You know that I have a special connection to Scandinavian Yacht Design since I´ve started sailing. I learned the tricks and twists aboard an X-442, my first own yacht was a Pelle Petterson designed Kings Cruiser 33 which was made in Finland and you have read my various articles on Scandinavian Yachts, be it classic or contemporary designs, like Arcona or Baltic Yachts. Now, with my legendary Omega 42 in the build, this love story continues.
You may also have read my articles on the Shogun 43 and the wonderful Linjett 39 a few weeks ago. I was happy and lucky to get to know the designer of these yachts, Oscar Södergren. With him, a young, upcoming name in the business, not unlike Matteo Polli a few years ago, I will produce some more articles. But I found it extraordinarily interesting when he mentioned his own father, Hakan Södergren. Who turns out to be one of the most prolific names in Swedish yacht design! What an exciting chance! As Peter Norlin has sadly deceased in 2012 and Pelle Petterson cannot be contacted for some reason, this is my chance to talk directly to a living legend! And here we are …
Talking to one of the last big names in Swedish Yacht Design
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “You have been a deciding figure of Scandinavian yacht design in the 70ies and following decades: Why was Sweden in particular such an epicenter of yachting?”
Hakan Södergren: “Well, you just take a look at a map showing our countries and you will see it. Sweden and Finland have a unique coastline. We are happy to be blessed with one of the world’s largest archipelagos with literally thousands of islands, inlets, bays and anchorages. Our culture is a heritage of seafaring folks, so sailing I´d say is in our genetic code. All this has created a great demand for boats and boating in general, leading to a sailing culture that our countries share.”
NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Since two or three decades I´d say, more and more “Mediterranean” yachting began to be the deciding factor in yacht design. Since this “takeover” many well know Scandinavian brands and shipyards disappeared or shrunk to niche-size. How did you experience this decline?”
Hakan Södergren: “Well, first of all, I would say that the Mediterranean sailing area in particular and the production of boats adapted to the rental and charter business never really became a big business in Scandinavia. One may say that this focus on our local habits and market was a mistake, maybe. However, the charter business has become a very important part of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, creating a huge business and transforming the whole sailing world. Also, the great developments in racing, such as of large racing yachts like the TP 52 and so on has also developed more rapidly in the Mediterranean and internationally. It was maybe inevitable that other brands took over which were very powerful in entering this new market.”
NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Nevertheless, many brands survived. Hallberg-Rassy was able to secure its position as a high-class builder, other, smaller shipyards like Luffe, Faurby, Arcona and Linjett found their niche and still offer great boats – what are, in your opinion, the main reasons for people to opt for “Scandinavian” brands nowadays?”
Hakan Södergren: “I would say that first and foremost the level of quality is a big thing. The Swedish, Scandinavian and of course the Finnish shipyards have a very high quality in comparison with the rest of Europe´s brands. Our approach to making a boat, the high building standards and level of craftsmanship are well known around the world. Nautor and Baltic Yachts are undoubtedly two of the most famous high-class yacht builders in the world. Hallberg-Rassy has pretty much “stolen” the market for that type of boats and is for many people the reference in luxury boatbuilding and the absolute dream boat. So, for me, it´s the no compromise approach in building quality that makes a Scandinavian yacht so special.”
NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Let´s talk a bit about your designs, which comprise an impressive selection of names. You´ve lived through the times with your boats, decades of experience. What would you say are the main differences between a modern-day Linjett and a, let´s say, classy Helmsman from the past?”
Hakan Södergren: “I’m guessing that when you say a classic Helmsman boat, you mean my long narrow boats like Lady, Carrera? This is pretty easy: The big difference compared to present day Linjett boats is of course the width. This is the way to add considerably more space. There are two completely different characters on a boat. In the years after Helmsman, I designed a series of wider and more spacious boats.”
NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Looking onto the awesome collection of yachts you have designed over the past decades, can you name your own, let´s say, top three designs you´ve ever did and why they are so special and dear to you?”
Hakan Södergren: “Oh. Well, to be honest, for me it is almost impossible to name any particular boat among all the completely different types of boats I´ve done so far. I like them all and many of them can be said to be my favorites, really. But if you ask me to choose, I can possibly mention two that I myself have sailed a lot with. And those created so many nice memories. This would be the Carrera 38 and Tarac 33.”
NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “As I understand right, you are still in some ways active and involved in designing boats – do you work together with your son Oscar? How does this “family business” feel – as a father but also as a professional? Can you spot similarities to your past self and what are the differences in the works of your son?”
Hakan Södergren: “Yes, yes, of course! I am at the age of eighty right now and surely I am not as active as when I was younger. But I am still working. I have had the great fortune to have a collaboration with not just one, but two of my sons: Oscar and Fredrik. Fredrik is a civil engineer and works in the ship industry, which means big ships. With his knowledge, he is a great asset for me when I feel that my own knowledge might not be enough. My other son, Oscar, is a well-educated industrial designer with a great interest in the yacht industry. Oscar and I have worked together with, for example, the Shogun boats. I´d say that he also has a lot of the skills I lack, which together makes us a very strong team.”
NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “If you could choose, what would be a project you´d absolutely love to be hired to develop – maybe an IMOCA racing yacht, a new luxury sailboat or an ice breaker?”
Hakan Södergren: “Well, Lars, as much as I would … I wish I could answer you honestly on that question but maybe I will have an answer later this year.”
That sounds like something is about to be unveiled in Stockholm. For now, Hakan, thanks so much for this insight into your work!
Pictures with permission by Södergren Yacht Design, Hakan Södergren´s picture by © Nautipedia
You might also be interested in checking out these articles:
What is so special about Scandinavian yacht design?
A day at Luffe yachts
Superior sailing: Racing the legendary Omega 42 in strong winds