
Swan 51: the journey at sea continues
Swan 51: the journey at sea continues
Yesterday in Pietarsaari, the first new Swan 51 was officially launched, marking an exciting addition to the Nautor Swan fleet. This stunning new model will make its world premiere at the upcoming Cannes Yachting Festival.
The Swan 51 has been designed by German Frers, and notably shares the same overall length as his very first design for Nautor Swan—an iconic yacht that began the long and fruitful collaboration between the renowned naval architect and the Finnish boatbuilder.
Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, shared his thoughts:
“The fifty-foot size has always held a central role in the sailing world. In fact, it's the ideal size for sailing in almost any condition. Sometimes we forget just how much joy a fifteen-meter yacht can deliver. The new Swan 51 is easy to sail, offers great comfort with a spacious owner’s cabin and a VIP cabin, and is the perfect way to enter the magical world of Swan. With this model, you truly experience the excellence that only our brand can provide.”
HERITAGE
The first Swan 51 represented a landmark in the inspirational evolution of the Nautor Swan brand. Launched in 1981 the model marked the first collaboration between Swan and the celebrated naval architect German Frers. Based on the successful 51-foot Admiral's Cup racer Blizzard, the Swan 51 was the start of one of the most successful partnerships in yachting history with over 700 yachts produced so far to his design.
In another mark of the model's enduring heritage, the 1,000th yacht ever built by Nautor was named Formosa - a Swan 51. It is also perhaps noteworthy that a second-hand Swan 51 was the first yacht ever owned by Leonardo Ferragamo.
DESIGN
The new Swan 51 is the result of extensive experience gained from building around 70 yachts between 48 and 55 feet in recent years. This wealth of knowledge, combined with invaluable feedback from Swan owners around the world, has informed every detail of the design—ensuring a yacht that is both comfortable and easy to sail, whether navigating coastal waters or embarking on long offshore passages.
One of the key refinements is the mast position, now set further aft towards the center of the yacht. This adjustment significantly enhances the yacht’s balance and performance, contributing to a more refined and responsive sailing experience.
True to the Swan legacy, the 51 is a no-compromise sailing yacht. It’s a pure sailor—more akin to a sports car than a limousine. Designed to be highly responsive at the helm and alive to every sail adjustment, the Swan 51 delivers a truly immersive and exhilarating sailing experience.
HULL
Another beneficiary of the detailed experiences shared by a generation of Swan owners, and the information gathered by the Frers design office, are the hull lines of the Swan 51 which combine performance, comfort at sea and safety both on deck and down below. Refinements have allowed the finessing of shapes and volume distribution within the hull to create a well proven balance within a glass and foam core sandwich structure.
The twin-rudder configuration allows the yacht to remain balanced, preventing any tendency to broach even while steering at a 20-degree heeling angle, at which the hull is optimised to provide maximum performance. The rudder stocks are both mounted in sealed waterproof compartment to minimise any possible damage or flooding following a collision at sea.
At the same time the dual-rudder configuration also allows access to shallower anchorages when in cruising mode, as does the optional shallow draught keel (2.05m) compared to the standard keel (2.45m). An optional 3.2m performance keel is also available.
A bow thruster is fitted as standard to the Swan 51 to enable low-speed manoeuvring and docking, particularly when sailing short-handed. In addition the fixed bowsprit, common to all recent Swan models, also houses the anchor which is well forward of the bow to avoid damage on hoisting.
The optional double-action transom adds a maxi-style swim platform to the Swan 51 experience, and simplifies tender storage in the stern garage.
DECK
The deck is the most important area on any yacht, whether for high-performance racing or relaxed, comfortable cruising. Swan has always taken great pride in its meticulous attention to detail, creating decks optimized for efficient, safe, and enjoyable sailing. The new Swan 51 is a clear example of this. A long sail locker at the front provides generous volume for easy access and sufficient longitudinal space to store any type of sail, complete with anti-torsion cable.
The coachroof shape is the latest evolution of the new Frers design, combining the classic Swan wedge coachroof—first introduced in 1970—with all the modern features, including housing for a self-tacking track, seven opening hatches, and a garage for the sprayhood.
The cockpit size exceeds the average space of a 50-foot yacht, thanks to an innovative “wide-body” coaming design: the usable width is comparable to that of a 60-footer, without compromising the functionality of the side decks. This allows for the installation of two innovative tables, which can easily be converted into sunbathing areas or combined into a single “wedding-size” table seating up to 10 people.
Finally, meticulous work by Germán Frers has softened the hull-to-deck joint, adding an elegant touch while reducing the visual impact of the freeboard.
The Swan 51 is also available in a sportier setup, featuring a larger carbon mast and deeper keel, along with various interior layout options that allow for maximum customization based on each owner's preferences. The Sport version focuses on performance, offering features such as a 1.5-meter taller carbon fiber mast to support an increased 161.2-square-meter mainsail. Running backstays are also available as an alternative to fixed ones when a square-top mainsail is selected.
INTERIORS
Refined luxury, maximum comfort, classic style, and understated elegance—everything one expects from the Swan name—is fully expressed in the new Swan 51.
Descending the main companionway, you are welcomed into a spacious main saloon, designed to maximize the sense of volume and light. Multiple hull and deck apertures flood the space with natural light, while the C-shaped sofa creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for relaxing or entertaining.
The chart table, saloon table, and seating configurations can be tailored to suit individual owner preferences, offering flexibility in layout while maintaining Nautor Swan’s hallmark craftsmanship and quality.
The galley adopts the successful design approach seen in the Swan 48 and 55, providing domestic-level appliances and amenities that meet the demands of extended cruising or entertaining in comfort.
Below deck, the three-cabin layout includes a generously proportioned owner’s cabin forward, complete with a private en-suite head and shower. Two aft guest cabins, designated as VIP and guest spaces, share a spacious head and shower, ensuring privacy and comfort for all on board.
The sound-proofed engine room is designed for easy access and maintenance, with dedicated space for an optional generator.
Interior styling has been curated by renowned designer Misa Poggi, with a choice of four distinctive atmospheres to reflect each owner’s personal taste: Swan Soul, Scandi Vision, Blue Genoa, Velvet Vibe.
The new Swan 51 interior combines form and function, tradition and innovation, delivering a living space that is both a sanctuary at sea and a celebration of fine design.