Sweden Yachts 50 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Sweden Yachts 50's story begins in 1987, entering production as a flagship model and concluding its run in 1996. The design was entrusted to the prolific duo of Peter Norlin and Jens Östman, who were instrumental in shaping the distinctive look and celebrated performance characteristics of almost all Sweden Yachts models from the early 1990s onwards. During this era, Sweden Yachts cultivated a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship, focusing on robust construction, elegant lines, and luxurious, hand-finished interiors. The builder's ethos revolved around delivering a harmonious blend of comfort, safety, and exhilarating sailing capabilities, a philosophy clearly embodied in the 50-foot model. The hull and deck employed a sandwich construction method, a technique known to improve the interior climate of the vessel. While the standard keel depth was a substantial 8.5 feet, a shoal-draft wing keel option, reducing the draft to 6.5 feet, was available, offering greater versatility for cruising in shallower waters.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 18.98, the Sweden Yachts 50 is designed to deliver spirited performance, particularly excelling in lighter air conditions for a yacht of its size. Its ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.406, indicates a stiff and stable platform, capable of standing up to a significant amount of wind and maintaining a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a displacement to length ratio of roughly 199.3 places the Sweden Yachts 50 on the lighter side of moderate for a cruiser of its length, suggesting a yacht that is more performance-oriented than a heavy displacement vessel, without sacrificing the stability required for offshore passages. The yacht is consistently described as a fast and luxurious ocean cruiser, with its sailing performance noted to be competitive even with more modern designs, especially when equipped with updated sails. Its fin keel and spade rudder contribute to responsive handling and maneuverability, hallmarks of a well-designed performance cruiser.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sweden Yachts 50 is configured for comfortable long-term cruising or living aboard, typically featuring a three-cabin layout complemented by a spacious saloon, a well-appointed galley, and two heads compartments. The owner's cabin is traditionally situated forward, often featuring an offset berth and a large en-suite heads, providing a private and comfortable retreat. The saloon and galley areas are designed for both functionality and aesthetic appeal, characterized by the meticulously finished interiors that are a hallmark of Sweden Yachts' construction. The use of sandwich construction for both the hull and deck not only contributes to the yacht's structural integrity but also helps in maintaining a more stable and comfortable indoor climate. Details such as Flexiteek decking can also be found on some models, adding to the exterior appeal and practicality. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the generous beam of 14.25 feet suggests a spacious interior volume, ensuring comfort for crew and guests.