Power cruiser sets sights on international debut

Offshore cruiser to debut at US boat show

SOUTH AFRICA: The newly launched offshore cruiser from Askari Yachts, the Askari 65 will make her journey to the United States of America to showcase her ocean-going capability and elegant styling at the Annapolis Powerboat Show in October.

Specialist aluminium yacht builder Askari Yachts recently launched the first Askari 65, a distinctive 20 metre (65-foot) aluminium long-range power cruiser built in Cape Town for serious offshore cruising, extended living aboard and a high degree of owner customisation.

“This has been a detailed, hands-on build, and every stage has required skill, patience and precision. Aluminium yacht building rewards careful planning and good workmanship, and this vessel reflects the commitment of the entire team,” said James Felgate of Askari Yachts.

The company is also working on the launch of a performance adventure catamaran which is scheduled to launch towards the end of 2027. The 16.8 metre Askari 55 Performance Adventure Catamaran features an aluminium sailing catamaran features twin fixed keels, flexible accommodation layouts, generous bridgedeck living space and an optional hybrid propulsion configuration.

Together, the Askari 65 power monohull and Askari 55 performance sailing catamaran demonstrate the versatility of Askari’s aluminium yacht-building philosophy across two very different vessel types.

Powered by local design

Designed by award-winning Cape Town yacht design firm Du Toit Yacht Design, the Askari 65 combines practical ocean-going capability with refined onboard living, elegant styling and the strength, durability and flexibility of aluminium construction. Developed for owners who want to travel further and spend extended periods aboard, the yacht has strong appeal within the international long-range cruising and passagemaker market.

With experience across custom, semi-custom and production sailing and power vessels, including aluminium motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and monohulls, Du Toit Yacht Design’s expertise spans yacht design, exterior design, structural engineering and detailing, interior architecture and the coordination of critical systems interfaces between the builder and specialist suppliers.

This integrated approach is particularly important in an aluminium yacht, where structure, layout, machinery, service access, systems and interior spaces need to be considered together from the earliest stages of the project.

Built for flexibility

Built in marine-grade aluminium, the Askari 65 has been developed for adventurous voyaging, practical ownership and refined living at sea. Aluminium offers durability, strength and repairability, while giving Askari the flexibility to tailor each vessel around the way its owners intend to cruise and live aboard. The Askari 65 is intended for owners who value offshore capability, efficiency, range and the ability to spend extended periods aboard.

The Askari 65 is designed to effortlessly achieve a cruising speed of 8.5 knots, with a fuel capacity of 4,650 litres (1,228 US gallons). Based on calculated propulsion figures, this gives an estimated range of approximately 2,300 nautical miles at a constant cruising speed of 8.5 knots, increasing to 3,100 nautical miles at economical displacement speeds under ideal conditions.

Its aluminium structure is developed as an integrated framework incorporating plating, framing, bulkheads, tankage, machinery spaces and service access from the outset. This coordinated design and build approach supports strength, maintainability, serviceability and long-term ownership.

The main deck is designed around generous indoor-outdoor living. A spacious aft cockpit connects directly with the aft galley through a large opening servery window, while the saloon extends forward to the fully equipped main helm station. Forward, a generous cockpit and foredeck lounge create a second outdoor living and entertaining area.

Below deck, the first Askari 65 is configured with four double ensuite cabins, including a spacious aft master cabin. The accommodation arrangement is highly customisable, with the option of three ensuite cabins and dedicated crew accommodation, or other owner-focused configurations. Because the yacht is fabricated in aluminium rather than built around fixed production moulds, layouts can be adapted to individual owner requirements without the need to create an entirely new mould for each configuration.

Aft of the master cabin is a substantial engine room with full standing headroom, separated from the accommodation by a watertight and fire-resistant door. Beyond the engine room is a dedicated aft garage, accessed through a hydraulically operated transom door, providing valuable storage for water toys, boards, diving equipment, compressors, tools and other cruising gear.

The large flybridge provides another substantial outdoor living and entertaining area and includes an upper helm from which the yacht can also be operated. A hydraulically folding hardtop incorporates an extensive 6000-Watt solar-panel array and can be lowered when the flybridge is not in use, helping to secure and protect the upper deck while reducing the vessel’s overall profile when required. A tender crane on the upper deck provides effortless tender handling and storage.