Nautor Swan has launched the ClubSwan 28—the Finnish shipyard’s smallest-ever design. It’s a One Design racer from Juan Kouyoumdjian in Valencia, Spain, that’s intended to be sailed with four or five crew.
The builder’s relationship with Kouyoumdjian’s naval architecture firm goes back a number of years. His team also had a hand in creating ClubSwan 80, 125 and 36 beginning in 2020. Kouyoumdjian is known for high-performance sailing boats with other builders as well, with designs that have won the Volvo Ocean Race, Olympic gold medals and more.
Know-how from those boats is packed into this smaller offering from Nautor Swan. With a carbon mast and no backstay, the ClubSwan 28 is designed to perform in varied conditions, particularly medium and light winds. Nautor Swan says the boat has been tailored for sailors who want close, high-performance racing in a user-friendly package. The boat can be considered an entry-level racer, according to the builder.
The deck layout is all about safety and efficiency, with a clean cockpit, a full kite-retrieve system and a sliding hatch on the bow to enhance ease of operation during races.
A lifting keel makes the ClubSwan 28 easy to trailer. Nautor Swan says the boat can be rigged within hours. Its sail plan—comprising a mainsail, jib, AP kite and reaching kite—is organized to allow for power and versatility on the water.
The rig has a single movement allowing adjustment through a straightforward hydraulic system. Mast bend and headstay tension are synchronized without the need for a backstay, thanks to the shroud configuration.
“Our goal was to create a vessel that prioritizes manageability and ease of sailing over pushing the boundaries of absolute performance,” Federico Michetti, head of sports activities and product manager, stated in a press release.
The ClubSwan 28 adds to an impressive legacy for Nautor Swan, which was founded in 1966 and has since built more than 2,350 yachts from 36 to 131 feet length overall. The company is based in Pietarsaari, Finland, with four hubs in the Mediterranean and 18 service points. Nautor Swan has four lines: ClubSwan Yachts, Swan Yachts, Swan Maxi Yachts and the motoryacht division, with Swan Shadow, Swan Overshadow and the recently announced Swan Arrow.
When will the ClubSwan 28 make its debut? In September at the Rolex Swan Cup. After that, in October, it will appear as part of the ClubSwan Invitational Sardinia Challenge.
Where to learn more: go to www.nautorswan.com.
