Frers Design

Three generations of Argentine naval architects, from the Swan 51 to Ciao Gianni

From Buenos Aires to Milan, a three-generation family studio

The studio was founded in 1925 by Germán Frers Sr. in Buenos Aires. It designed nearly 600 sailboats for South American clients, including the classicsFjord (1947) and Trucha II (1954, 2nd in the Bermuda Race). His son Germán Frers Jr. (born in 1941) took over in 1970 after training at Sparkman & Stephens in New York (1965–1968), and opened the studio internationally. The third generation, Germán "Mani" Frers, joined in 1992 after studying at Southampton Institute and operates from Milan. The studio has produced over 1,300 unique designs.

Specialty: large series cruisers, offshore racing, superyachts

Frers covers three areas: series cruising for major European yards, offshore racing (Admiral's Cup, Whitbread, Transpac, Bermuda Race) and custom superyachts from 30 to 60 m. The studio won the Whitbread Round the World Race in 1981–82 withFlyer II. Mani Frers also worked on three America's Cup campaigns (Il Moro di Venezia 1992, Prada/Luna Rossa 2000, Victory Challenge 2003 and 2007).

Yard partnerships

The key partnership is with Nautor's Swan, started in 1983 with the Swan 51 and still active (over 40 years, including the Swan 60, Swan 88, Swan 115, Swan 128). Frers also designed most modern Hallberg-Rassy models (notably the HR 370), as well as series for Wally, Hylas, Sirena Marine, Baltic Yachts and Beneteau.

Skysat on board

Skysat worked onCiao Gianni.