Swan 38 S&S (1 Ton) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Swan 38 S&S (1 Ton) emerged from a fertile period for Nautor's Swan, a time when the Finnish yard, founded by Pekka Koskenkyla in 1966, was forging its identity through collaborations with Sparkman & Stephens. Nautor's vision was to produce high-quality, high-performance sailing yachts using modern fiberglass construction techniques, a significant innovation for the era, while upholding traditional boat-building excellence. During the Swan 38's production run from 1974 to 1979, Nautor's Swan was renowned for its commitment to robust construction and spirited sailing capabilities, traits that are clearly evident in this model.

Sparkman & Stephens, a legendary American design firm, were instrumental in shaping the classic Swan lines, conceiving many iconic early models, including the Swan 38. Their design philosophy for the Swan 38 aimed to create a versatile cruiser-racer, a yacht that could excel on the race course while providing comfortable accommodations for extended cruising. The "S&S magic" is frequently cited by owners, particularly praising the boat's upwind performance and balanced handling. While the core design remained consistent, variations in sailplan existed, notably the "One Ton" sailplan, optimized for IOR racing, and reports of a "tall rig" option further indicate a focus on performance within class rules. A total of 116 hulls were built during its production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Swan 38 S&S (1 Ton) is celebrated for its superb sailing characteristics and balanced handling, a hallmark of Sparkman & Stephens designs. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 14.73, the Swan 38 is a powerful sailing boat that can carry its sail well, particularly in moderate to heavier air. While not designed as a pure light-air flyer, its robust build and powerful sailplan ensure consistent performance.

The ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.388 (38.8%) indicates good initial stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a significant amount of wind and contribute to a comfortable motion offshore. This is further supported by its displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 345.58, which categorizes it as a heavy displacement vessel for its waterline length of 28.71 feet. This substantial displacement translates to a comfortable ride in a seaway, with the boat maintaining remarkable consistency in varying conditions.

Owners consistently praise the Swan 38's beautiful handling on all points of sail, particularly its prowess to windward, where it can be trimmed for excellent balance. It is known for its "superb handling and sea keeping abilities," making it well-suited for open sea passages in all weathers. With a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder, the boat offers precise control and a responsive helm. Its theoretical hull speed is calculated at 7.18 knots, indicative of a vessel designed for efficient passage making and competitive racing performance.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Swan 38 S&S (1 Ton) was considered quite roomy for its era, offering comfortable living spaces below deck. Typically, the layout provides sleeping accommodations for five people. Forward, a traditional double V-berth is found, offering a dedicated sleeping area. The main salon usually features settees that can serve as berths, often with a pilot berth above one side, and a central drop-leaf table for dining.

The galley is generally situated to one side, equipped for offshore cooking, while the navigation station is located opposite. A marine head is typically positioned between the forward cabin and the salon. While specific headroom figures are not consistently available, the design aimed for comfortable interior volume. Access to the aft cabin layout, if present, has been noted by some as a potential drawback. Overall, the interior finish reflects Nautor's Swan's commitment to quality, with robust joinery and thoughtful use of materials characteristic of high-end yachts of the 1970s. The boat carries a water capacity of 53 gallons.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Swan 38 S&S (1 Ton) frequently express deep admiration for their vessels, often describing them as a "classic cruiser-racer" that one "just has to sail during your lifetime". The boat's solid construction and exceptional build quality from Nautor's Swan are consistently highlighted as major strengths, contributing to its longevity and seaworthiness. Owners particularly laud the yacht's "superb handling and sea keeping abilities," appreciating its comfortable motion and ability to tackle open sea passages in all conditions. Many also note that the boat is manageable for sailing with just two people.

While the Swan 38 is a highly regarded design, some common points of discussion among owners include maintenance considerations typical for a yacht of its age. Some owners have noted the presence of keel cracks, although in some cases, these have been reported as stable over many years. Upgrading older systems, such as replacing original autopilots with more modern below-deck units, is also a common project. Despite these typical age-related maintenance items, the collective sentiment among owners remains overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the enduring appeal and robust nature of the Swan 38 S&S (1 Ton).