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Nautor Swan marks 60 years with Cannes, Monaco and the Rolex Swan Cup

Swan 80 and Swan 128 Raijin lead Nautor Swan’s 2026 programme with Maxi design, regenerative energy and silent operation

Nautor Swan celebrates 60 years with the Swan 80 debut in Cannes and the Swan 128 Raijin at the Monaco Yacht Show

The 60th anniversary of Nautor Swan is entering a particularly significant phase, with an autumn programme bringing together new yachts, technological development and some of the most important events on the international yachting calendar. The Finnish shipyard will take centre stage at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Monaco Yacht Show before celebrating its heritage in Porto Cervo with a special edition of the Rolex Swan Cup.

At the heart of the programme are the world premiere of the Swan 80 and the presentation of the second Swan 128, named Raijin. Different in scale and character, both yachts reflect the shipyard’s approach to combining sailing performance, comfort, design and increasingly advanced energy-management technology.

The Swan 80 makes its world debut in Cannes

From 8 to 13 September, the Cannes Yachting Festival will host the world premiere of the Swan 80, displayed at Port Canto alongside the Swan 58. The new model represents the entry point to the Swan Maxi range, translating the qualities of a large ocean-going sailing yacht into a more versatile and owner-friendly format.

By remaining just below 24 metres in length, the Swan 80 aims to deliver the volume, presence and offshore capability generally associated with larger yachts. This balance also brings together strong sailing performance, simpler regulatory requirements and a layout suitable for extended cruising.

A new interpretation of the Swan Maxi family

The naval architecture is by Germán Frers, with exterior styling by Lucio Micheletti and interiors by Misa Poggi. The yacht carries forward the design language already established by the Swan 88, 108 and 128, adapting it to a more agile and accessible size.

Clean proportions, a low-profile coachroof and a flush deck give the yacht a dynamic appearance, even while at anchor. Below deck, flexibility is central to the concept, with layouts designed for private cruising, guest accommodation or more generous social areas.

Raijin brings the Swan 128 to the Monaco Yacht Show

From 23 to 26 September, attention will move to the Monaco Yacht Show, where the Swan 128-002 Raijin will represent the flagship of the shipyard’s Maxi production. The model completes a family that now includes the Swan 80, 88, 108 and 128.

The yacht combines naval architecture by Germán Frers with exterior styling by Micheletti + Partners. The interiors were developed by Misa Poggi in collaboration with Antonie Bertherat and Heini Gustafsson from Nautor Swan’s in-house design team.

Its semi-raised saloon creates an elegant superstructure while increasing the amount of usable interior space. The owner’s quarters can be fully customised, while the hull has been designed for serious bluewater sailing without compromising onboard comfort.

Dual Energy Technology reduces fuel use and noise

The main technical innovation aboard Raijin is its Dual Energy Technology, developed with Danfoss. The system manages onboard energy production and consumption with the aim of increasing self-sufficiency under sail while reducing fuel use and emissions.

While sailing, the Swan 128 can regenerate electrical power and store it in the battery bank for later use by both the propulsion system and hotel loads. In many situations, this can reduce or even remove the need to run generators while the yacht is at anchor.

The propulsion package includes a main electric motor connected to a variable-pitch propeller, two 130 kW Cummins generators and a 30 kW Fischer Panda generator. Regenerative sailing can produce between 30 and 50 kW, while the 189 kWh battery bank can provide up to eight hours of silent operation with all onboard systems running.

Contemporary interiors with oak, ash and rattan

Raijin also differs from the first Swan 128, Be Cool, in its interior character. Instead of teak, the new yacht introduces crown-cut matte oak, warm white ash panels and natural rattan inserts.

Upholstered details with fine classic pinstripes are combined with colours inspired by sky blue and sunlit ochre. The result is a contemporary atmosphere that remains consistent with the understated elegance traditionally associated with Swan yachts.

Swan Dialogues and Swan Talks accompany the boat shows

Nautor Swan’s participation in Cannes and Monaco will also include dedicated events for the media and industry professionals. Swan Dialogues in Cannes will present the latest developments from the brand, while Swan Talks in Monaco will introduce the new Swan Alloy range.

The autumn shows will also mark the first public appearance of the company’s new chief executive, Gianguido Girotti, who joined Nautor Swan in June. In his first statements, Girotti emphasised the responsibility of guiding the company into a new chapter while respecting its heritage, the expertise of its craftspeople and the long-standing relationship with owners.

More than 150 yachts expected at the Rolex Swan Cup

Between Cannes and Monaco, the international Swan fleet will gather in Porto Cervo for a Rolex Swan Cup dedicated to the shipyard’s 60th anniversary. More than 150 yachts representing different generations and sizes are expected to take part.

The fleet will include the new Swan 80, both Swan 128s and some of the earliest yachts produced by the Finnish yard. The event will therefore provide a broad view of six decades of design evolution, bringing together owners, crews and enthusiasts from around the world.

Sixty years of heritage with a view to the next generation

The 2026 programme places Nautor Swan at an important point in its development. On one side is the celebration of a heritage built through yachts that have become reference points in international sailing. On the other is a new focus on energy management, customisation and quieter, more efficient operation.

The Swan 80 and Swan 128 Raijin represent two different expressions of this evolution. The former makes the Maxi sailing experience more versatile and approachable, while the latter brings technology, autonomy and personalisation to the highest level of the range.

29 July 2026
© MED Yachting Editorial Team
Nautor Swan marks 60 years with Cannes, Monaco and the Rolex Swan Cup
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