Nautor’s Swan shared the interview with Roy Capasso, CEO ClubSwan Yachts Srl and Regional director Semea & Americas Nautor's Swan.
Roy Capasso
Roy, your experience in the motor yacht segment goes back 25 years now, plus six years in the sailing yachts sector. Can we have your opinion on the two worlds?
Sailing and power yacht owners share the same love and passion for the sea, but in different ways… I think this is an important point to start with.
We are talking about two completely distinct ways of going to sea, due first of all to a different knowledge of the products and their use, but also in terms of vocabulary. The words you use when talking about sailing are completely different to those used in motor yachting, and when I joined Nautor, it felt like I was starting again from scratch! The passage from motor to sailing was a big challenge in my career. It was difficult but very fulfilling.
Until ten years ago, the two sectors were completely separated. It was uncommon to find a power yacht owner switching to sail, and vice-versa. Sailing was conceived more as a lifestyle pursuit, enjoying the journey more than the destination. Owning a poweryacht was more considered as a synonym for comfort at the destination rather than the feeling of enjoying the ride.
Today the situation is changing, with more clients passing from one to the other, to enjoy a different experience.
Swan European Regatta
Roy, now that you have a complete overview of the Marine clients, those preferring sailing and those motoring. Can you please give us your opinion about it.
From my experience with typical Swan owners, “sailors” tend to be fully involved from day one. They go a bundle on the process of design, construction and customization solutions, not only for the interiors, but also for deck and sail plan specifications, manufacturing their own dream boat.
To match this, Nautor Swan’s strategy in terms of products, goes from full racers, with the ClubSwan yachts range, to the more bluewater cruiser and performance yachts, from the Swan Line up to the Swan Maxi. We offer a product that can answer almost every Owners’ requirements and give the full tailor-made experience.
The power yacht customers, on the other hand, are looking more for performance, comfort while at anchor, volume and storage – also for toys to enjoy their days at sea. The inclination is to recreate their home on the water – a kind of a "floating villa".
Lately both worlds are closely regarding each other to borrow solutions and ideas to use across sectors. The theme of sustainability and green sailing, for example, is one of these.
Sailing is by definition a very sustainable way to go to sea, but the first hybrid solutions were implemented on motoryachts. Now both sail and power are taking advantage of the developments made in this field and implementing them across the range, not only on yachts up to 24m.
The sailing yacht sector is now adopting more comfortable options in terms of volumes, accommodation and innovative solutions to enjoy a perfect stay at sea. Think about the opening transom acting as a beach club that we have on the Swan 55 and on the Swan Maxi, borrowed from motor yacht “cousins”.
When Nautor Swan launched the motor yacht division, which was the strategy?
The motor yacht division was born from the passion that Leonardo Ferragamo has for the marine world, and the Swan Shadow, the first motor yacht by Nautor, was meant to broaden the range of vessels we offer to our customers, perfectly aligned with the core elements of our DNA: Performance, Quality, Elegance, and Reliability. With the continuous interaction we have with our owners and discussion about the experience of sailing, we decided that it was time for a ‘chase boat’ to provide an added dimension to Swan yacht ownership. This was the starting point. By making a further analysis of the competitors we understood that most of the products currently on the market are limited to just a single specific usage of the boat. The Motor Yacht division by Swan aims to fill the void of a true multipurpose yacht range and aims to provide models that meet all owners’ needs, giving the opportunity to choose and change on demand the accessories that define their use.
Swan ShadowWhen designing the Swan Shadow and then the Swan OverShadow, what aspects of the sailing world have been taken into consideration and used as a source of inspiration?
Nautor’s Design DNA is built on a strong heritage and the motor yacht division has to meet the expectations of a clientele accustomed to luxury and performance sailing yachts. The design of Shadow and OverShadow incorporates features that customers might generally expect to see in larger full-custom or semi-custom yachts. Together with Jarkko Jamsén, our designer, we studied the main design features of ClubSwan Yachts, and incorporated them into our power boat range. We wanted to create something sporty and fun, without compromising on the elegance that customers expect from a yacht branded Swan.
Now on top of the experience you gained, what is your feeling about the market trends in the next five years?
These days there is a great attention and commitment towards the world around us. There is a tendency to study and develop efficient hulls allowing reduced fuel consumption and carbon emissions. Many shipyards are introducing new hybrid and electric models with eco-friendly materials onboard, offering a luxury object with an ethical provenance.
