Swan 55 strengths Swan Yachts range

September 18, 2022
10:15 pm

Nautor has staged the world premiere of the Swan 55, which is designed by German Frers and follows the Swan 58 launched last year

The Swan 55 is another German Frers design

Nautor premiered its Swan 55 at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival, a year after debuting the Swan 58 at the same show and following other models launched in recent years including the Swan 48 (2019), Swan 65 (2019) and Swan 78 (2018).

The Swan 55 fits between the 48 and 58

Sparkman & Stephens designed the first Swan 55 (1970), which led to a Swan 57 (1977) and a series of Frers designs, from the Swan 53 to the Swan 56 (1997), Swan 53 (2005) and now the new Swan 55, which has a 54ft 6in hull, an overall length of 58ft 2in and a beam of 16ft 5in.

The fold-out swim platform

This latest iteration of the Swan 55 represents a new generation of hull design developed over the past couple of years with the assistance of tools available today to study the behaviour of the canoe body in all sailing conditions,” Frers said.

Two ‘transformer’ tables

“These are hulls with a powerful back end that attain maximum sailing length and low resistance while heeled thus the lowest possible displacement/length ratio and they provide excellent balance through the range of heel angles in combination with the well proven twin rudder set-up.”

The tables combine for dining

Frers says the yacht is easy to handle and cruise in its standard version and race in its performance set-up, which includes a square-top mainsail and bowsprit for the light weather and downwind sails.

Forward view of the saloon

New features include two ‘transformer’ tables in the wide cockpit and an extra-long swim platform. Shorthanded cruising benefits from five electric winches positioned to allow a single crew member to handle the boat alone. Ahead of the mast, a wide sunbathing area integrated into the coachroof offers a self-tacking track, designed for the staysail but also suitable for the jib.

The galley is to port of the stairs

The interiors include three double cabins and two or three bathrooms. The saloon has a C-shaped sofa with a central table to port and there are three different layout options for the starboard area including the chart table. The galley is to port of the stairs.