
1966 Louw And Halvorsen Custom 66
Samana
$119,500
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. Interior Comforts and Amenities Owners Comments and Boat History See 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. The 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.
Specifications
Character
The Yacht Market
Original Listing
$119,500
Free to message sellers.
What happens next
Listing trust
Keep Comparing
Similar boats to consider
These listings line up with this boat on make, location, or buyer-intent tags so you can compare the market without restarting your search.
Keep browsing this market
Jump into the strongest make, region, and boat-type hubs connected to this listing.
Sailboats for Sale
Explore monohulls and sailing boats that fit real buyer intent.
Catamarans for Sale
Browse multihulls and cruising cats with real inventory.
Lagoon Boats
High-intent Lagoon searches with cleaner listings and strong inventory depth.
Leopard Boats
Leopard catamarans and related liveaboard-friendly listings.


