Hull length 15.55m 51ft 0in • LOA 16.90m 55ft 3in
• LWL 14.67m 48ft 1in
• Beam 4.85m 15ft 7in • Draught 2.45m 8ft 0in
• Displacement 18,000kg 39,700lb
• Ballast 6,300kg 13,900lb
• Price €TBC • nautorswan.com
The Swan 51 of 1981 broke new ground as it was the first German Frers design for Swan, the spark for an incredible relationship now in its fourth decade. Nautor has launched over 700 yachts to the Argentinean’s design in this time and has 14 Frers models in its latest portfolio alone. A Swan 51 was also the first yacht for Nautor’s longterm owner Leonardo Ferragamo.
So it’s a special size, but why do a new one now? Swan feels the gap is too large between its 48 and the 55 (plus there’s a significant €1m price differential) and says it has requests for a larger model in the style of the 48.
While it keeps the alluring, long, low lines and sleek coachroof of the 48, the 51 is ‘designed to be fun’ and adds a few extra novelties. For the first time ever on a Swan we see a roll bar option, which may affront the traditional Swan fan who hankers after clean lines but could suit the pragmatist. The arch keeps the mainsheet clear of the cockpit and helps provide sprayhood and bimini support. It comes in a comfort pack which also offers in-mast furling and a self-tacking staysail for short-handed ease.
Twin rudders could help provide shoal draught cruising appeal with the 2.05m shallow keel option. And Swan has also included the double action transom, as seen on the 55 last year, to really help boost the deck space at anchor.
