1973 Nautor Swan 44/050

Step below and you’re reminded why these early Swans are so revered: warm teak joinery, seakindly layouts, and hardware that feels purpose-built, not ornamental. The 44/050 carries that trademark S&S sheerline and deep cockpit that keeps crew secure when pressed hard. Her rod rigging, robust chainplates, and heavily glassed hull-to-deck joint are all about confidence when the barometer drops. Underway, the long fin keel and skeg-hung rudder track straight in a seaway, yet she’ll still thread into a tight berth with a light touch on the helm. This is a yacht that rewards a sailor who trims by feel and appreciates a solid, quiet motion offshore.

A Swan 44 of this vintage is perfectly suited to the mix of conditions you’ll find here: light summer zephyrs, shoulder-season fronts, and the odd boisterous system rolling through. The hull shape settles into a comfortable groove in short, confused chop, while the generous ballast keeps her on her feet when the breeze pipes up. You can pick your way through intricate shorelines with confidence thanks to her predictable handling and powerful auxiliary engine. When the temperature drops or fog settles in, a dry, warm interior turns a long passage into a pleasant one, making this 44 an appealing choice for sailors who don’t stop when the season turns.