For Sale
DARK HORSE - NAUTOR SWAN 80FD
Built in 2013, Dark Horse represents the pinnacle of Nautor Swan's revered 80-foot series, being the final hull constructed. This carbon fiber masterpiece strikes an exceptional balance between high-performance capabilities and luxurious cruising comfort, making her a standout offering in today's market. It is a true dual-purpose yacht with no compromises whether racing or cruising. Dark Horse is the highest performing, best specified Swan in the series, benefitting from all the lessons learned producing the earlier hulls.
LISTING DESCRIPTION
HIGHLIGHTS:
The construction features advanced carbon SPRINT/pre-preg technology, resulting in a lighter, stiffer, and more responsive vessel. The deck plan was specifically customized to optimize weight distribution while maintaining functionality, complemented by titanium deck hardware & high-modulus carbon spars with ec6 carbon rigging. She also has Mastervolt lithium batteries & B&G H5000 electronics.
MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES:
Dark Horse has been meticulously maintained by full-time crew since delivery, with several comprehensive refits and upgrades completed directly with Nautor Swan Service. Recent improvements include full mast and boom repainting, factory service of ec6 rigging, upgraded electronics, new fridges/freezers and complete servicing of all hydraulic and mechanical systems. The vessel has also undergone professional naval architecture studies to enhance performance characteristics, optimize rating certificates & fine tune the rig.
LAYOUT & ACCOMMODATION:
The interior arrangement accommodates 8 guests across 3 cabins, plus additional crew quarters, featuring hand-selected furnishings that create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The flush deck design provides exceptional space for both sailing and entertaining, while the well-thought-out cockpit layout ensures comfortable helming in all conditions.
PERFORMANCE:
Her racing pedigree is evident in her early success, winning her class in the 2014 Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach race. The current British owner has maintained a balanced program of family cruising and competitive racing, demonstrating her versatility. The modified shallow keel design allows for excellent ORC optimized performance while maintaining practical cruising capabilities. An optional deeper keel is also available.
MARKET POSITION:
At €3,700,000 (inc VAT), Dark Horse represents exceptional value given her pedigree, condition, and recent upgrades. This price includes a 4.2mt tender with 50hp outboard & a 40ft High Cube container with shelving containing a huge number of spare parts, equipment and sails.
As the final Swan 80 built, she benefits from all the evolutionary improvements made throughout the series. Her combination of carbon construction, professional maintenance history, and recent comprehensive refit places her in a unique position within the performance sailing yacht market.
The attention to detail throughout Dark Horse is evident in features such as light-colored deck caulking for heat management, additional handholds for security, and a thoughtfully designed interior that balances luxury with practicality. Currently lying in Barcelona, she presents an outstanding opportunity for an owner seeking a high-performance yacht capable of both world-class racing and comfortable family cruising.
FULL SPECIFICATIONS
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CONSTRUCTION & HULL
- Advanced carbon fiber construction utilizing SPRINT/pre-preg technology
- Unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced stiffeners with integrated engine beds
- Foam-cored structural bulkheads with carbon SPRINT/pre-preg laminate
- Night Blue DuPont polyurethane paint finish with clear coat
- Hull protected with dual-layer gel shield epoxy primer
- Six hull windows with tinted, toughened laminated safety glass
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KEEL & STEERING
- High-strength steel fin keel with antimony-enhanced lead bulb (4.5%)
- Twin wheel steering system with carbon composite 1200mm Nautor wheels
- Carbon fiber rudder construction with foam core and tubular stock
- Dyneema steering cables with independent quadrant connection
- Emergency tiller system with dedicated storage
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DECK & EQUIPMENT
- Carbon fiber deck construction with Nomex honeycomb core
- Weight-optimized deck layout with extensive use of titanium fittings
- Vacuum-bonded teak decking with white caulking
- Hydraulically-operated transom platform doubling as dinghy garage
- Carbon fiber gangway and boarding ladder
- Full suite of Harken hydraulic winches including:
- Four B1111.3 three-speed primary/secondary winches
- Three B990.3 three-speed halyard winches- Comprehensive sail handling system with hydraulic controls
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INTERIOR ACCOMMODATION
- Layout optimized for both private and professional crew usage:
- Master Cabin (Aft): Centerline double berth with ensuite facilities
- Two Guest Cabins: Each with ensuite facilities
- Additional Guest/Office Cabin: Convertible with Pullman berth
- Crew Quarters: Forward accommodation for three
- Total Capacity: 8 guests + 3 crew
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INTERIOR FINISH
- Hand-rubbed varnished teak joinery throughout
- Foam-cored teak wood flooring
- Heated mirrors in all heads
- Premium fixture specifications including:
- Dorn Bracht bathroom fittings
- Automatic lighting in hanging lockers
- Wooden venetian blinds on hull windows
- Roller blinds and mosquito screens on hatches -
GALLEY
- Professional-grade installation featuring:
- Four refrigeration units (320L total refrigeration + 130L freezer)
- Miele Four-burner gas stove with electric oven
- Full suite of Miele stainless steel appliances including:
