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Swan 59
Designer: German Frers  ·  Builder: Nautor  ·  First built: 1984
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About the Swan 59

Built between 1984 and 1990, this German Frers-designed yacht represents Nautor's commitment to combining performance with luxury cruising capabilities. With only 21 hulls produced during its six-year production run, the Swan 59 maintains an exclusive presence in harbors worldwide. The yacht's fin keel and spade rudder configuration, combined with a moderate displacement of 62,400 pounds, creates an excellent balance between stability and performance. The substantial ballast-to-displacement ratio provides impressive offshore capability, while the masthead sloop rig delivers versatile sailing characteristics suitable for both coastal cruising and bluewater passages. Frers' design philosophy shines through in the hull's lines, offering respectable hull speeds while maintaining the comfort expected from the Swan pedigree. The generous beam provides spacious accommodations below, making extended cruising comfortable for families or couples seeking adventure in distant waters. This model bridges the gap between racing heritage and cruising practicality, appealing to sailors who appreciate refined performance without sacrificing comfort. The Swan 59's reputation for solid construction and seaworthiness has made well-maintained examples highly sought after in the pre-owned market, particularly among experienced sailors planning serious offshore voyages.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 58.67 ft / 17.88 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 48.15 ft / 14.68 m
Beam 16.40 ft / 5.00 m
Max Draft 11.18 ft / 3.41 m
Displacement 62,400.00 lb / 28,304 kg
Ballast 22,800.00 lb / 10,342 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction FG
Designer German Frers
Builder Nautor
First Built 1984
Last Built 1990
Number Built 21
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
21
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
36.54
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
249.54
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
45.33
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
1.66
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. 9.30 kn
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. 2,821.54 pounds/inch
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Volvo
Engine Model TMD31A
Engine Type Diesel
Fuel Capacity 264 gals / 999 L
Water Capacity 277 gals / 1,049 L
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