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Leonardo Ferragamo: The fashion magnate behind Nautor’s Swan’s remarkable rise

• Toby Hodges
• August 13, 2020

Fashion magnate Leonardo Ferragamo has cultivated Nautor’s Swan into the world’s most respected yacht brand. Toby Hodges find out how he did it...

Photo: Nautor's Swan

If there is one yacht marque that every sailor knows, and can probably recognise even at a distance, it’s Nautor’s Swan. This famous Finnish yard has been owned for more that 20 years by an Italian, Leonardo Ferragamo, who has not only taken it through choppy waters, including a recession and now a global pandemic, but he has helped expand it into the most ambitious, innovative yacht brand in the world.

Swan is as popular now as it has ever been, with an order book to envy. An aggressive investment strategy over recent years has revamped the firm and led to a broad range that now includes cruising and racing yachts from 36-125ft.

But how does someone whose business is in fashion come to own a yacht building company? Ferragamo insists there are strong ties between the worlds of fashion and sailing. “It is about branding, it is about international marketing, about a product that needs to be done because of the substance, the contents, the reliability and the beauty that you can put in a product.”

The ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone is Ferragamo’s eighth Swan. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

When he bought the controlling interest in Nautor’s Swan in 1998, his overriding desire was to create a high-end brand. So how and why did he do it?

I connect with Ferragamo via video, as is the custom during isolation times. He sits at a varnished table in his Florentine home, with books and family photographs backlit on the bookshelf behind him. He has a healthy glow and looks younger than his 67 years.

Leonardo is one of six children born into the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion kingdom. He admits it was a privilege, yet says it never seemed that way. “At all times it felt like we were being pushed to take the hard route in life and always working for your own result,” he says.

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Leonardo’s father Salvatore established a legacy when he became known as the shoemaker of the stars – Marilyn Monroe famously wore his 4in heels in the movie Some Like It Hot . He opened his Hollywood Boot Shop in the 1920s and, after the Wall Street Crash, he founded the headquarters of Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence in 1938, where it remains today (including a museum housing Ferragamo patents). Salvatore died in his early 60s when Leonardo was just seven years old.

Family first

Leonardo is quick to credit the success of the present day Salvatore Ferragamo business to his mother: “My mother had been the driving force of the era after my father’s passing away in 1960, having been left with six kids from 18 years old to two-and-a-half, and a company that was based only on my father, my father’s personality, his creativity, his ability to do business.”

His mother, Wanda Miletti, was over 20 years younger than Salvatore and despite having no practical experience of the business she took control of it, expanding it into the global luxury goods retailer we know today.

Ferragamo empire founder Salvatore Ferragamo, shoemaker to the stars

At this point in our discussion Ferragamo leans in towards me in considered, happy reflection: “She was left with this and she took it in a wonderful way, with modesty, but with a lot of strength, and she was able to be a fantastic mother and a great driver in the company.”

Family is important to Ferragamo. His father was one of 14, he is one of six, and he has four children of his own. He paints a picture of family unity and business acumen from an early age.

“I was number five out of six, with the rest of the family entering into the business as soon as they were out of high school. So the business environment was very dominant in my growing up and I remember that I couldn’t wait until I got out of high school too and start giving a contribution to my family activity.”

Learning the trade

Ferragamo began working in the family firm in 1973, after studying business administration. [As a time reference, this was also the year that the Swan 65 Sayula II ’s triumphant campaign in the first ever Whitbread Round the World Race began]. “I started as an assistant to my cousin who was technical production director – a fantastic person, he is now 90 years old and he puts the same passion in his business as he did when he was a young guy.”

Ferragamo has always been driven. He describes a period 40 years ago when he was helping to create a men’s line of shoes for the American market. “It was a fantastic time because we always felt the challenge of bringing to the world what was inside us, like the style, the sense of quality, the Italian aspect.”

