Design and construction
The man who liked his boat so much that he bought the company, Leonardo Ferragamo, restored the Finnish yacht builder to a profit-making enterprise. The Italian shoe and apparel entrepreneur persuaded the company to divisionalise and specialise. Instead of the same craftsmen who made a 112ft superyacht also making a more modest 48-footer, the workforce split. So, as construction methods varied according to yacht size, now so did the staff.
The same semi-custom approach continued, with only the best materials used but efficiencies have led to a series of big and small new Swans, and the 100S is the latest. The semi-raised saloon version gives cruising sailors added protection on the already well-established 100ft hull. From the almost plumb bow to the sleek streamlined stern and broad voluminous hull, the 100S has considerable performance potential. Combined with her classic lines and lavish interior, the characteristics of the Swan 100S mirror the four cornerstones of the Nautor’s Swan brand: quality, aesthetics, performance and seaworthiness.
The experience gained from building the previous two versions, the 100FD and the original version, has been utilised in the construction to ensure that the 100S is technologically advanced while incorporating cruising practicality.
Nautor’s worked with German designers Frers on the project with the aim of producing an extremely quiet and smooth-running boat, both under sail and motor – the result of extensive research into noise and vibration levels. Intended for cruising in the utmost luxury, speed and easy sail handling were paramount in the design, enabling the 100S to cross oceans smoothly, with minimal effort.
The hull
The hull of the Swan 100S is built of single-skin glass/aramid hybrid fibre in a female mould. Carbon-reinforced stiffeners have been installed throughout to increase the strength and stiffness, making her incredibly seaworthy and capable of withstanding the roughest sea conditions.
The Swan 100S has a cruising keel comprised of a stainless steel cast fin with lead bulb. She has a draft of 4.0 metres, giving her good stability and enhanced upwind performance.
The deck
The deck is of carbon fibre pre-preg sandwich construction with nomex honeycomb core. This enables the hull to support considerable loads from the mast and rigging.
The yacht comes fitted with carbon-fibre mast, supported by four sets of swept-back spreaders. This virtually negates the need for runners, with the full sail plan. The use of runners will be required when sailing in very strong winds with heavy weather jib on the inner forestay. Easy handling of the Swan 100S is facilitated by her fully battened mainsail, rod rigging and carbon-fibre Park Avenue boom. The mast rises to 43 metres above the water, enabling her to carry plenty of sail, further enhancing her performance.
The key feature is the low-profile deckhouse, which gives the yacht a streamlined, high-performance feel. Behind this is the spacious guest cockpit, which features two tables and two U-shaped sofas, seating 10 people in comfort.
Aft of the cockpit is the helm, which boasts twin wheels and steering consuls with instruments and function controls incorporated into the coaming and pedestal shapes. The forward sections of the deck are similar to the Swan 100FD version. However, the aft sections and, in particular, the deckhouse and cockpit area, differ with the latest configuration of the 100-footer.
Interior
Designed by Nautor’s architects, the interior of the Swan 100S is built of lightweight material, with considerable scope for customisation. Capable of sleeping 12 people comfortably, the yacht contains two crew cabins forward, and two guest cabins, one opposite the galley with double berth. The galley is situated starboard and comes with a four-burner gas stove, microwave oven, two fridges and a freezer.
The large main saloon contains a solid teak dining table seating eight people, as well as coffee table with U-shaped sofa, also seating eight. It comes with a full entertainment system, which can be tailored for every owner’s needs, with any electronics available on request. Each cabin has its own separate entertainment system.
Accommodation towards the rear of the yacht consists of two guest cabins aft of the main saloon, each with twin berths then the owner’s cabin at the rear equipped with generously sized double bed, writing desk and sofa. If the owner prefers to have his cabin forward then this can be arranged. All cabins have a shower with glass door and a head in each of the crew cabins.
Swan Maxi Class Program 2008
The company’s latest initiative, the Maxi Class Program, allows Swans measuring over 60ft to race in a dedicated class of their own. The Swan Maxi Class has been built into the program of racing and cruising events for 2008, enforcing Nautor’s Swans vision of developing a strong class series to support the growing SwanLine brand.
Trofeo Aurora Regate di Primavera, Portofino Yacht Club Italiano 28-30 March
Rolex Capri Sailing Week Yacht Club Capri 21-24 May Giraglia Rolex Cup, Saint Tropez Yacht Club Italiano 15-21 June Rolex Swan Cup Yacht Club Costa Smeralda 8-14 Sept
Final prize-giving Yacht Club Italiano October
