Nautor Swan has always offered high performance racing yachts to complement its classic range of cruising Swans, yachts such as the 39 and the 441 in Racing version. Today the yard uses its new ClubSwan models to test the most modern trends in design, materials and solutions, refining technologies that will then be used for the benefit of the cruising models. Like the Swan 45 and ClubSwan 42, successful one designs still winning in top level races. But with the ClubSwan 50 Nautor has pushed the limits, proposing a yacht that is a small revelation in performance and pure sailing pleasure
Performance comes from two main areas: the first one is optimising the relationship between key parameters such as length, displacement, sail area and righting moment; the second is a specific refinement of these parameters within themselves.
The construction in full pre-preg and Sprint carbon fibre. The structures were designed in complete compliance to ISO Standards. The criteria was to minimise weight whilst keeping the construction method and procedure in line with that of a serial production setup. I believe we managed to achieve the objective since the weight of all the structural components, including the keel fin, is just over 2,000 Kg. The keel fin itself only being 160 Kg and built mostly of high modulus carbon fibre. The structural criteria for the carbon fin was specifically focused on eliminating flutter as well as satisfying the GL Standard and recommendations, which impose bending and grounding load cases.
Efficiency with a large crew and ease of use for a couple: the deck layout has been planned to be ideal in both cases, another revelation offered by the ClubSwan 50. The transverse jib tracks on the coachroof allow pure performance upwind and the six powerful racing winches make sail handling during racing fluid and efficient. In an instant the same layout can be adapted for solitary handling: the four winches around the helm can be used to control every function on board and, with the furling headsail configuration, it is easy to achieve top performance with a reduced crew, gybing without adjusting running backstays.
The optional cushions with rigid back supports convert the cockpit into a comfortable lounging area. The generous storage space with large lazarette aft and sail locker forward, together with options such as bow roller and windlass, transform the ClubSwan 50 into a contemporary sport cruising yacht.
Designed as a weekend sailer, the ClubSwan 50 offers refined interiors that are perfect for comfortable short cruises or longer sports cruising. The elegant and stylish interiors, designed by the Italian Architect Michele Bönan and realised by Poltrona Frau, feature high quality textiles and leathers, designed for optimal performance and durability. These are combined with hand crafted teak, for which Nautor is famed, set against the exposed carbon fibre lightweight structures. The saloon offers spaces typical of larger yachts, with eye-catching twin sofas and an open view forward. The double side mountings create a bridge support for the mast that is deck stepped and creates unencumbered space and allows for unhindered movement below.
The large owner’s cabin features a double island berth with plenty of locker space made from lightweight, removable components. The heads are separate: one for the WC and one for the shower, and both feature washbasins. Further aft, the full galley is starboard and the double guest cabin is port. Converting the layout for racing is easy: the forward berth can be removed to make room for sails, and the backs of the sofas are raised to create four crew berths. Particular attention has been given to the choice of materials, refined and elegant but also light weight and resistant for serious racing. All with the same care and attention for reliability, style and finish that has made Swans the most desired yachts in the world.
Stepping onboard, the first impression upon sailing is that this is something extremely special. Leaving the dock under engine, in economic cruise mode she makes easily 9 knots, thanks to her light displacement. In light winds, the square top mainsail coupled with the generous foretriangle are able to produce plenty of power. The hull shape is designed to reach optimum performance at 22 degrees of heel angle sailing upwind and the Clubswan 50 quickly settles into the groove, building boat speed impressively. In light wind conditions, the stern has only minimal sections touching the water but when the wind increases, the hull shape improves dynamically offering maximum power without changing longitudinal balance. The specific design of the rudders featuring their unique trailing edges, means that stalling tendancy is reduced as well as surface friction. The result is greater control and sensitivity in all conditions, also thanks to the centralised helm positions.
If upwind the ClubSwan50 utilises all her hull shape to maximise power, it is down wind that she demonstrate her real DNA, thanks to the 235 m2 asymmetric spinnaker flown from the fixed bowsprit. Even in light wind conditions the yacht surfs readily, easily displaying double digit boat speeds. But it doesn’t need a professional sailor to get the best from the ClubSwan 50, because her design has been developed in order to be easily handled in all conditions, even with a limited crew, reaching high levels of performance with ease and in total safety. Sailing to the limit in a high performance yacht has never been so much fun.