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.

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Details are starting to come out about the Lagoon 43, which is scheduled to make its debut in September at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

This boat has naval architecture by VPLP Design, exteriors by Patrick le Quement, and interiors by Nauta Design. It’s a team that has produced a winning combination of elements on other models in the past.

The Lagoon 43 is the third-smallest model in Lagoon’s lineup, intended for cruising couples or young families. Owners can order the Lagoon 43 in a three- or four-stateroom version that’s outfitted with between six and 13 berths—and the staterooms are larger than on previous models, meaning there’s room for families to grow or to welcome friends on board.

In the three-stateroom version, the entire starboard hull is an owners’ suite. In the four-stateroom version, that hull is split into two en suite staterooms. Either way, the owners’ berth is forward, in a location that’s undisturbed by engine noise for a good night’s rest.

Another new element on this model is redesigned access via an extra aft entryway for each hull. The idea is to make it easier for people moving between the boat and the dock.

The dining space can seat 12 people, making dinner parties on the hook a comfortable experience with a great view of the surroundings.

What are the key specs on the Lagoon 43? Length overall is 45 feet, 6 inches; beam is 25 feet, 2 inches; and draft is 4 feet, 5 inches.

Where to learn more: head over to www.catamarans-lagoon.com.

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