Overview
The Swan 38 is a Sparkman & Stephens design from Nautor’s Swan in Finland, built from 1974 to 1979, with 116 built according to sailboatdata.com. Its place in this catalog rests on its ocean racing record: 3 different boats of the design have finished the Pacific Cup from San Francisco to Hawaii or the Newport Bermuda Race in the official results.
Design and Construction
sailboatdata.com lists the underbody as fin with rudder on skeg, 38.25 ft overall on a 28.71 ft waterline, with 11.55 ft of beam and 6.3 ft of draft. Displacement is about 18,300 lb with 7,100 lb of ballast, and the masthead sloop carries about 686 sq ft.
Ocean Racing Record
Gaylark (Kaighn Smith) finished the Newport Bermuda Race (2000, 2006). Spirit (Imbriale) finished the Newport Bermuda Race (2000, 2002). Inevitable (Jeffrey C. Smith) finished the Pacific Cup (1986).
A 2003 boats.com review of the Swan 38 said it is a pleasure to look at and an even greater pleasure to sail, and that sailors who want solid windward performance and a boat that stands up to a blow would find it a good choice.
