We absolutely love boats like this and their story. Thanks to our friends at Southern Woodenboat Sailing News for this one!
“Bella gioia” is a common Italian phrase that can translate directly as either “beautiful joy” or “beautiful jewel”. So its either an abstract ideas of happiness, or a precious object… And in the case of the boat below… its both!
The Swan 40 was designed by Sparkman & Stephens, arguably the most prestigious yacht design firm of the 20th century — and built by the Finnish yard Nautor’s Swan, founded by Pekka Koskenkylä in Jacobstad, Finland. The design was introduced in 1971 and produced through the mid-1970s, with 93 hulls built to this design number 2025.
Like all Swan’s of that era she was build to an exceptionally high standard, which was Nautor’s hallmark from the very beginning. But she was also a serious racing yacht under IOR. The design competed in most major offshore events, including the Admiral’s Cup and various RORC races, and was well regarded for its balance of speed and seakeeping. S&S designs dominated offshore racing in this period, and the 40 was considered a well-sorted, competitive boat. More here.
