SUNCHASER
Model: Nautor’s Swan 43
Year: 1969
Design: #1973
Builder: Oy Nautor AB
SUNCHASER- Swan 43/020 year 1969
S&S Swan 43, Sunchaser is a world-famous traditional sailing yacht built by Nautor in Pietarsaari. She is hull no. 20 and finished in 1969 . In the 70's she belonged to the St Francis Yacht club, where she had competed successfully in the Big Boat series races and received an honorable mention and a commemorative plaque for the boat. Sunchaser is equipped for competition use and has main winches made of titanium on deck. The winches are connected together, so turns and sail adjustments can be made quickly. The crew on this boat has been 9-11. On the bow deck 2-3, in amidships 3, mainsail adjustment from the seat box, helmsman, navigator and skipper. The races in San Francisco Bay took place in a total wind of 20-25 knots, but sometimes reached 35 knots. Back then, the places and sailing skills could be tough.
Imports to Finland
The Sunchaser was acquired in 2009 from Coos Bay north of San Francisco. From there, she was transported by road to the east coast of the USA and from there by ship to Rauma and Parais for refurbishment.
Renovation
During the winter of 2010, the boat underwent a complete overhaul. The teak decks were completely renewed. The interior joinery, some cabinets and doors were completely renovated. Some of the Koto bulkhead veneers had been damaged and were replaced. The floors were badly worn, but Nautor had once made plywood from solid teak, so they were able to be sanded and finished like new.
Technique
She was updated to the extent necessary. The original baby blake head was completely overhauled and and black water system added in accordance with the new regulations. The chromed parts were recoated. The instrument panels were restored to their original appearance. The decommissioned Loran-C system and radio-guided equipment were replaced with a new GPS navigator system. The engine was in good condition and the last Perkings 4-108 engine had been run for only 470 h in 20 years only the exhaust muffler was replaced.