Nautor’s Swan Adds the Swan 88 to its Line of Maxi Sailing Yachts

Finnish sailing yard Nautor’s Swan has added the new Swan 88 (26.5 metre) to its line of Maxi Swan sailing yachts. Swan’s involvement in the maxi yachts segment started in the 1970s, with the launch of Sayula II, and since then more than 15 Swan maxi models have been designed, resulting in the production of 100 yachts above 24m.

But the Finnish brand’s landmark Maxi moment happened in 2010 with the launch of the Swan 115, which has a hull design inspired by the big ocean racers, a maximum beam point repositioned far aft to allow a much more stable heeling of the boat, twin rudders and an interior design that prioritizes volume and comfort. 

 With four Maxis currently in build (two Swan 98s, a Swan 120 and a ClubSwan 125) there is a great deal of anticipation and excitement for the coming months at the shipyard. The third Swan 98 is due for launch in April, while the fourth hull of the same model will be the first to have an owner-forward layout. Also expected for delivery next year is the newest unit of the Swan 120 flagship, while the ultra-fast ClubSwan 125 is poised to beat all the world records. But not one to rest on their laurels, the designers and naval architects at Nautor’s Swan are already working on new projects. 

Sitting at the entry point to the world of maxi yachting, the design of the Swan 88 is based on an evolution of the brand’s previous popular yachts but with the addition of various innovative features never before seen on a Swan. 

The deck is the heart of the yacht

As on every Swan, the heart of the yacht is its deck, which on the Swan 88 can be separated into four defined areas, the first three located in the cockpit/aft while the fourth is found in the fore section. In the guest cockpit, Swan has introduced a newly evolved coachroof design on the 88 that takes inspiration from previous generations of maxi yachts, bringing together the practicality of an integrated sprayhood and bimini, with a very elegant line.

The cockpit’s modular benches can be arranged in a number of different configurations, such as lounging and full dining set-ups. The maneuvering area with the yacht’s winches and steering pedestals is centrally positioned in this area, to allow space at the stern for a completely new beach area where guests can recline or lie down, with access to the water as well as the large tender garage. Forward of the mast, there is a fourth area which can be used for sunbathing or as a sunset lounge, with a large sail locker and anchor locker below the deck. 

Performance & design

The Swan 88’s appendages are optimized for cruising, with a standard moderate draft of 4m and options for shallow-draft, telescopic and performance keels. The twin rudders convey multiple advantages including a shallower draft and improved balance while sailing. 

“The New Model is an evolution of the previous models, but for this one we’ve done a complete study for the balance, the performance, the position of the rig and the shape of the sails” says Germàn Frers. “According to the results of these studies, we designed the hull”. 

A veritable blue water yacht, the Swan 88 is designed to provide a soft, comfortable ride even in rougher conditions, with an optimized heeling angle of no more than 20 degrees. With an effective load line length of less than 24m, it is economical to run and manage, while also providing wide appeal on the charter market and upholding a high resale value. 

Comfort on board

Designed with guest and crew comfort on extended trips in mind, a range of layout arrangements and mood concepts is available to customize the yacht’s interior and style to an owner’s tastes. The standard interior is the typical owner-forward layout, with four ensuite guest cabins and a dedicated area for up to four crew. 

“When you walk onto a boat, you should walk into a very comfortable, harmonious and magical place. This magic comes from the balance created between volume, geometries, architecture and materials.” Misa Poggi – Interiors Designer. 

The interior has a number of features to increase the sense of space onboard, including generous windows in the hull and coachroof. One of the most remarkable design innovations of the interior is the substantial transparent stairway leading from the cockpit to the salon, with a further two stairways leading down to the accommodation level aft, creating a spectacular entrance. 

The owner’s cabin is spacious and comfortable with a large ensuite, while further aft the guest VIP cabin can be optionally converted into a TV lounge, and the two twin guest cabins with optional pullman berths. The aft section is separated into two separate areas; the first is a half-crew, half-guest area, with a big galley and a second dinette, which can be used as crew mess, but also for guests’ breakfasts, or as a comfortable place where children can stay protected while sailing. And further aft, there is a dedicated crew area accessed via the cockpit, with two twin bunk cabins, separate showers, and space for appliances. 

Swan 88 specs