Nautor Swan is marking its 60th anniversary at the 2026 Cannes Yachting Festival with the world premiere of the Swan 80 and a first preview of the Swan 73, currently under construction ahead of its planned Cannes debut in 2027.
The Finnish sailing yacht brand, part of Sanlorenzo Group, is using its anniversary year to set out a product and brand strategy under new chief executive Gianguido Girotti.
“The objective is to evolve the brand while retaining the qualities that have defined Swan for six decades he explained.
“Leading Nautor Swan is both an honour and a responsibility,” he said.
“Swan has always represented a benchmark of excellence — a name synonymous with quality, craftsmanship and sailing performance.
“I am proud to become part of an extraordinary family of owners, sailors and employees who have contributed to creating this unique legacy.”
Long-term relevance
And he added that the company’s aim is to define a stronger product and brand strategy while remaining focused on long-term relevance rather than expansion for its own sake.
“We will continue to invest in innovation while preserving the DNA that makes every Swan distinctive,” said Girotti.
“Innovation is not simply about technology. It is also about ideas, about finding new ways of experiencing life at sea.
“Our objective is sustainable, long-term growth, always with the same commitment to excellence.”
At 24 metres the Swan 80 uses the same design approach as that of the Swan 88, Swan 108 and Swan 128 condensed into a smaller format, with Germán Frers responsible for naval architecture, Lucio Micheletti for exterior design and Misa Poggi for the interiors.
Guest spaces and sailing functions
The yacht has been developed around a separation between guest spaces and sailing functions.
The vessel’s cockpit includes twin tables, generous seating and protection from the sprayhood, bimini and awning, while winches and running rigging are kept outside the guest area.
The arrangement is intended to support social use under sail without compromising sailing operations.
Below deck, the Swan 80 combines hand-finished timber, fabrics, polished metal and leather detailing, with carbon fibre used as a reminder of the yacht’s performance focus.
The model is presented as a continuation of the Maxi Swan concept rather than a departure from the brand’s existing design language.
Alongside the Swan 80, Nautor Swan has shown the Swan 73 for the first time. Designed by Frers with interiors by Blend Studio, the model marks Swan’s return to the 70ft class after more than two decades.
Volume and comfort
The Swan 73 is aimed at owners seeking the volume and comfort of a larger yacht while retaining the ability to sail with minimal crew.
It has been conceived to be operated with two crew and combines larger living spaces with a performance platform intended for extended passages.
Nautor Swan has said its wider portfolio will evolve gradually, with new models intended to reflect changing owner expectations while retaining the brand’s emphasis on performance sailing, understated design and long-term ownership.
The company describes the owner community as part of the continuing story of each yacht and of the brand itself.
This community will be central to the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo in 2026.
Organised by Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, the regatta will form part of Nautor Swan’s 60th-anniversary programme and is expected to bring together around 170 Swan yachts, owners and sailors from around the world.
