Listing Highlight: 44′ Nautor Swan 441 1979 | FAIRWELL

1979 Nautor Swan 441 Arrives With Extensive Caribbean Refit

The 1979 Nautor Swan 441 named FAIRWELL represents a pivotal moment in yacht design history. Ron Holland developed this model directly from designs that produced three of the most celebrated racing yachts of their era: Marionette, Big Apple, and Mandrake. What makes FAIRWELL extraordinary is not just her pedigree, but the meticulous restoration and enhancement she has undergone in recent years, transforming her into a thoroughbred ready for serious offshore cruising and racing.

FAIRWELL’s hull embodies the classic Swan philosophy: a fine entry, powerful form, and elegant proportions that speak to both speed and seaworthiness. At 44 feet with a beam of 13.3 feet and a draft of 7.8 feet, she displaces 25,000 pounds and carries the graceful lines that made Nautor Swan synonymous with quality cruising sailboats. Her tall masthead sloop rig, paired with a Selden mast and boom installed in 2010, delivers the performance her design promises. The standing rigging was completely replaced in 2018, along with all running rigging upgraded to modern Dynema and Spectra materials, ensuring reliability for extended passages. The interior showcases the marriage of classic craftsmanship and modern comfort. FAIRWELL sleeps eight people across two cabins, with a spacious aft cabin and practical galley arrangement. Two Webasto reverse cycle air conditioning units, installed in 2018, maintain comfort in tropical climates. The galley features a two burner stove with oven, double stainless steel sinks, pressurized water, and a top loader refrigerator. A single head with full facilities completes the accommodation plan. Electrical systems include a Mastervolt battery charger, Solartronics inverter, and shore power connection with galvanic isolator.

What truly sets FAIRWELL apart is her recent comprehensive refit. In 2018 and 2019, the vessel underwent an extensive upgrade program at the Curaçao Shipyard under the direction of the yard owner, who spared no expense. The hull was completely spray painted with top grade Awlgrip, providing a stunning finish and superior protection. The bottom received full osmosis treatment including soda blasting and rebuilding with two layers of biaxial glass and epoxy, then faired and antifouling spray painted. The rudder was rebuilt with a new core. A custom aluminum roll cage was fabricated for added structural integrity, preparing FAIRWELL for the kind of offshore adventure that might include rounding Cape Horn. FAIRWELL’s sail plan is comprehensive and well maintained. She carries a Doyle Dacron furling genoa and furling jib from 2010, both in good condition. A North Sails S2 symmetrical spinnaker provides downwind performance, along with older sails including a storm jib, spinnaker, and blooper. All sheets are Dynema or Spectra, and the running rigging was completely replaced in 2018 with toggles, pins, and turnbuckles throughout.

Powering FAIRWELL is a single Bowman 50 diesel engine with direct drive, providing a cruising speed of 7 knots and maximum speed of 8 knots. Fuel capacity is 24 gallons, water capacity is 60 gallons, allowing extended cruising range. The engine room is well organized and accessible, reflecting the professional refit standards applied throughout. FAIRWELL’s history spans decades of sailing excellence. She began her life sailing in the Solent in the United Kingdom before being brought to the United States, where she sailed off the east coast and the Great Lakes. She spent time in the Newport, Rhode Island area before becoming a summer family cruiser for approximately 20 years. In 2017, upgrades were made to prepare her for a Bermuda passage. Three years ago, her current owners purchased her and have enjoyed numerous local regattas and island hops throughout the Caribbean.

For sailors seeking a thoroughbred offshore cruiser with documented racing pedigree, proven seaworthiness, and recent comprehensive upgrades, FAIRWELL represents exceptional value. She arrives in Annapolis in August 2026, offering the perfect opportunity to step aboard and experience the Ron Holland design philosophy firsthand. Contact Tim Wilbricht at Yacht Brokers of Annapolis at 410-507-4359 or tim@yachtbrokersofannapolis.com to arrange a viewing or request additional information. Whether you envision Caribbean passages, regatta competition, or extended cruising adventures, FAIRWELL is ready to deliver the performance and comfort her design promises. ??

This article has been sourced from press releases and cross-referenced with multiple websites. Facts originally seen at Source.