Plenty of owners step up to bigger boats. Not so many, though, plan to do so while sharing the wheel with their crew. There was never any other thought for the owners of Cygnus Montanus, who, with their family members, are seasoned bluewater cruisers. Their recent delivery from Yachting Developments is made for easy, shared operations on long voyages. More to the point, the 111-footer (33.83-meter) is meant for making many more happy memories in camaraderie and comfortable, relaxed living.
The owners enjoyed global travels aboard their previous sailing yacht, a Swan 77. (They’ve owned her for more than a decade, too.) For the new sloop, the extra length would permit more family to come along, plus of course more comfort. They didn’t, though, want a significant-size crew. Cygnus Montanus still needed to be manageable by a small number of hands, no matter the conditions. Frers Naval Architecture prioritized that, along with ensuring she was fast and responsive. Further important: ensuring the deck layout was practical so that all, from the owners to the crew, could tackle tasks properly. Among the smart features aboard Cygnus Magnus are a roller furling boom and a telescopic keel. Carbon fiber construction keeps her light. Her carbon fiber mast rises 166 feet (50.5 meters) high, too.
The interior of the owners’ Swan 77 served as the starting point for the new Cygnus Magnus. Teak enveloped the smaller yacht’s spaces, paired with teak and holly soles. Treasures from the owners’ travels appeared from room to room. Similarly, Cygnus Magnus has a traditional wood interior, using panels made of teak, fabric, and painted surfaces, plus teak and sycamore soles. (Yachting Developments’ in-house joinery department executed all woodwork.) Together, Adam Lay Studio, the owners, and their captain created a cozy, informal, and inviting atmosphere. A nice touch: antique finishes on door handles and bath fixtures, to avoid fussiness.
Additional nice touches aboard Cygnus Magnus include a hide-away piano keyboard in the saloon’s coffee table. You’ll get a good look at it in our gallery below. Just opposite the accompanying large settee is an equally large TV. The full-beam (26’4”, or 8.06-meter) saloon is outfitted with skylights and plentiful ports to let daylight stream in. Because of the friendly relationship between the family and crew, plus shared duties, a guest cabin sits adjacent to the nav station and galley. For resale, though, the quick installation of a door can provide guest-crew separation.
Overall, the interior of Cygnus Magnus is much like that of an open-plan home. While staterooms are private, of course, both fore and aft, the common areas are flowing spaces. Traditional colors and practical fabrics keep her ageless. Skylights in areas like the master let those aboard enjoy flowing, fresh breezes. It all comes together in an eminently family-friendly package.
ALL PHOTOS: Matt Crawford
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