In the late 1980s Ferragamo pushed for the international development of the family company. Up to 85% of turnover was through wholesale in the US. “So that’s when I came up with the proposal to my family ‘let me take care of the rest of the market’. I was basically living on a plane and travelling the world, which I did constantly for at least 15 years,” he explains.

Ferragamo at the helm of Cuordileone . Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

After achieving his export goals at Salvatore Ferragamo, in 2000 Leonardo moved to the family’s other holding company, Palazzo Feroni Finanziaria, which is focussed on real estate, hospitality and a chain of boutique hotels. He remains the CEO today, while he and his siblings are still directors in the Salvatore Ferragamo group. His attention was also being drawn to Nautor’s Swan.

“And then on my personal side I got involved in the nautical sector, acquiring the company that I respected the most, by far,” he stresses. “I was in love with what they were doing and I had the ambition and took the challenge of taking it through difficult times that they were facing….”

In 1998 the challenge was to build up the Nautor’s Swan brand and, says Ferragamo, take the struggling company into the third millennium.

Victory at Copa del Rey in 2019. Photo: Martina Orsini

Ferragamo the sailor

Although his family is originally from Naples, Ferragamo was born and raised in Florence. He started sailing in his teenage years with his older brother Ferruccio on a Flying Dutchman. “I just loved the racing,” he recalls, something which has repeatedly shown itself throughout his custodianship of Nautor’s Swan.

“Thereafter started a period of cruising in a very leisurely way, until I boarded a Swan for the first time.” His first yacht was a secondhand Swan 51, and that was the beginning of his infatuation with Swan yachts. “I became more and more close to the company and the strong desire to get involved in it came up very sharply,” he explains.

Buying a shipyard because you like the product could be likened to buying a restaurant after enjoying the food. And if your experience is in fashion, why gamble with something as far removed as yacht building?

The Nautor’s Swan main factory on the Gulf of Bothnia at Pietarsaari, Finland

“I felt that there were so many areas of improvement and bringing this yard the branding reputation which I thought it deserved. So after a few years thinking about it, it happened.”

“Out of a yard I wanted to create a brand,” Ferragamo explains. “Becoming a brand means you want to control all the key ingredients that are around your product.” Ferragamo placed immediate emphasis on product development.

“It was about modernity, new systems, new constructions, new materials – product is always key. But at the same time it’s also about taking care of your customers… being close to all your customers is very important,” he believes.

Ferragamo with long-time Swan designer German Frers

Ferragamo was also quick to establish a bond with someone he felt critical to the continuity of the yard. German Frers had been the primary designer for Nautor’s Swan since the early 1980s (and remains so today).

“There is no [greater mark of] success for a product than to be recognised, identified when you see it at a distance, when you don’t read the brand name but know it is a Swan. To preserve that identity, that quality, it was paramount to do it with one [designer].”

Strength in the brand

Ferragamo presided over the yard with a respectful approach. Change was not abrupt. He moved Nautor’s main offices in Finland to its current facility by the water in Pietarsaari in 2002. He also looked to strengthen the Swan ‘family’, which he has achieved through events, racing and the development of the ClubSwan line.

He explains how they built on the bedrock of the existing Swan Cup, with other Swan branded events including the Swan European and American regattas.

Ferragamo still enjoys handicap racing, but during his more recent tenure there has been a steady shift towards one-design racing within Nautor’s Swan. He argues that this makes for an efficient purchase and higher resale price – and lower running costs for a high level of racing.

He also champions an owner-driver rule. “Maybe it will take him some time to perform at the best but there is so much pleasure in doing it your own way, learning from your own mistakes and challenging yourself.”

Ferragamo and the Nautor’s Swan founder, Pekka Koskenkylä. Photo: Linda Tallroth-Paananen

Nautor’s Swan’s robust return to the one-design world came in 2016 and for Ferragamo personally this was a second lease of racing life. He wanted to mark Nautor’s 50th anniversary in an appropriate way and rather than just look back at the past, they sought an innovative new product to take them forward. No one can deny that they developed one in the ClubSwan 50.

