Beautiful Jewel
At SWS, our advocacy of modern classics, and their inclusion in traditional maritime events, runs a little counterintuitively to the acronym in our masthead. However SW(and early GRP)S is a little clumsy!
What we are really interested in, is the aesthetics, design values, and achievements of any particular class or boat, just as much as the material it’s made out of. And many of you would know that we have a vested interest in promoting boats like the one below. (MATILDA S&S Swan 47 designed in 1974 is our floating home) But I can do so with a clear conscience, as my first hand knowledge of Swans from this era, has led me to appreciate what amazing machines they really are!
“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.
But what makes BELLA GIOLA so desirable is not just her pedigree, but that hundreds of thousands of dollars have been invested in her upkeep, refits and sails since the current owner's acquisition in 2005. She is likely to be the best example of the design in the southern hemisphere (if not globally)
First launched for an Italian client in 1972 she had an illustrious life sailing around the Med and competing in the European circuit. She was then sold and delivered to Australia by the previous owner in 2002, a Danish lady who raced out of Sydney.
At was at this stage that the article below appeared in Australian Yachting. (click to enlarge)
The current custodian then purchased her in 2005, and delivered her to Fremantle where she has been regularly sailed out of RFBYC ever since. Race results include the prestigious Governor's Cup against over 100 competitors, the Midriver series of races conducted by RFBYC, and the Swan (river) Retro Series on top of plenty more Club & IRC wins.
BELLA GIOLA is now for sale forAU $184,000 with the broker Tom Lovelady in WA. If you are in the market for a 40footer, its worth having a quick look to see what else there is for around this price range.
You could always buy a soulless, floating caravan, exactly the same length, for exactly the same price. OK it will have more room in it, but if it’s room you want… stay at home. If you want to actually go sailing, on a beautiful piece of yachting folklore, that will take you anywhere you want to go, and might even win you a few trophies along the way, then take a look at BELLA GIOLA.
Contact Tom Lovelady for more infomation