Swan 55 Galiana: World’s coolest yachts
Published on July 1st, 2025
Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and Finnish around the world sailor Tapio Lehtinen nominated Swan 55 Galiana. Here’s the report:
“Olin Stephens had designed two 6 Metres before creating his breakthrough yawl, Dorade, in 1929 – a scaled-up ocean-going 6mR. Forty years later, the Swan 55 marked the end of his ocean racing yawl lineage.
“I love feeling connected to this legendary chain of S&S yawls, including Stormy Weather, Manitou, Santana, Baruna, and Kialoa II. In my opinion, the Swan 55 is the classiest and most beautiful design Nautor ever built.”
Galiana was built in 1970 and raced in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race. “The S&S yawl offers exceptional sailing performance combined with comfort and seaworthiness. Galiana will take me safely anywhere on the planet. The yawl rig makes sailing enjoyable, with many sail combinations. I particularly enjoy using classic sails like the mizzen staysail and blooper.
“Galiana is also a fantastic cruiser. I plan to enter major RORC events and the Bermuda Race before attempting the Ocean Globe Race in 2027.”
Swan 55 Galiana stats rating
Top speed: 20 knots
LOA: 16.8m/55ft 2in
Launched: 1970
Berths: 12
Price: €200,000
Adrenalin factor: 60%
For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here.