Askari 65 aluminium long-range power cruiser launched

Cape Town, South Africa: Specialist aluminium yacht builder Askari Yachts has launched the first Askari 65, a distinctive 20.00-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.

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.

The launch marks a significant milestone for Askari Yachts and the South African aluminium yacht-building industry. Following her Cape Town launch, the first Askari 65 is scheduled to embark on her journey to the United States, where she will make her international debut at the Annapolis Powerboat Show from 8 to 11 October 2026 at City Dock in Annapolis.

A distinctive aluminium power cruiser

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 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.

Built by Askari Yachts in Cape Town

Askari Yachts is a specialist aluminium yacht builder based in Montague Gardens, Cape Town. Its philosophy is captured in the line: crafted in Cape Town, designed to cross oceans.

The company builds a range of custom aluminium yachts engineered for extended cruising, global adventure and luxurious living at sea. Its current range includes the Askari 65 and the Askari 55 Performance Adventure Catamaran.

The build of the first Askari 65 was overseen by veteran boatbuilders Craig Hulbert, Chris James and James Felgate, together with their skilled team of aluminium fabricators, systems specialists, engineers and artisans.

The Askari Yachts team brings extensive experience in boatbuilding, sailing and marine operations, with a practical understanding of what is required to build vessels capable of performing in demanding offshore conditions.

“Launching the first Askari 65 is a proud day for everyone involved,” said James Felgate.

“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.”

Designed by Du Toit Yacht Design

The Askari 65 was designed by award-winning Cape Town yacht design studio Du Toit Yacht Design, which has experience across custom, semi-custom and production sailing and power vessels, including aluminium motor yachts, sailing yachts, catamarans and monohulls.

The firm’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.

Designed for range, comfort and practical ownership

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.

Rather than being designed as a conventional high-speed power yacht, the Askari 65 is intended for owners who value offshore capability, efficiency, range and the ability to spend extended periods aboard.

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.

Part of a growing aluminium yacht range

The Askari 65 is the first vessel in the Askari Yachts range to be launched. The Askari 55 Performance Adventure Catamaran is already in build and is scheduled to launch in the fourth quarter of 2027.

The 16.80-metre (55-foot) 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

Key features

Length overall: 20.00 m / 65.62 ft
Construction: Marine-grade aluminium
Accommodation: Four double ensuite cabins, customisable to three ensuite cabins plus dedicated crew accommodation
Crew accommodation: Optional separate dedicated crew accommodation
Cruising speed: 8.5 knots
Maximum speed: 14.5 knots
Fuel capacity: 4,650 litres / 1,228 US gal
Estimated range: Approximately 2,300 nautical miles at a constant cruising speed of 8.5 knots
Estimated economical range: Up to 3,100 nautical miles at economical displacement speeds under ideal conditions
Headroom: Full standing headroom throughout, including in the engine room

Principal dimensions and technical overview

Length overall (LOA): 20.00 m / 65.62 ft
Length waterline (LWL): 20.00 m / 65.62 ft
Beam: 5.00 m / 16.40 ft
Draft: 1.40 m / 4.59 ft

Air draft: 7.049 m / 23.13 ft (open roof); 5.711 m / 18.74 ft (closed roof)
Construction: Marine-grade aluminium
Main engines: 2 × Yanmar 4LV170, upgradeable to 2 × Yanmar 4LV250
Gearboxes: 2 × ZF68
Bow thruster: 48 V, 210 kgf thrust / approximately 463 lbf thrust
Helm stations: Main helm and optional upper helm and docking stations

Media requests for images can be sent to info@askariyachts.com