HISTORY: Built in Pietarsaari, Finland by Oy Nautor Ab February 16th 1972 - hull nr 11 - Designed by Sparkman & Stephens Incorp. (Originally sold as Palmer Johnson 53) First registry in October 1973: Southhampton, UK as Poppy B. Ellinor’s history (as far as I could find out, and we can not be held responsible for uncertain facts):
1972 Built In Finland 1972 first registration in the UK as: Poppy B 1984 Bought by a Swedish Gentleman: Ellinor 1998 Bought by a British gentleman: Libertas 1999 Bought and brought to the USA: Libertas 2005 Bought by a Dutch couple: Ellinor 2020 Bought by a British citizen: Ariana 2024 Bought by an American: Ellinor 2025 FOR SALE
When she was shipped back to Europe in 2005, she went through a major overhaul In the Netherlands. The site of the former owners still exists and there you can find loads of pictures of the refit and some articles: www.swan55.nl Amongst many more she got a new teak deck and toerail, new interior upholstery (in the original colour) Still today in a very good shape. Besides racing, the owners used her as a charter yacht for about 15 years.
MAINTENANCE • Major overhaul 2006/2007 in The Netherlands • *Last overhaul 2024-2025 Lagos, Portugal (*All the work was professionally performed.)
Fast forward: In 2024 we got to know the boat and the new owner, and stepped in to help him with the last refit of 1,5 year on the yard of Sopromar in Lagos Portugal.. The mast went through a complete overhaul and got painted. A new modernised rig was installed by a professional rigging team. Chain plates fully renewed. The engine was equally in need of profound care, so it was taken out, and went through a extensive overhaul. All the systems, hoses and electrics, were looked at, repaired or substituted what needed to be substituted. Rudder and shaft seal renewed. The water pump was renewed, the Jabsco heads were taken apart and parts substituted. The auto pilot, bow thrust, and windlass were repaired and or substituted. Navigation lights repaired. Interior & exterior lights substituted with LED. Safety equipments serviced. She received a new bimini and sprayhood, mast foot and life raft protection in a classic bege.
We have literally done the dirty job and the main features of this ship are as new. Now it is up to the new owner according to his or her plan what to do next. She is a Classic and a great cruiser as a great racer, so it all depends on what you want to do with her.
