1966 Sparkman & Stephens 65

This 1966 Sparkman & Stephens 65 is a custom aluminum center cockpit ketch built by Derecktor Shipyard. A design icon from one of sailing's most respected naval architecture firms, she combines the elegance and balance characteristic of the brand with genuine offshore capability. Her ketch rig, centerboard configuration, and center cockpit layout offer versatility and impressive draft flexibility, drawing a minimum of 6 feet or a maximum of 14 feet 3 inches as needed. At 65 feet overall with a 16-foot beam, she is a substantial, capable cruising platform.

Below decks, the raised saloon opens to three private cabins and three heads, with the forward cabin featuring twin berths and a private head with shower, midships bunks, and an aft stateroom with twin double berths and its own private head. The galley is positioned down and includes a three-burner CNG stove with oven, microwave, holding plate refrigeration, freezer, and ice maker. Teak and holly sole runs throughout, and large side center windows flood the saloon with light. A library and generous storage complete the layout.

Power comes from a 1990 Cummins 6BT 5.9 turbo diesel rated at 210 horsepower, with a three-blade feathering Max Prop propeller, Twin Disc reduction gearbox, and Wagner hydraulic wheel steering. A 10-inch 32-volt bow thruster and Northern Lights 8-kilowatt diesel generator provide additional capability. Fuel capacity is 400 gallons plus 35 for the diesel heater, with 400 gallons of fresh water and a 40-gallon holding tank.

Recent work includes a mainsail rebuild and new Harken drum-type mainsail furling completed in 2024, mast overhauls in 2023 and 2024, and Dyneema running rigging replaced in 2023 and 2024. Electronics are current Raymarine systems including chartplotter, autopilot, radar, wind and depth instruments, and an Icom VHF radio. A hard dodger with canvas bimini and teak boarding ladder complete the exterior, while a full standing headroom walk-in engine room offers excellent access to systems.