• Microwave oven
• Dishwasher
• Washer/dryer
- Extensive storage in lockers and drawers -
SAFETY & SECURITY
- Double lifelines with titanium stanchions
- Comprehensive emergency equipment storage
- Additional handholds throughout interior and exterior
- Secure door locking systems throughout
- Clean Agent fire extinguishing system in engine room
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PROPULSION & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Main Engine
- Steyr MO196 K35 diesel engine (190 bhp/140 kW)
- 6-cylinder in-line configuration, 3.2L displacement
- ZF 45-1 reduction gear (3.741:1 ratio)
- Aquadrive system for reduced vibration
- Bruntons Varifold 4-blade folding propeller
- Corrosion-resistant 50.8mm shaft
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PROPULSION & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Fuel System
- Total capacity: 1500L (396 US gal)
- Four stainless steel tanks with individual monitoring
- Dual Separ filter system for uninterrupted operation
- ISO 7840 standard flexible hoses throughout
- Pressure-tested tanks with inspection access
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PROPULSION & MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Generator & Shore Power
- Northern Light 20kW diesel generator (230V, 50Hz)
- Dual 50A shore power connections
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
DC Power
- E-T-A CAN-bus multiplexing technology
- Lithium service batteries
- 140A Flywheel main engine alternator for service batteries
- Touch screen monitoring system
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
AC Power
- 230V 50Hz single-phase system
- Mastervolt system:
- 2x 24/2500 sine wave inverter
- 2x 100A battery chargers
- Dual DC/DC converters- Comprehensive outlet system throughout vessel
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Monitoring & Safety
- Touch screen control for all major systems
- Comprehensive alarm system including:
- Bilge and tank levels
- Battery monitoring
- Engine room temperature
- Navigation light status
- Fire detection system- Automated emergency shutdowns
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HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Central Hydraulic System
- Multi-pump power pack configuration
- Regional valve groups for optimal control (All Bosch Rexroth)
- Independent isolation capabilities
- Comprehensive control system for:
- All sailing functions
- Deck equipment
- Anchoring systems
- Thruster operations -
HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Additional Systems
- MaxPower 300/15 bow thruster
- Clean Agent fire suppression system
- Low-pressure pneumatic system
- Comprehensive oil handling system
- Multiple DC and AC outlets throughout
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DOMESTIC SYSTEMS
Appliances:
- Miele kitchen suite:
- G1272 SCVi dishwasher
- M 8161-1 microwave
- WT 2670 WPM washer/dryer
- CS 1034 G gas stove
- H 5040 B electric oven- Multiple refrigeration units:
- 3 x 160L DC refrigerators
- 1 x 130L DC freezer
- 1 x drinks refrigerator in saloon- Raritan icemaker
- In-sink waste disposal
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DOMESTIC SYSTEMS
Lighting
- LED systems throughout
- Dual navigation light circuits
- Spreader, boom, and courtesy lighting
- Automatic locker lighting
- Premium Meljac cabin reading lights
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PLUMBING & WATER SYSTEMS
Fresh Water:
- 1,200L total capacity across four polyethylene tanks
- Dual Gianneschi ECOJET 24V DC pressure pumps
- Hot water via 100L stainless steel heater
- Sea Recovery Aqua Whisper 1400-2 watermaker (221L/h)
- Quooker instant hot water in galley
- Deck wash outlets at bow and stern
- Shower on swimming platform
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PLUMBING & WATER SYSTEMS
Waste Management:
- Grey water system (270L total capacity)
- Automatic transfer pumps with manual backup
- Separate forward and aft tanks
- Black water system (270L total capacity)
- Tecma X-light (carbon fibre) electric toilets
- Tank level monitoring with automated safety cutoff
- Deck pump-out capability
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PLUMBING & WATER SYSTEMS
Bilge System:
- Separate bilge sections with dedicated pumps
- Five automatic Whale Gulper 24V DC drain pumps
- Dual manual Whale Gusher backup pumps
- Gianneschi Maxisub submersible pumps in each section
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CLIMATE CONTROL & VENTILATION
Air Conditioning:
- Dual MarineAir MCW 36 central compressor units in engine room
- Total cooling capacity: 72,000 BTU/h (21.0 kW)
- Total heating capacity: 79,200 BTU/h (23.2 kW)
- Individual cabin blowers with temperature controls
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CLIMATE CONTROL & VENTILATION
Ventilation:
- Forced fresh air system throughout
- Separate supply and exhaust fans
- Engine room temperature-controlled ventilation
- Dedicated lithium battery ventilation
- Miele Galley exhaust hood
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NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
Primary Systems:
- Comprehensive B&G H5000 Hercules Performance package
- B&G H5000 black-box with Simrad touch monitor
- Dual B&G Zeus MFD’s at helm
- Multiple B&G displays throughout vessel
- Suunto F-135 magnetic steering compasses
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NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
Navigation Equipment:
- B&G radar
- Multiple GPS systems including:
- Furuno GP-320B DGPS
- Simrad MX512 with 5Hz DGPS
- Class B AIS transponder
- Comprehensive electronic chart coverage
All systems are integrated and monitored through central displays, with redundancy built into critical systems for offshore capability. The extensive electronics package provides excellent coverage for both racing and cruising requirements.
