Finnish shipyard Nautor Swan has completed sea trials of its first 35-metre Swan 108 sailing yacht christened Fancy. The model, which is hailed by the yard as the first in a "new generation" of Maxi Swans, was put through her paces in the Gulf of Bothnia in Finland.
The Swan 108 is an evolution of the current Maxi yacht line, featuring modified exterior styling by Micheletti + Partners and naval architecture by German Frers. Built with a carbon hull and a deck made from epoxy Sprint technology, the model aims to plug the gap between the Swan 98 and the Swan 120 flagship.
One of the most important evolutions is the yacht's dual-acting transom door, which sees the stern open along with part of the aft deck to create a generous waterfront beach club. According to the yard, the solution allows double the space than on comparable Maxis, while also allowing easier tender operations.
Other smart design choices include widened coamings on the aft part of the cockpit, allowing an alternative outboard position for steering stations without compromising on helm protection.
Described as a "proper bluewater yacht", the Swan 108 is designed with moderate freeboards like its fellow Swan sailing yachts, offering "great comfort" in rough seas and the ability to handle "gently in waves".
The Swan 108 also guarantees owners simple and efficient sail systems, with in-boom furling for those looking to cruise or a racing square top mainsail for owners planning to compete in international regattas.
Interior configurations and styling have been devised by Misa Poggi and aim to provide owners and guests with "air, light and space". "I choose light colours to give an idea of breadth and dark colours for a more intimate atmosphere. Everything should give the idea of being immersed in a bright space in perfect harmony with the outside," said Poggi.
“The Swan 108 marks a new era in the Swan Maxi range at Nautor,” said Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Group CEO. “The project, launched in 2021 during the Regate di Primavera in Portofino, has been like drawing a beautiful painting. Like a painter meticulously chooses his palette, we made a very intense research of talents that were able to put on the table their know-how and blend it with the other, to create a beautiful and unique product.”
Fancy will make her debut appearance at the Monaco Yacht Show 2023, while construction on the second unit is already underway in Finland.