Yacht Class n°38 (sept-oct-nov 2024)

Nautor Swan

With her renowned names (Frers, Micheletti and Poggi) and a construction that lives up to the reputation of the Nautor yard, this Swan 88, the smallest of the Maxis, was not going to disappoint. And her test, in her native Finnish waters, confirms her sailing qualities, with the added bonus of a hybrid propulsion system from Torqeedo.

Written : Christophe Varène – Photos : DR

A light breeze, flat seas and summer temperatures – almost perfect conditions for sailing. No, we are not in the Mediterranean, but in Finland, in the Gulf of Bothnia, just a stone’s throw from the famous Nautor yard, for a test of one of its latest models, the Swan 88. No doubt impressed by her sleek silhouette, the wind seemed to want to spare this elegant yacht and stabilised at between 6 and 8 knots, enough to appreciate the gliding quality of the hull, once again designed by German Frers, and the smoothness of the helm. Tacking to create apparent wind, the Swan 88 is sailing at or slightly above true wind speed: between 7 and 8 knots at 35 degrees. From the two helm consoles, with their sleek, light but well-equipped design, the helmsman can savour the rotation speed when tacking and enjoy an unobstructed view, especially as the sprayhood forward of the companionway has not been fitted. The numerous islands, combined with dense and colourful buoyage, pass by until it’s time to set course again for the port in front of the yard, which on this day is home to around ten boats being finished before delivery, a sign of a well-stocked order book. Sending out a Code 0, instead of the genoa, allows the angle to be opened up, while retaining the same feel. It would be easy to dismiss the Swan 88 as just another model in the range. Many details will demonstrate the modern and innovative character of this yacht.

Efficient hybrid propulsion

It all starts when the engine is started: silence, apart from the murmur of the water along the hull and the breath of the wind in the rigging. That’s because this Swan 88, the second in the series, is a hybrid-powered version. Developed in partnership with Torqeedo, the Deep Blue system selected appears to have been a success, both in terms of manoeuvring and energy management: the propulsion system boasts 120kW and 160 KwH of storage, for a maximum speed of 11.4 knots. A propeller has been specially designed, with a modular profile, to offer the best possible efficiency when recharging, in hydrogeneration mode: from 8 knots under sail, the electrical needs of the boat are covered, except for air conditioning (for that you need to reach 11-12 knots). Data is also being collected to test the system and automate it as far as possible in the future. A dedicated electric motor keeps pressure in the hydraulic system for the thrusters, windlass and winches. First impressions are very positive.

A modernised deck design

The surprises continue when we look at the deck layout in more detail. The general configuration is similar to that of other units from the manufacturer, but the design, by the talented Lucio Micheletti, reveals an undeniable additional touch of elegance and softness. The work carried out on the teak slats is remarkable, in particular the way they are raised at the level of the winches in the cockpit: from the outside, the protection of this space disappears to lighten the lines. Following the same principle, the deckhouse slopes gently down to the foredeck, making it more fluid and easier to move around. The stern, for its part, is based on a feature already appreciated on the Swan 108. The transom opens in two to form a vast platform, making it easy to launch the tender and creating a kind of beach club. Are the interiors capable of offering so many discoveries?

A comfortable owner’s cabin

The companionway opens wide with two sliding hatches for easy access – and additional light – into the saloon. Here you will discover a sober, warm atmosphere designed by Misa Poggi and enhanced by the work of the Finnish shipyard’s “craftsmen”. A table for eight sits on the port side, while a long L-shaped bench forms a saloon with a coffee table. The raised position over the technical compartments gives a good view through the deckhouse portholes. Handrails adorn the ceiling, but you need to be a good size to grasp them. Forward, two doors open onto two cabins. The one on port gives access to the owner’s suite, with a shower room close to the entrance, then a large central double berth and plenty of storage space. On the other side, a VIP cabin with shower room can be replaced by a small lounge/office. To reach the aft section, two accesses are possible on either side of the companionway. These lead to two identical guest cabins, with twin beds and a private head. The entire area towards the stern is used by the crew, who have two cabins (one double and one with bunk beds). There is also a mess area and a well-equipped galley, and, close to a direct access to the cockpit, the captain’s navigation station where he can control all the onboard systems. The appeal of the Swan 88 is obvious, with her recognisable lines, but with just the right amount of modernisation, and a quality of workmanship that seems natural after a visit to the site. This exceptional construction draws on the expertise of employees, some of whom represent the fourth generation of the Nautor family. And the pleasure of sailing in silence, both under sail and under power, is not the least of her assets. The Swan reputation will not end with this yacht, the smallest in the Maxi range.