A classic cruising yacht designed for long voyages and life aboard.
This 1976 Calypso 43 Ketch, designed by the renowned Dutch designer Frans Maas, is a yacht from an era when solid construction, seaworthiness, and long-distance cruising capability were the top priorities.
The fiberglass hull, manufactured in Nuremberg, consists of an impressive 30–50 mm solid laminate; the interior was fitted out at the Gebr. Rüst shipyard in Emden. The yacht was built and certified according to Lloyd’s specifications.
With a displacement of about 15 metric tons, approximately 4 metric tons of ballast, a center cockpit, and a classic ketch rig, the Calypso evokes a feeling that many modern production yachts rarely offer anymore: you’re sailing on a real ship.
This design offers a remarkable foundation, especially for sailors who dream of long voyages, a transatlantic crossing, a circumnavigation of the globe, or a life aboard. Approximately 1,500 liters of diesel and 1,500 liters of water provide exceptional range and self-sufficiency for a yacht of this size.
Below deck, the Calypso impresses with a full-sized aft cabin with headroom, a spacious salon, a forward cabin with a V-berth, and two bathrooms, one of which includes a shower. The sheltered center cockpit comfortably accommodates up to six people.
In recent years, significant investments have been made in the yacht’s maintenance and modernization. The wooden superstructure was extensively restored by a boat builder and recoated using an epoxy vacuum infusion process. Invoices and photographic documentation are available.
Additional features include a high-quality soft top from 2021, overhauled sails, new boom covers, UV protection for the genoa, and two Andersen 50 ST two-speed winches, new in 2023.
The navigation system has also been modernized: Raymarine Axiom chartplotter and radar (2025), NAVTEX (2025), radio (2021), overhauled instrumentation, and an overhauled Segatron electric autopilot. A Vetus bow thruster from 2021 facilitates maneuvering.
Technical Specifications
Year Built: 1976 Designer: Frans Maas Rigging: Ketch Length: approx. 13.00 m Beam: approx. 3.75 m Draft: approx. 1.75 m Displacement: approx. 15 t Ballast: approx. 4 t Sail area upwind: approx. 90 m² Engine: Volvo Penta diesel, 60 PS Diesel: approx. 1,500 l Fresh water: approx. 1,500 l Mast height: approx. 18 m including antennas
The Calypso 43 is thus far more than a classic yacht for weekend cruises. It offers a substantial platform for long-distance cruising, liveaboarding, and ambitious travel plans—for owners who value character, classic lines, and solid construction over fleeting trends.
A yacht for people whose journey is not meant to end at the horizon.
The yacht is located in Lübeck and is being sold to a good home for family reasons. Viewings and further information are available by appointment. Commission-free for buyers
Details
ManufacturerMotorsejler
ModelCalypso 43
Year (Build / Refit)1976
Length13.0m
Total Power60 hp
Beam3.8m
Specifications
Dimensions
Length13.0m
Beam3.8m
Hull
MaterialGRP
Weight
Displacement15.0 t
Propulsion
Engine 1
Engine MakeVolvo Penta
Engine TypeInboard
Fuel TypeDiesel
Power60 hp
Listing details on this page are provided by YachtBroker - Westliche Ostsee as marketing material. Please contact the broker directly for full details.