Mythical qualities are associated with Swans, which are regarded as the best yachts in the world. One of these myths is the "mysterious Finnishness", without which a Swan would not be a Swan. That is why Swans have to be built in Finland.

The unique special features of a Swan have been refined and developed at Pietarsaari in Finland for 37 years. The entire staff i.e. salesmen, designers, supervisors, project managers and constructors are extremely proud of the work they do at Nautor, which these days is under Italian management.

"This pride is transferred with the work to each Swan. We have the desire and ability to give content to the myth. We build our own myth every day," says Mikael Still, the general affairs director.

Behind Swans' superb sailing features lies the highest possible quality. Nautor uses only the best raw materials and components in the world and also the world's leading boat designers. The staff turnover at Nautor is very low, which keeps the quality of work at an even level.

It is, therefore, no wonder that Simone Marconcini, who heads the operations at Pietarsaari, has said "Swans can't be made anywhere else than in Finland."

Quality threshold stays high

Nautor's new model, the Swan 45, is a Nautor newcomer in many respects. Produced in series form with contract manufacturers, it is more sporty and aggressive that earlier Swans. As a one-type boat, each Swan 45 is (almost) similar and they can compete on an even basis without any handicapping. Compared with other Nautor production (1 to 10 boats of the same model annually) Swan 45 represents "volume production", which means that more than 20 of them are built every year.

As a product, the Swan 45 has met with an extremely favourable reception and its performance has come in for praise. The one-type concept has raised the technical threshold to new heights and made production tolerances more important.

Still says that the networking operating method does not in itself differ from the 'normal' operating method. You must still stay on schedule and deliver top-quality goods and components. You must only learn to achieve these things with co-partners. The importance of communication is given greater emphasis.

About 90 per cent of Nautor's turnover traditionally comes from the USA, Mediterranean countries and northern Europe. Nautor's market shares in the chosen segments rose during the previous upturn between 1998 and 2001, and expectations have a following wind again.

"We've invested in a new range of models, new technology and production methods, new production facilities and staff. We're ready for the next upturn," Still confirms.

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The "mysterious Finnishness" makes a genuine Swan the best yacht in the world.