Fairey Swordsman Huntsman 28

Offers in excess of £100,000

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the finest surviving examples of the legendary Fairey Huntsman 28.

Fast Lady was originally launched in 1964 and famously took 2nd in Class in that years CowesTorquay Powerboat Race, before appearing as a London Boat Show exhibit. This heritage alone secures her place in British motor yachting history.

In 1999 she was given a new hull, and under her current meticulous ownership of more than two decades, she has been the subject of three comprehensive refits, each executed to the highest possible standards by leading craftsmen. The result is a boat that blends timeless Alan Burnard lines with modern reliability, comfort, and finish presenting today as close to an as-new classic as one could wish to find.

Surveyed in May 2025, she was described as one of the best vintage Fairey Huntsman in existence, presented in immaculate condition with no significant defects, and maintained to the very highest standards.

Much of her life has been spent under cover, and she has benefitted from continuous improvements: from hand-laid teak decks, custom joinery, and Epifanes / Awlgrip finishing systems, to modern navigation electronics, bespoke upholstery, and a full engine-room rebuild. Every detail reflects care, refinement, and a refusal to compromise.

For the yachtsman seeking a true classic with pedigree, provenance, and presentation at the very top of the scale, Fast Lady is simply unmissable.


Survey (May 2025)

The attending YDSA-accredited surveyor concluded:

The vessel was presented in immaculate condition, and is known to be one of the best vintage Fairey Huntsman in existence. Maintained to the highest standard, with extensive refits including engines, gearboxes and running gear. With continued care, Fast Lady will continue to give good service.

A full copy of the 2020 and 2025 condition surveys are available to prospective buyers.


Brokers Comments

Fast Lady is without question one of the very best Fairey Huntsman 28's afloat. She offers not only the provenance of race and show history but also the reassurance of modern systems, continuous investment, and impeccable presentation.

A rare chance to own a yacht of significance equally suited to a discerning private collector or a yachtsman who values a true thoroughbred classic that can still be used and enjoyed with confidence.

Inspection in Southampton is highly recommended.

Additional information
Key Features
New hull (1999) with three successive refits under present ownership
Epifanes & Awlgrip paint systems, with varnish to the highest standard
Hand-finished teak decks (foredeck, side decks, cockpit sole) by Oliver Ophaus
Bespoke teak-trimmed interior with Corian galley & heads surfaces
Upholstery and linings by Universal Upholstery
Covers (tonneau, sprayhood, cockpit & camper) by JB Covers
2015 cabin refit with concealed lighting, quality joinery, and modern galley
Raymarine A-series plotter, Bi-Data, Fusion sound system, AIS VHF
Twin Cummins 6BT 210hp turbo diesels (replacement installation, rebuilt & immaculate)
New exhaust system, Racor fuel filtration, Fairey double-lip stern seals
Prior surveys from 2020 and May 2025 available for inspection
Historical Notes
1964 build by Fairey Marine, Hamble hull No. 60
1965 London Boat Show exhibit
1965 CowesTorquay Race 2nd in Class
Continuous ownership & refit history since 1999
Specification
Construction: Hot-moulded Agba (7 laminates bottom, 6 topsides)

Mechanical & Electrical

Engines: 2 x Cummins 6BT turbo diesels, 210hp each
Shafts: 1¼" stainless steel with Fairey double-lip seals
Propellers: Twin 3-blade bronze, sound & true
Controls: Morse twin-lever with Teleflex cables
Exhaust: Lloyds-approved reinforced 5" hose, new outlets 2025
Fuel: 2 x 120 L Tek-Tanks, Racor primary filters, secondary engine filters
Water: 2 x 30 L Vetus tanks
Batteries:24V DC Domestic system / 12V DC Engines
3 batteries in dedicated boxes, fused circuits
Calorifier: New hot water system
Anodes: Renewed 2025, bonding continuity greater than 1 ohm
navigation & electronics

raymarine a-series chart plotter (2015)
raymarine bi-data speed/depth
raymarine ais vhf (with original sailor rt vhf retained)
danforth steering compass (original sestrel compass retained)
fusion audio integrated with chart plotter
sonance cabin speakers
alpine cockpit speakers
glomex vhf antenna
navigation lights (led) tested & compliant with colregs
navigation mast engraved with build number & name by oliver ophaus
deck & cockpit

hand-finished teak laid cockpit sole (2010), teak foredeck (2004), side decks (2015) (by oliver ophaus)
perspex windows and windscreen (2015)
cockpit led courtesy lights
deck shower
stainless steel pulpit secure
hardwood toe rail & rubbing strake
covers: tonneau, sprayhood, cockpit & camper (jb covers)
helm & navigator seating restored by universal upholstery, excellent condition
gas locker to iso standard, vented overboard
ground tackle & equipment

electric windlass with controls at helm & foredeck
stainless steel claw anchor (c. 5kg)
20 m stainless steel chain, secure bitter end
adequate mooring cleats securely fitted
yard trailer roadworthy for yard/tractor haulage (not road legal for cars)
accommodation & interior

v-berth forward with custom slat system and infill to form a double berth
bespoke cabin/cockpit table
upholstery and curtains by universal upholstery
solid teak interior trim by oliver ophaus
awlgrip satin painted panels
teak & holly veneered cabin sole
concealed side lighting and reading lights
galley

smev oven & hob
corian worktops with inset stainless steel sink (hot & cold water)
large custom fridge with fridge plate
220v mains socket
heads

jabsco electric wc
stainless steel sink in corian worktop
hot/cold combined shower head/tap with teak shower grate
safety

gas installation with new vented locker to iso standard
gas certificate valid from august 2025
new handheld extinguishers (aug 2025)
engine room extinguisher recharged (aug 2025)
fire blanket by galley
bilge:
2 automatic pumps with float switches
manual bilge pump

Disclaimer
Nicolle Associates offers 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.

This vessel is deemed VAT paid due to age.
As always photographs do not do justice so a viewing is highly recommended.
This boat is lying in Southampton, England.
© 2025 Nicolle Associates