The new J-Class yacht Svea has been pictured undergoing sea trials after her recent launch at Dutch yard Vitters. Previously known as Project J-S1, she is the first J Class project from Vitters and at 43.6 metres she is the longest of the current Js.
Her design by Hoek Design Naval Architects incorporates an integrated traditional long keel from the original 1937 drawings by Thore Holm. However, the designers have brought the 75-year-old design up-to-date with an aluminium hull and 53.75 metre carbon fibre main mast.
Svea’s interior was designed by Pieter Beeldsnijder Designers & Naval Architects and will reportedly have traditional styling in line with the overall character of the yacht.
The original design for the deck construction allowed for various layouts, but the owner’s brief led to a change in the original deck arrangement to accommodate the equipment used in modern J Class racing. As the GA below shows, Svea features accommodation for six guests in three cabins, including a master and two twins, while the crew quarters allows for a staff of up to seven people.
Research by Hoek Design suggests that Svea will be very capable, especially upwind. This possible indication of performance will be pleasing to the owner, who appears to have expressed an interest in racing the yacht, as Hoek Design revealed: "Svea will join the upcoming America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta in Bermuda and racing in Newport this year and will be one of the boats to watch given her predicted performance."
In order to make her as competitive as possible, Vitters kept a close eye on the J Class rules during fit out. Managing the very delicate weight balance was essential during this phase of the build. Auxiliary power comes from a single 437hp Scania diesel engine for a cruising speed of ten knots.
Svea follows on from the yard's 2016 launch Missy, which was an altogether different project, with a truly modern design and huge expanses of glass styled by Malcolm McKeon Yacht Design.