A year after joining the Sanlorenzo Group, Finnish yacht brand Nautor Swan has outlined its latest development plans, including new models, expanded facilities, a senior appointment in Europe, plans for a new facility in Florida and ongoing investment commitments during a press call at the Cannes Yachting Festival.
The announcements coincide with the world premiere of the Swan 51 and a preview of the Swan 73 at Cannes this week.
Massimo Perotti, chairman and CEO of Sanlorenzo, which acquired the brand in August 2024, says: “Swan’s most exciting era is now ahead, the icon of performance sailing, elevated for the next generation. We are proud to be the custodians of a remarkable legacy, preserving the heritage, craftsmanship and spirit that define Swan.
“Swan’s future is now enhanced through unprecedented investment and a focused product development strategy. Most importantly, we are strengthening our unrivalled global community of passionate sailors and connoisseurs, more connected and vibrant than ever before.”
Sanlorenzo has officially committed €35m in investments between 2024 and 2027, directed at product development, facilities and customer services. These include new production sites in Brescia and Viareggio, a new headquarters in Milan and regional offices in Monaco, Cannes, the US and Palma de Mallorca.
Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan, says: “The energy and resources of the past year have transformed our horizons. We are moving forward with great speed, strengthening Swan’s product portfolio and securing our heritage while preparing the brand for strong international growth. Most of all, we are reinforcing the sense of belonging that unites our community of owners, sailors and enthusiasts around the world.”
The new Swan 51 is currently making its global debut in Cannes. It is the smallest yacht in the performance-cruiser line, drawing on the experience of more than 70 yachts between 48ft and 55ft built in the past six years. The boatbuilder says the Swan 51 has been tested over thousands of miles, ocean crossings and regattas, and features “refined positioning” of mast, keel and centre of buoyancy to improve balance, handling and responsiveness.
The design follows the original 1981 Swan 51, the first collaboration with designer German Frers.
The Swan 73, also designed by German Frers, is currently being previewed at Cannes. It marks the brand’s return to the 70ft segment after more than two decades. The yacht combines a performance platform with a layout and styling focused on onboard comfort.
New US facility and sales points in the works
Nautor Swan has also identified a potential site for new operations in Pensacola, Florida, as part of its US growth strategy. A dedicated ClubSwan 28 racing calendar is also confirmed for Newport and Pensacola in 2026.
Globally, the company is expanding sales and distribution through Sanlorenzo Group’s international network, with new sales points planned in Newport, Fort Lauderdale, the Mediterranean and Asia-Pacific.
Beyond yacht sales, Nautor Swan continues to build its community through services such as brokerage, global service, charter and the ClubSwan network. ClubSwan connects owners and crews through a programme of one-design and rating regattas, cruising events and lifestyle gatherings.
New Southern Europe commercial director
As part of these developments, Nautor Swan has appointed Federico Michetti as Southern Europe commercial director and sport activities strategic advisor. Michetti, a multiple world champion with extensive experience in both rating and one design sailing, is also recognised as one of the original contributors to ClubSwan. His professional background includes work as both a sailor and an entrepreneur in regatta organisation.
Michetti will take responsibility for the strategic development of the Southern Europe market. His additional role as sport activities strategic advisor, working with managing director Luisa Bambozzi, will support the company’s aim to expand the ClubSwan community while maintaining its involvement in rating and heritage sailing.
Pomati says: “Federico knows the Nautor Swan world inside out – and we’re confident that his sailing expertise and presence on the racing scene will bring exceptional value to this new role. He will be a key asset in helping the brand grow.”
Michetti adds: “This new role fills me with pride, it’s a major step forward in my personal and professional journey. I love the Nautor Swan brand, which has felt like home to me in recent years, and I will continue to be present on the docks and at regattas.
“My focus will be on strengthening our distribution network to ensure an increasingly effective and strategic presence in key markets, as well as enhancing the overall experience for our owners, guiding them through every stage of their journey with the brand, from choosing their yacht to becoming part of the ClubSwan community.
“I may be sailing a little less, but exciting new challenges lie ahead.”
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