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
The Italian Sea Group has launched the 72-meter Admiral Armani megayacht, marking the first vessel designed in collaboration with Giorgio Armani. The ceremony took place at the company's Marina di Carrara facility, attended by representatives from the Armani Group, local authorities, and project team members.This yacht represents the first of two projects fully designed by Giorgio Armani, featuring distinctive exterior styling and interior design by Armani/Casa. The collaboration with The Italian Sea Group's Centro Stile combines minimalist aesthetics with advanced naval engineering.Key design elements include geometric volumes with curved surfaces, satin aluminum and steel detailing, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. The upper decks incorporate open-air lounges and a helicopter landing area. Interior materials feature Black Marquinia marble, golden Calacatta, and Canaletto walnut, complemented by custom lighting and fabrics."This yacht represents the confluence of Giorgio Armani's poetic elegance and The Italian Sea Group's technical excellence," said Giovanni Costantino, Founder & CEO of The Italian Sea Group.The Admiral Armani 72m will make its official debut at the Monaco Yacht Show in September 2025. The vessel measures 72 meters in length and represents a new direction in luxury yacht design through the Armani collaboration. Technical specifications and performance details were not disclosed in the announcement.The Italian Sea Group is a global operator in the luxury yachting industry, listed on Euronext Milan (“EXM”) and active in the construction and refit of motor yachts and sailing yachts up to 140 meters. The Company, led by Italian entrepreneur Giovanni Costantino, operates on the market with the brands Admiral, renown for elegant and prestigious yachts, Tecnomar, Perini Navi, and Picchiotti; the Company has a business unit, NCA Refit, that manages the maintenance and refit services for yachts and mega yachts with a length over 60 meters. Credit: Giuliano Sargentini/The Italian Sea Group
May 7, 2025
Silent Yachts has announced its 24-meter flagship solar-electric catamaran, the SY80, is approaching completion. The Italian builder recently launched two SY62 3-Deck Open models and one SY62 3-Deck Closed variant from its Fano shipyard as part of its plan to deliver 10 yachts in 2025.The SY80 will be available in three customizable configurations: 2-Deck, 3-Deck Open, and 3-Deck Closed. The model retains the sustainable features of Silent Yachts' smaller vessels while offering increased volume, accommodating up to 12 guests. Key features include an open layout, spacious staterooms, and ample storage for water toys."We can accommodate a very high number of different configurations, making the yacht of your dreams into a lived reality," said Silent Yachts CEO Fabrizio Iarrera. Owners can opt for an on-deck master suite or an open-plan salon with the master cabin below deck.Performance specifications include a top speed of 12 knots, cruising speeds of 7-8 knots, and battery capacities of 522 kWh or 696 kWh. The solar array peaks at 22.4 kWp, supporting near-zero-emission operation.The SY80 2-Deck variant will debut at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival (September 9-14), with sea trials expected in the coming weeks.Silent-Yachts is producing the world’s first fully solar-sustainable oceangoing production catamaran yachts. They are powered exclusively by solar energy and capable of cruising up to 100 miles per day. In 2009, founders Heike and Michael Köhler, who have spent 6,000 days cruising more than 75,000 miles all around the world, launched the Solarwave 46, the first fully self-sufficient blue-water catamaran after years of testing solar-powered propulsion, and they have been building boats ever since. Credits: Silent-Yachts
May 7, 2025
The 52-meter sportfisher Special One, built by Royal Huisman with design by Vripack, has received the Judges' Special Award at the 20th World Superyacht Awards in Venice. The yacht competed in the Best Motor Yacht – Semi-Displacement or Planing Motor Yachts 50m+ category.Judges described Special One as "spectacularly different," with one noting: "She is truly special! This yacht is so unusual, so different and so successfully done." The award recognizes the vessel's unique combination of sportfishing capabilities and luxury amenities.Vripack's co-creative director Bart Bouwhuis commented: "The owner's desire to build one of the coolest and challenging boats to ever hit water was unwavering from the outset." The design maintains traditional American sportfisher proportions while incorporating innovative features like a 28m² fish cockpit, DJ station, and cinema with rising projector screen.Interior highlights include walnut and oak finishes, a 237-piece parquet dining floor, and a sky lounge with custom blue glass chandelier. Technical innovations include laser-powered fiberglass exterior lighting.The World Superyacht Awards ceremony took place in May 2025, honoring exceptional vessels in the global luxury yacht market. Special One represents Royal Huisman's first sportfisher project and Vripack's largest motor yacht design to date.Royal Huisman is a Dutch shipyard established in 1884 in Ronduite, building and refitting custom luxury sailing and motor yachts at its shipyard in Vollenhove, the Netherlands.Credit: Guillaume Plisson, all provided by Vripack
May 7, 2025
The upcoming South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2025 at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton will showcase several world and UK premieres from leading marine manufacturers. The event, scheduled for May 9-11, will highlight new models across both power and sail categories with a focus on innovation and sustainable technologies.Among the notable debuts, Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding will present the Hardy 45 European, making its world premiere. The 45-foot vessel combines offshore capabilities with inland waterway navigation, powered by twin Yanmar 440hp engines reaching speeds up to 28 knots. Dave Cockwell, Founder and Sales Director, stated: "Our all-new Hardy 45 European provides an extraordinarily luxurious and secure environment for ocean crossings and long-distance cruising."Hardy 45The show will introduce four models to the UK market for the first time, including the BENTE28 sailing yacht with its distinctive IMOCA-style dodger, the high-speed Delta 33 Coupé from Sweden, the modular Axopar 29 Sun Top adventure boat, and the versatile Saxdor 340 GTWA walkaround cruiser.Hanse 360Additional show debuts will feature the award-winning Hanse 360 sailing yacht, recently named European Yacht of the Year 2025, alongside the FJORD 39 XL powerboat and the Absolute 47 Fly flybridge cruiser. The Hanse 360 offers an optional sustainable sail package using recycled materials.Absolute 47 FlyTim Mayer, Sales and Marketing Director at MDL Marinas, commented: "Each year the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show grows in scale and significance." The event will display over 90 boats both in-water and shoreside at the Harbour Hotel Southampton location.Credits: South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show
May 6, 2025
Benetti has launched FB287, a fully customized 67-meter steel yacht from its B.Now series featuring the Oasis Deck® design. The vessel represents Benetti's steel-hulled superyacht expertise, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Sinot Yacht Architecture & Design. Engage Maritime served as owner's representative throughout the project."The launch of FB287 demonstrates the capabilities of the Benetti shipyard and the possibilities for clients to realize their ultimate expression of the yachting lifestyle," said Daniela Petrozzi, Benetti Sales Director.Key customizations include a rectangular elevator, marble guest staircase with glass balustrade, widened corridors, and multiple pool areas - an infinity pool on the Oasis Deck®, a spa pool on the observation deck, and a reflecting pool with waterfall effect on the owner's deck. The yacht features a lower-deck spa complex with sauna and steam room, a main deck saloon with grand piano, and an entire upper deck dedicated to the owner's private use.Originally conceived with light beach house interiors, FB287's owner requested a darker, richer aesthetic inspired by Gatsby-era styling. The final design incorporates woods like sycamore, ebony, and macassar, along with specialty marbles and metal detailing. Despite the dramatic style change from initial concepts, the design maintains seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces through coordinated material selections.Following launch, FB287 will undergo sea trials before scheduled delivery this summer. The project marks Benetti's successful adaptation of its B.Now platform to meet specific owner requirements while maintaining the series' signature indoor-outdoor living philosophy.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Giuliano Sargentini/Benetti
May 6, 2025