Yacht Class n°42 (Sept-Oct-Nov 2025)

Nautor Swan

The Finnish manufacturer Nautor Swan, today a member of the Sanlorenzo group, remains, with this Swan 128, the largest sailboat in the SwanMaxi range, in line with its long reputation for excellence, both for the pleasure of navigation and for the pleasure of life on board. Magnificent!

Written by : Christophe Varène – Photos : Eva Stinakjellman

The sea is like a lake dotted with dozens of islets and punctuated by countless poles and beacons. A modest breeze, between 6 and 7 knots, accompanies us. After having reached the open sea by motor in this mineral maze specific to the Gulf of Botnia, in the Baltic Sea, the mainsail rolled in the boom rises at good speed and the self-furling jib on the reel unfolds. The sailboat heels slightly and the glide starts. The speedometer does not panic, but it displays a formidable 10.1 knots. Why this astonishment? Because this sailboat weighs no less than 120 t and her ability to improve the slightest breath of air is astounding. It must now be admitted that this superb surprise is not quite one when revealing her identity, since she is the very last-born of the famous Finnish manufacturer Nautor Swan, the Swan 128. If we add to this name, that of the caring and talented fairies who leaned over her cradle – German Frers for architecture, Lucio Micheletti for exterior design and Misa Poggi for interior fittings -, success could only come up to the mark.

A high level of technicality

Moving across the deck of the Swan 128, besides the feeling of space to walk through the almost 40 metres of teak slats, allows one to realise her extraordinary dimensions – handrails are fixed on the deck to secure it when the heel becomes important – and the high level of technicality implemented. Starting from the bow, one can appreciate the power of the tilting davit that positions the anchor, which remains invisible in navigation. At the foot of the mast, apart from the imposing repeaters that give all team members the main wind and speed values with remarkable readability, a vertical line of buttons allows you to adjust different settings such as the tension on the halyards and the forestay, as well as on the boom vang. Finally, if you stand behind one of the helm stations, an impressive control battery allows almost… solo sailing: sending of the mainsail and fore sails, use of the telescopic keel (3 minutes to descend or ascend), adjustment of the boom vang tension, of the mainsail’s edge, of the backstay, engine controls, stern and bow thrusters, everything is operated with the tips of your fingers. Just like the wheel bar, which provides sensations, despite the small airs, of docility, precision and responsiveness, with a sail plan, carried by a 48 m mast (from the deck), which develops more than 800 m2 upwind.

A soft and discreet line

Let’s enjoy the return to the Nautor Swan shipyard, based in Pietarsaari, with an engine speed of 11 knots at cruising speed (13 knots at peak) to finish our tour on the deck of the Swan 128. While the rear part is essentially dedicated to manoeuvring, do not miss out on the platform that unfolds over the water surface: accessible by retractable steps, it facilitates boarding in the tender of 4,90 m, but provides a beautiful relaxation area to enjoy the aquatic pleasures. Once on board after swimming, the passengers find themselves in the lounge in the centre of the sailboat where they enjoy the comfort of the wide benches, also serving as sunbathing, before sitting comfortably at least ten guests. A retractable hood protects this area when sailing and it is possible to adapt a shading system. By taking a little distance with this SwanMaxi, the softness and discretion of the design imagined by Lucio Micheletti for this deckhouse are impressive and, as we will see, it does not penalize the interior volumes in any way.

An exemplary level of finish

Now it is time to enter into the heart of this Swan 128. Two large bay windows slide at the top of the slope to give access to the flight of steps that leads into the square. The sensation of light and visibility is immediately obvious: as on the Swan 88, a large bay on the front of the deckhouse, associated with side windows, magnifies the connection between interior and exterior. The decoration, at the request of the shipowners, plays the “vintage” card with an association of different wood species (teak with a matte varnish on the floor, oak for furniture and partitions), leather (including some partitions), of Scottish fabrics and raffia beautifully worked on the ceiling. The quality of execution is in every way remarkable. Small trunks serve as coffee tables. The raised part above the technical compartments is occupied by deep benches, which also act as day beds. Towards the front, slightly sunken to starboard, the couple of owners and their six guests sit in complete tranquillity. Opposite, a door opens onto a guest cabin and its private bathroom. By choice, the Shipowner suite is located at the front: even with a double bed, a desk, a sofa and many storage spaces and shelves, circulation remains easy and pleasant. The large bathroom, with its elements in imitation green marble, includes two basins, a shower and a dressing room.

Three years of work

From the square, going towards the stern, the steps lead to two guest cabins, with two single beds and a bathroom in each. The same care is taken, the same finishes. At last, comes the crew’s area: its six members have three cabins with bunk beds and adjoining bathroom, a kitchen carefully furnished to be functional at sea as well as at anchor, and a control and navigation station. A direct access leads to the bridge, just in front of the two helm stations, to allow for smoother and more discreet circulation. After this exciting sea trip and visit, we understand why it takes three long years to reach such a high standard. The engineers and craftsmen of the Nautor Swan shipyard, under the leadership of Kim Sundkvist, the project manager, and under the watchful and caring eye of Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, have been demonstrating their talent and know-how for almost six decades now. With a second Swan 128 under construction, with custom layouts and electric propulsion, in addition to the 2 300 Swan already delivered, it is not unreasonable to say that success cannot be denied.