The green approach complements the trend to have a user-friendly boat, to be easily managed when cruising and especially docking.
Also, with the spread of the pandemic and the need for remote working, owners have become fond of having a floating home where they can conduct their daily activities – both professional and personal. A yacht represents the perfect means of escape and exploration but also serves as a place to work and live, assuring total privacy, comfort, and protection.
The communications systems onboard will become more technically advanced with lower costs, enhancing the potential for conducting business as well as enhancing leisure time onboard.
Design-wise, priorities will move towards increased hull volumes for both comfort and more storage space. Opening sterns in order to facilitate more enjoyment and the feeling of being closer to the water, modular spaces for more flexibility of use onboard, usage of glass for natural light – these are just few of the ‘must-haves’ in the upcoming models.
Nautor’s Swan was founded in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland. The builder entered the superyacht market in 1999. Since then, the yard has continued building high-performance sailing yachts in three different lines; ClubSwan, Swan Yachts and Maxi Swan Yachts.
Credits: Nautor’s Swan
Oyster Yachts has introduced its new 24-meter 805 sailing yacht, developed with Humphreys Yacht Design. The model features a twin-access swim platform, configurable interior layouts, and solar-powered hardtop.CEO Ashley Highfield confirmed first delivery for 2027. The yacht offers 3.4-meter or 2.7-meter keel options, with the latter complying with Mediterranean seagrass regulations.Former Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös joins as strategic advisor, stating: "Oyster is very similar to what Rolls-Royce is all about with its relentless striving for perfection."The 805 includes four convertible guest cabins and Oyster's largest sub-30-meter owner's suite. Standard features include ultra-thin marble surfaces and 3kW solar generation.Oyster Yachts was founded in 1973 by Richard Matthews. For 52 years the British brand has created the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailboats.Credits: Oyster Yachts
May 30, 2025
The 2025 ICOMIA Congress, hosted by Spain's ANEN in Palma de Mallorca, concluded yesterday after five days of meetings and events. The gathering, held concurrently with IFBSO's annual congress, brought together marine industry representatives, including Italy's delegation led by Andrea Razeto of the Italian Marine Industry Association.Key discussions centered on three committees chaired by Stefano Pagani Isnardi: the Technical Committee addressed upcoming revisions to the European Recreational Craft Directive; the Superyacht Division examined IMO greenhouse gas reduction proposals and French anchorage restrictions; while the new Trade and Market Intelligence Committee analyzed global tariff developments. ICOMIA has launched dedicated online resources for Posidonia meadow protection updates and tariff tracking.Frank Hugelmeyer (NMMA) was elected ICOMIA President, succeeding Darren Vaux, with Finnboat's Jarkko Pajusalo as Vice President. The board expanded to include representatives from Spain, Turkey, Sweden, and Australia alongside existing members.The 2026 Congress is scheduled for May 24-28 in Washington, D.C., hosted by NMMA.Credits: The Italian Marine Industry Association; Eugene Zhyvchik/Unsplash
May 30, 2025
Cantieri di Pisa has commenced construction of a 40-meter full-custom yacht at its shipyard, marking the occasion with a traditional coin ceremony. The steel-hulled vessel, featuring an aluminum and composite superstructure, was sold several months ago and is scheduled for delivery in 2025.Designed by Antonio Luxardo, the four-deck yacht accommodates six guest cabins and six crew cabins – an unusual configuration for its size. The layout includes an owner's stateroom with private terrace on the main deck, four guest cabins and a VIP cabin on the lower deck, plus crew quarters on the bridge deck. Two saloons, multiple relaxation areas, and an aft Jacuzzi complete the amenities.The yacht's technical specifications include a sub-500 GT volume and propulsion by twin 1,550 HP MAN V12 engines, projected to deliver a 15-knot top speed and 2,000-nautical-mile range. A lateral-launch garage will accommodate a 6.6-meter tender and water toys.Engineering was developed by Studio Sa.Ma.Re Design with support from Luxardo and Optima Design. The construction utilizes vacuum-bonded composites to reduce weight and improve efficiency. The yacht will carry Bureau Veritas Charter class certification.The coin ceremony, attended by the French owner and shipyard representatives, follows maritime tradition dating to Roman times. Cantieri di Pisa's management emphasized the project combines the yard's signature design elements – including distinctive black and white air intakes – with customized owner requirements.The yacht's charter-focused configuration includes extensive storage, a full galley, and entertainment systems for global cruising. Construction is underway at Cantieri di Pisa's facility in Pisa, Italy.Cantieri di Pisa shipyard was founded in 1945 on the river Arno, the Tuscan shipyard became famous for its planing motoryachts, such as the Akhir and Kitalpha series designed by Pierluigi Spadolini. Since 2021 Enrico Gennasio is the new owner of Cantieri di Pisa.Credits: Cantieri di Pisa
