Overview – Sparkman & Stephens and the Swan 40Sparkman and 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 and 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 EquipmentBelow 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 UpgradesOdette 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.Sparkman and Stephens and the Swan Nautor 40 DesignFounded in 1929 by the esteemed naval architects Olin Stephens and his brother Rod Stephens, Sparkman and Stephens (S&S) has established itself as a paragon in the realms of yacht design and naval architecture. With an impressive portfolio that spans over eight decades, S&S is renowned for its innovative and performance-driven designs, contributing significantly to both racing and cruising yachts. The firm's legacy is characterised by a commitment to quality, functionality, and aesthetic elegance, making it a respected name among sailors and yacht enthusiasts alike.Nautor Swan and the Swan Nautor 40The Swan brand is synonymous with luxury, performance, and high-quality craftsmanship in the sailing world. Established in 1966 by Pekka Kaurila in Finland, Nautor’s Swan quickly gained recognition for producing high-performance yachts that combined elegance with unparalleled sailing capabilities. The collaboration with S&S has resulted in the development of several iconic models, including the revered Swan Nautor 40.The Swan Nautor 40, designed in the early 1970s, is a quintessential example of S&S's design philosophy. Measuring 12.0 metres (39 ft) in length, this yacht exemplifies a harmonious blend of classic lines with modern sailing technology. The Nautor 40 is celebrated for its remarkable performance both on the racing circuit and during leisurely cruising. Design Features and PerformanceThe Swan Nautor 40 features a sleek, low-profile hull that enhances its speed and agility on the water. The design incorporates a fin keel and a balanced rudder, providing excellent stability and control. With a powerful rig and a generous sail plan, the Nautor 40 can navigate challenging conditions with ease, which is a hallmark of S&S's racing pedigree.Internally, the Swan Nautor 40 is designed for comfort and functionality. Accommodations typically include a spacious saloon, well-equipped galley, and multiple sleeping quarters, making it suitable for extended voyages. The combination of high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship further enhances the overall experience onboard.Reputation and LegacyThe association between Sparkman and Stephens and Nautor’s Swan has resulted in a legacy characterised by excellence. The Swan Nautor 40 is not only a testament to S&S’s design prowess but also exemplifies the enduring reputation of Swan yachts for their durability and performance. The model has garnered a dedicated following over the years, making it sought after in the yachting community.In conclusion, Sparkman and Stephens, through its collaboration with Nautor’s Swan, has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern sailing. The Swan Nautor 40 stands as a distinguished vessel that encapsulates the ethos of quality, performance, and luxury that both entities represent. Whether for racing aficionados or cruising enthusiasts, the Swan Nautor 40 remains a quintessential yacht that promises an exceptional sailing experience. SummaryThe 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.