For those who love boats with “classic” shapes and retro lines, the name Sparkman & Stephens sounds like sweet music. Indeed, American designers have made yachting history, marking an era and influencing the development of subsequent design. The Sparkman & Stephens name is linked to absolutely prestigious shipyards that have made sailing history, one above all Swan.
In fact, the New York-based firm designed some milestones in the world of sailboats between the 1960s and 1980s, timeless boats that still delight enthusiasts today. Browsing through Topboatmarket we came across a couple of them, one of which represents a true icon.
Al ‘ Nair V – Alpa 12.70
The idea for this boat came from Toni Pierobon, a name that has marked the history of yachting in Italy. The dentist from Veneto, who grew up professionally in London and then returned to Italy, had previously owned boats built to Sparkman & Stephens designs, such as the cutter he had built by the Carlini shipyard. In the late 1960s Pierobon commissioned American designers to design a new boat, with the intention of making a fast yacht to participate in major offshore competitions. Construction was entrusted to the Alpa shipyard, which makes this 12.70 designed on RORC tonnage. Fourteen are built, very marine, solid boats and for the times also quite fast. Al’Nair V is precisely the boat built for Toni Pierobon and launched in 1971. DISCOVER THE MODEL FOR SALE HERE
Swan 36
We are not just talking about a boat here; we are talking about a myth here. The Swan 36 was in fact the first boat ever produced by the Finnish shipyard. The first model, Tarantella, was launched back in 1967. A total of 90 were built; it was the beginning of the Swan saga by Sparkman & Stephens. The boat also reaped many successes on the race courses; in fact, it was designed with a finer keel than those in fashion at the time. The Swan 36 in fact did not have the typical luga keel of that period, but the rudder and “boot” were well separated. DISCOVER THE MODEL FOR SALE HERE
