Lucky Bird is a 1972 Swan 48 that has been given a spectacular new lease of life by Younique Yachts in the Netherlands

The Sparkman & Stephens-designed Swan 48 is widely considered to be one of the most iconic bluewater sailing designs of all time. To take a classic example of this 1970s yacht and turn it into a weekend sailor fit for a 21st century family was brave, possibly even a little heretic. 

Lucky Bird’s radical refurbishment wasn’t always on the cards. When the Swan 48 arrived at Younique the original plan was to fully restore the interior carpentry, but to keep it fundamentally original.

As more and more of her traditional fittings were stripped out, however, the beauty of S&S’s original lines became visible inside the hull, as well as outside.

Inspired by what they found, owner Eric Bijlsma – who also owns the Hoek-designed superyacht Firefly – and the Younique team decided to change their refit plans. Instead of recreating something original they moved towards restoring her with a much lighter, more modern touch.

Read more at Yachting World