Design and Construction
The ClubSwan 36 draws on detailed hydrodynamic and CFD studies by Kouyoumdjian in a timeless authentic design, and its deck shape is clean with well-defined ergonomics derived from a concept tested with various scale models. The structure is an optimised infused E-Glass epoxy corecell foam with carbon reinforcement on the keel grid and lateral bulkhead, while the hull itself is an E-glass/infused epoxy laminate with carbon reinforcements; bulkheads and longitudinal structure use unidirectional reinforcements and carbon on some capping brings stiffness. Notably, there is not a single hole through the hull or deck, and structural components are infused, cured separately, and vacuum-bonded into the hull. Above the waterline the boat has minimal rocker and a flat run aft with an aggressive chine in the after sections, plus a chamfered gunwale on the foredeck to save weight, lower the centre of gravity, and reduce windage. The original Swan style and marque was born with the 1967 boat, but after 52 years the same enthusiasm and belief in innovation produced this very different machine.
Rig and Handling
The rig drew a great deal from the Olympic Star's rig, with a skinny, heavily raked and hugely pre-bent mast, one set of aft swept spreaders, and rod rigging terminated on a full width chainplate base. PBO running backstays and deflectors provide the main controls, and all cleats for the deflector, cunningham and vang are placed on both sides for the mainsail trimmer. The mainsheet track uses a roller bearing car on the stern cockpit area controlled manually, led to the main trimmer's position forward of the helmsman, with two Harken 40.2 STP mainsheet winches (port counter rotating). The deck carries seven Harken winches in total — two for runners, two for mainsail, two for jibs or kite, and a central seventh for the C-board, halyards and other lines. Twin rudders connect by fixed bars under the deck, and Kouyoumdjian's view that the steering system must be balanced and sensitive so the helmsman perceives feelings and emotions finds physical form in impeccable handling in every condition, the boat akin to a modern supercar reaching exceptional limits in total control.
Performance and the C-Foil
The incredibly fast hull thanks to the latest available technology is paired with a unique C-foil — one large circular sectioned foil sliding through a watertight case inside the boat, with no adjustment for angle of attack. Upwind, the foil generates mostly horizontal force resulting in negative leeway equal to improving VMG, a claim Nautor's Swan makes for certain conditions. Downwind, the foil creates just enough horizontal force to simplify the gybe with no rotation needed, and contributes up to 1.2 tonnes of lift at 14 knots of boat speed. When reaching, it generates up to 40% of boat displacement above 15 knots, producing skimming or planing; the boat starts to plane downwind at 140–145° true from 13 knots wind speed and can surf at over 20 knots. The 2.75 m CNC-milled steel fin with a 1,163 kg lead bulb gives a 47% ballast ratio, and the sail area/displacement ratios of 44 upwind and 91 downwind frame the rig's aggressive intent.
Accommodations
This is not a cruiser in the Swan tradition: it does not have any interior in the Swan tradition but is considered a Protected Shelter — a dry space to rest between races or during longer delivery. Access is via a sliding, offset companionway hatch, and all interior components are of lightweight construction. Removable berths can be implemented on occasion, and the editorial record notes the accommodation is Spartan and pretty cramped for a 36-footer with an option for a pair of pilot berths. The removable deck panels keep most of the controls outside the boat, leaving a dryer interior, which reinforces the shelter-not-cabin philosophy.
Known Issues and Ownership Notes
The documented structure is oriented to safety and simplicity rather than hidden failure points. Bulkheads in front of the rudders are watertight to provide greater safety whilst at sea, and the line systems are covered by two removable light, durable panels with unidirectional reinforcements — one on the foredeck covering the retractable bowsprit and retriever circuit, the second aft of the mast covering other circuits and restrictors replacing stoppers. The bowsprit lies within a structural gutter covered by a panel, and deck fairings use a special version of Velcro. The engine sits centrally under the cockpit, accessed through a bulkhead aft of the companionway and from the sides, with options of a Nanni 10.3 kW diesel or a Torqeedo 10.0 kW electric powered by a BMW lithium battery (the BMW unit boasting 70% higher energy density and 50% longer life cycle than typical marine lithium). In race mode the drive shaft and three-bladed fixed prop retract into the hull. CE approval is Category B with diesel, Category C with electric.
The Verdict
The ClubSwan 36 is a focused one-design weapon that translates Kouyoumdjian's hydrodynamic work into a surfable, strictly amateur-driven racer with a protected shelter instead of a interior. It rewards teams who accept Spartan accommodations in exchange for a foil-assisted 20-knot threshold and meticulous weight discipline.
Pros
- Unique C-foil generating negative leeway upwind and up to 40% displacement lift reaching
- Infused E-glass/epoxy hull with zero through-hull or deck penetrations
- Seven-Harken winch deck with central C-board control and clean ergonomic layout
- Watertight forward rudder bulkheads and retracting prop for race mode
Cons
- No traditional interior; Spartan, cramped Protected Shelter only
- No angle-of-attack adjustment on the C-foil
- Strict owner-driver rules limit professional crew to three
