The brand new Swan 128 hits the water
by Nautor Swan 17 May 02:59 PDT
Swan 128 © Nautor Swan
The brand new Swan 128 touched the water for the first time in Pietarsaari, Finland. A true milestone for Nautor Swan, this yacht represents the pinnacle of the Swan Maxi Line and the result of an extraordinary effort by the entire shipyard team. In just a few weeks, she will be ready to sail, heading to the Mediterranean for cruising, racing, and eventually reaching her home port in Porto Cervo, before her worldwide première in Monaco for the Monaco Yacht Show.
"We consider the new Swan 128 the ultimate expression of our evolution", said Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, during the boat's presentation. "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."
The Swan 128 features naval architecture by German Frers, with the deck and coach roof style designed by Micheletti+Partners, who have further developed the shapes introduced on her smaller sister, the Swan 108. The interior design is by Misa Poggi, with significant contributions from the in-house design and product development teams.
With this latest launch, the Finnish shipyard reaffirms its strong presence in the maxi yacht segment. The new 128-foot model crowns the Swan Maxi range, which now includes the Swan 80, 88, 108, and 128. Her styling is a natural evolution of the Swan 88 and Swan 108, all built at Nautor's historic Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) in Pietarsaari, where the entire Swan and Maxi Swan lines are produced.
The Project
The design philosophy behind the new Swan 128 aligns with the core principles established for her smaller sister, the Swan 108, but with even greater attention devoted to key elements of performance, aesthetics, and interior layout.
Performance and Handling:
Naval architect German Frers has drawn upon his unparalleled experience, further enhancing the yacht's performance through a detailed CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. This study, conducted by industry leader Cape Horn Engineering, allowed for the optimization of the canoe body's shape under all dynamic sailing conditions, ensuring exceptional handling and speed.
Aesthetics:
The exterior design has been meticulously refined through a collaborative process involving all project stakeholders. Special focus was placed on the relationship between the hull and the superstructure, achieving a sleek, agile, and sporty look—remarkably so given the inclusion of a semi-raised saloon. The result is a yacht that balances elegance with a commanding presence on the water.
Owner's Quarters:
Particular emphasis has been placed on the owner's area, which occupies a generous portion of the fore ship. Free from structural constraints, this space is designed to be fully customizable, allowing each Swan 128 to reflect the unique vision and lifestyle of its owner—making every yacht truly one of a kind.
Naval Architecture
The Swan 128 perfectly embodies the Swan concept of a sporty cruiser—a yacht designed for long ocean voyages while remaining equally at home in major international regattas, without compromising on any of its core characteristics.
As with all the latest Swan yachts, the hull of the Swan 128 is crafted for maximum performance across a range of speeds, maintaining perfect symmetry at varying angles of heel. In line with this design philosophy, the adoption of a double rudder system ensures optimal control even at high speeds, enhancing the helming experience. Despite its considerable size, the yacht offers remarkable sensitivity at the wheel, making her a joy to steer.
The moderate heel angle—around 20 degrees in optimal conditions—further enhances onboard comfort under sail. This allows all areas of the yacht to be used with ease, without requiring acrobatic maneuvers. The generous sail plan provides ample power for a thrilling ride even in lighter winds, while still remaining docile and manageable in more challenging conditions.
The VPP polars are exceptional, with peak speeds well above 17 knots, confirming the Swan 128 as a true high-performance yacht that delivers both speed and comfort in equal measure.
The Deck
The deck plan of the Swan 128 features a streamlined, sculpted deckhouse in a semi-raised saloon configuration, giving the yacht an especially sporty and dynamic feel. The bow has been carefully designed to ensure optimal separation between the headstay and the code zero without the necessity of a bowsprit, enhancing performance and sail handling. Designer Lucio Micheletti focused on achieving a perfect balance of volumes, shapes, and details, creating a sense of lightness without sacrificing the functionality and protection typically offered by Swan deckhouses.
The result is a clever blend of traditional styling and taut forms, enhanced by a strategic interplay of materials that creates a vibrant chiaroscuro effect, evoking a sense of 'quayside speed'—a dynamic aesthetic that is both modern and timeless.
