{"id":3828418,"date":"2025-03-25T11:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T11:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berthonscandinavia.se\/?p=3828418"},"modified":"2025-03-25T12:09:28","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T12:09:28","slug":"quality-swedish-craftsmanship-a-brief-history-of-najad-yachts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/berthonscandinavia.se\/en\/berthon-blog\/quality-swedish-craftsmanship-a-brief-history-of-najad-yachts\/","title":{"rendered":"Quality Swedish Craftsmanship – A Brief History of Najad Yachts"},"content":{"rendered":"

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The Najad Shipyard, in Hen\u00e5n on the island of Orust, is an iconic Swedish shipbuilding company located just a hop and a skip away from Berthon Scandinavia\u2019s offices. Since its inception, Najad have been dedicated to constructing a diverse range of high quality cruising yachts from 30 to 60 feet. All are meticulously designed to provide not only an enjoyable sailing experience but also a source of delight for their owners, offering a balanced mix of performance, comfort and safety at sea.<\/p>\n

The History of the Najad Shipyard<\/h2>\n

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The Island of Orust and its surroundings has long been synonymous with the build of high quality sailing yachts and the island is also home to Hallberg-Rassy, Mal\u00f6 Yachts, Regina af Vind\u00f6 and Sweden Yachts among others. With its shipbuilding legacy dating back to as early as the 12th century**, Orust provided an ideal setting for the establishment of Najadvarvet AB by two dedicated yachtsmen, Berndt Arvidsson and Thorwald Karlsson, in 1967.<\/p>\n

Najadvarvet\u2019s journey began with the construction of the first Najad in 1971, a 34-foot yacht designed by Olle Enderlein. This yacht marked the beginning of their legacy in constructing high quality yachts, seamlessly blending reliable sailing performance with enduring, timeless design.<\/p>\n

Bernt Arvidsson retired in 2005, and sold the yard to Alfred Van Wincoop from the Netherlands, with a minority shareholding held by an investor group headed by Berthon USA\u2019s Alan Baines. During this time, several new models were introduced in rapid succession, with a new modern interior styling by Rhoades Young. These included the evergreen 440 CC and AC, the 405, 355, 505 and of course the flagship of the range, the Najad 570. The US based investor group sold its holdings in early 2008 to new owners from the UK and Norway.<\/p>\n

The financial crisis was brutal for the entire boatbuilding industry and the yard also suffered, hence Najadvarvet AB was acquired by Nord West Yachts. Renamed Najad AB in 2014, the yard has continued its commitment to building high quality bluewater cruising yachts, designed with a focus on ease of handling by a crew of two, and the capability for comfortable offshore sailing and planet circuits. The company has recently gone full circle and has bought back its original boatyard in Hen\u00e5n. Alongside ship building, the premises also thrive as a storage and service yard and marina with well over 200 yachts in storage. Unsurprisingly the majority of these are Najads.<\/p>\n

Najad\u2019s Current Yacht Range<\/h2>\n

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Najad 395
\n(Centre Cockpit \/ Aft Cockpit)<\/h3>\n

The Najad 395<\/strong> is a collaboration between Najad, Farr Yacht Design and Ken Freivokh Design. The interior has been thoughtfully designed with a choice of either a two or three cabin layout and with either one or two heads compartments. There is plenty of opportunity for customisation with a large optional inventory.<\/p>\n

The 395CC<\/strong> is a modern bluewater cruising yacht with a spacious well-protected centre cockpit, that is perfect for safe and comfortable ocean crossings.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Equally suited to long distance cruising or coastal cruising, the 395AC<\/strong> has a spacious Caribbean-style aft cockpit with twin helm positions.<\/p>\n

Najad 505CC Next Generation<\/h3>\n

The Najad 505CC<\/strong> designed by Judel\/Vrolijk is full of updates and improvements on previous Najads. With classic lines, this centre cockpit yacht excels on the water and added to the obvious Najad DNA comes a light and bright interior with easy handling and rewarding sailing performance.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Najad 451
\n(Centre Cockpit \/ Aft Cockpit)<\/h3>\n

Designed by Najad and Judel\/Vrolijk & Co, the Najad 451<\/strong> is a distinctive yacht. Despite being only 45 feet, she is remarkably efficient on the water and her helmsman will find her very responsive. The 451 delivers comfort below decks and a modern, elegant interior with clean lines, abundant natural light and masses of volume for her size.<\/p>\n

The 451CC<\/strong> is designed with the focus on cruising in comfort from the safe, well-protected centre cockpit.<\/p>\n

The 451AC<\/strong>, is an aft cockpit yacht with twin helms and is perfect for social cruising and island hopping. She also has a sunbed on the aft deck.<\/p>\n

Najad 570CC<\/h3>\n

Thee 570CC<\/strong> is conceived and built to cross oceans, with straightforward technology for easy maintenance. She has a light and airy interior with sweeping deck saloon windows, open deck areas and twin helms in a fully enclosed cockpit.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n

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Historical Models from 1971 \u2013 2009<\/h2>\n

The enduring popularity Najads of all ages is evident, and are all popular on the brokerage market where their high quality Orust build and good design are as relevant now as when they first launched. Berthon always has a number of Najads available for sale and we specialise in the brand.
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