Revolution 38 BEN LEXEN DESIGN, BRILLIANT PERFORMER! Just Listed

Swish is a remarkable Revolution 38, a yacht designed by legendary Australian naval architect Ben Lexcen, best known for creating the America's Cup-winning Australia II. Conceived as Lexcen's own family cruising yacht during his involvement with the Alan Bond America's Cup campaigns, the Revolution 38 benefited from some of the most advanced engineering, testing facilities and design expertise available in the world at the time.

Built with a solid fibreglass hull featuring substantial underwater laminate thickness, the Revolution 38 was ahead of its time and remains one of the most innovative cruising yachts ever produced. Notably, renowned sailing author and journalist Rob Mundle was also among the vessel's distinguished owners, further adding to the yacht's unique pedigree.


Stepping below from the secure cockpit, you'll find a practical and spacious interior designed for comfortable cruising.

To port is a generous private owner's double cabin, while a dedicated navigation station is positioned to starboard. A large head compartment with shower offers excellent natural light and ventilation.

The heart of the yacht is a spacious full-beam saloon featuring a comfortable U-shaped dinette to port and a lounge area to starboard, creating an inviting social space for family and guests. Forward of the saloon is a private single cabin to port, a well-appointed galley to starboard, and an additional double V-berth cabin in the bow.

The layout comfortably accommodates extended cruising while maintaining privacy and practicality for both owners and guests.


What immediately sets Swish apart are her distinctive unstayed twin carbon fibre masts and wishbone booms. Rigged as a Cat-Rigged Ketch, the Revolution 38 was one of Ben Lexcen's pioneering approaches to simplifying sailing while maintaining excellent performance.

Each sail requires only three control lines: a halyard, sheet and choker/outhaul. The identical sails are interchangeable and can be raised or lowered safely from the protection of the cockpit before being neatly stowed in their boom bags.

The advantages of this innovative rig include:

Simple sail handling
Minimal maintenance with no standing rigging
Reduced sail wear
Excellent performance in light and moderate conditions
Ideal operation for short-handed crews

The large, deep cockpit is exceptionally secure and protected by a wave breaker forward and a stainless steel-framed canvas bimini. Wide side decks and triple-strand lifelines make moving around the vessel safe and comfortable.

A centreboard system allows the draft to vary from approximately 1.2 metres to 2.75 metres, offering the freedom to explore shallow anchorages and beachside destinations while still providing impressive windward performance offshore.


Power is provided by a well-maintained 42hp MWM (Mechanische Werkstätte Mannheim) diesel engine.

With approximately 2,436 hours, the engine reflects careful ownership and ongoing maintenance by an experienced owner whose family has cared for the vessel since 1983. The engine propels Swish comfortably at speeds of up to 7.5 knots.

The sails and boom bags remain in good working order, and the yacht continues to perform well in lighter winds, reflecting the efficiency of Lexcen's innovative rig design.


Swish is not simply another 38-foot cruising yacht. She is a rare piece of Australian sailing history, combining Ben Lexcen's visionary thinking with practical cruising capability.

For sailors seeking something genuinely different, easy to handle, and packed with character, Swish offers a compelling alternative to conventional production yachts. Whether your plans involve coastal cruising, offshore adventure, twilight racing, or even creating a sailing YouTube channel, this yacht provides a unique story and a distinctive presence wherever she goes.

If you've ever wanted to own a yacht that stands apart from the crowd, Swish may be the perfect opportunity.


Please call Stuart Watson on Call Seller or Jack Allison on Call Seller

Derwent Boat Sales offers the information on this vessel including condition, in good faith as provided by the Owner/Vendor. While confident about the accuracy we cannot Guarantee or Warrant it but will assist any prospective purchaser verify this as part of the purchase process.