TEMPEST for sale

TEMPEST is one of the notable Sparkman & Stephens maxi-racer ketches built by Palmer Johnson in 1974 — among the largest and most competitive ocean-racing yachts of her era. A near sistership to Jim Kilroy’s legendary KIALOA III, she shares the same distinctive hull form and racing pedigree that defined the pinnacle of offshore competition in the 1970s.

Completely rebuilt at Holland Jachtbouw in 2000, TEMPEST was stripped to her bare hull and emerged as essentially a new yacht with carbon spars, new teak decks, and a new interior. Further refits in 2010 and again in 2025 have kept her in outstanding condition, preserving her classic character while upgrading every technical aspect for modern sailing.

One of the first aluminium maxis of her generation, TEMPEST was conceived for offshore racing, combining light displacement with ocean-going durability. She achieved notable results on the racecourse, including first to finish in the 1976 Bermuda Race, a class win in the Transpac, and she held the Vineyard Race record for twenty years. She has a flush deck and a recessed cockpit, enlarged during the 2000 rebuild, which provides a protected area for sailing and on-deck dining, with a bimini for shade.

Her interior is the work of Hoek Design and is finished in warm teak. A raised salon provides natural light and views across the deck, while a formal dining area and open galley below offer an open and comfortable living space.

TEMPEST accommodates six guests in three en suite cabins. The owner’s cabin aft features a double berth and en suite, while two twin bunk cabins, also with en suites, are located forward. Further accommodation sleeps a crew of two.

In 2000, TEMPEST was completely rebuilt at Holland Jachtbouw. She was stripped to her bare aluminium hull and renewed from the keel up with new bulkheads, engineering, rig, and systems. The rebuild also introduced a new teak deck, full repaint, modern wiring and plumbing. Subsequent refits in 2010 and 2025 brought further upgrades, a new engine and generator, updated mechanical and electrical systems, and improved insulation throughout.

Key Features

• Classic Sparkman & Stephens design
• Aluminium built at Palmer Johnson
• Classic Hoek Design interior
• Completely rebuilt in 2000 at Holland Jachtbouw
• Top racing pedigree: sister ship to Jim Kilroy’s legendary KIALOA III
• Refits in 2010/2025