Alluring Arcticvideo

Tour of the ULTIMATE Bluewater Classic Boat (Swan 55)

9 September 2023 · 50 min · 223K views

What this video covers

A Swan 55 (FRERS) designed by Olin Stephens is toured by Juho Karhu and owner Tapio Lehtinen, who is preparing the boat for a 50th-anniversary retro race replicating the 1973 Whitbread Round the World Race — sailed under the same technology restrictions as the Golden Globe Race, which Lehtinen has completed twice.1:03 The exterior walkthrough covers the boat's dual-wheel steering system with a keel-mounted trim tab, a ketch rig with a mizzen staysail acting as a mid-boat gennaker, centreline jacklines with short tethers to prevent crew going overboard on the leeward side, and a cockpit layout that keeps winches within arm's reach of the helm.2:43 Below deck, the refit prioritized offshore safety: handholds throughout every compartment, deliberately narrowed passageways for bracing, upper and lower sea berths replacing an open saloon, hot-bunking for nine crew, and a watertight crash box in the forepeak with a submarine-style bulkhead door.26:53 A soapstone solid-fuel stove by Paul E. Luke of Maine — found in Texas after years of searching — adds 100 kg but serves as backup heat for the Southern Ocean.21:51 Insulation was added under deck panels and along the hull sides, a modification Lehtinen recommends for any production boat.24:05 A third watertight bulkhead protects the aft section if the rudder is damaged by a collision.26:53

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Boats in this video

Swan 55 (FRERS)Toured

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