New yachts for 2019 – the latest launches seen at Düsseldorf
Many of the hot new Models for 2019 were unveiled at düsseldorf Boat show in January. here we look at the Boats already launched
Swan 65
When it won the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1973/4 the Swan 65 became an iconic model, the largest glassfibre production racer-cruiser of the time, which helped cement Nautor’s Swan’s reputation. Nearly 50 years later, the new 65 shows a remarkable demand for yachts of this size for cruising – six were sold before this first hull was even displayed in January.
Described by designer German Frers as “clean and modern, without being tied up to any short-lived fashion”, it’s still at an owner-operator size, but is large enough to allow space for a crew cabin.
Argentinean Frers has given the new 65 plenty of power and volume, using beam and freeboard to create stability, low heeling angles and volume and headroom below.
This is a long distance, fast and comfortable cruising yacht, designed for rewarding performance and handling, which can be upgraded for racing and has multiple layout options pre-engineered.
“It will sail at a low angle of heel – 20° on average,” said Frers at the yacht’s official debut in January. After CFD analysis on hull volumes he found that a single rudder would be too deep for this hull shape and that twin rudders were more efficient with less drag. The mast is relatively far aft, piercing the long coachroof, to create a generous jib area, while a square-top main and running backstay configuration is offered to those wishing to race.
The Swan 65 is built in SPRINT prepreg with a glassfibre hull and carbon deck as standard, or full carbon as an option. Three different keel options include the state-of-the-art telescopic APM keel from Italy displayed at Düsseldorf.
Swan tries to avoid customisation below 80ft by considering the design and engineering for multiple layouts. There are options for both a forward and aft owner’s cabin for example.
“We are probably the only ones to offer two different layouts while keeping the same hull, coachroof and central saloon,” says Swan Yacht’s product line leader, Vanni Galgani.
The deck and coachroof line has been kept meticulously clean, with the lines all neatly hidden below the superstructure and long coamings. The deck layout includes an enormous sail locker or optional crew cabin, and a transverse garage for a 2.8m tender.
Hull number one at the show was for a repeat Swan owner who was clearly besotted with his new yacht. Having owned and raced a Swan 45 and a
Swan 601 he is now looking to sail long distance in comfort. He has opted for a captive mainsheet, with the drum below decks near the mast base, and a forward owner’s cabin.
Down below there’s a great feeling of space in the semi-raised saloon and connecting galley. And the finish and detailing throughout the interior looks, as you might expect from Swan, first class. Price ex VAT €2.95m www.swan65.nautorswan.com LOA 20.11m/66ft 00in
LWL 18.38m/60ft 4in
Beam max 5.62m/18ft 5in Draught (standard) 2.90m/9ft 6in Draught (optional telescopic keel) 2.80m-4.20m/9ft 2in-13ft 9in Displacement 27,650 kg/60,957lb