Palmer Johnson Ketch 76

Palmer & Johnson Ketch 76 feet (1983) – Long-Distance Expedition

Discover this Palmer & Johnson 76-foot ketch, built in 1983, a true nautical legend. Designed for offshore expeditions, this vessel is entirely constructed of aluminum, with a deck elegantly clad in teak. This exceptional ketch, designed by the renowned naval architect John Gale Alden, is ready to set sail right now, perfectly equipped for a round-the-world trip with the unique ability to run aground thanks to its stabilizers.

Historical Context & Prestigious Architect Palmer & Johnson Shipyard

Founded in 1918 in Sturgeon Bay (Wisconsin) under the name Sturgeon Bay Boat Works, the shipyard became Palmer & Johnson in 1956. It distinguished itself in the 1960s with its innovations in aluminum: in 1966, it launched the Firebird, the largest aluminum ketch of the time, followed in 1979 by Fortuna, a superb 30 m sailboat for the King of Spain, capable of 46 knots. The shipyard has since gained a worldwide reputation for its high-performance yachts, a blend of luxury, robustness, and elegance.

Architect John Gale Alden

John G. Alden (1884–1962) is a world-renowned American naval architect. Trained at MIT and with Starling Burgess, he founded his firm in 1909. He excelled in elegant marine designs that are stable and capable of being sailed solo, as evidenced by his successes in the Newport–Bermuda races with the Malabar IV (1923), VII (1926), and X (1932). He also designed the famous ketch When and If for General Patton. His yachts are praised for their safety, grace, and reliability.

Technical Sheet & Equipment Feature Detail TypeExpedition ketch / long-distance ConstructionIntegral aluminum – teak deck Year of construction1983 ArchitectJohn G. Alden ShipyardPalmer & Johnson Length76 feet (~23.2 m) Draft2.0 m to 3.5 m (keel boat, variable draft) Grounding capabilityYes, thanks to stabilizers EngineCaterpillar 200 Electronics & navigationGPS, AIS, radar... GeneratorTwo units Deck equipmentFull cockpit, safety sensors, robust rig yachts Long-distance accommodationsHigh-end living accommodations, long-term storage, electrical autonomy, offshore safetyWhy this Ketch is Unique

• Legendary architecture: designed by John Alden, master of high-performance and safe yachts, double winner of Newport–Bermuda.

• Prestigious shipyard: Palmer & Johnson, a pioneer in aluminum expedition yacht construction and speed record holder (Fortuna, Firebird).

• Extreme versatility: aluminum for robustness, teak deck for comfort, stabilizers for grounding, variable draft for access to remote areas.

• Equipped to depart immediately: complete electronics (GPS, AIS, radar), two generators, robust livability, autonomy for low latitudes.

• Heritage and prestige: a rare vessel, a symbol of American craftsmanship, ideal for a new life around the world, expedition or luxury offshore cruise.