Nautor’s Swan – Swan 120

Superyacht 75 – Autumn 2022

The new Maxi Swan fleet 38-metre flagship is the 29th big size ship Pietarsaari Yard have built since 1970. She was designed by German Frers, as a “world superyacht” for all oceans at any climate. She alternatively offers two keels, three equipment levels and two internal layouts, all interiors being Misa Poggi’s job.

“The new Swan 120 Superyacht shows Nautor’s philosophy and DNA at their best. Her breathtaking performances are provided by an efficient double rudder hull, with state of the art waterlines and several options for keel and sail plane combined.

Another key ingredient was her carefully planned deck with push-button control, a clean and convenient area to access water and sunbathing. 120 is an extremely interesting proposal, designed by an expert team and built on the best Nautor technology”. These are Germàn Frers’s first words to describe the new flagship of the Maxi Swan fleet, whose 50 year long history boasts 28 different models.

Three of these were designed by Sparkman and Stephens, and as many as 25 by Frers, who has been working for the yard since 1980. His achievements include Nautor’s biggest ship, the 40-metre 131 built in 2006. Thanks to her modern construction techniques, her finest material and innovative solutions, Swan 120 redefines the current design generation for high performance superyachts.

Her lines show elegance and style as Frers has always laid upon Swan’s yachts, whose shapes are immediately recognized from any distance, in any port, at any sea. From the stunning bow, the hull lines gently move backwards, sketching German Frers’s typical horse. Mid hull the sidewall starts rising to a brawny aft, showing dynamic borders above the waterline.

The hull design naturally moves its beam to the aft, to provide an impressive stability in case of swerving as well as generous spaces inside. The deck smoothly stretches free of obstacles from the bow to the living room deckhouse, perfectly merging with a protected area in the cockpit. The complete absence of obstacles on the deck allows easy movement both for the staff and the guests; not being busy with maneuvers, the latter can really enjoy and relax while sailing. The careful design does not fail to hide a sophisticated bimini top and electrically controlled sprayhood, which disappears into a completely flush recess in the roof when not being used.

Otherwise, it provides a wide shelter from the sea and the sun. At anchor, the cockpit area turns into a cozy lounge. Its armchair sofas make it the perfect place to relax at sunset, while sipping a Martini, before it turns into an intimate and elegant dining room in the air. When at anchor, the aft mirror hydraulically opens to create a teak upholstered beach and reveal a huge garage hosting a 4,5 metre tender with other chosen toys. Once the tender has been launched, the area can be used for water sports, sunbathing and even dining.

The Swan 120 hull and deck are entirely carbon-fiber made. Inner and outer leather, made of Sprint epoxy pre-peg carbon fiber, were laid on a grade-M Corecell foam core. The pre-peg system provides the best structural stiffness at lowest weight, thus guaranteeing perfect structural stability. The Swan 120 interior was designed by architect Misa Poggi, from Genoa, who is now in charge of layout, furniture and décor of the entire Swan fleet. Two main layouts were conceived: owner’s suite bow and owner’s suite aft. In both cases, enough room is left for three large guest cabins, each with private ensuite. Misa carried out a specifically designated theme for Project 120, featuring the best Italian fabrics and leathers to create an exclusive and fully customized atmosphere of luxury and comfort, both for the owner and his guests.

The large living room right in the middle of the yacht is flooded with natural light from the deckhouse and the large windows. A 1.8mt wide door provides direct access from the deck. The living room, featuring a port lounge and a starboard dining area, is also perfect while sailing. The perception of water and the sea experience provided by the hull windows perfectly match Misa’s conception of the interior.

This first Swan 120 unit, Audrey the First, shows interior customization by Mark Whiteley Design. Swan 120’s standard equipment is fairly complete, yet a long list of extra accessories is there to guarantee perfect correspondence between each yacht and its owner. Three shapes of the sailing plane mirror as many different approaches to sailing. Regatta fond owners can count on a complete regatta pack, featuring square mainsail with adapted backstay, a double length bowsprit with bobstay to quickly wall up powerful mast-head gennakers.

Owners who love venturing out in shallow waters can choose a telescopic keel to reduce draught from 5,50 to 3,50 metres, the fixed keel draught being 4,50 metres. Anchor, for such a big yacht, is a critical piece of equipment. Swan 120 provides a suitable system which moves the anchor through a folding hydraulic arm, whose flexibility and reliability have been fully tested over the years.

The highly advanced sail moving systems perfectly match the deck storing capacity, which includes a large sail furling bow and two lazarets, aft. Below the raised living room, the full-beam engine rooms provides excellent access to the main 450hp engine, the two generators and all electric and hydraulic plants onboard.
For further information: Nautor’s Swan

Text by Roberto Franzoni – Photos by Maurizio Paradisi