Nautor Swan 80 FD

Nautor’s Swan has an established and successful history of producing impressive ocean-going yachts. The latest in this line is the new Swan 80.

Nautor launched its first yacht over 24 metres in 1988, when the powerful Frers drawn Swan 86 took to the water. Ten years later the company launched its first Swan 80 model from which followed the Swan 82 RS development. Both were widely praised at their birth as two of the most exciting projects to emerge from the Nautor/Frers design partnership, and if proof were needed the Swan 82 remains a core part of the company’s model portfolio.  

A further ten years on and the all-new Swan 80FD looks set to capture more plaudits, representing a substantial step forward and providing further evidence of Nautor’s Swan’s commitment to quality, performance yachting.

The Swan 80 is an up to date expression of the fast maxi-cruiser concept, but is more than just an evolution of a former design. She is the result of accumulated knowledge, yet drawn afresh. Nautor’s Swan describes the vessel as a modern sailing yacht, built to be fast, yet be perfectly in keeping with company’s traditional core values: elegant lines, luxurious interiors, ease of handling and reliability. Her performance oriented hull and clean deck layout mask comfortable internal volume and a wealth of technical features that combine to offer outstanding long range cruising capabilities. The hull form exhibits a near plumb bow with fine entry opening out to a modest beam carried aft with a broad flat section towards the stern. Below the waterline, a high performance T shaped bulb keel and a deep balanced rudder ensure responsive manoeuvrability. 

The deck layout has a sophisticated Spartan appearance, uncluttered but purposeful, featuring an open transom with an aft deck that sweeps sternwards at one level.  All halyards are led from the mast in gutters and only seven Harken hydraulically operated winches break the deck line. The captive mainsheet winch is concealed, as are the pop-up mooring cleats together with the anchor’s windlass and pivoting stowage arm. All deck hatches are custom made by Nautor and fit flush. 

There are two cockpits. The one aft, situated behind the steering positions, offers ample space for relaxing and sunbathing. The second, amidships, provides comfortable protected seating around a semi-permanent table and access to the main companionway. 

The high level of functional comfort continues below decks, where the design team has created the very latest interpretation of the classic Swan interior. Teak is the main visible joinery work, with natural light being a key feature that adds to the voluminous impression. Four hull windows (two each side) made of toughened and laminated safety glass add to the deck hatches in drawing light to the interior area. A large dining table with seating for eight dominates the port side, whilst the starboard side features an inviting settee and coffee table. 

All cabins exhibit a high degree of comfort for owner and guests. The owner cabin aft incorporates a large double berth on the centre line, with a settee to port and starboard.  There is plenty of stowage space in drawers and lockers. The cabin benefits from its own head and shower facility. Moving forward, a skipper cabin is found on the starboard side, between the owner’s cabin and the saloon.  On the port side, opposite to the skipper’s cabin, there is a large guest cabin which incorporates a double berth, plus a pullman bed, and includes its own head and shower facility.  Forward to the saloon, on the starboard side is the VIP cabin, with double berth, pullman bed, and an en-suite head with shower facility.  On the port side is positioned the galley, with all modern conveniences expected on a yacht of this stature and intent.  The practical and welcoming crew quarter is located in the bow. 

The forced ventilation system places fresh air in the cabins, removing air from bathrooms and showers. Climate control designed to run silently enables individual control in each cabin. These systems are supplemented by the intelligent use of deck hatches and ports. 

Underway the Swan 80 will be easy to handle, employing simple sail management systems.  Major sail controls will be push button where appropriate. The mast is a Hall Spars high-modulus carbon fibre with four sets of swept-back carbon fibre spreaders and PBO rigging. The boom is a deep ’v’ cored section with provision for lazy jacks. The central hydraulic system will control rig adjustment, jib cars, halyard and primary winches, mainsheet and backstay amongst others. 

Sail area is impressive and proves the performance orientation of the model, and provides additional evidence of the size of step away from previous generation Swans of this size. The mainsail is a veritable powerhouse at 188 m², suggesting the Swan 80 might be just as nimble on the race-course as she is fleet of foot crossing oceans. 

The yacht features a state of the art B&G electronic package, that together with titanium deck fittings and many custom details, make her the nicest and most complete Swan 80 FD built to date. 

The overall impression of this specific Swan 80 is one of performance.  She is elegant to look at when stationary and convey a sense of power underway.  Her proportion and lines will draw the eye and reflect a reputation and tradition that have been forty years in the making and show no sign of slowing up. 

This brand new Swan 80 is ready to be delivered, just in time for the summer season and to join the forthcoming Rolex Swan Cup, September 10th to 16th.