1966 Custom 66

This 1966 custom wooden yacht was originally built at the Louw & Halvorsen shipyard in Cape Town as a training vessel for the South African Navy. Designed by Kurt Oehlman, she measures 66 feet in length with a 19-foot beam and was conceived as a serious ocean-going craft.

A comprehensive refit completed in 2022 renewed the boat substantially. The work included installation of a 225 horsepower John Deere diesel engine fitted with a new turbo and gearbox oil cooler, replacement of all through-hull fittings, a new rudder and hydraulic system, and removal and servicing of both masts with new stainless-steel rod rigging. The topsides and antifoul were refreshed in 2022, completing the restoration.

The yacht accommodates four cabins and two heads. She achieves a cruising speed of 6 knots and a maximum speed of 10 knots, suitable for extended ocean passages. The wooden hull and traditional design reflect her heritage as a purpose-built training platform, a role she continues to serve.