Together with the ClubSwan 36 , which launched last year, Swan and designer Juan Kouyoumdjian have produced two of the boldest, most radical production yachts to date.

Ferragamo has been actively racing his own ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone and clearly remains besotted. When developing the project, he particularly wanted to introduce a special competition for Swan owners to enjoy. This has become the biannual Nations Trophy, around which a whole league of racing has formed. It had 41 One Design yachts from 14 countries participating in the second edition held last October in Palma.

The names of Ferragamo’s yachts are a reference to, or amalgamation of, his children’s names, including his cruising yacht, the Swan 115 Solleone . Photos: Carlo Borlenghi

I can’t help but to wonder how the racing side equates financially, particularly when we have seen a rapid decline in yacht racing in recent years. Ferragamo concedes that the majority of the Swan business is in cruising yachts, but feels that the racing format they have developed is “something we owe to the sailing industry.”

Nautor’s Swan today

In the past few years Ferragamo and his shareholders have invested heavily in Nautor’s Swan. They have pumped over €10m into the waterside Boatbuilding Technology Centre (BTC) in Pietarsaari, which involved relocating three manufacturing plants to create a more efficient production system.

Its range is perhaps the broadest of any manufacturer, with six new models in production and turnover has responded accordingly, rising by 55% last year thanks to a €120m order book and the delivery of 28 yachts.

Swan 115 Solleone ’s grand saloon

It’s abundantly clear that Ferragamo’s enthusiasm for Swan remains as fervent as ever. “There are areas I feel tremendously at heart and I will always be present in those,” he says of his personal input today.

“One is product development, which is something I feel extremely strongly about. I just love to be involved and try to give a contribution in what is developed.”

Ferragamo sees the secret to his success as growing up in a challenging family: “It was very important – challenging with serious and very deep values and principles.

Victory at the Rolex Swan Cup Caribbean in 2017. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

“And I feel my Neopolitan blood has given me the passion and determination to pursue the things I believe in. I only move when I have a strong feeling about what I am supposed to do.

“We say ‘throw your heart over the obstacle’ – so let your determination, your vision, your passion, move you forward.”

Ferragamo in brief

Alle Querce College, Florence, graduated in 1972 University of Imede, Lausanne, Switzerland, Business Administration Degree, graduated in 1980

Current titles

CEO Palazzo Feroni Finanziaria Chairman of Lungarno Alberghi Director of Salvatore Ferragamo, Ferragamo Finanziaria and Executive Vice-President of Fondazione Ferragamo Honorary chairman of Altagamma Founder and chairman of Associazione Partners Palazzo Strozzi Chairman of Nautor Holding, which owns Nautor’s Swan, Camper & Nicholsons and Marina di Scarlino Honorary Member of Academy of Fine Arts of Florence Commander of the Order of the Lion of Finland Honorary Consul General of Finland for the regions of Tuscany and Umbria Member of Fondazione CR Firenze

Career highs

“I like to think that I’m a good father, which is an important thing that I will treasure.”

Career lows

“Sometimes you should learn from mistakes and do it again in the proper way rather than moving to something else.”

Favourite yacht

“At the moment it is the ClubSwan 50. It has given me the same passion and adrenaline I had when I was racing the Flying Dutchman. I also have the privilege of my cruising yacht, a 115ft Swan, which I adore.”

Sailing hero

“Olin Stephens. We met when he was in his mid 90s and he had his laptop under his arm with all the files of all the boats he had designed. And of course he was the first designer of Swans.”

Business icon

“As a person? Enzo Ferrari.”

First published in the July 2020 issue of Yachting World.

The motor yachts by Nautor Swan

In January 2021 Nautor Swan, the celebrated Finnish luxury sailing yacht constructor, pushed once again its limits by entering the motor boat market with Swan Shadow.

