Nautor 39 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The journey of the Swan 39 began in 1977, marking a pivotal period in Nautor's design collaborations. Following the iconic designs from Sparkman & Stephens, Nautor embarked on a partnership with Ron Holland, a highly respected New Zealander whose work would further evolve the brand's performance credentials. The Swan 39 was among Holland's initial designs for Nautor, demonstrating his philosophy of creating vessels that were both fast and comfortable. Drawing inspiration from his successful three-quarter ton racing yacht, Imp, Holland envisioned the Swan 39 as a sophisticated cruiser-racer.

During this era, Nautor's manufacturing ethos, as described in the builder's history, emphasized high-quality fiberglass hull construction, a practice that set new standards in yacht building. This commitment to robust, modern materials ensured consistent quality and durable vessels. The Swan 39, with its solid fiberglass deck and hull, exemplifies this dedication. Interestingly, despite its promising design, the Swan 39 had a remarkably short production run, with only four hulls built before production ceased in 1978, making it a rare find in the classic yacht market. No significant variations or Mark versions were noted during its limited production.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Swan 39, with its fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, was engineered for a balanced and responsive sailing experience. While its Displacement to Length ratio, calculated at approximately 429, suggests a heavier, more traditional cruiser, anecdotal evidence and contemporary reviews consistently describe the boat as fast, responsive, and weatherly. This seemingly counter-intuitive blend speaks to Ron Holland's design acumen, which managed to imbue a robustly built vessel with nimble sailing characteristics.

Its Sail Area to Displacement ratio of approximately 13.5 indicates that while not an extreme light-air performer (where ratios above 18 are more typical), it possesses sufficient sail area for effective propulsion in moderate to fresh breezes. The Ballast to Displacement ratio of around 0.315 suggests a moderate degree of initial stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heel, contributing to a comfortable motion in a seaway. Owners and reviewers have praised its close-winded ability and balanced helm, making it a joy to sail whether cruising or participating in club races. The ketch rig offers versatile sail plans, allowing for easier handling and improved trim in varying conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Swan 39 reflects Nautor's signature commitment to craftsmanship and functional elegance. While specific headroom figures are not available, the interior is consistently described as well-finished, utilizing high-quality teak joinery throughout. The typical layout provides comfortable accommodations for six to seven individuals.

Forward, there is a traditional V-berth cabin, often followed by an enclosed head with a shower. The main saloon is generally configured with opposing settees, which can double as berths, sometimes complemented by pilot berths above. This arrangement creates a spacious and inviting living area. A well-appointed galley is typically found to starboard, equipped with essential amenities, while a dedicated navigation station is situated to port. A comfortable quarter berth often rounds out the sleeping arrangements aft, providing an additional private bunk. Overall, the interior is characterized by intelligent use of space, ample storage, and the solid, luxurious feel that defines Nautor's Swan yachts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Nautor 39, or Swan 39, consistently laud its exceptional build quality and robust construction, qualities that are hallmarks of Nautor's Swan vessels. Many owners praise the boat's excellent sailing performance, noting its responsiveness, balanced handling, and ability to perform well in various conditions, reinforcing its design as a capable cruiser-racer. The comfortable motion in a seaway is also a frequently mentioned strength, making long passages more enjoyable. Due to Nautor's rigorous construction standards, specific recurring widespread problems are not commonly reported by owners, highlighting the enduring reliability and longevity of these classic yachts. The limited number of hulls built further adds to its unique appeal among enthusiasts.