1985 Robert Clark Ketch

This 60-foot Robert Clark ketch was built in 1985 and launched in Cape Town, South Africa. The steel hull carries the design heritage of British Steel, the famous vessel that sailed around the world against the wind in 1970. After launching, the boat was sailed to America and served as a school ship based in Puerto Rico, participating in educational voyages throughout the Caribbean and on extended offshore passages.

The interior accommodates three cabins and two heads. Following acquisition in 1999, the boat underwent extensive renovation in a Maine boatyard that included removal and replacement of through-hull fittings in 316L stainless steel, reconfigured galley and head systems, new teak interior joinery with custom doors and grates, and an EDSON cockpit table. A bow thruster was installed during this period.

More recent work included replacement of the main mast and boom by US Spars in 2023, followed by a comprehensive refit in Florida that addressed all major systems. The boat was then sailed across the world via the southern cape route off South Africa, demonstrating the integrity of her steel hull and systems after the extensive restoration work.