‘Barracuda’ is hull number one of one of the most iconic Swan yachts ever constructed. Designed by Germán Frers and launched between 1980 and 1987, just 36 units were produced, making it a rare and highly sought-after yacht. With her elegant lines, ocean-going capabilities, and timeless craftsmanship, the Swan 51 is perfect for both offshore adventures and refined coastal cruising.
The yacht features Webasto reversible air-conditioning, extensive electrical upgrades, and a comprehensive Furuno electronics suite, ensuring comfort and ease of handling. She is also fitted with a Harken mainsail track and car system — a high-performance upgrade that significantly improves mainsail handling under load. Additionally, she is equipped with a Lewmar coffee grinder system connected to two size 65 winches — a powerful and distinctive addition that significantly enhances the yacht’s performance. This coffee grinder is a unique upgrade — no other Swan 51 is known to have been equipped with this system. The yacht also features a bespoke OPACMARE hydraulic gangway with remote control — a premium and costly enhancement for easy access.
‘Barracuda’ also won the prestigious Swan World Cup in 1982, a testament to her exceptional performance and pedigree.
The current owner, an experienced yachtsman, has consistently received praise for ‘Barracuda’s’ impeccable condition and impressive presence. This reflects the strong and lasting impression she makes on all who see her.
She is in immaculate condition.
Recommended viewing!
Refit & Upgrades Overview
2012 Full Refit:
- New teak deck and Harken genoa tracks & cars
- Opacmare hydraulic gangway with remote control
- Awlgrip paint (hull & deck)
- New Harken furlers and mainsail track
- New Dacron mainsail and genoa (plus older high-performance UK Kevlar sails adapted to new rig)
- Electric toilets (2 x Sanimarin)
- Electric ceramic heaters 220V (3 x)
- 4 AIS personal beacons + 2 SARSAT distress beacons
- 2 x Mastervolt battery chargers
- 2 x Cristec converters (220V/24V/12V)
- Webasto reversible air-conditioning with 3 heat exchangers
- LED night lighting
- 2x additional Lewmar 42 winches
- Carbon spinnaker pole and carbon steering wheel
Subsequent Upgrades:
- New Volvo D2-75 engine (2017) with dual alternators (12V & 24V)
- New engine/propeller transmission shaft
- New shaft seal
- New rod rigging (2016)
- Full interior re-varnished, new teak floor layers
- New soft nappa leather upholstery in saloon
- New anti-slip stair covering by Nautor
- Nubuck leather cover for the mast
- Glomex active GSM antenna system for phone and internet access offshore (up to 40 nm)
- Custom stainless gennaker pole + gennaker sail
- Custom protective cover for the genoa
- Replaced all deck hatches (GOIOT) with sunshades (Skyshade)
- Antifouling and Gelshield application (6 coats) below waterline
- Rudder and steering wheel system dismantled, inspected, parts replaced
- New Raytheon autopilot motor
- Running rigging replaced with Kevlar (Lancelin)
- 4 new retractable stainless mooring cleats
- 2 x SEA SAFE life rafts (8P + 6P)
- Rotatable iPad mount with weather chart display
- Custom protective covers for winches and instruments
- 2 cockpit sun awnings (1 quick-deploy)
HULL
Hull constructed of GRP
Structural bulkheads of marine plywood laminated to hull and deck Steel keel frame with bolt with through-bolted keel
Winches and Windlass
8x Lewmar self-tailing winches for halyards, reefs, and spinnaker downhaul and uphaul
1x Lewmar coffee grinder with 2 x 65 Lewmar winches for the Genoa and the Spinnaker guy
2x Lewmar winches of which one is used for the furling genoa (on starboard)
2x Lewmar self-tailing winches that can be used for the mainsheet and optionally for the running backstays (when used)
2x Lewmar winches for the spinnaker and the gennaker sheets
1x electric winch handle
INTERIOR
Sleeps 6–8 in 3 cabins + saloon
Owner’s cabin aft with a double berth, a single berth, and a private bathroom Forward cabin (bunks) with an adjacent bathroom
Spacious saloon with U-shaped dinette and settee
Nav station on starboard with full chart table
Galley with double sink, refrigerators, stove, oven, microwave and an electric hob Teak joinery throughout – classic Swan interior finish
Ample storage in lockers and hanging wardrobes
Enhanced LED lighting throughout cabins and saloon
Wardrobe lighting activated by push-button switches
Exceptionally cozy and comfortable onboard ambiance
Custom-made slatted bed bases for all berths
Sheet set and mattress protector for all berths
ENGINE AND THRUSTERS
The engine is a Volvo D2-75 diesel engine with saildrive, 55kW, 75 Hp at 3000 rpm. The engine was newly installed in 2017.
Engine hours: 205 h
2 new alternators (1 x 24 v + 1 x 12 v)
New VOLVO self-lubricating shaft seal ensuring 100% watertightness
PLUMBING & VENTILATION
Webasto reversible air-conditioning with 3 heat exchangers Stainless steel tanks for water – 4 independent sets Ventilation by peripheral ducts and windsocks on deck Small fans (2 speed) near berths and in saloon
Electric water heater (50l)
ELECTRICAL
AC System
• 220 V circuit protected by 30mA differential • Numerous sockets throughout the boat
DC System
2 x Mastervolt battery chargers
2 x Cristec converters (220V/24V/12V)
2 x battery sets: 24v for service and 12v for the engine
ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS & NAVIGATION SYSTEMS
Complete Furuno electronics suite: central navigation system with 3 mast base repeaters, chart table master unit, 4 cockpit repeaters, additional helm-mounted TZT touchscreen plotter (radar with tilting support, AIS, GPS, compass integrated)
Inmarsat IsatPhone satellite phone mounted on docking station with active antenna
Dual VHF (BG) radios with independent antennas (masthead & stern)
MAGNUM chart plotter system
Forward-facing depth probe (PROBE)
Motorola GSM phone with external antenna
NAVTEX (Shipmate)
ICOM SSB (BLU)
Raytheon loudhailer
Pioneer radio with USB + 7 speakers (4 ext. / 3 int.) OCEAN CENTRY radar detector
MAST & RIGGING
Masthead sloop rig
Rod standing rigging
Hydraulic for boom vang, backstay, and for the 2 baby stays Optional running backstays on winches
2x spinnaker poles (1 in carbon)
SAILS
Main sails:
1 dacron main sail
1 UK kevlar main sail
Headsails:
1 dacron furling genoa
1 UK kevlar genoa medium and 1 UK kevlar genoa light 1 UK kevlar solent
1 dacron jib (N4)
All above sails fit on the genoa furler
Downwind sails:
Gennaker
Light running spinnaker (0.5)
Medim running spinnaker (combination of 0.65 and 0.75) Reaching spinnaker (1.1)
Oversized running spinnaker (1.1)
High wind spinnaker (2.2)
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
4x AIS personal beacons
2x SARSAT distress beacons
2 x SEA SAFE life rafts (8P + 6P)
General Arrangement
