Overview
About this vessel
Capistrano is a purpose-built 51ft aluminium expedition yacht, constructed over a decade by a master New Zealand boatbuilder as his personal vessel. She combines rugged strength with elegant design, intended for high-latitude cruising and long-term liveaboard comfort. With a successful circumnavigation via Cape Horn, South Georgia, and the Cape of Good Hope, she is a proven bluewater performer with exceptional systems and craftsmanship throughout.
Built to expedition-grade standards, Capistrano features a heavily framed aluminium hull with integral fuel tanks (total of 1,300l), top-tier insulation for polar conditions, and ventilation suitable for the tropics. Her deck fittings are mounted to her solid and glassed-over Kauri timber coach house and cockpit, avoiding corrosion issues. Many onboard components are custom-fabricated, and all systems are either commercial-grade or over-specified.
Her electrical system is meticulously engineered--fully isolated, conduit-wired, labelled, and bonded, with watertight junction boxes and a galvanic isolator. Propulsion is provided by a naturally aspirated Cummins diesel engine, with a thrust bearing carrier. A quiet, reliable Lugger generator sits on a stainless tray, in the well-insulated and fully accessible engine room. Fuel lines are stainless steel and isolated, while dual water pumps and 4 stainless steel water tanks (total 1,000l) ensure redundancy and capacity for long-range cruising.
Below deck, the interior is finished in American white oak and white epoxy, creating a bright and modern living space. The saloon features leather seating, plenty of opening hatches, and eight fans throughout the vessel ensure excellent airflow. Accommodation includes a walk-around double berth in the spacious master cabin and a cleverly designed double guest cabin layout that sleeps five. All lighting is LED. The central galley includes Corian benchtops, front-loading fridges, a top-opening freezer, and ample food storage. The heads have macerating electric heads, and durable epoxy finishes for easy maintenance.
Navigation is fully integrated with a complete B&G electronics suite, including plotter, radar, AIS and autopilot--controllable from both helm and nav station. The nav station includes a dedicated inverter for the nav station computer and doubles as a work area for office use. Communication is by Starlink, Iridium Go and an Icom SSB transceiver. The Whitlock steering system, electric halyard winch, and fully enclosable cockpit make sail handling efficient and protected in any condition.
On deck, wide walkways, tall triple-wire lifelines, and inboard shrouds make for safe movement underway. The transom features a sugar scoop swim platform with integrated lockers for gear and tackle. Aft deck lockers include a workshop bench with power access. Rigging includes a NZ-built mast and boom with lazyjacks and boombag, folding mast steps, and a 2023 radar dome. All navigation and deck lighting are LED. A hard dodger and Bimini with solar panel mounting complete this ocean-ready cruiser.
Capistrano is a rare opportunity to acquire a world-class expedition yacht with a proven track record, built to exceptional standards, and fully outfitted for global cruising. Inspection is essential to appreciate the quality and care invested in this remarkable vessel.
