Sweden Yachts 70 Information, Review, Specs

Crafted by Sweden Yachts, a builder with roots in America's Cup challenges and a deep commitment to quality, the 70 exemplifies their philosophy of creating dream boats without compromise. She combines elegant lines with robust construction, intended to offer both spirited performance and a comfortable, safe platform for extended cruising. 3, 6, 9, Builder Article

History and Design

The Sweden Yachts 70 was produced for a brief but impactful period between 1994 and 1997, with just three hulls launched, making her a rare and exclusive vessel. The design collaboration between Peter Norlin and Jens Östman brought together significant expertise. Peter Norlin, a pivotal figure in Swedish sailing, was renowned for his design philosophy of "clean lines, clean sailing" and his ability to create yachts that delivered pure sailing qualities, often unconstrained by racing rules. This ethos is evident in the Sweden Yachts 70, which blends classic beauty with modern efficiencies.

During the 1990s, Sweden Yachts maintained its reputation for meticulously crafted vessels, emphasizing luxury, exceptional performance, and robust construction. The company's direct-from-yard sales model at the time fostered a close relationship with customers, allowing them to engage with every stage of their yacht's construction. The hull of the Sweden Yachts 70 is constructed from solid fiberglass in a sandwich configuration with a balsa core, a technique chosen for its durability, improved thermal insulation, and reduced maintenance requirements. The deck is also solid fiberglass. Owners had the option of either a sloop or ketch rig, providing flexibility in sail plan and handling.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of nearly 70 feet and a waterline length of approximately 52.5 feet, the Sweden Yachts 70 is designed for impressive performance. Her hull speed is calculated at a swift 9.71 knots.

Qualitatively, the Sweden Yachts 70 exhibits characteristics of a capable and balanced performance cruiser:

• Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D): At 19.67, this ratio indicates a responsive yacht with ample sail power relative to its displacement. This suggests the Sweden Yachts 70 will perform well in lighter air conditions, being easily driven and capable of making good speed.
• Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D): With a ratio of 0.355, the boat possesses good initial stability, providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. While not an ultra-stiff racer, this ratio is well-suited for a cruising yacht of her size, offering a balanced feel at the helm.
• Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L): A ratio of 211.28 places the Sweden Yachts 70 in the moderate-to-heavy cruiser category. This indicates a solid, well-built yacht capable of carrying significant stores for extended voyages, while still maintaining a respectable turn of speed due to her long waterline and efficient hull shape.

Owners and brokers consistently praise the Sweden 70 for its exhilarating performance in various conditions, highlighting its great sailing characteristics and elegant design. The yacht features a fin keel and a spade rudder, a configuration known for offering excellent control and maneuverability. Sail handling systems are designed for ease of operation, often incorporating fully automated features such as hydraulic furling spars and hydraulic winches, simplifying management of her substantial sail area. The deck layout is thoughtfully designed, making sailing a genuine pleasure.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Sweden Yachts 70 is a hallmark of the builder's commitment to luxury and functionality, described as a "contemporary classic yacht" with "comfortable accommodation." The interior woodwork is typically crafted from specially imported Tasmanian Blackwood (Acacia), contributing to an atmosphere of quiet elegance, further enhanced by custom-designed upholstery. The overall impression is one of "pure quality – rich, inviting, extremely convivial."

A common interior arrangement features a comfortable three-stateroom layout, ensuring privacy and space for owners and guests. The owner's stateroom is generously proportioned and located fully aft, typically featuring a large double berth and ample room. Forward, a dedicated crew cabin for two is situated in the very fore ship, providing separate living quarters. The yacht also includes a well-appointed galley and multiple sleeping cabins, often totaling five cabins with eight berths, each potentially equipped with its own stereo system. The sandwich hull construction not only contributes to the yacht's structural integrity but also improves the indoor climate, enhancing comfort in diverse conditions. The vessel boasts substantial water capacity, with 396 gallons on board, suitable for extended periods away from shore.