The 72-foot yacht Te Kaihōpara

Te Kaihōpara is a 72ft, steel-hulled, 56-ton, ketch-rigged sailing vessel. Designed by Don Brooke and built in New Zealand. The yacht is a luxuriously appointed cruising ketch that combines the strength and safety of a steel hull, with excellent performance under wind and power through excellent design and waterline length.

Te Kaihōpara translates to The Explorer in Maori and has been renamed to capture the essence and purpose of our future adventures around this beautiful country. Built in 1976, Te Kaihōpara was formerly known as The Dove and Paul Markson II when originally launched. She has graced New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf, crossed the Tasman and cruised the Pacific Islands for more than four decades under three previous owners. Te Kaihōpara was designed to explore New Zealand’s rugged coastline in all weather conditions, providing comfort with extensive indoor and outdoor spaces.

Ocean Sailing Expeditions purchased Te Kaihōpara in early 2023. She is currently undergoing a full rewire and upgrade of safety systems to meet the latest Coastal Survey safety standards with Maritime New Zealand, before relocating to her new home at The Viaduct Marina in Auckland, ready to commence sailing operations in September 2023.

Don Brooke was a specialist in steel cruising yacht design in New Zealand and the owner who commissioned the original build, went on to build a 80-foot, followed by a 100-foot yacht, both also designed by Don Brooke. Don’s designs are immensely safe and strong and were designed to be sailed in all weather conditions.

Te Kaihōpara is 72 feet (21.8m) in length, 5.1m wide and has a draft of 2.1m. She carries 2,930 of water and 4,088 litres of fuel, providing long range cruising options for the 12 crew she can host onboard in 4 cabins.

The saloon and coach house can seat 18 people and the vessel provides the ability to helm from the aft deck or the coach house, depending on the weather.

The galley is comfortable and spacious, providing 4 fridges, a large chest freeze and a second dining area. The vessel has berths for twelve. There are two private cabins available which can be configured for a couple, a couple and a single or three single berths. There is no additional cost for a private cabin, but it includes the cost of all three berths, whether you occupy all of them or not.

The 12 berth layout is fairly spacious due to the beamy design of the hull. With ample built in furniture, stowing your gear while onboard is easy and the well lit cabins, provide an alternative space to relax at sea or at anchor.

Join us for an expedition, ocean race or regatta. Check the calendar. Check Te Kaihōpara’s location on Live Tracker