Born from the passion that Leonardo Ferragamo has for the marine world, the Swan Shadow is broadening the range of vessels the Finnish yard offers to its customers, perfectly aligned with the core elements of its brand DNA: Performance, Quality, Elegance.

These core elements, and the values of design and innovation deeply rooted in Nautor’s heritage, are also at the base of the concept of Swan Shadow, destined to become a timeless icon.

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On board with serial sailing superyacht owner Leonardo Ferragamo

Sailing superyacht owner Leonardo Ferragamo talks shoes, sailing and his seventh Swan – the just-delivered Solleone – with Sacha Bonsor and Stewart Campbell

Opportunism runs thick in the Ferragamo family blood. When the 1929 crash abruptly brought the United States to a halt, Salvatore, a young Italian who had been wooing Hollywood with his shoe-making skills, quietly packed his bags and returned home. A couple of years later, despite Mussolini’s sanctions, his newly created “wedge shoe” – involving a heel made of solid cork – was so popular that it allowed him to buy parts of the Palazzo Spini Feroni, a majestic, medieval palace in the heart of Florence. No sooner had WWII ended than Salvatore’s revolutionary metal stiletto heel and gold sandals took off – with a little help from Marilyn Monroe – enabling him to buy the whole Palazzo and, more crucially, symbolise Italy’s return to life via what it had always done best: design.

The Palazzo has remained the Ferragamo HQ ever since, and design the bedrock of the family brand as it has grown through subsequent decades to include a diverse and ever-expanding portfolio of accessories, men’s and women’s wear, and hotels. The fifth of Salvatore’s six children, Leonardo, 62, also has a passion for the sea – and for yacht-building.

Like his five siblings, Leonardo has devoted his life to the family business (they all remain shareholders) and held various senior roles, including taking charge of, and rapidly expanding, its men’s shoes and leather goods empire.

He has also bought a controlling interest in the Finnish boatbuilder Nautor’s Swan . By 2000, the avid sailor was the chief executive officer of Palazzo Feroni Finanziaria SpA, the holding company for the family’s diverse businesses – and already owned two Swans. The chance to mix business and pleasure was, it seems, too good to miss.

We are sitting around a large table at Ferragamo HQ, an office that has become so big that the family had to buy the next door buildings as well. Ferragamo’s heritage is never far from sight – giant frescos of shoes meet the eye on entering the lobby – but Leonardo’s boat lair on the first floor is suffused with his passion for sailing, from the replica of a room-length Camper & Nicholsons painting of yachts on the Solent (the original is housed in Leonardo’s home: Nautor’s Swan bought the company in 2001), to the model-sized Flying Dutchman on which Leonardo learnt to race, aged 15, and which he still owns.

This immaculately dressed CEO is fizzing with energy today, thanks to his excitement about his next meeting. After our interview he will fly to Porto Cervo to meet Solleone , his newest, boldest and most exciting yacht to date: his 115 Swan, delivered only weeks ago.

“This boat has a lot of meaning,” he says. “To me it represents the pinnacle of the Swan production and is one of the most advanced and well balanced Swans ever built. I love the straight lines from the maximum beam to the stern, the double rudder, the elegance, the technicality. It has a very modern performing line, but at the same time it retains the Swan elegance. I also think that the interiors are astonishingly beautiful.”

As with all Leonardo’s yachts – and the hotels that Ferragamo also owns, a division run by Leonardo’s younger brother Massimo – Michele Bönan is the man to thank. Leonardo initially came across him in the pages of  Architectural Digest . “We started the hotel side of the business in 1996 due to a desire to extend the experience you get from Ferragamo fashion,” says Leonardo. “So the design, obviously, had to be coherent with our lifestyle. At that time hotel design was very repetitive, very beige, and we really wanted to create a feeling of home. Just as I do on my yachts. So that was when I started looking at lifestyle magazines and came across Michele, a fellow Florentine and an architect. So if you are looking for the feeling of Ferragamo at Nautor’s Swan, you most likely find it in some of our interiors.”

