Nautor Swan’s Swan 51 has received its world premier at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The new Swan 51 is the smallest yacht in the performance-cruiser line, drawing on the brand’s experience of more than 70 yachts between 48 and 55 feet built in the past six years.
The new yacht has been designed to have improved balance from the refined positioning of mast, keel and centre of buoyancy.
The yacht is a direct heir to the 1981 Swan 51 — the first collaboration with designer German Frers.
Refinements to the hull have allowed the finessing of shapes and volume distribution within the hull to create a balance within the glass and foam core sandwich structure.
Swan’s future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy.
Massimo Perotti
The twin-rudder configuration has been designed to allow the yacht to remain balanced, preventing any tendency to broach even while steering at a 20-degree heeling angle.
The rudder stocks are both mounted in sealed waterproof compartment to minimise any possible damage or flooding following a collision at sea.
The yacht is available with an optional shallow draught keel (2.05m) compared to the standard keel (2.45m). An optional 3.2m performance keel is also available.
The yacht has a bow thruster fitted as standard for low-speed manoeuvring and docking.
In addition, the fixed bowsprit also houses the anchor which is forward of the bow to avoid damage on hoisting.
The optional double-action transom adds a maxi-style swim platform to the Swan 51 experience.
Classic Swan wedge coachroof
On deck features include a long sail locker, while the coachroof shape is the latest evolution of the new Frers design, combining the classic Swan wedge coachroof that was first introduced in 1970 with modern features, including housing for a self-tacking track, seven opening hatches, and a garage for the sprayhood.
Interior styling has been curated by designer Misa Poggi, with a choice of four atmospheres to reflect the owner’s personal taste.
The Cannes Yachting Festival has also seen an exclusive preview of Swan 73, designed by German Frers and the brand’s return to the 70-foot segment for the first time in more than two decades.
The launches are part of a series of announcements from Nautor Swan which was acquired by Sanlorenzo in 2024.
Enhancing the customer experience
Since acquisition, Sanlorenzo has committed €35 million in investments between 2024 and 2027, focused on product development, facilities, and enhancing the customer experience.
These include new production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a new headquarters in Milan, new regional offices in Monaco, Cannes, the USA, and Palma de Mallorca.
“Swan’s future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy,” said Massimo Perotti, chairman and CEO of Sanlorenzo.
“Swan’s most exciting era is now ahead, the icon of performance sailing, elevated for the next generation.
“We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit that define Swan.”
International network
Nautor Swan has reaffirmed its commitment to the United States, identifying a potential site for new operations in Pensacola, home of American Magic.
A ClubSwan 28 racing calendar is confirmed for Newport and Pensacola in 2026, deepening engagement with the North American sailing scene and expanding the ClubSwan community across the Atlantic.
Globally, Nautor Swan is using the Sanlorenzo Group’s international network to strengthen direct distribution across five continents.
In addition new sales points are being established in key yachting hubs, including Newport in partnership with Edmiston, Fort Lauderdale via Sanlorenzo of the Americas, the Mediterranean through Sanlorenzo Med, and Asia-Pacific with Simpson Marine.
“The energy and resources of the past year have transformed our horizons,” added Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan.
“We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan’s product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth.
“Most of all, we are reinforcing the sense of belonging that unites our community of owners, sailors and enthusiasts around the world.”
