Between the concept renders and its launch, the life of a new build is typically shrouded in mystery. Other than releasing a couple in build sneak peeks or snapshots of the keel laying, shipyards tend to keep the build process behind closed doors. That is why these photos from Nautor's Swan offer an uncommon look into the faces, stages, rituals and places of a shipyard at work on its new flagship, the Swan 115-001. If these images capture anything, it is that in this industry, the talent and scale of the process is almost as beautiful as the final product.
All images courtesy of Nautor's Swan and Carlo Borlenghi
The lamination process in Kållby's plant in Finland, a stunning blend of materials,
layers, fibers, textures.
layers, fibers, textures.
The lamination process in Kållby, Nautor's Swan plant dedicated to plug and mould fabrication and the lamination of all the hulls
Laminating
Laminating
On the drafting table.
Under the upside-down hull of Swan 115-001 at Nautor's Swan Boatbuilding Technology Centre in Pietarsaari, Finland.
The extensive Teak Library at the joinery in Kronoby, Finland where all the teak samples from all the Swan yachts ever produced are saved and archived.
Every piece has its own place, every tool belongs somewhere, every hand knows exactly where to go at any given time.
Inside Nautor's Swan joinery in Kronoby, Finland. Perfect hand-eye coordination, tools, handcrafted furniture.
Some of the faces behind the build.
According to the yard, technology and design go hand-in-hand. Paper and pen are just as important as digital.
In a world ruled by machines, the human touch is still the most important ingredient for excellency. Working on the hull of Swan 115-001 at BTC in Pietarsaari, Finland.