Solleone is Leonardo’s seventh Swan, her name derived from merging his own name with those of his eldest two children, Maria Sole and Edoardo. She is the second-largest Swan yet built and the result of a two-year dream. His race boat, Cuordileone (Lionheart) is a Club Swan 42, its moniker a nod to the name of his third child, Ricardo. And his fourth child, Martina? “Well, I have to sort that one out!”

It is not by chance, says Solleone’s owner, that she has been delivered the year before Nautor celebrates its 50th anniversary. “It represents the future and by that I am not just referring to its size. The mission has always been to bring this iconic brand into the third millennium, by building on Swan’s philosophy – less revolution, more evolution.

“I came to the company with an immense respect for what they do. The first time I went to visit the yard in Finland was as an owner of my first Swan 51, 10 years before my involvement in the business, and I was amazed. This was not an industry but a conglomerate of craftsmen. They work with their hands, passing on their talent from generation to generation; these are the same families who built ships for some of the greatest navies in the world: the British, the Scandinavians. So I wanted to treasure that, and add strong direction, new skills only where gaps needed to be filled.”

Fortunately for Leonardo – and for Nautor’s Swan – this ability to treasure the old and keep it not just relevant but forward-thinking, was something that had been ingrained in him since childhood. “My father left his children with an amazing heritage – not just the name, but a tangible product, and 14,000 different shoes and sketches and silks, which are now housed in our museum and archives that we have always treasured and referred back to.”

The skills and abilities at Ferragamo have also proved a very smart fit with this northern sensibility of craft, says Leonardo. “The Italians are all about marketing, style, elegance and aesthetics, but of course we share a love of yachting. We may not have been building navies but we have one of the most wonderful water basins in the world, so our attitudes were very complementary.”

In every respect? “Well, aside from one,” he smiles. “That of pride! Both the Italians and the Finns are full of pride. And when pride gets in the way, it becomes like a stone in the wheel!” He has therefore seen his role more as referee than CEO, carefully guiding the company to a turnover of €60 million. “The upside of pride,” he says later, “is that it injects an extra energy to make something extra special, and better than anything else.”

Although Salvatore was not a boating man, Leonardo’s love of the sea started at a young age, he says, thanks to his older brother Ferruccio’s passion for racing. “We would race together on the Flying Dutchman until it led to such friction that we had to get one each, and then we raced each other!” His sister Fulvia is a Swan owner and all the siblings enjoy the sailing lifestyle. “I have always believed that being on a boat is the best way of spending time with your family,” says Leonardo. “I know I will get into trouble for saying this, but sailing adds an extra element to the boating lifestyle and the family experience. You need to use your brain, you need to work together, and you get so much more out of it as a result.”

That Ferragamo opportunism was well applied upon completion of Solleone at Nautor’s Swan’s yard in Finland. Leonardo decided to deliver the boat himself, taking the helm for the journey out into the Atlantic and into the Med. “It was raining, it was foggy, the wind and waves were always from the front. It was challenging,” he says.

But worth it. “It was a little bit emotional arriving in Gibraltar, where you stretch out and your hands are almost touching Europe and Africa, from one continent to another. It was quite extraordinary.”

With his passion and drive Leonardo is steering Nautor’s Swan in an exciting direction, effortlessly mixing north European expertise with Latin style – an intoxicating combination shown off so brilliantly in Solleone . The only question being, what’s next?

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Nautor’s Storied Swan Yachts Set the Industry Standard—Here’s How They’re Made

From first sketch to final sail..

