Mummery Custom 51

Capistrano is an impressive 51 ft aluminium sailing vessel built by an experienced New Zealand boat builder as his own personal craft. The build was a labour of love spanning a period of 10 years and incorporating his vast knowledge from 35 years building custom boats. No expense was spared on her design and fit out. Only the best systems were installed and her serviceability to this day is a testament to his philosophy. Her designer's brief was for a high latitude boat, Cape Horn capable. Built and designed with ample ventilation and high-end insulation allows comfortable cruising in the tropics as well. Attention to detail in her design and build saw her coach house (where the majority of fittings are attached) constructed from solid Kauri glassed over. This clever detail has ensured longevity of ancillary equipment and attachments. Many fittings, not commercially available, were custom built for the project.

Equipment on board is over-spec or top of the line and in many cases both. Examples of this are the windlass, steering system, stanchions, rigging etc.

The electrical system is just one example of the quality and attention to detail. The system is designed to be "above earth" with galvanic isolator and monitoring built in. Electrical wiring is installed in conduit and all connections encapsulated in watertight junction boxes. All electrical equipment is isolated from the hull and bonded. All wiring is labelled. This system presents as new.

Fuel lines and gas lines are run in stainless steel and isolated from the hull. Aluminium fuel tanks are integral and provide an enormous amount of strength to the already over-designed and built hull. Four separate stainless steel water tanks built with baffles are set discreetly under the settees. Connecting these to the boats water system is a powerful water pump with an identical second pump as backup.

The engine room is beyond impressive. A total of 6 hinged insulated doors allow access to every part of the well-lit and expansive area. Passive ventilation keeps engine heat where it should be, and powerful forced ventilation is available if required. The practical, powerful normal aspirated engine allows for a wide range of running RPM without the worry of turbo charger problems. The massive engine bed and thrust bearing carrier ensures there is no vibration of the running gear at any rev range. Silky smooth. The Maxi prop is adjusted for good comfortable motoring at 1800 to 2000 RPM range. Also located in the engine room is a new Lugger generator on a stainless-steel tray. The quiet operation of the generator is unobtrusive to the enjoyment of the boat, and easily meets all electrical, refrigeration and hot water needs on the water. All through hulls are flush and connected with high end commercial marine serviceable seacocks feeding bronze raw water strainers.

The interior fit out includes a combination of American white oak trim and white epoxy painted surfaces giving a modern, airy feel. Copious deck, coach house and hull hatches flood the saloon with light. The saloon settee and nav-station are trimmed with high quality leather, presenting in immaculate condition. There is a total of 8 Hella 12 volt fans strategically placed throughout the boat. All lighting is LED and of a high standard.

The galley design is perfect. Located centrally with copious space for multiple cooks to share duties, there is ample food storage, including refrigeration, placed above bench, negating the need to stoop. The cavernous freezer is set into the fully formed Corian benchtop.

Wet areas are serviced by a large stainless steel HWS presenting as new, two high end macerating heads, selectable black water holding tank if required and ample ventilation. All finished in easy care epoxy surfaces.

Well-lit stowage forward sees 100 meters of chain handled by and oversized windlass. This locker includes space for sails, fender storage, drogue and storm sea anchor stowage, the black water tank, pump out facility and deck wash pump.

The guest cabins (able to sleep 5) employ an ingenious system of sliding doors and bunks allowing a very open boat when crew are not on board, and privacy for all when occupied.

Full nav-station allows all the plotter, radar, autopilot controls, (available at the helm) to be mirrored and controllable. Additional computer screen allows this to be a working office space, with printer located discreetly behind the panel. A separate inverter is dedicated to the nav-station computer equipment.

The master cabin features a large walk-around double bed with cavernous stowage below. Very comfortable high density mattress, and plenty of easily accessible space for personal items.

On deck, Capistrano is a joy to move around. Wide decks with cap shrouds inboard and 3 wire lifelines make crew feel secure. Soft, non-skid deck treatment ensures sure footing. Unbelievably strong, high stanchions, and gates are a pleasure to hold. Wide flat aft deck fitted with two large lockers that allow for steering and gas locker access. Starboard locker also sports a work bench fitted with power points if any maintenance at sea is required. This bench doubles as stowage for spare lines.

The transom design incorporates a large multi-level sugar scoop that creates a great dingy handling, fishing, swimming and lounging platform. Integral are two lockers holding fishing gear, fuels and stern anchor rode.

Mast and boom construction is first class by leading NZ spar builders. Featuring discontinuous rigging, folding mast steps to the lower spreader where foot platforms and hand holds are built in for a lookout position for the crew. The radar dome (recently renewed 2023) and deck lights are found here. All navigation lights are LED and of high standard.

The cockpit is protected by a hard dodger and Bimini, with vision being unimpeded through toughened glass windows. The Bimini also allowing access to the boom and provides a convenient location for the solar panels. The binnacle is fitted with a quality Whitlock helm with fully encapsulated cables running to the Whitlock Quadrant. B&G plotter with radar and autopilot are conveniently mounted on the binnacle. This area can be enclosed with canvas and clears, partially or fully as the conditions dictate. All sail handling and reefing duties are performed from this area with the aid of the main electric winch.

Capistrano has circumnavigated via Cape Horn, Falkland Islands, South Georgia's, and Cape of Good Hope, as testament to her capabilities. The quality and strength of her build and fit out will not go unnoticed. Full appreciation will only be realized on inspection.