The Swarbrick S97 is a strong choice for club racing thanks to its responsive handling, light displacement, and efficient sail plan tailored for Australian conditions. Designed by Kim Swarbrick, it features a tall rig and deep lead keel for excellent upwind performance. Its GRP foam-core construction offers a stiff, durable hull, enhancing speed and responsiveness. Many S97s come race-ready with quality gear like Harken winches and updated electronics. With a competitive IRC rating and proven race history, it’s ideal for sailors wanting an affordable, well-balanced yacht that’s fast, fun, and capable of winning in club or offshore events.
Mechanical
Volvo 2002
18hp
Hours unknown
Sail drive
Sail drive seal last replaced - plus 7 years
2 bladed folding prop
Electrical
2 x 12 v batteries - require replacing
Shorepower lead
Navigation
Cockpit
Chartplotter - Raymarine Hybrid Touch
Tiller pilot - Raymarine i Series
Speed - Raymarine i Series
Depth - Raymarine i Series
Compass
Chart table
VHF/DSC - Standard Horizon GX2000
Sails, Spars and Rigging
Fractional rig – Offers better control over mainsail shape and easier depowering in gusty conditions.
Aluminium mast & boom
Deck-stepped with swept-back spreaders, reducing the need for running backstays and simplifying tuning.
Adjustable backstay
Boom vang
Standing rigging - plus 10 years
Running rigging - requires cleaning/ replacement
Slab reefing main
Furling headsail - Seldon
2 x spinnaker poles
Sails - All from 2015 by Quantum but due to circumstances hardly used
Main
Genoa
Code Zero
Asymmetric Spinnaker
Set up for 2 handed racing with IRC certificate
Uses Furling headsail rule for ease of sailing 2 handed
Interior & Domestic
6 berths in 2 cabins plus saloon
1 x heads with holding tank
Pressurised cold water
Galley with gas grill and 2 ring burner
Sink
Fridge
Fusion stereo with speakers
Deck
Tiller steering
GRP deck - painted and in need of a repaint
Open transom
Aluminium toe rails
Pushpit and pullpit corners
Guardwires and stanchions - currently removed
Full width cockpit mainsheet traveller
2 x Anderson 28 ST coachroof winches
2 x Anderson 40 ST cockpit winches
2 x Anderson 40 spinnaker winches
Boarding ladder
Sugarscoop transom
Safety
Epirb - requires servicing
Manual bilge pump
Canvas
Stackpack
Documentation
Evidence of 5 years clear title - transfer document to current owner - 2011
Evidence of UK VAT status - 2014 import documents
RCD status - this yacht is being offered for sale for racing only and has no RCD certificate*
*a post construction assessment (PCA) would be required to be carried out if you intended to use the yacht for cruising