Swan 55, the new blue water (17m) comfortable cruising and fast racing

The new Swan 55 (17.75 x 5.00 m), which we will see for the first time at Cannes (Sept. 6-11) and which replaces the Swan 54, comes to market with the ambitious goal of condensing all of Nautor’s experience in this market segment.

A “multipurpose” bluewater boat that can provide maximum comfort when cruising and performance when you want to go harder. All wrapped up in an elegant object (guaranteed by German Frers’ design) with the absolute build quality that has always characterized Swans.

The Swan 55 is at its best when sailing slightly heeled, as you will read and has a deck full of interesting solutions. The interiors, designed by Genovese architect Misa Poggi, are designed to maximize comfort, especially for those living on board for long periods.

Swan 55 – Comfort and Performance

Experience, we said. In the 55-foot segment, the Finnish (Italian-run) shipyard has plenty to spare. The new Swan 55 represents more than 50 years of evolution from the first Swan 55 designed by Sparkman and Stephens in 1970. A legendary model that paved the way for the Swan 57 launched in 1977. Then to the Swan 53 designed by Germán Frers, then followed by the Swan 56 in 1997 and the Swan 53 in 2005.

Swan 55 – Project

Who can speak better about the design of the new Swan 55 than its designer? Here’s what German Frers says:“The Swan 55 represents a new generation of hull design, developed over the past two years with the help of the tools available today to study hull behavior in all sailing conditions.

These are hulls with a “powerful” aft part that achieve maximum sailing length and low drag during heeling, with the lowest possible displacement-to-length ratio. In addition, they provide excellent balance in the various ranges of skidding angles, in combination with the proven double blade system of the rudder.”

Frers continues, “In designing the bow sections, which are well rounded transversely and have an acute angle of entry, we favored ease of steering when heeling. The displacement of the hull (22,450 kg the light one) is the result of a thorough study of the weight and position of on-board equipment .

Boats like the Swan 55 must carry a fair amount of equipment for the comfort of the people who live and enjoy life aboard.

However, Frers guarantees, “the speed will be very good. A pleasant boat to sail, both easy to handle and sail in the standard version and to “run” in the performance trim version, which features a square top mainsail and bowsprit (in place of the integrated dolphin guard that doubles as an anchor nose) for Code Zero and asymmetrical type sails.”

Swan 55 – Keel

Under the hull, they are as many as four keel options from which you can choose: there is the standard version, with a draft of 2.50 m (in which one-third of the boat’s weight is concentrated, ballast-wise: 7,530 kg), and the short “shoal” version, which draws 2.10 m. In the “performance” version, there is the option of having it 3.40 m (this provides excellent upwind performance) and, finally, there is the telescopic version that allows the draft to be varied from 2.85 to 2 m (perfect in shallow water and for sailing at the breakwaters).

Swan 55 – Exterior

Swans have always been designed with great consideration for the deck and its organization, and the Swan 55 is no exception, with well-separated areas for managing the boat while sailing and living comfortably in all possible situations, whether sunbathing, dining or swimming.

The new Swan 55 brings some innovations that further improve livability in the cockpit and transom areas, such as “transformer” tables or the extralong bathing platform, an exclusive innovation for a yacht of this size, which increases the livability of the aft area, creating a true beach area derived from the world of superyachts.

On the Swan 55, “relaxed” sailing is facilitated by five equally specific winches, all electric as standard, positioned so that one crew member can manage the boat alone. The sides of the deckhouse that continue into the guardrails that protect the benches results in a very large cockpit area, where twin “transformer” tables offer a variety of configurations, from dining to sunbathing to the “pouf” position.

In front of the mast, a large sunbathing area integrated into the forward part of the deckhouse provides the right shape for the self-tacking trolley, designed for foresail but also suitable for jib. Further forward, a deep locker is dedicated to sail storage.

Swan 55 – Interior

The interior of the Swan 55, whose brightness is ensured by numerous windows, is designed to ensure maximum comfort for long periods, both when sailing and when at anchor.

In terms of cabin layout, the standard version has two double double cabins (the master in the bow and the second one between the master and the saloon, on the port side) and a cabin with “twin” beds (ideal for guests and children) located aft, on the starboard side: all have a dedicated bathroom and shower stall. There is also the option of having the master stateroom in the stern and the “twin” stateroom in the bow with V-beds.

In the saloon, to the left, is the spacious galley, which follows the latest layouts of the Swan 48 and Swan 58 and offers domestic-type amenities, including high-end appliances, and generous storage space. The organization of space allows for an additional service cabin dedicated to stowage, or to be converted into a crew cabin.

The saloon has a C-shaped sofa with a center table to port, while the starboard area, including the chart table, can be configured in three different layouts. The cabin layout offers numerous configuration options to meet the needs of different owners and allow for appropriate customization of the boat.

Swan 55 – Interior design

Here is what Misa Poggi, interior designer of the Swan 55, says: “Interior design matches the materials. Those chosen for the Swan 55 were selected to be in line with life on board and reflect a perfect home lifestyle–practical, pleasant, comfortable and durable. Four essential elements that must coexist at sea.

The various “moods” of finishes and colors, which allow for customization of the interior,“have been designed to meet the tastes of different types of customers, from the most classic to the “extravagant,” but always maintaining the elegant style and standard of a Swan. For the interior bulkhead trim, the wainscot style is proposed, among other options, as a tribute to the historic seafaring tradition…while of course respecting Swan safety and practicality.”

In terms of style and finish, the new Swan 55 features four different moods: Swan Soul embodying the typical Swan environment, Scandi Vision For a lighter, more Nordic atmosphere, Blue Genoa which pays homage to the colors of the ocean and seafaring tradition, and the special Velvet Vibe, warm and colorful like a Mediterranean sunset.

Swan 55 – Data Sheet

Overall length 17.75 m
Hull length 16.60 m
Length at waterline 15.78 m
Maximum beam 5.00 m
Standard keel draft 2.50 m
Short keel draft 2.10 m
Long keel draft 3.40 m
Telescopic keel draft 2.00/2.85 m
Light displacement 22,450 kg
Ballast (standard keel) 7,530 kg
Yanmar 81 hp standard engine
Sail area mainsail 95.11 sqm
Jib sail area 80.15 square meters
Gennaker sail area 275 sqm
Diesel fuel capacity 800 l
Freshwater capacity 600 l
German Frers Project
Nautor’s Swan Construction
Interior design Misa Poggi

• Learn more about the new Swan
• Discover the Swan range at the Milan Yachting Week booth