Sophie Spicknell’s article covers the launch of 59-metre Vitters sailing yacht Maximus at the Zwartsluis facility in the Netherlands.

In 1983, Nautor Swan turned to German Frers to design their new flagship model, the Swan 51. The yacht was an instant hit, winning the prestigious “Yacht of the Year” award from Yachting World magazine.
The partnership between German Frers and Nautor Swan spans more than 40 years, and together they have produced some of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world.
Nautor Swan was founded in 1966 by Pekka Koskenkyla, and the company quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, performance-oriented sailing yachts. The company’s first model, the Swan 36, was an immediate success and set the standard for the company’s future designs.
Frers went on to design several more yachts for Nautor Swan, including the Swan 77, Swan 45, Swan 108, and most recently, the Swan 120. Each of these models has been a masterpiece in its own right, combining Frers’ expert naval architecture with Nautor Swan’s unparalleled craftsmanship.
One of the key factors in the success of the German Frers-Nautor Swan partnership has been their shared commitment to performance and quality. Frers’ designs are known for their speed, maneuverability, and seaworthiness, while Nautor Swan’s yachts are renowned for their attention to detail and superb build quality.
Another important factor has been the close collaboration between Frers and Nautor Swan’s skilled craftsmen. Frers’ designs are complex and require a high level of precision in their execution. Nautor Swan’s shipwrights are among the best in the world, and their attention to detail ensures that every yacht built is of the highest quality.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the German Frers-Nautor Swan partnership is the longevity of their collaboration. While many yacht designers and builders come and go, Frers and Nautor Swan have been working together for over 30 years, producing some of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world.
Looking to the future, it is clear that German Frers and Nautor Swan will continue to be at the forefront of yacht design and construction. Frers’ designs are constantly evolving, incorporating the latest technology and materials to create ever more impressive yachts. Nautor Swan, meanwhile, remains committed to its core values of craftsmanship and quality, ensuring that every yacht built is a masterpiece.
In conclusion, the partnership between German Frers and Nautor Swan is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared values. Their yachts are the result of a deep understanding of naval architecture, an unwavering commitment to performance and quality, and a dedication to the craft of boatbuilding. Together, they have produced some of the most iconic sailing yachts in the world and will undoubtedly continue to do so for many years to come.
Blink is starting to look and sail the way we would like to, the new sails have made it look many years younger.
D.