Drawing with the wind

The past year has been remarkably successful for Nautor Swan. The shipyard introduced three new models and achieved a €150 million order book. It also launched 30 yachts, including the first two hulls of the new Swan 88 model.

Like every new model from the shipyard, the Swan 88 is packed with innovations while remaining an evolution of time-tested concepts. This sleek and elegant cruising yacht, with impressive racing potential, features the option of a hybrid propulsion system developed in collaboration with Torqeedo specifically for this model.

The first two Swan 88 yachts showcase different technological approaches. While Spiip is equipped with a traditional diesel engine, DreamCatcher features a hybrid system. Contrary to popular belief, this choice is not always driven by environmental concerns or emissions reduction. More often, it’s motivated by the desire to enhance onboard comfort. The hybrid system offers undeniable advantages, such as silent operation, instant power delivery, and simplified energy management.

On DreamCatcher, noise and vibration levels have been reduced by approximately 50%. The yacht operates more quietly not only when using the engine but also under sail, thanks to a hydrogenerator that produces enough energy to power the automated rigging and provide electricity onboard, eliminating the need to run traditional generators. The onboard batteries can sustain air conditioning, kitchen appliances, water supply, and other household systems for up to 12 hours. This ensures peaceful nights at anchor and makes managing the yacht significantly easier.

The Torqeedo Deep Blue engine, with a power output of 120 kW, can propel the yacht to speeds of up to 11.4 knots. Additionally, a 50 kW electric motor powers the deck equipment, including the bow and stern thrusters, winches, furlers, and windlass. The hybrid propulsion system allows the Swan 88 to cover up to 1,000 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. Reducing the speed to 7.5 knots extends the range to an impressive 2,000 nautical miles.

One standout feature of the yacht's configuration is the variable-pitch propeller. Switching from motor mode to sail mode is as simple as pressing a button. Energy generation from the hydrogenerator increases exponentially with speed. For instance, at 8 knots, the energy produced is sufficient to meet the yacht’s needs, while at 9 knots, energy production rises by 25%. These capabilities significantly enhance the model's autonomy.

The environmental aspect of the Swan 88 cannot be overlooked: its ability to reduce harmful emissions to zero will allow it to access protected areas where internal combustion engine vessels may eventually be banned.

The quality and potential advantages of the Swan 88’s hybrid system are undeniably impressive, though it’s worth noting that a yacht with these options will come at a significantly higher price.

“Swan 88 is, in many ways, an evolution of previous models,” explains project architect Germán Frers. “For this yacht, we conducted a comprehensive study of its performance, as well as the placement of the rig and sails. Based on the findings, we designed an entirely new hull. Its shape ensures a smooth and comfortable ride in all conditions, even at a heel angle of up to 20 degrees.”

The mast of the Swan 88 has been shifted aft to improve sail balance. The yacht can optionally be equipped with two forestays and offers a wide range of headsails. DreamCatcher is fitted with North Sails’ 3D sails, including a mainsail with a classic triangular head that’s easier to handle. Additionally, there’s an optional racing sail plan featuring a square-top mainsail, which is installed on the second Swan 88, Spiip, a yacht designed with speed in mind.

The deck equipment of the Swan 88 can be customised to suit each owner's preferences and optimised for either cruising or racing.

In its standard configuration, the working area of the cockpit is equipped with four winches: one pair is used for the mainsheet, while the other is for the jib sheets. Two additional winches are located at the mast and are designated for halyards and reefing lines. While cruising yachts of this size are typically fitted with furling mainsails, both Swan 88 models are equipped with traditional reefing mainsails and a wide V-shaped boom.

The deckhouse is slightly elevated above the main deck level. A skylight atrium with sliding doors, which can be opened at the push of a button, floods the saloon with natural light.

“We sought a new, timeless style that would carry Nautor Swan into the future,” says Lucio Micheletti, who was responsible for the yacht's exterior design. He describes the Swan 88 as a project “where the wind shapes the lines.”

The forward guest area of the cockpit is highly versatile: modular seating allows the space to be reconfigured, transforming the dining area into expansive lounging spaces. Protection from the wind is provided by an integrated sprayhood and bimini, seamlessly built into the deck and superstructure. At the stern, a folding transom conceals a tender garage and, when lowered, transforms into a swim platform.

DreamCatcher features a standard four-cabin layout with two cabins located in the forward section, one of which is the master suite. Alternatively, the master suite can be designed to include an office or a cinema room, as seen on Spiip. Another option is to dedicate the entire forward section of the yacht to a spacious owner’s suite.

Two guest cabins are positioned midship, while the crew area is located closer to the stern. This section includes the galley, a navigation station, and two twin cabins. The crew mess is connected both to the lower saloon and directly to the working area of the cockpit, allowing the crew to perform their duties without intruding on the private guest areas.

For the interiors, Nautor Swan offers several pre-designed options, featuring carefully selected materials and colour palettes. For the Swan 88, Misa Poggi has created elegant interior schemes, including the warm white-and-brown tones of Timeless Classic and Spirit of Finland, the clean white-and-blue of Traditional Navy, and the sophisticated white-and-burgundy Wine Cowes.

“When you step aboard, you enter a space that feels cosy, harmonious, and magical,” says the designer. “This magic comes from the balance between volume, geometry, architecture, and materials.”

Finally, one more key detail: the Swan 88’s load line length is under 24 meters, which significantly simplifies the certification process for charter use. This clever design choice allows owners to reduce operational costs.