New yachts at Düsseldorf, the world’s largest boat show
boot Düsseldorf in January is the place to be for anyone checking out new yachts. we preview what’s on offer at the world’s largest indoor boat show
Swan 65
As with the original Swan 65, this is intended as a yacht for safe and comfortable cruising with family and friends that can also be configured for racing. The Sparkman & Stephens-designed Swan 65 from 1972 did much to cement the yard’s reputation in its early years, thanks to a win for the ketch Sayula ll in the first Whitbread Round the World race and 2nd, 4th and 5th places for the design in the 1977/8 race. Yet the boat also made a supremely comfortable and capable cruiser.
German Frers designed the new model with a similar ethos in mind: “We have strived to conserve her softness and harmony of the earlier relatives, avoiding hard, unruly behaviour,” he says. “She is new, clean and modern, without being tied up to any short-lived fashion.”
Compared to other recent Swans the coach-roof design has evolved, with windows arranged to give a 360° view. Both owner forward and owner aft layouts are offered, with the format following a similar layout to the Swan
78, including a 5m long saloon, but with one less cabin for the owner’s party. The layouts also reflect that it can be run with or without a professional crew.
While the accommodation volume greatly exceeds that of the original Swan 65, the new boat’s performance profile is also significantly faster. A combination of a wide transom and broad forward sections help provide the stability needed to tame a large rig. Yet the deck layout is intended to allow the boat to be managed by a family crew. There is also provision to add race kit for regattas to turn this into a competitive boat when sailed with a full crew.
The mast is positioned well aft, giving the option to use a variety of asymmetric spinnakers and foresails on different stays. There’s also an option for a square top mainsail with running backstays.
Hall 16/A58