A NEW SAILING IDOL IS BORN: RAIJIN, SECOND SWAN 128 LAUNCHED
The second hull of the Swan 128 has been successfully launched at Nautor Swan’s Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC), marking another milestone in the evolution of the yard’s maxi yacht range. This new masterpiece has been named Raijin, after the Japanese god of thunder, lightning and storms.
The Swan 128 represents the pinnacle of Nautor Swan’s production, setting a benchmark in the world of maxi yachts for both technology and design. Compared to the first hull, Be Cool, Raijin introduces notable differences in interior styling as well as in her energy management and propulsion system.
“We consider the Swan 128 the ultimate expression of our evolution,” said Giovanni Pomati, CEO of Nautor Swan. “She combines the purity of our design lines with comfortable interiors and a wide use of advanced technologies. This second hull features a Dual Energy Technology, reflecting our vision of sailing self-sufficiency, producing the energy needed on board and extending range without relying on diesel engines.”
The dual energy technology has been developed in collaboration with Danfoss, leveraging extensive expertise in marine propulsion. The system optimises energy production and consumption at every stage, reducing fuel use and emissions. While sailing, energy can be generated and stored for later use, both for electric propulsion and onboard systems, with the aim of avoiding generator use at anchor. The yacht is equipped with a main electric motor with a variable-pitch propeller, two 130 kW Cummins generators and a 30 kW Fisher Panda generator. Via a variable-pitch propeller and electric drivetrain, the system can generate up to 30–50 kW of power regeneration while sailing. A large hotel battery bank with a capacity of 189 kWh enables up to 8 hours of fully silent operation with all systems running.
Naval architecture is by German Frers, with exterior design by Micheletti+Partners. The interior layout and styling have been developed in close collaboration between Architect Misa Poggi, Architect Antonie Bertherat and Heini Gustafsson of the shipyard’s interior team.
While the first Swan 128 featured teak interiors, Raijin introduces a refined palette centred around crown-cut oak with a matte finish, enhanced by warm white ash panels and natural rattan inserts. Upholstered elements with classic pinstripes and a colour palette inspired by sky blues and sunlit ochres create a sophisticated and contemporary atmosphere on board.
Faithful to the Swan philosophy of a performance cruiser, the Swan 128 is designed for long ocean passages while remaining competitive on the regatta circuit. Her hull is optimised for performance across a wide range of speeds, maintaining balance and control even at varying angles of heel. A double rudder system ensures precision and responsiveness, while a generous sail plan delivers both power in light winds and ease of handling in more demanding conditions.
Despite her size, the yacht offers remarkable sensitivity at the helm and exceptional onboard comfort, with a moderate heel angle allowing full usability of all living spaces under sail. Raijin represents a significant achievement for Nautor Swan and the entire shipyard team. In just a few weeks, she will be ready to sail in the Mediterranean, with her debut scheduled at the Rolex Swan Cup in Porto Cervo this September, where she will join the fleet in celebrating the 60th anniversary.
