Gill and Sons 48’ Classic Ketch (sailboat) for sale

GILL & SONS 48’ CLASSIC KETCH « SWASTIKA » — 1908
An exceptional classic yacht, carefully restored and equipped for comfortable life aboard and extended cruising.
Built in 1908 in Rochester, England, by Gill & Sons to designs by naval architect Frederick Shepherd, Swastika is a 48-foot gaff-rigged ketch, measured by hull length. This historic sailing yacht has retained her original name. She has been listed as a Historic Monument in France since 2014 and awarded the Bateau d’intérêt patrimonial heritage label.
Rare for her age, history and distinctive profile, Swastika offers an authentic sailing experience without foregoing the equipment and comfort expected today. Extensive restoration work, renewed traditional rigging and modern onboard facilities make her a yacht to enjoy at sea and at anchor, throughout the seasons.
A historic yacht, carefully preserved and maintained
Built of wood, the yacht features a plank-on-frame hull, oak and acacia frames, and a traditional laid deck. She spent much of her life in Scotland before arriving in Brittany in 2003.
Her documented history includes registration with the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1924 under the name Jane. She has been owned by her current co-owners since 2009. Restoration work was carried out over several years, with the help of specialist craftspeople and, for heritage-related work, under the supervision of the relevant authorities and experts.
EXTENSIVE RESTORATION
Since 2009, the yacht has benefited from substantial work carried out by specialist professionals. Heritage restoration work was undertaken with the support and oversight of the relevant organisations and experts.
The hull structure has been repaired in several areas, including the replacement of oak frames and some acacia frames, deck beams and smaller deck beams, as well as attention to the bolting and treatment of the metal floors. The after section underwent major work in 2023 and 2024, including restoration of the counter, sternpost, rudderpost, planking and sections of the deck and its supporting structure.
The rig has also undergone a major restoration to return the yacht to her original gaff rig. The masts, spars, standing and running rigging, blocks and sails have been renewed. The interior has been restored in solid wood, including the forepeak, saloon, galley and heads.
The result is a yacht that retains her historic character while benefiting from key systems adapted for present-day use.
A COMPLETE TRADITIONAL RIG
Swastika is a gaff-rigged ketch with a stated sail area of 145 m². Her sail inventory includes a mainsail, topsail, main staysail, mizzen, staysail, jib and flying jib.
The masts and spars are made of Oregon pine and spruce. The traditional rig gives the yacht her striking profile and distinctive sailing characteristics.
COMFORT AND EQUIPMENT FOR LIFE ABOARD
Swastika offers onboard facilities rarely found together on a classic yacht of this era. Her systems have been developed to make longer stays and extended cruising possible, while preserving the atmosphere and materials of a historic vessel.
Onboard equipment includes:

12 V and 220 V electrical systems
4 kW Fischer Panda generator
Two 220 Ah gel batteries, replaced in 2024
220 V / 12 V inverter and battery charger, both replaced in 2024
Hot and cold water systems
70-litre hot-water tank
Freshwater tanks
Eberspächer diesel heating
Restored galley and interior
Heads with washbasin and electric toilet
Refrigerator and gas hob

Navigation equipment includes a log, depth sounder, anemometer, Tacktick instruments, GPS, fixed VHF and a Standard Horizon HX890 handheld VHF with GPS. The yacht is also equipped with a magnetic compass, navigation instruments and chart equipment.
DECK AND ANCHORING EQUIPMENT
The yacht is fitted with a hydraulic windlass with two warping drums and two gypsies, as well as two anchor rodes:

54 m of 8 mm chain
64 m of 14 mm chain

The chains were calibrated in 2024. The deck is also equipped with winches, winch handles and boat hooks.
MAIN PARTICULARS

Builder: Gill & Sons, Rochester, United Kingdom
Naval architect: Frederick Shepherd
Year built: 1908
Type: Classic gaff-rigged ketch
Hull length: 14.62 m — approximately 48 ft
Length overall: 18.62 m
Sail area: approximately 145 m²
Engine: Perkins Sabre M92B, replaced in 2012
Generator: Fischer Panda, 4 kW
Status: Listed as a Historic Monument and awarded the Bateau d’intérêt patrimonial label
Location: Port-Rhu, Douarnenez, France

Swastika is a rare opportunity to acquire a true piece of maritime heritage, extensively restored and fitted out to combine classic sailing, extended stays aboard and modern comfort. Her history, gaff rig and quality of workmanship make her a truly distinctive yacht, ready to begin a new chapter with her next owners.
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