on 21 Dec 2022
A true sailing cruiser, also capable of winning races – this new classic dual-purpose Swan 55 launched at Cannes 2022
This legendary original model paved the way for the Swan 57, launched in 1977, and the Swan 53, designed by naval architect maestro Germàn Frers – to be followed by Swan 56 and 53 in 1997 and 2005, respectively.
The Finland-based shipyard has included signature elements of this evolution in the new Swan 55: elegance, quality materials in the build, and reliable performance, to name a few.
“This latest iteration of the Swan 55 model line represents a new generation of hull design developed over the past couple of years with the assistance of tools available today to study the behaviour of the canoe-shaped body in all sailing conditions,” says its designer, Argentina-born Frers, who has worked with several top European yacht brands.
The Swan 55 has an extra-long swim platform
The hull has a powerful back end and attains maximum in-water length for sail propulsion with low resistance, and is designed to provide excellent balance through the range of heeling angles.
This hull design, in combination with an effective twin-rudder setup, maximises stability under sail. The bow section is well-rounded transversally and has a sharp entry angle, contributing to a comfortable ride. There are four keel options, with the longest version at 3.4m, helping serious and racing sailors make the most of their upwind performance. These boats need to carry a fair amount of equipment for the comfort of the people living and enjoying life on board. However, the speed will be very good all around, thanks to hull displacement, which is the result of a thorough study of the weight and the position of the equipment onboard.
“She will be a pleasant yacht to sail, both easy to handle and cruise in its standard version and race in its performance setup version, which includes a square top mainsail and a bowsprit for the light weather and downwind sails,” adds Frers.
‘Transformer’ tables can be folded in for extra space
The deck areas are well proportioned for controlling the sails and steering of the Swan 55 at sea and for relaxing or entertaining at anchor or in harbour; they are also well-sheltered for inclement allowing maximum safety in stormy weather when underway and have sprayhoods for waterproofing.
Good protection from the sun is also at hand with well-designed biminis and awnings. The new Swan 55 adds some new innovations that enhance downtime in the cockpit and transom areas, such as the ‘transformer’ tables and the extra-long swim platform, an elevated new feature on a yacht of this size, which results in a beach club area very much in the realm and feel of superyachts.
Shorthanded cruising is facilitated by five equally specified winches, all-electric as standard, positioned to allow a single crew member to handle the boat alone. The signature Swan design of the coamings protecting the benches results in an extra-wide cockpit area, where the twin adaptable tables offer a variety of setups, from lunch to sunbathing to pouffe-style footrest / low backless seating position.
The twin rudder setup ensures maximum stability under sail
Ahead of the mast, a wide sunbathing area integrated into the coachroof offers a proper shape for the self-tacking track, designed for the staysail but also suitable for the jib sail. Further forward, a large, deep locker is dedicated to sails and voluminous gear storage.
In line with her siblings, the Swan 55’s interiors, designed by Italian architect Misa Poggi, represent refined luxury, typical of the shipyard’s respected Finnish craftsmanship. It has been designed with maximum comfort for long periods in mind, both under sail and at anchor. The saloon and galley are designed for maximum comfort and social interaction and are also functional and secure while under sail.
The Swan 55’s interiors were designed by renowned Italian architect Misa Poggi
The space in the lower deck allows an additional utility cabin to be dedicated to storage or converted into a crew cabin with an enclosed head and a sink. The saloon has a C-shaped sofa with a central table to port, while the starboard area, including the chart table, can be configured into three different layouts according to the owner’s needs.
The galley in the new 55 follows the latest layouts of Swan 48 and Swan 58, offering generously sized domestic-like amenities, featuring top-level appliances, comfort and generous storage places.
Cabins designed for maximum comfort at sail and at anchor
The new Swan 55 offers a standard layout of three double cabins, two heads complete with separate shower compartments – a third head is optional, with a layout devised to allow great comfort for long periods of ocean navigation.
Various passenger cabin configuration options are possible, to fulfil different owners’ needs. Four interior finishes are offered, from the traditional Swan sailing boat palette of honey-toned lacquered wood to a lighter northern Scandinavian look, one with more blue tones and another with warmer ‘Mediterranean’ colours.
Technical Specifications: Swan 55
LOA: 17.8m
Beam: 5m
Draught (standard keel): 2.5m
Displacement (light): 22.5t
Engine: 2 X Caterpillar 3512c Acert, 1,230 KW @ 1,800 RPM
Rig IG (Main Mast): 23.2m
Sail area, Fore Triangle: 78.1sqm
Sail area, main sail: 95.1sqm
Sail area, jib: 80.1sqm
Sail area, gennaker: 275sqm
Fuel capacity: 800l
Water capacity: 600l
Cabins: 3 (standard; more, optional
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