Danielle Cutler

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The Swan 78

Last year marked 20 years that the Finnish sailing-yacht builder Nautor’s Swan has operated under the ownership of Leonardo Ferragamo, passionate sailor and son of designer Salvatore Ferragamo, who bought the yard with a group of investors in 1998. Pekka Koskenkylä started OY Nautor AB in 1966 in Pietarsaari, Finland, by building a design by the noted naval-architecture firm Sparkman & Stephens: the 36-foot racing Swan 36 featuring a fiberglass hull. Nautor launched the first Swan 36 , Tarantella, in 1967. (The storied sailboat was moored at the yard’s docks on a recent visit.)

By 1968, British sailor Dave Johnson was winning races and garnering acclaim for the new shipyard, which to the present day has built more than 2,000 vessels between 36 and 131 feet, from performance cruisers to serious racers. New models include the Swan 78 shown here—which debuted just last year—as well as the ClubSwan 36, Swan 65, Swan 98, ClubSwan 125 and Swan 120, the last being the latest. All are designed and handcrafted at the renowned—and recently renovated and expanded—Boatbuilding Technology Center (BTC) facility in Pietarsaari.

Witness a Nautor racing yacht under sail at any of the races and regattas in the Swan brand’s ever-increasing lineup.

A Racing Resource

Sketching out the next model  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

Germán Frers, who has designed Swan sailing yachts for 20-plus years, works with the rest of the Buenos Aires–based Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering team, shuttling among Argentina, Italy, and Finland. As we said goodbye at the airport last summer in Helsinki after a freezing-cold sea-trial in the Baltic Sea aboard the first Swan 78, which he designed, I asked where he was off to next. He replied, “Roma! For the regatta!”

The Swan 65’s deck  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

You can see the size of this yacht in relation to the craftsmen standing on the wooden framework of the plug of the deck. Like the rest of the models in this series of yachts, the midsize Swan 65 is an oceangoing blue-water yacht that was conceived as either a family-crewed boat or one managed by a professional crew to be used as a racing, cruising or casual-use vessel.

Safety First

A Swan 78 foam-cored glass fiber hull  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

The hull of this Swan 78 sailing yacht is made of foam-cored glass fiber, reinforced with epoxy as well as carbon-fiber unidirectional reinforcements. It stands at the ready in the shed for Nautor’s boatbuilders to start placing insulation, laying cable and fitting out the yacht. Nautor’s Swan vessels are known for their solid seafaring and safety record.

Go, Go Gadget

Sculpting the deck  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

A robotic milling machine extends the reach and precision of the human arm to sculpt the plug of the yacht’s deck.

Easy Does It

Placing the furniture  Photo: Courtesy of Nautor

Craftsmen carefully hoist and place the hand-built furniture into the hull, which already has the system’s wiring and plumbing installed. Nautor employs a “teak hunter” who handpicks the wood that will be used for veneers, which are stitched onto the plywood, foam-core furniture.

Danielle Cutler started covering yachts, marinas, and the yachting industry in 2005. Besides writing and editing yacht content for Robb Report, Danielle has worked for Yachts International and the…

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Parent item expand the sub menu, balenciaga spring 2025: high, tall and oversize, golden goose ceo silvio campara talks ipo, strategy, exclusive: christopher esber, 3.paradis and meryll rogge among finalists for andam fashion awards, sanlorenzo yachts, leonardo ferragamo’s swan explore partnership.

Sanlorenzo and Sawa, a company owned by Leonardo Ferragamo, revealed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to evaluate possible "joint strategic opportunities" between the two firms.

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SHIPS AHOY: Leading Italian maker of made-to-measure yachts Sanlorenzo and Florence-based Sawa, a company owned by Leonardo Ferragamo , revealed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Thursday.

Sanlorenzo said in a statement that the agreement involves an exclusivity period to evaluate possible “joint strategic opportunities” between Sanlorenzo and Sawa’s Nautor Swan Group, a company known for its sleek Swan sailing yachts.

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The first women's regatta in america's cup history will come with a trophy designed by an archistar, ferragamo sales decline in first quarter.

