Design and Construction
Sweden Yachts earned its reputation for top-quality build, and the 42 reflects that marque standard. Most of the interior woodwork is mahogany, and the attention to detail in the finish across all aspects of the boat ranks among the highest quality a reviewer has seen highest quality we’ve seen. The deck was kept as clear as possible without compromising sailing or safety components, and the sweeping teak decking is a real luxury underfoot. A massive stainless steel and elkhide-covered wheel sits well aft of the cockpit, reinforcing the boat's deliberate separation of crew space from working deck.
Rig and Handling
The 42 is a fractional sloop carrying a 19.5-meter mast and a 52-square-meter mainsail, paired with a self-tacking jib of about 34 square meters. Most control lines are led aft to the cockpit, and the rig is easy to handle particularly when shorthanded sailing. Jan Nilsson at Sweden Yachts described the design as fun to sail and easy to handle, and several new owners have already put in orders for racing sails. Although she is primarily a cruising boat, she has a definite high-performance feel, and the builder claimed she is a fast sailyacht that performs beyond expectations and gives more performance per foot.
Accommodations
The standard layout provides three double berths, a comfortable dining area, an L-shaped galley, a navigation table, and two shower rooms. The master cabin lies forward of the saloon and features an ensuite with a bow shower and a hatch above for light; the other two double berths sit aft, served by a separate heads and shower with plenty of stowage space. Down below there is plenty of headroom, and large hatch covers give the interior an extremely light and spacious feel. The builder noted the layout is both practical and spacious, and that any layout can be altered to suit the customer.
Engine and Systems
A Volvo Penta engine — listed by the builder as a D2-60 of 60 hp and by Yachting World as a 55 hp unit — sits under the cockpit just aft of the cockpit steps and is easily accessible from the main saloon. Tankage is generous and practical: roughly 425 liters of water, 280 liters of diesel, a 40-liter water heater, and two 60-liter holding tanks, all in stainless steel.
The Verdict
The Sweden Yachts 42 is a thoroughly considered cruiser/racer that wears its serious-yachtsman brief openly. She is a boat where the finish quality, the led-aft shorthanded rig, and the light-filled three-cabin interior all serve a single coherent idea: a 42-footer that sails beyond expectations without surrendering livability.
Pros
- High-performance feel with a self-tacking, shorthanded-friendly rig led aft to the cockpit
- Exceptional interior finish quality with mahogany woodwork and light, spacious accommodations
- Easily accessed engine and all-stainless tankage with strong water and fuel capacity
- Customizable layout on a proven Norlin cruiser/racer platform
Cons
- Teak decking demands disciplined maintenance to preserve the luxury surface
- Conflicting documented engine ratings (60 hp builder spec vs 55 hp review) leave a minor spec ambiguity
