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
Paris Hilton and her family recently completed a Mediterranean holiday aboard the 24.4-meter Sunreef 80 Eco Nalani, a solar-electric catamaran that combines luxury with environmental consciousness. The black-hulled vessel served as the family's floating residence during their Sardinian getaway, accommodating Hilton, husband Carter Reum, and their two children.The Nalani features 340 square meters of living space across four staterooms and a children's bunk room. Its design emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, with a master suite featuring a private balcony and common areas that flow seamlessly between interior and exterior spaces. The yacht's integrated solar panels and hybrid propulsion system align with Hilton's public advocacy for sustainable luxury.During their charter, the family utilized the yacht's numerous amenities including a flybridge hot tub, open-air cinema, and various water toys. Hilton shared glimpses of their experience on social media, highlighting quiet family moments and Mediterranean sunsets.Sunreef's 80 Eco series represents the Polish builder's commitment to environmentally conscious yachting, combining conventional propulsion with renewable energy systems for limited silent operation. The model has gained popularity among charter clients seeking sustainable luxury options.The catamaran's layout prioritizes outdoor living with multiple lounge areas, including a forward terrace and aft beach club configuration. Its crew quarters accommodate four staff members to ensure full service during charters.Industry observers note growing interest in eco-friendly yachting solutions among high-profile clients, with solar-assisted systems becoming increasingly common in new builds. The Nalani remains available for Mediterranean charters through the current season.Sunreef continues production of its eco-focused catamaran line at its Gdansk facility, offering models from 15 to 30 meters in length. The company reports steady demand for vessels combining luxury amenities with reduced environmental impact.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: courtesy by Paris Hilton; Sunreef Yachts
August 8, 2025
Nautor Swan will present two new sailing yachts at Europe's premier marine events this autumn. The Swan 51 performance cruiser will make its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival (9-14 September), while the flagship Swan 128 will debut at the Monaco Yacht Show.Swan 128The 15.5-meter Swan 51 enters the competitive 50-foot segment as the smallest model in Swan's performance cruiser line. Developed from experience gained with over 70 yachts between 14.6 and 16.8 meters built since 2019, the design features a mast positioned closer to the keel for improved balance. The model succeeds the original 1981 Swan 51, the first Swan collaboration with designer German Frers.Giovanni Pomati, Nautor Swan CEO, stated: "From the high-performance elegance of the Swan 51 to the refined design of the Swan 128, we offer our global sailing community to experience the authentic spirit of sailing."Alongside the Swan 51, Cannes attendees will see the ClubSwan 43 and Swan 88 models. The 39-meter Swan 128 will represent the Finnish builder's largest offering at Monaco.Swan 51From 19-21 September, Nautor Swan will host an exclusive viewing event at Porto Carlo Riva in Rapallo, Italy, providing private access to its current model range.The autumn presentations mark Nautor Swan's continued expansion across multiple sailing yacht segments, from performance cruisers to maxi yachts. Both new models will be available for viewing by appointment following their official debuts.Nautor 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 Swan
August 7, 2025
Riva has launched its new 54-meter flagship, the largest yacht ever built by the Italian shipyard, at its Superyacht Division facility in Ancona. The all-aluminum vessel represents the brand's expansion into the megayacht segment while maintaining Riva's signature styling.Developed through collaboration between Officina Italiana Design, Ferretti Group's Engineering Department, and the Strategic Product Committee led by Piero Ferrari, the 54METRI features a gross tonnage below 500 GT. The exterior design combines Moon Grey, London Grey, and Bright Black finishes with polished steel details and the brand's characteristic aquamarine waterline.Ferretti Group CEO Alberto Galassi stated: "Now every yachting enthusiast and Riva fan has a new boat to dream about. A paragon of beauty and elegance, Riva 54METRI showcases the unstoppable momentum of the world's most famous shipyard in its pursuit of innovation."The four-deck layout accommodates 10 guests across four cabins and a main-deck master suite, with crew quarters for 11 personnel. Notable features include a 5-meter stern pool with fold-out terraces, concealed bow tender storage, and extensive use of premium materials including Sahara Noir and Bianco Rhino marble.Technical specifications include four electric stabilizer fins, dual radar systems, 5G and Starlink connectivity, and a bridge outfitted with multiple touchscreen displays. The design emphasizes acoustic insulation and crew circulation routes to maintain guest privacy.Sea Pros Yachts founder Alain Maaraoui facilitated the build for the Kuwait-based owner. The launch marks Riva's continued expansion of its superyacht offerings while preserving design elements from its smaller production models. The 54METRI will now undergo final outfitting before delivery.The Ferretti Group, led by Chief Executive Officer Alberto Galassi, is now one of the world’s leaders in the construction and sale of luxury yachts and pleasure vessels, with a unique portfolio of brands: Ferretti Yachts, Riva, Pershing, Itama, Mochi Craft, CRN, Custom Line and Wally.Credits: Ferretti Group
August 7, 2025
The 45.6-meter converted trawler Scintilla Maris has concluded a rigorous 10-month shakedown cruise covering 11,000 nautical miles across the North Atlantic. Owner Erik Vonk and his wife departed the Netherlands in April 2024, undertaking an improvised route through Scotland's Outer Hebrides, Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before returning to the shipyard.The expedition tested the Vripack-designed yacht's performance in challenging conditions, including 6-meter swells. Vonk reported the vessel maintained operational comfort throughout, particularly noting the effectiveness of the heat recovery system during Arctic transits where exterior temperatures plummeted. The open bridge configuration allowed guests to participate in navigation during the 700-nautical-mile crossing to Newfoundland.The cruise included extended stops at remote locations, with the yacht often being the only visiting vessel in areas like Scotland's Rum Island and the Faroe Islands. Local communities frequently greeted the crew, with Vonk recalling particularly hospitable receptions in Icelandic fishing villages where stays were repeatedly extended.Following successful completion of the transatlantic voyage, Scintilla Maris returned to the Netherlands to prepare for its first commercial charter season in Iceland. The yacht's conversion from industrial trawler to expedition vessel took 15 years, with Vonk emphasizing its dual capability for remote exploration and luxury accommodation."I spent 15 years perfecting a boat that takes you places where few other people go," Vonk stated. "Scintilla Maris combines battleship strength with the comfort and luxury of a boutique hotel." The shakedown cruise confirmed the vessel's ability to access isolated destinations while maintaining premium onboard facilities, including a country-style galley and skylit interior spaces.Credits: Vripack
August 7, 2025
Azimut has launched the first unit of the Grande 30M at its Viareggio shipyard. The new model is part of the shipyard’s Grande Series and will make its official debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.The yacht’s exterior design is by Alberto Mancini, while the interiors have been created by the architecture studio m2atelier. This is the first collaboration between the two design teams. According to Azimut, the interior layout follows a design approach referred to as "Barefoot Luxury", developed by m2atelier for this model.The Grande 30M is also the first yacht to be fitted with the new mtu propulsion system from Rolls-Royce. It includes mtu engines and POD drives, a combination that reportedly provides 15% greater efficiency compared to conventional shaft line systems, with reductions in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.Azimut, founded in 1969 by Paolo Vitelli and part of the Azimut|Benetti Group, builds motor yachts from 42 to 144 feet across seven series. The company maintains production facilities in five Italian locations and one in Brazil, and has a global network of sales and service centres.Credits: Azimut
August 6, 2025