Revenues generated by Italy’s nautical sector as a whole surged 20 percent in 2022 to 7.33 billion euros, according to the nation’s Marine Industry Association. By comparison and according to the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN), France’s boating sector registered 4.95 billion euros in sales in the nautical industry and services between 2021 and 2022, the last fiscal year reported.

A strategic partnership with a leader like Sanlorenzo would allow Swan to innovate and upgrade on a sustainable level and would further strengthen its “long-term vision,” Ferragamo explained in a statement.

“A strategic partnership with Sanlorenzo Group would offer several opportunities to move forward on this virtuous path with joint investments in innovative technologies, in sustainability, and in a more extensive service network for our customers globally,” he said.

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Leonardo Ferragamo: A True Force of Nautor Swan

Continuing the legacy of the luxury fashion brand Leonardo Ferragamo talks about family business as well as his great love for sailing and Tuscany

Leonardo Ferragamo has devoted his life to the family business, the luxury goods empire. It was his passion for sailing that took him to Nautor Swan, builder of performance sail yachts, recognised worldwide for their perfect combination of style, quality and performance. He is also an Honorary Chairman of many associations, whose objectives are to promote art and culture for the good of Florence.

Ferragamo and Nautor’s Swan

Your father left behind an amazing heritage and you and your siblings have continued the family business. How did Ferragamo become a luxury, lifestyle brand? After his first success as a young man in America, my father Salvatore Ferragamo sought a place in Italy in which to manufacture his creations with the extraordinary quality that he desired. Florence seduced him with its beauty, its unparalleled culture and most of all, the artisans, which had become the custodians of its history. It was 1927, he gave us all a gift that has positively influenced our lives: growing up and living in Florence, a constant source of both professional and personal inspiration. This year, we celebrate his incredible determination, creativity and vision with a special exhibition held at the Salvatore Ferragamo museum, named ‘1927 the return to Italy’: the return to order in the arts, the return to professional skill and to the great national tradition.

Quality, seaworthiness and craftsmanship are the core values for a timeless sailing brand, such as Swan. I always had a soft spot for Swan yachts and a deep admiration for Finnish craftsmanship, explained Leonardo Ferragamo

Florence and art can’t be divided from your company and lifestyle? Personally, I feel very close to Florence. It is still today one of the few Italian cities with a truly international feel, in which cultural and creative talents thrive, from designers to craftsmen and artists. It is active and alive.

Besides fashion, your great love is sailing. Why did you decide to invest in Nautor Swan back in 1998? I always had a real passion for the sea and for sailing. My first Swan was a 51 and I will never forget the incredible feeling she gave me during navigation. Quality, seaworthiness and craftsmanship are the core values for a timeless sailing brand, such as Swan. I always had a soft spot for Swan yachts and a deep admiration for Finnish craftsmanship. So, in 1998, I decided to invest in the yard.

What convinced me to embark on this adventure was the unparalleled craftsmanship and the incredible strength of the brand. But, the yachts needed a strong push, an evolution towards the future, an endorsement of the basic values that had made this brand so strong. I have loved all the Swans that I have had the privilege to sail and to own. After the Swan 51, I had a Swan 68, a Swan 82RS, a Swan 601, a Swan 45 and the ClubSwan 42. Now I have the privilege to sail the new innovative OD ClubSwan 50 Cuordileone as well as the first flagship of the yard, the beautiful Swan 115 Solleone.

Sailing in Croatia

Nautor Swan is an iconic brand. What does it mean for you? A Swan represents a guarantee of timeless excellence. It embodies a perfect union of style, comfort and performance and I’m always looking out for winning signs and indications that we can evolve and implement in the future. The same values are the basis of the Salvatore Ferragamo fashion mission. Iconic brands, with their own unique soul and specific formulation.

