First 26m Swan 80 sailing yacht Elvi launched in Finland

9 June 2026 • Written by Dea Jusufi and Emily Dawkins

Finnish shipyard Nautor Swan has announced the launch of the first unit from its new Swan 80 line, hull 301, now christened Elvi.

The 25.5-metre superyacht (length including spars) hit the water during a traditional Finnish ceremony at the yard's facilities in Pietarsaari, unveiling her custom bright blue livery. She is scheduled for delivery this summer, after which she will make her world premiere at this year's Cannes Yachting Festival, shortly followed by her sailing debut at the 2026 Rolex Swan Cup.

Elvi's sale was announced in April 2024, not long after the new model was revealed at the 2023 Cannes Yachting Festival as an evolution of the Swan 78 and a new addition to its lineup of Maxi sailing yachts.

Described as a "true maxi", the design reunites the team that worked on the Swan 108, with Germán Frers on naval architecture, Lucio Micheletti behind the exteriors and Misa Poggi styling the interiors.

With a hull length under 24 metres, the Swan 80 can maximise all the advantages of its size and design while remaining within the EU Recreational Craft Directive (RCD). The model has been drawn as a "more versatile and owner-friendly format" than the previous ocean-racing Swan 80 lineage, positioned as the entry point to the Swan Maxi range with the volume and capabilities of a larger build. The Swan 80 is the smallest in the shipyard's lineup of Maxi Yachts, which also includes the Swan 88, Swan 98, Swan 108 and the Swan 128.

Elvi has been constructed in foam-cored glass fibre reinforced epoxy, with carbon fibre reinforcements

Defining the series is an uncluttered and near-flush teak deck with a low-profile coach roof that runs aft from the mast. The cockpit section is flat, which allows for numerous seating and storage configurations.

At anchor, the transom can be set up for swimming and sunbathing, opening into a beach area with easy access to a swim platform and tender garage. Sailing operations are kept aft of the central cockpit, leaving the space free for lounging and entertaining.

There are twin helm stations onboard, with winches and controls positioned for intuitive handling

The Swan 80 features twin rudders for control and precision under heel that are sealed with sacrificial tips, and the rudder stocks are encased within the sealed aft compartment to minimise the impact of collisions with a submerged object.

A tapered hull entrance and powerful aft section offer balance and stability at different angles of heel, boosting performance, and owners can choose between a fixed deep, fixed shallow, and deep telescopic lifting keel. The dynamic coachroof with sweeping teak-covered cockpit coamings is a detail that unites the Swan 80 with the larger models of the Swan Maxi lineup.

The interior configuration is flexible and offers accommodation for up to eight guests across a forward master suite, a forward VIP cabin and two aft guest cabins. Meanwhile, crew are accommodated in discreet aft quarters with dedicated, discreet access.

The saloon has been described by the yard as "expansive, fluid and effortlessly transformable", with a versatile lounging area complete with a TV and daybed and a large dining space.

One of the guest cabins can also be converted into a media lounge or an additional dining area

Last year, Nautor Swan unveiled a €35 million investment programme, two new models and an expanded international presence, following its acquisition in 2024 by Sanlorenzo Group.

In March, the shipyard announced that construction had begun on the first yacht from its new 43.5-metre Swan Alloy 44 sailing yacht series, the largest yacht ever constructed by the yard, personally commissioned by Sanlorenzo's executive chairman, Massimo Perotti.