Charter yacht of the week: 35m Nautor Swan sailing yacht Darlin

Each week, BOAT selects one of the world’s finest superyachts for charter. This week, we take a closer look at the 35-metre Nautor Swan sailing yacht Darlin, which was designed by the Godfather of sailing yacht design, German Frers. With several regattas under her belt, Darlin is a fine choice for passionate sailors, although she lends herself well to more relaxed trips too…

Why charter Darlin?

Delivered in 2016 by Finnish shipyard Nautor Swan, the 35.6-metre sailing yacht Darlin (ex Shamanna) is perfectly positioned to offer true sailors the charter of a lifetime. Since her launch, the sailing yacht for charter has traversed the globe on exciting navigations in full comfort. In 2021, Darlin had a full refit, and she now stands in excellent condition, ready for another Mediterranean season.

Darlin was built to serve multiple functions for racing and chartering. She comes from the 115 series designed by Frers Naval Architecture & Engineering, which uses the same technical platform as the Swan 90, but with differing exterior profiles and layouts. Her flush and uncluttered deck space was also borrowed from the 90, and is now furnished with sun loungers and beanbags to allow guests to take in the panoramic views whilst under full sail in absolute comfort.

The layout has been designed to be the ideal charter sailing yacht. This includes the galley and crew area positioned aft with a complete cut off from operations to the guest area. As with all successful charter yachts, Darlin carries a top selection of water toys, state-of-the-art AV systems and a 38’ Wajer chase tender, affectionately called Little Darlin.

Interior mood

Following the yacht’s refit in 2021 and further maintenance in the last year, her spaces are bright and remain in immaculate condition. Darlin offers ample space on board for the full complement of guests to relax inside as well as out on deck. The main internal spaces consist of a semi-open-plan main saloon with an adjacent grand dining table.

Ample deck hatches and ports allow plenty of natural light and optional soothing breezes inside. The yacht for charter is filled with neutral tones, with cream sofas and lots of wood and tanned leather finishes. Cashmere blankets, also in muted tones, drape over couches and beds, and leather details add to the luxe appeal. On sailing yachts, space comes at a premium, so Darlin has many dual-purpose items on board, such as a coffee table cross ottoman.

The accommodation for up to six guests in four en-suite cabins, including a master suite, a VIP stateroom and two twin cabins with Pullman berths. The yacht’s four guest cabins, have been thoughtfully designed and adorned with luxurious furnishings.

Out on deck

Brand‑new black sails grace Darlin’s masts and there is a new elegant awning over the cockpit seating that remains there under sail. Her decks are flush - which was a key element of the commissioning owner's brief - and free from clutter.

Darlin's cockpit is another transformer, with a pop-up spray hood built into the coach roof and an awning system that attaches to the side of the boom to unfurl and offer complete shade. The cockpit has a close connection to the water - an intentional design feature.

The sailplan of choice is an easy-to-handle roller furling jib and pin mainsail, with a fixed backstay and Park Avenue boom arrangement. With a plumb bow and broad stern, the yacht for charter was designed by Frers with stable, sprightly performance in mind. Twin rudders make her highly responsive.

Book Darlin

Darlin is available for charter with Superyacht Partners with a weekly rate from €112,000. The sailing yacht is operating under the YET Scheme (principal charterer must be a non‑EU resident). She is available from 10 to 30 June to embark in Corsica, and guests can also cruise and disembark in Italy (with no change of guests in Italian waters). Darlin is also available from 20 August to 6 September in Greece.