This 68 footer was developed by Håkan Södergren in 2008 as a taller sister of Swede 55. At first sight it is the same boat just bigger due the sailor saying. Actually, Swede 68 is 15 feet (4.57 metres) longer, nearly three feet (80 cm) wider and designed with a raised freeboard. This would offer more room below deck.
Swede 68, a dream for the Cruising Square Metre Boat sailor
Södergren looks back on almost 300 designs today, including the Swedish IAAC America’s Cupper Tre Kronor and few 80 to 90 foot cruising yachts. As one of the leading Scandinavian naval architects he is known for his Helmsman Range, the Sirena 38 and Cayenne. As an accomplished engineer with four decades background Södergren started working on Swede 68 in 2007. Similar to his Helmsman yachts he gave Swede 68 a fairly full-bodied run, an aesthetic deviation from Swede 55. Thus, the design obtained a counter similar to an Etchells instead of a Soling.
Further the concept obtained a modern U- instead of the V-shaped hull of the Knud Reimers designed Swede 55. Swede 68 should easily travel with 13 knots. As an elegant owner’s boat, she comes with three well separated cabins. The master bedroom aft below the cockpit, a guest/pilot cabin on the starboard side with two bunks above each other and a V-berth in the forward cabin. The engine is located near the centre of gravity and easily accessible from all sides for convenient maintenance.
Stretched sheer line and mahogany-clad deckhouse – Södergren Yachts/Oscar Södergren Design
The design is ready to be built at Rosättra Varv AB in Norrtälje east of Uppsala. This well reputed yard is known for its Linjett range of medium-sized quality sailboats. If Swede 68 were launched with the planned displacement, the high SA/D ratio/Segeltragzahl similar to contemporary race boats appears promising. In 2014, the price tag on this eye-catching racer was 2.2 Million € plus VAT.
