Nautor Swan 65, VENATOR

Broker’s Comments

Built as JUTTA and delivered new by Nautor in 1973, VENATOR is a classic Sparkman and Stephens Swan 65 ketch – but like no other!

The vessel was the subject of a most complete restoration, finished in 2006. She was winner of the “Best Maintained Swan” award at the Rolex Swan Cup 2006, and the subject of an article in Club Swan magazine one 2007 and other magazines at the time.

The restoration that took place between 2004 & 2006 involved an “investment” of a figure in excess of 1.8 million Euro. The yacht was in effect stripped and refitted throughout. All new wiring, new fittings, all new plumbing, various areas were rebuilt, renewed engine bay and equipment. On deck she was completely upgraded with new teak decks, new flush hatches, many new or renovated s/s parts, refitted / repainted masts, and new rigging … the list is almost endless!

The Dutch owner who made the restoration went on to acquire and refit another S&S design. In 2010 VENATOR was sold to a British owner.

During that ownership, the yacht saw light use for family cruising. She was based initially in southern Spain but later in Mallorca. She continued to be maintained in top condition. During the winter 2014-5 she has had a further refit including new instrumentation and many other electrical and system upgrades.

In December 2015 VENATOR was sold in Palma to the current owner. An aficionado of S&S Swan yachts he also has a Swan 41’. Since his purchase, the owner has maintained VENATOR impeccably and made various refits and improvements – by his own admission he is a perfectionist, and this is clearly visible when you see VENATOR (and when you read the list of works undertaken 2016-2024!). The recent restoration and upgrades by the current owner were recognised in 2018 with the award of the prestigious Zeppelin Cup for best kept Classic S&S Swan.

For a period from September 2023 until December 2024 VENATOR was laid up ashore, under a cover in Badalona and not used – but still cared for. I visited her several times in that period. She was then launched, commissioned, and relocated to Marseille and is now under the care of a captain and in “tip top” condition, ready for sailing.

VENATOR is a unique yacht – a superb example of this classic S&S design and yet also by nature of her systems and equipment she is modern, stylish, and state of the art. The vessel has been lovingly worked by people who have not spared effort or money to rebuild, restore, maintain, and improve this wonderful yacht.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who has ever thought of buying a classic S&S Swan 65 – but feared buying an “old yacht”.

Owner’s Comments

VENATOR has offered our family and friends some of the most memorable moments of our lives. She has made possible some of the most incredible experiences, from participating in the Rolex Swan Cups held in Sardinia to unique moments in uncharted anchorages. She is a sailing yacht like no other. She can be fast and taut, and she can be relaxed and supremely comfortable. She is always unfussy. And wherever we go she is admired and loved. She is a total head turner.

A memorable moment must be at the Voiles de Saint Tropez when the J Class VELSHEDA came up alongside us as we were sailing along and gave us a huge thumbs up with many of the crew wishing to come for a sail. Really no higher praise could be imagined.

Below decks she is similarly unparalleled. She is exceptionally beautiful and exudes a ships charm not found in a more modern yacht. At sea she is all calm and peace below decks which has meant that our less experienced friends and family have always felt supremely comfortable and relaxed whatever the conditions. From an equipment perspective she appears incredibly unfussy and yet has everything you need.

VENATOR is an unparalleled yacht, and we feel very fortunate to have been her most recent custodians. We know that her next owners will no doubt find her exceptional as we have.