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NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
Communications:
- Simrad RS-87H DSC VHF with multiple stations
- Sailor 150 FleetBroadband satellite system
- Pepwave Sim/Wifi Router
- Pepwave Access Points
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NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
Entertainment:
- LED TVs in saloon and master cabin
- Sonos audio system
- Ethernet connectivity throughout
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NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
Entertainment:
- LED TVs in saloon and master cabin
- Sonos audio system
- Ethernet connectivity throughout
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NAVIGATION & ELECTRONICS
Autopilot:
- B&G H5000
- Dedicated 24V hydraulic power pack
- Twin Rexroth low-friction cylinders
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ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Safety & Security:
- Marco EW3 24V foghorn
- Multiple marine safes
- Emergency VHF antenna
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ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT
Tender & Equipment:
- 4.2mt Highfield Rib
- 50hp Honda Outboard
- Custom deck chocks
- Full accessories, inc pump, fuel tanks, custom cover, etc
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RIGGING & SAIL PLAN
Mast & Spars:
- Hall Spars three-spreader fractional rig
- High-modulus carbon fiber mast with clear coat finish
- Carbon fiber masthead unit with stainless steel sheave protection
- Ronstan ball bearing cars
- 34-700 standard modulus carbon fiber V-boom
- 21-degree swept-back spreaders for efficient sail plan
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RIGGING & SAIL PLAN
Standing Rigging:
- FutureFibres ec6 carbon standing rigging
- Removable ec6 checkstays
- Dyneema running rigging throughout
- Holmatro mast jack for + shims for tuning
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RIGGING & SAIL PLAN
Furling Systems:
- Reckmann UD-4s hydraulic furler with S4.5 double groove carbon foils
- 1 × KZ top down furlers
- 2 × furler cables
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RIGGING & SAIL PLAN
Hydraulic Controls:
- Reckmann UD 4 forestay length adjuster
- Holmatro HVG-60 boom vang
- Holmatro HCL-22 mainsail outhaul cylinder
- Holmatro HCL-10 Cunningham cylinder
- Twin Holmatro HCL-40 backstay cylinders (under deck mounted)
- Cariboni inner forestay tensioner (260mm stroke)
- External Holmatro hydraulic mast jack with manual pump
Sail Inventory (North & Doyle)
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From North Sails
- Furling 3Di 90% Short Hoist #4 Jib (2013)
- Hank On 3Di Genoa Staysail (2013)
- A3/A0 Hybrid (2013)
- Racing A2 Asymmetric Spinnaker (2013)
- A3 Asymmetric Spinnaker (2015)
- Furling Code Zero on Furler (2015)
- Furling Spinnaker Staysail (2013)
- Trisail (2013)
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From Doyle Sails
- Full batten Mainsail Stratis in Carbon/Tecnora (2021)
- Furling Racing/Cruising Stratis Jib in Carbon/Tecnora (2021)
(*inc. Flexifurl Horizontal battens + Structured Luff)
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Additional Equipment
- SnuffAir Spinnaker Sock (2014)
- Future Fibres ‘Top-Down’ Torsional Cable
- Future Fibres ‘Bottom-up’ Torsional Cable
- SnuffAir Spinnaker Sock (2014)- Mainsail halyard locks with headboard for full hoist
- Three titanium reef locks
- Dedicated trysail track
Disclaimer:
We offer the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.