Sailing Yacht Raijin Expects to Dominate Demanding Conditions: Sunday Superyacht Video

The mythic Japanese god Raijin is one of the most feared deities, wielding control over thunder, lightning, and storms. Similarly, the owner of the newly launched sailing yacht Raijin looks forward to outpacing competition in regattas and cruising whether in light winds or more challenging conditions.

With the Japanese characters 雷神 appearing on her transom, the yacht lowered into the water at Nautor Swan’s shipyard in Finland on April 17. She’s the newest Swan 128 maxi, following in the footsteps of the first hull, Be Cool. Although the same design teams contributed to Raijin, some features do make the 128-footer (39-meter) different.

For instance, the owner requested the ability to avoid full reliance on a genset. Nautor Swan developed a system with Danfoss, an electric motors manufacturer. Specifically, a Danfoss electric motor, two 130-kW Cummins gensets, a 30-kW Fisher Panda genset, and a 189-kWh battery bank work together. When sailing, the yacht Raijin can generate electricity, which the battery bank stores. When the captain needs to reposition her, that electricity can feed the electric motor. Additionally, at anchor, the battery bank can power air conditioning, lighting, and all other hotel loads for up to eight hours.

Of course, since owners seek Nautor Swan’s superyachts for their performance as much as cruising capabilities, the yacht Raijin should do well in regattas. The hull design and double-rudder setup are from Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering for response and control across various speeds and heeling angles. In fact, the studio designed her for moderate heel for the owner’s and guests’ comfort throughout the interior when sailing. Her sailplan, meanwhile, is a direct result of the owner’s desire to cruise or race regardless of light air or more demanding conditions.

Yet another difference, the interior look is lighter than that of Be Cool. Be Cool has a classic teak interior, while Raijin has liberal use of crown-cut oak, with white ash panels as accents and rattan as inserts. Add in pinstriped fabrics and tones ranging from sky blues to golden yellows, and the look is warm and polished.

With delivery soon, the owner intends to sail directly to the Mediterranean. She’ll get her first taste of racing in September, participating in the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. She’ll be in good company, since the regatta is celebrating its 60^th anniversary.

Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering germanfrers.net

Nautor Swan nautorswan.com