Although conceived as a performance yacht it is as a cruising yacht that most 48's now excel, The Sparkman and Stephens Swan 48 is widely considered to be one of the most iconic blue water sailing designs of all time. It is well-balanced, stable, and seaworthy, capable of handling various weather conditions and long passages. It is also fast and responsive, with good upwind performance and reaching speed.
The Swan 48 was in production between 1971 and 1975, with 46 hulls built intotal and was designed to rate under the I.O.R. (International Offshore Rule) and at the same time to offer the comforts of a great cruising boat. Because of this design criteria and its extremely strong structure, the S&S Swan 48 suits very well for trans-ocean racing as well as comfortable cruising and even circumnavigating the world;
The Swan 48 is famous for its two wins in the Newport-Bermuda Race, a prestigious offshore sailing event that covers about 635 nautical miles (1,176 kilometres) from Newport, Rhode Island to Bermuda.
The first win was by 'Noryema VIII' in 1972, skippered by Ted Turner, and the second win was by 'Constellation' in 1992, skippered by John Winder. The S and S Swan 48 hasalso participated in other notable races and events, such as the Fastnet Race,the Sydney-Hobart Race, the Transatlantic Race, the ARC (Atlantic Rally forCruisers), and the World ARC
Having been sailed up from the med single handedly, Hush is ashore for viewing here at Hamble Point marina with MIchael Schmidt and Partner.