Can you tell us more about your commitment to the property management and luxury rental market in the Tuscan area? Tuscany is centrally located in Italy and attracts a great number of tourists, both from Italy and overseas, who come here every year for their holidays. Its mild climate, gorgeous landscape, historical and artistic heritage and of course the amazing cuisine and wines all make Tuscany an ideal, year-round vacation spot. Marina di Scarlino is a unique, full-service marina in a stunning setting. Its unique concept combines luxury, waterfront accommodation (with apartments and suites available to both rent and purchase) with all of the advantages of a modern, fully equipped marina.

Scarlino is positioned in the Tuscan Maremma, famous for its unpretentious charm and classic beauty: here you can truly get away from the beaten track. You can hike, bike, explore the hills on horseback, discover tiny old villages and experience friendly hospitality; all while immersing yourself in history, art and culinary delicacies. Think of it as a place where peace, tranquility, good homemade food and wine are king. A paradise for the discerning visitor.

Have you ever visited Croatia and this part of Adriatic? Yes, I have been to Croatia a couple of times and we enjoyed the lovely islands you have. I remember one anchorage in the crystal waters surrounding the island of Sveti Klement, Pakleni Islands. We also very much liked Hvar island and its town.

Text Darko Šupuk

Photos Nautor Swan

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40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 29 May 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

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Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

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A SWAN IS A SWAN

Nautor Swan is an iconic name in the sailing world, whose current glory is rooted in its history. Founded in 1966, Nautor Swan is recognized all over the world for its performance sailing yachts. The key elements of the brand are elegance, quality, performance, innovation and reliability. With a state-of-the-art facility based in Pietarsaari, a Global Service with four hubs in the Med and 18 service points, the divisions ClubSwan Racing, Brokerage and Charter, Nautor is a brand with 360° activity.

GLOBAL SERVICE

Nautor Swan Global Service is the guardian angel for all the Swan owners around the world, offering refit, maintenance but also racing assistance, original spare part supply, technical consultancy and surveys, yacht management and Gardiennage, with the spirit to achieve the owners expectations and enhance the Swan experience.

By buying yacht through Nautor Swan Brokerage you will have access to our know-how and experience, as well having the benefit and comfort of dealing with a team that has acquired fifty years of market leadership. As specialists in all matters related to the ownership, charter, technical service, and operation of Swan yachts, the team can support you every step of the way.

Nautor Swan Charter have the knowledge and experience to ensure your sailing vacation will be unforgettable. The team of professionals will work for you to find the perfect yacht and crew to explore your preferred sailing destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or wherever your heart desires. A luxury yacht charter offers all you could imagine and more, from absolute relaxation to breath-taking adventure and treasured family moments.

Nautor Swan has organized a spectacular 2024 ClubSwan Racing season with an exhilarating globetrotting calendar that offers something for everyone across the entire Swan Rating and One Design range.

Every season the level of competition – passionate but friendly – goes up another notch as the teams gain more experience, and 2024 is showing all the signs that it will be the best year yet.

LATEST NEWS

NAUTOR SWAN LAUNCHES THE GATEWAY TO HIGH-PERFORMANCE RACING: CLUBSWAN 28

Nautor Swan is proud to announce the highly anticipated launch of the ClubSwan 28, a yacht based on the concepts of simplicity, quality and, of course, pure One Design speed. The ClubSwan 28 is poised to enter One

SWAN BONIFACIO CHALLENGE: THE NATIONS LEAGUE LANDS IN CORSICA

The ClubSwan 36 and ClubSwan 50 fleets will be in Bonifacio, Corsica, for the first time, racing in one of the most beautiful and stunning leg of water in the world. ·      The Nations League lands in Bonifacio wi

BOATBUILDING TECHNOLOGY CENTER OPEN DAYS 2024

The 2024 Nautor Swan launching season kicks off with eleven yachts already launched, including two Swan 88, with a total of twenty-four yachts expected to leave Finland before Midsummer. As this marks a significan

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Visit Swan 58 at Salone Nautico di Venezia

May 29 th – june 2 nd.

Dock P3 – berth 325

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