The Swan 47 is a sailing yacht designed by Sparkman & Stephens and built by Nautor's Swan, a Finnish boatyard known for producing high-quality sailing vessels. The Swan 47 was first introduced in 1975 and remained in production until 1984. It is considered a classic bluewater cruiser and has gained a reputation for its excellent performance, seaworthiness, and luxurious accommodations.
The Swan 47 features a sleek and elegant design with a moderate displacement hull, a fin keel, and a skeg-hung rudder. It has a length overall (LOA) of 47 feet and a beam of 14 feet, providing ample space both on deck and below deck. The yacht's construction is known for its robustness, utilizing a solid fiberglass hull and a deck made of balsa core sandwich construction.
The interior of the Swan 47 is well-appointed and designed for comfortable cruising. It typically offers a spacious saloon with a dining area, a well-equipped galley, and multiple cabins. The layout can vary depending on the specific model and owner preferences, but most versions include a master cabin in the bow, guest cabins, and a head with a shower.
In terms of performance, the Swan 47 is highly regarded for its sailing capabilities. It is known for its excellent upwind performance, stability, and responsiveness. The yacht's rigging typically consists of a masthead sloop configuration with a large mainsail and a genoa or jib. The sail plan is designed to be easily handled by a small crew, making it suitable for both short-handed and fully crewed sailing.
The Swan 47 has been used for various purposes, including long-distance cruising, offshore racing, and even as a liveaboard vessel. Its versatility, durability, and timeless design have made it a sought-after yacht among sailing enthusiasts. Despite being a classic design, the Swan 47 continues to be highly regarded in the sailing community and is often considered a benchmark for performance cruising yachts.
