Three in one

Few shipyards in the world can rival Nautor Swan’s impressive legacy. With 57 years of uninterrupted production, over 2,350 yachts launched, and an impeccable reputation, these are just a few of the shipyard’s remarkable achievements. Nautor Swan continues to innovate, consistently introducing new projects to the yachting world: cruising yachts, superyachts, racing one-designs, and, more recently, motor yachts. The regatta series under the shipyard’s patronage has become not only a competitive arena for various Swan models but also an exclusive club for Swan owners.

Today, the Finnish shipyard produces sailboats under two distinct brands: ClubSwan and Swan. The former focuses on racing and high-speed cruising, while the latter is tailored for comfortable, classic voyages. This division was established in 1999 when the shipyard came under the ownership of Leonardo Ferragamo. In 2002, the popular one-design classes Swan 45 and later ClubSwan 42 were introduced. Models like the ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 80 further solidified the brand’s sporty direction, creating a clear distinction from the classic “Swans.” With the launch of the ClubSwan 43, Nautor Swan has once again sought to merge these two concepts, sparking significant excitement around this transformative model.



The ClubSwan 43 is even more versatile than any previous one-design in the lineup. In addition to class racing, the new yacht is designed to excel in rated ORC regattas and, when needed, transform into a fast and comfortable cruiser. At the same time, it is significantly more accessible than its larger sister, the immensely popular ClubSwan 50.

The creation of this new model was not without challenges. Initially, the yacht was planned to be built by a partner yard in the UK, with a length of 41 feet. However, the project grew to 43 feet, and production was moved to the main shipyard in Pietarsaari, Finland. This decision underscores the shipyard’s commitment to ORC racing. The ClubSwan 43 now occupies an intermediate position between the ORC A and B classes, allowing owners to register in either category.

“It will be thrilling to see the CS43 compete both in real-time and in handicap races,” says naval architect Juan Kouyoumdjian. “Our starting point was the ClubSwan 42, a boat that has performed successfully in ORC racing for many years and set a very high standard. We are confident we’ve surpassed it.” The Argentine architect faced a wide range of challenges, including meeting specific comfort requirements. These demands led to the creation of a unique one-design yacht with a broad range of options in aesthetics, functionality, and racing performance.



The hull design of the CS43 is modern but not overly aggressive. The yacht features a vertical bow, a narrow forward section, and a wide stern with the familiar concave curvature above the chine.

The designers managed to create two competitive ORC configurations: one as a one-design with large racing sails and another optimized specifically for ORC. In the latter configuration, the square-top mainsail (standard for the one-design) is replaced with a traditional triangular mainsail, and 250 kg is removed from the keel to comply with ORC rules, which favor lighter keel-end designs.

The hull and deck are constructed from glass composite reinforced with carbon fiber using vacuum infusion technology. The mast, boom, and bowsprit are made of carbon. In its racing configuration, the CS43 weighs 7.5 tons.

The cockpit of the ClubSwan 43 is spacious and functional. Its V-shaped design ensures a comfortable working environment for the crew during races, while a carbon-composite table can be installed for cruising.



The twin steering wheels are placed wide apart and positioned forward for better visibility. The 174-square-meter gennaker is deployed through a bow hatch and stowed through the saloon.

The ClubSwan 43 easily transforms from a racing yacht to a cruiser. To make the switch, simply replace the mainsail with a smaller one and install an anchor windlass. Optimizing the yacht for ORC racing requires a bit more effort and the use of a crane to access the L-shaped keel.

The interiors were designed by Lucio Micheletti, an architect and yachtsman who has previously collaborated with the shipyard on larger Swan models. For the CS43, he created a sleek and elegant design using lightweight and eco-friendly materials.

The interior layout follows a classic configuration with two aft cabins, a symmetrical saloon, an open galley, and plenty of storage space. However, thanks to Micheletti’s style and execution, the ClubSwan 43’s interior reaches a new level. The open and flexible space provides a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, making the yacht ideal for both racing and leisurely cruising. “I tried to organize the space while imagining all the activities that could take place on board,” Micheletti explains.



The interiors of the ClubSwan 43 are lightweight in the literal sense. Cork wall panels are attached with Velcro and can be easily removed. Ceiling panels are also quickly detachable, thanks to a Fastmount system. The table can be stowed away with minimal effort. In total, over 300 kg can be removed from the living area before a race.

For those seeking additional comfort, an optional package includes a diesel heater, a fridge-freezer, and a cockpit shower.

It is expected that the CS43 fleet will grow to around 20 hulls within the next five years. The new model will make its racing debut at the Rolex Swan Cup off the coast of Sardinia this September.