a formidable contender for discerning owners seeking both high-performance sailing and luxurious long-range cruising capabilities.
As the Swan 128 prepares for its journey to the Mediterranean and its debut at prestigious events, the yachting world will be watching closely. This magnificent sailing machine is poised to not only turn heads but also to continue the enduring legacy of the Nautor Swan name.
Stay tuned to NAVIS for more updates on this evolving story and in-depth features on the Swan 128.
