Swan 128 (39 m), German Frers’ new sailing megayacht

Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, the new Swan 128 (38.98 x 8.65 m) will upwardly complete Nautor’s maxiyacht range (which already includes the 88, 98, 108 and 120).

New Swan 128 (38.98 x 8.65 m)

The first example, already under construction at the Pietarsaari shipyard (Finland), will be launched in 2025. Naval architecture is by German Frers, as with all Swans since 1981, while Lucio Micheletti + Partners’ Micheletti Studio has been responsible for the deck and deckhouse shapes, evolving the style of his younger sister Swan 108. The interiors once again came from the pencil of architect Misa Poggi.

Video – Discover the new Swan 128

Swan 128 – The Project

The new Swan 128 is to be a perfect blend of elegance and performance, meaning both performance and behavior at sea. For elegance, no problem: Frers guarantees. But he did more: in addition to bringing to the table the internal know-how of his (immense) studio, he commissioned a specific CFD (fluid dynamics, ed.) study from Cape Horn Engineering to verify and optimize the shapes of the canoe body under all dynamic sailing conditions.

On boats of this size, below-deck spaces reserved for the owner take on crucial importance: the solution on the Swan 128 consists of a large area of the bow completely dedicated to the owner’s apartment (because a cabin really cannot be spoken of) with no constraints on shape and structure, so it can be customized making each one unique.

Swan 128 – Naval Architecture

The Swan 128, Project 1400 by Studio Frers, consolidates the Argentine designer’s 40-year collaboration with the Italian-run Finnish shipyard. It is the second largest boat ever built by Nautor (the record belongs to the 131-footer of 2006).

The latest evolution of Swan concepts, the 128 embodies the epitome of the sport cruiser, designed for long ocean voyages but at ease in major international competitions, without having to change any of its features.

The hull is designed to make the most of different gaits, remaining perfectly symmetrical at different angles of heel. The adoption of the double rudder blade ensures optimal control even at high speeds, limiting the tendency to heave as much as possible and providing sensitivity to the wheels despite the boat’s imposing size.

The contained heel around 20° in optimal conditions also brings with it considerable comfort in sailing, making the boat usable throughout without stunts. The generous sail plan (816 sq. m., with an asymmetrical 1,180 sq. m.) will result in a performance boat even in light winds. Remarkable VPP polarities, with peaks well above 17 knots.

Swan 128 – Blanket

The deck plan features a good separation between the forestay and the code zero, the streamlined and sculpted deckhouse, albeit in a semirazed saloon configuration, gives the boat a marked sporty flavor. Designer Lucio Micheletti worked on the volumes, shapes, and details to give as much lightness as possible without limiting the functionality and protection typical of Swan couches.

A combination of traditional style and taut forms, an interpenetrating interplay of materials that creates a lively rhythm of chiaroscuro with a marked dynamism (what architect Micheletti uses to call “quay speed”). The cockpit offers the typical three-area distinction that characterizes all Swans. The front area, close to the deckhouse and protected by sprayhood and bimini (optional rigid-frame retractable model), is dedicated to guests.

The classic configuration with C-shaped sofas, double table and sundeck towards the stern comes as standard, but the flat floor conformation, with no fixed volumes, allows for a wide range of customization. The central cockpit area includes all the elements for running the boat, from forward and overview steering wheels to winches for sail control. The second tambour also opens in this area, putting the inner quarters dedicated to the crew in direct connection with the governing bodies.

The entire stern, separated by a slight drop, is dedicated to the beach club, which seamlessly connects to the large swim platform, which can be further expanded in the optional dual-action version exclusive to the latest The Swan models. The generous tender garage can accommodate a rib up to 4.50 meters in length.

Swan 128 – Interior

Collaboration between Frers Studio, the site’s interior department, and architect Misa Poggi produced an optimal and flexible layout, with “the apartment” dedicated to the owner in the bow area and a generous crew area concentrated in the stern. The elevated position square, accessible via an XXL entry tambour, offers three levels of natural light with panoramic standing and seated views. However, the two areas, which are well separated between the lounge and dining area in the standard version, offer numerous customizations, including “day beds” to take advantage of the large hull windows even while sailing. The TV lounge, in direct connection with the elevated living room, can be converted into a dining room with seating for up to ten guests.

The master suite is configured with a cabin and bathroom both full beam. Endless possibilities for customization given the size of the rooms and the reduced structural constraints of the area, which is well bounded by regularly shaped bulkheads. The various guest cabins can take different configurations with single or double beds, additional pullman beds and bathrooms that can be completed with bidets.

The entire aft area is dedicated to crew, with three double cabins, all with bathrooms with separate shower stalls, double crew mess, the one furthest forward convertible to additional storage volumes, and large galley with center island and abundant space for every desirable appliance. Completing the service area is a livable laundry room with ironing board and the navigation station, located near the stern drum. The engine room, with double-filtered access through a workshop area, takes advantage of the entire area below the saloon to accommodate machines and tanks, concentrating the main weights below and amidships.

Wide choice of woods, starting with a natural oak base, leathers, and upholstery fabrics. Architect Poggi together with the in-house team of the Finnish engineering firm are at the owners’ disposal to interpret every desire for layout and style, proposing ad hoc researched materials to make each Swan 128 unique and unrepeatable.

Construction

Maxi Swans, like the Swan 128, are made of full carbon. The technology used is sandwich lamination with carbon fiber fabrics pre-impregnated in epoxy resin with Sprint technology and Corecell core, produced and engineered by leading company Gurit. The process involves postcuring in the oven for about 18 hours, with characteristic curve reaching up to 90° and postcuring occurring in two main stages plus a final third. All components, both plant and furniture, are the result of years of selection and testing under the most severe conditions.

At the propulsion level, the Swan 128 will be equipped with the latest SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technologies to reduce emissions in compliance with the latest IMO III regulations, and the propellers will be variable pitch to optimize engine efficiency as well as a reduction in noise and vibration.

Technical Specs

Hull length 38.98 m
LWL 35.94 m
Beam max 8.65 m
Draft (Standard keel) 4.70 m
Draught (telescoping keel optional) 5.70 m / 3.70 m
Light displacement 122,800 kg
Full load displacement 136,200 kg
Ballast 39,500 kg
Motorization 405 kW / 550 Hp
Bow Triangle 368.9 m²
Sup. mainsail 415.9 m²
Sup. jib (ORC) 401.5 m²
Sup. asymmetric 1180 m²
Serb. Fuel 5500 l
Serb. Water 2650 l

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