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Swan 56R
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Nautor  ·  First built: 1998
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About the Swan 56R

Designed by renowned naval architect German Frers and built by Finland's prestigious Nautor shipyard, this racing-oriented Swan represents a sophisticated blend of performance and luxury from the late 1990s. The 56R's fractional sloop rig and modern fin keel with bulb configuration deliver exceptional sailing characteristics for both competitive racing and spirited cruising. With her sleek 57-foot profile and generous sail area of 1,730 square feet, this yacht excels in offshore racing circuits while maintaining the comfort and build quality Swan owners expect. The moderate displacement of 39,700 pounds strikes an ideal balance between speed and seaworthiness, supported by a substantial ballast ratio that ensures confident handling in challenging conditions. The fiberglass construction showcases Nautor's legendary attention to detail and structural integrity, making the 56R equally capable of crossing oceans or dominating weekend regattas. Her spade rudder configuration provides responsive steering, while the fractional rig offers versatility in sail configuration for varying wind conditions. This model appeals particularly to experienced sailors seeking a high-performance yacht that doesn't compromise on cruising amenities, representing Swan's philosophy of "fast cruising" at its finest.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 57.51 ft / 17.53 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 49.48 ft / 15.08 m
Beam 15.52 ft / 4.73 m
Max Draft 11.02 ft / 3.36 m
Displacement 39,700.00 lb / 18,008 kg
Ballast 14,600.00 lb / 6,622 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,730.00 ft² / 160.72 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/bulb & spade rudder
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Nautor
First Built 1998
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 23.89
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 36.78
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 146.3
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 30.68
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.82
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 9.43 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 4.35
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2,743.90 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 23.89
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 71.26 ft / 21.72 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 20.57 ft / 6.27 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 75.49 ft / 23.01 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 26.43 ft / 8.06 m
SA Fore 732.91 ft² / 68.09 m²
SA Main 997.60 ft² / 92.68 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,730.51 ft² / 160.77 m²
Est. Forestay Length 74.17 ft / 22.61 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Yanmar
Engine Type Diesel
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