May 30, 2025
Damen Yachting has completed the 26-month refit of the 79.2-meter superyacht Moonstone (ex-Albatross) at its Vlissingen facility. The vessel, originally built by Delta Marine, departed the yard following extensive modifications including a 7-meter extension and full exterior repaint.London-based Harrison Eidsgaard oversaw the comprehensive redesign, which transformed both interior and exterior spaces. Key modifications include a reconfigured sun deck with new bar area, a winter garden added to the bridge deck, and new leisure amenities including a hot tub on the owner's deck and swimming pool on main deck. The lower deck now features an expanded swim platform for water access."We are proud and pleased with the intensive and effective collaboration that led to this final result," said Damon Smallwood, representing the owners. "The Owners have a beautiful yacht to cruise around the world for years to come."The refit utilized Damen Yachting's dual Vlissingen yard facilities and specialized refit teams. Project Manager Daan Langezaal noted: "After months of work on this beautiful project, we proudly bid her farewell. The collaboration with the Owner's team ran like clockwork, and challenges were successfully overcome. A big thank you to everyone involved in this beautiful project."The vessel's summer itinerary remains private following its transformation. The project demonstrates Damen Yachting's large-scale refit capabilities, with Moonstone's modifications addressing both structural changes and interior layout revisions.Technical details of the mechanical and systems upgrades were not disclosed. The refit's duration reflects the scope of work undertaken, which included significant structural modifications alongside cosmetic and functional enhancements. Moonstone's departure marks the completion of one of Damen Yachting's most extensive recent refit projects.Damen Yachting, a division within the Damen Shipyards Group, was created in 2019. The division combines the pedigree and heritage of Amels yachts with a growing portfolio of SeaXplorer yachts and Yacht Support vessels.Credits: Damen Yachting
May 29, 2025
Azimut has appointed two new official dealers in the Asia-Pacific region: Europa Yachts in Indonesia and Short Marine in Australia. The partnerships expand the Italian yacht builder's regional network, which already covers China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan.The appointments follow Azimut's selective dealership model, which assigns one dedicated dealer per market to ensure localized expertise and client-focused service. The strategy aligns with growing demand in APAC, where rising wealth and evolving lifestyles are driving yacht ownership.Azimut Grande Trideck"With these new appointments, we are not only expanding our footprint but also enriching the strength of our network," said Enrico Chiaussa, Azimut Chief Commercial Officer EMEA-APAC. "Azimut now boasts the most comprehensive dealership presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and this milestone reflects our strategic vision of pairing world-class products with localized excellence."Europa Yachts, already established in the Philippines, will represent Azimut in Indonesia through a partnership with local entrepreneur Alvin Gozali. The collaboration combines Europa's operational experience with Gozali's market insights."We are honored and excited to bring Azimut Yachts back to Indonesia: by combining the Indonesian deep market knowledge and connections with Thomas's expertise and the strong foundation of Europa Yachts, we are confident this partnership will deliver exceptional results and elevate the yachting experience in the region," said Gozali.Short Marine, a Sydney-based dealer with over 40 years in the industry, will handle Azimut's Australian operations. The company's technical expertise and community ties aim to strengthen the brand's position in a market experiencing growth in high-net-worth individuals.Azimut Fly 62"We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Short Marine, who will now be the point of contact for all the Azimut Yachts clients in Australia," said Murry Offord, Head of Asset Management at Balmain Asset Management. "This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Azimut in the region."The expansion follows Azimut's recent Asian Rendez-vous event in Tokyo, reinforcing its commitment to the APAC market. The brand continues to prioritize localized service networks to support its growing client base in the region.Azimut Yachts is an Azimut Benetti Group brand. With its Atlantis, Magellano Flybridge, S, Verve and Grande collections, Azimut offers the widest range of 10 to 40 meters.Credits: Azimut Yachts
May 29, 2025