The cockpit layout follows the classic three-area division that defines all Swan yachts. The forward area, located close to the deckhouse and protected by a sprayhood and a bimini top (with an optional retractable rigid structure), is dedicated to guests. The standard configuration includes C-shaped sofas, a double table, and an aft-facing sundeck, while the flat floor design offers endless possibilities for customized arrangements.
The central cockpit area houses all the essential controls for handling the yacht, including panoramic helms and sheet winches. A second companionway in this area provides direct access from the crew quarters to the helms, enhancing both functionality and efficiency.
The entire stern is dedicated to the beach club, which seamlessly connects to the large swim platform. This area can be further extended with an optional double-action platform, exclusive to the latest Swan models, offering even more space for relaxation and water activities.
Finally, the generous tender garage can accommodate a RIB/tender up to 4.90 meters in length, ensuring effortless access to the water and adding another layer of convenience for those on board.
The Interiors
The collaboration between Frers Studio, the shipyard's interiors department, and architect Misa Poggi—along with the valuable input from the owner's team—has resulted in an optimal and flexible layout for the Swan 128, featuring customized interiors. The design presents a spacious owner's quarters located in the foreship area, with a generous crew area situated aft.
The elevated saloon, accessed through an extra-wide companionway, benefits from three levels of natural light and panoramic views, offering an exceptional experience whether standing or seated. The two main areas—lounge and dining—are well separated in the standard configuration, but the layout allows for numerous customization options. Notably, exclusive day beds can be incorporated to take advantage of the large hull windows, providing comfort and relaxation even during sailing.
The TV lounge, directly connected to the raised living room, can also be converted into a large dining room that comfortably seats up to ten guests.
The owner's quarters are both luxurious and functional, featuring a master cabin and a full-beam bathroom. The large spaces in this area allow for endless customization, with minimal structural constraints and well-defined bulkheads that offer design flexibility.
The various guest cabins can be arranged to suit individual preferences, offering single or double beds, additional pullman beds, and en-suite bathrooms, which on request can be equipped with bidets.
The entire aft area is dedicated to the crew, with three double cabins, each with its own en-suite bathroom and separate shower compartments. The crew area also includes a double crew mess, with the forward section capable of converting into additional stowage space. The large galley features a central island, providing ample room for all necessary appliances.
For convenience, the service area is completed by a walk-in laundry room equipped with professional appliances and an ironing station. A navigation desk is strategically located near the stern companionway.
The engine room spans the entire area below the saloon, with double-filtered access through a workshop area. This design places the machinery and tanks amidships, concentrating the main weights for optimal balance and performance.
There is a wide selection of interior timbers for joinery, starting with a natural oak base, along with premium leathers and textiles. Architect Misa Poggi, in collaboration with the Finnish shipyard's in-house team, is at the owners' disposal to interpret their individual desires in terms of layout and style, suggesting tailored materials that ensure each Swan 128 is unique and truly one-of-a-kind.
Construction and Technology
For over 55 years, the Nautor Swan shipyard has built its renowned reputation on a rich tradition of craftsmanship. Swans have been meticulously constructed in the same location, by the same families, with knowledge passed down through generations. Over 2,300 Swans have sailed and continue to sail the world's seas, offering unparalleled experience and enabling constant innovation. This ongoing improvement has solidified Nautor Swan yachts as some of the most prestigious in the world.
The Maxi Swans are built using full carbon construction, and most of them have crossed oceans, winning prestigious competitions along the way.
The hull and deck manufacturing process includes a two-stage post-curing in a digitally controlled oven for approximately 20 hours, following a characteristic temperature curve up to 90 degreesC, culminating in a final structural assembly post-cure.
Every component, from systems to furnishings, has undergone years of selection and testing under the most demanding conditions. These represent the finest materials and technologies available on the market today.
Regarding propulsion, the Swan 128 features the latest SCR technology to reduce emissions, in full compliance with the latest IMO III regulations. Additionally, the yacht is equipped with a variable pitch propeller, optimizing efficiency and reducing both noise and vibration. Thanks to advanced sound insulation technologies, the yacht offers superior comfort levels, both under way and at anchor.
The Swan 128 will be fully classed under RINA, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety rules.