ClubSwan 50 Gets Traction as One Design Class

Good ideas tend to get recognized, which looks to the case for Nautor’s newest one design class – the ClubSwan 50. After its introduction just over a year ago, the first three boats were delivered last September with two more by January. Seventeen are sold to date, all expected to be sailing by mid-2017.

Designed by Juan Kouyoumidjian to mark the Finnish brand’s 50th anniversary earlier this year, owners from Europe and Russia are giving this new class the vital critical mass needed for continued growth.

While the ClubSwan 50 has had great reviews from the press since its debut at the Rolex Swan Cup in September, the design of a boat only gets you so far when building a one design class. Amiable rules ultimately make or break its future.

The class rules have been prepared by Chief Measurer James Dadd and will be presented at the Class meeting next month on the occasion of BOOT Dusseldorf, where the ClubSwan 50 will also be on display on January 21-29.

The vision is to embrace a niche between excessive spending and competent racing. The plan is for a limit of four professionals (plus a boat captain) onboard, sail limitations, and strict owner driver rules.

The ClubSwan 50 Class racing calendar for 2017 includes: Palmavela, the Giraglia Rolex Cup, the Copa del Rey and will conclude with the inaugural edition of The Nations Trophy hosted by the Real Club Nautico de Palma.

On October 10-14, the ClubSwan 50 fleet will race in Palma to determine not only the first European Champion, but also for The Nations Trophy. While the Swan 45s will also battle to determine their World Champion and the Club Swan 42 Class have been invited to also take part.

After the first season in Europe, the circuit expects to extend to North America in 2018. An early look will come when two ClubSwan 50s will compete in the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean on March 1-5 at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Virgin Gorda, BVI.