Performance sailing superyachts attract owners who thrill to racing, while still indulging in luxury. Nautor’s Swan is building its first ClubSwan 125 for just this type of person. While the shipyard unveiled plans for the project nearly two years ago, it kept most details close to the vest. Recently, however, it released more, particularly in terms of performance. In brief, the owner of the ClubSwan 125 wants her to be the fastest monohull afloat.
First, some background. ClubSwan Yachts is the performance division of Nautor’s Swan. The ClubSwan 125, announced in August 2017, is just the second ClubSwan project to date. The division started in 2015 with the ClubSwan 50, which has seen nearly two dozen deliveries. Like her smaller sister, the ClubSwan 125 prioritizes speed, technology, and competitive capabilities.
However, she does so via different technologies. For instance, the yacht has a hydrofoil—a single, curved foil. It should provide optimum sideways lift in certain situations as well as vertical lift when she’s really pushing performance. Lift, of course, means less hull drag. Add in a canting keel to boost performance, and a retractable prop on the diesel-hydraulic propulsion system for even lower drag. The ClubSwan 125 leaves no doubt she means business.
Juan Kouyoumdjian, her designer, credits the owner, who will sail with a professional crew, with wanting such a high-performance project. “I think we are doing something that will set a milestone in the sailing world,” he asserts. Other project partners agree. For example, Harken is supplying winches based on some of its Grand Prix models. Harken created those for some of the harshest conditions and toughest races around. Aboard the ClubSwan 125, the winches will extend load handling to 11 tons, up from 9 tons. “We live to work on ‘at-the-front’ stuff like this,” Peter Harken, the company chairman, says. “What a rocket ship!”
Of course, even a rocket ship on the water needs to be comfortable. The ClubSwan 125 will boast striking relaxation areas. Unfortunately, no specifics are yet available, other than an overall modern appearance. Regardless, suffice it to say that comfort is key. “The main drivers in the conception of this stunning new project were performance combined with luxury and the ultimate sailing experience,” explains. Kouyoumdjian. “that means performance in terms of the feelings and sensations that are unique to sailing, combined with extreme comfort in very special interiors. The complete trust of the owner and his desires to create a high-performance superyacht are the perfect ingredients for a designer.”
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