1966 Louw & Halvorsen Custom 66

Welcome aboard The Impossible Machine.Originally launched in 1966, this classic wooden sailing vessel was designed by Kurt Oehlman built by the at the Louw & Halvorsen shipyard in Cape Town SA to be used as a training vessel for the South African Navy.In 2020, her current owner commissioned a major refit, transforming her into the proud ocean voyager she is today. Upgrades included the installation of a brand-new 225hp John Deere diesel engine with a new turbo and gearbox oil cooler, all-new through-hull fittings, a fully replaced rudder and hydraulic system, and the removal and servicing of both masts with new stainless-steel rod rigging. In 2022, her topsides and antifoul were renewed, completing her rejuvenation.This extensive refit prepared her for the adventure of a lifetime — sailing from South Africa to Brazil to compete in the 2023 Cape to Rio Race. At the helm was her owner, Ard Matthews — renowned South African musician, songwriter, and lead vocalist of the band Just Jinjer — who then continued his voyage north to the Caribbean.In recent years, The Impossible Machine has also served as a sailing and yacht-training platform for the Paper Boat Academy, offering aspiring mariners the skills and experience to launch careers in the yachting industry.Additional InformationAccommodationSeating Capacity: 15Total Cabins: 4Total Sleeps: 15Total Heads: 2Bunk Length: Average 6 ftHeadroom: 7 ftInterior Comforts and AmenitiesRefrigeration: Snowmaster 12VFreezer: Same as fridgeStove/Oven: Force 10, 3-burner propanePropane Shut-off Valve: YesVented Propane Locker: YesPropane Tanks: SteelAir Conditioner: Yes, (2) units (1 portable, RV/household type)Heater: NoFirst Aid Kit: YesElectronics and NavigationRadar: Yes, condition unknownDepth Sounder: (2) units (Raymarine analog + newer B&G)Primary VHF Radio: YesAIS: Receiving & transmittingEPIRB: YesChart Plotters: B&G Vulcan, old analog RaymarineAutopilot: CPT analogNavigation: Lots of paper charts and sextantElectrical SystemsPrimary Anchor: CQR 55, 120 lbs, 100 m galvanized 13 mm chainSecondary Anchor: CQR, same as primaryFull Deck Awning: Canvas over mizzen boomCockpit Cushions: Waterproof plasticLife Raft: 12-person, needs serviceDinghy Davits: YesNavigation Lights: YesDeck Washdown System: YesDeck and Hull EquipmentPrimary Anchor: CQR 55, 120 lbs, 100 m galvanized 13 mm chainSecondary Anchor: CQR, same as primaryFull Deck Awning: Canvas over mizzen boomCockpit Cushions: Waterproof plasticLife Raft: 12-person, needs serviceDinghy Davits: YesNavigation Lights: YesDeck Washdown System: YesSails and RiggingMain Mast: AluminumMizzen Mast: AluminumRoller Furling for Main: YesSpinnaker: Yes, tornSail Area: 200 m²Standing Rigging: Rod rigging (New 2020)Chain Plates: Stainless (Approx. 5 years old)Mast Winches: Lewmar, not self-tailingCockpit Winches: Self-tailing for mainsheet + (2) for jib sheetsLifelines: DyneemaMainsail: Ulman (2023)Staysail: North Sails (2022)Mizzen: Original (Good condition)Genoa: Original with new UV cover from NorthMechanical EquipmentEngine: John Deere, 215 HP, inboard, direct drive (March 2020)Propeller Type: Pitched, bronzeEngine Hours: 300–400 (Port)Manual Bilge Pump: YesElectric Bilge Pump: YesSteering: Hydraulic, new oil and pipes (8 months ago)Emergency Tiller: YesBilge Blowers: Engine onlyEngine InfoEngine: John Deere, 215 HP, inboard, direct drive (March 2020)Propeller Type: Pitched, bronzeEngine Hours: 300–400 (Port)TankageDiesel Capacity: 3,600 liters (Dual steel tanks)Fresh Water Capacity: 2,000 liters (1) aluminum (1) plastic)Holding Tank: (1) plastic, capacity unknownOwners Comments and Boat HistorySee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followtimsv/The Impossible Machine, formerly known as Howard Davies, was built in 1966 by the Louw and Halvorsen shipyard to be used as a training vessel for the South African Navy. The boat was designed by Kurt Oehlmann, who designed numerous wooden yachts between 1958 and 1980.She was more recently purchased by Ard Mathews, a South African musician and captain, who commissioned a major refit from 2020–2023. During that time, he changed the name to The Impossible Machine and went on to cross the Atlantic while competing in the Cape to Rio Race of 2023. He then cruised the Caribbean and has left her in the Dominican Republic, where she is now for sale.DisclaimerThe company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change or withdrawal without notice.