For Sale
DARK HORSE - NAUTOR SWAN 80FD
Built in late 2013, Dark Horse represents the pinnacle of Nautor Swan's 80-foot series as the final hull constructed. This full carbon fibre yacht delivers both high-performance racing capabilities and luxurious cruising comfort without compromise. As hull #4, she benefits from all evolutionary improvements made throughout the series.
LISTING DESCRIPTION
HIGHLIGHTS:
The advanced SPRINT/pre-preg carbon construction creates an exceptionally light and responsive vessel. Her signature Swan ‘flush deck’ ensures clean, unobstructed movement, while the customized deck plan optimizes weight distribution & handling. Light-coloured deck caulking manages heat, while additional handholds enhance security throughout.
Full carbon and titanium deck hardware pairs with upgraded hydraulic carbon winches. The high-modulus carbon Hall Spars mast and V-boom feature Future Fibres EC6 carbon rigging, with all cables recently upgraded by the current owner.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
Dark Horse's racing credentials include class wins in the USA such as the Fort Lauderdale to Palm Beach race and in the Med such as the Ibiza Joy Sail. Recently, the hull underwent 3D scanning with comprehensive weight and stability analyses by a world champion ORC naval architect. The current shallow draft keel (3.30m) provides ideal cruising capability while maintaining near-optimal ORC rating performance. An optional deeper keel remains available. 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.
INTERIOR & ACCOMMODATION
The hand-rubbed, satin finish teak interior accommodates 9 guests across three double cabins, each with Pullman berths and ensuite facilities. A dedicated office space includes an additional Pullman berth. Forward crew quarters feature bunk beds, a Pullman berth, and sofa with table. Premium Dorn Bracht fittings and custom leather detailing complement the bright, welcoming atmosphere throughout.
The galley features comprehensive Miele appliances and modern digital integration. A touch panel PC provides sophisticated control & monitoring of all onboard systems, identical to the newest Swan models, with backup on the navigation PC. The recently upgraded B&G H5000 & Zeus electronics suite delivers comprehensive data, while Mastervolt lithium batteries enable silent operation for approximately 3 days of normal use. The generator primarily serves air conditioning and high-demand hydraulic operations during racing.
MAINTENANCE & UPGRADES
Maintained by full-time professional crew since delivery, Dark Horse receives annual service directly through Nautor Swan Global Service. Some recent work includes:
· Full mast service with carbon clear coat repainting
· Rig (EC6 ) cables factory inspection and re-braiding covers
· Reckmann hydraulic furler complete factory service
· Comprehensive rig engineering study with Hall Spars
· Transom repainting
· New refrigeration systems and full hydraulic/mechanical system servicing
TECHNICAL FEATURES
Key systems include main traveller with dedicated winch, 4 x titanium mast track locking points, Hall Spars Autolock headboard integration, and integrated inhauler system with titanium rings. The extensive sail inventory supports both racing and cruising programs.
MARKET POSITION
INQUIRIES
Offered at €3,700,000 (VAT paid). The price includes a 4.2m Highfield tender with 50hp Honda outboard and a 40ft High Cube container housing extensive spares and sails.
Comprehensive documentation is available including detailed maintenance records, equipment inventory, and additional photography/video.
We welcome the opportunity to arrange a viewing and discuss how Dark Horse might suit your sailing objectives.
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.