Overview – Sparkman & Stephens and the Swan 40

Sparkman & Stephens is a well-established American yacht design firm, known for creating vessels that combine performance, stability, and quality construction. Founded in 1929, the company has designed many successful racing and cruising yachts.

The Swan 40, built by Nautor Swan in Finland in the early 1970s, is regarded as one of their most successful models. The design offers a practical balance between competitive performance and comfortable cruising, with clean lines, a strong hull, and reliable handling.

About the Swan 40 ‘Odette’

Built in 1972, Odette is a fine example of this classic design. Crafted in Finland by Nautor Swan to the Sparkman & Stephens Swan 40 plan, she measures 11.98 metres overall with a GRP hull and fin keel, providing both strength and stability at sea.

She is powered by a Perkins 4108 inboard diesel engine producing 51 horsepower, with 3,161 recorded hours. This engine, serviced in 2024, offers reliable performance both in harbour and under way.

Accommodation and Equipment

Below deck, Odette offers practical accommodation finished with timber joinery. Her layout includes a single head and living spaces suitable for both short trips and extended cruises. She is equipped with hot and cold pumped water, a calorifier with immersion, a working cool box/fridge, a 2-burner hob and cooker, and 240V shore power.

Odette – Fittings and Upgrades

Odette has benefited from a significant programme of investment in recent years. Some of the most notable upgrades include:

• New Stainless Steel Standing Rigging – 2025 (£7,000)




• New Selden Furlex 304S – 2025 (£5,000)




• New Axiom Chart Plotter on Console – (£3,500)




• New Running Rigging – 2025 (£2,000)




• New Raymarine Wind Indicator and Wind Speed Package – 2025 (£1,800)




• Four New Batteries (2 domestic, 1 start, 1 windlass) – 2024 (£600)




• New Steering Cables with Refurbished Steering – 2025 (£300)




• Seacocks Serviced – 2025 (£200)

Total investment in these key upgrades alone: over £20,000.

In addition to these major works, Odette has received many other recent improvements, including new mast wiring, LED navigation and deck lights, a stack pack, lazy jacks, gas box, bilge pump, immersion heater wiring, alternator, starter motor, propeller and anode, safety equipment (fire extinguishers, detectors, alarms, flare pack, Dan Buoy, lifering, serviced lifejackets), as well as a solar panel, new fenders, galley fittings, and fresh antifoul (Hempel Tiger Xtra, 2025). Her electronics are comprehensive, with radar, AIS, autopilot, multiple Raymarine displays, Navtex, and SSB radio.

Summary

The Swan 40 is a proven and respected design, and Odette has been extensively upgraded with over £20,000 of recent investment in her rigging, electronics, and systems. She represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a capable and well-equipped yacht with classic Sparkman & Stephens pedigree, ready for both cruising and club racing.