Good Hope 65

Designer: Ed Joy Design
Builder: Jacobs Bros Boat Builders, Cape Town

Vessel Overview

The Good Hope 65 is a robust, expedition-capable sailing yacht designed by Ed Joy Design and built by Jacobs Bros Boat Builders in Cape Town, South Africa. Conceived as a scaled-up evolution of the highly regarded Good Hope 56, the Good Hope 65 is purpose-built for extended cruising, high-latitude exploration, and remote expedition sailing.

With an overall length of 65 feet 3 inches (19.89m) and a displacement of over 34 tonnes, the vessel offers exceptional volume, load-carrying capacity, and offshore capability. Its rugged design philosophy makes it equally suited to private ownership or commercial charter operations in some of the most demanding environments on the planet.

Key design and performance characteristics include:

• Lifting keel and rudder system, allowing access to shallow anchorages and the ability to dry out safely at low tide
• Flush foredeck forward of the pilothouse, providing safe and practical working space at sea
• Dedicated below-deck expedition storage to port and space for a foldable RIB tender to starboard
• A powerful and reliable John Deere 4045AFM 180HP diesel engine, prioritising durability and serviceability
• Large fuel and water capacities, supporting long-range autonomy
• A deck and interior layout designed for simplicity, reliability, and ease of maintenance

The pilothouse layout features a seagoing galley to port, navigation station and helm to starboard, and a forward-facing saloon offering excellent visibility and protection in heavy conditions. Below deck, the yacht accommodates three generous private staterooms, along with a flexible entertainment area that converts into an additional sea berth—ideal for passagemaking or expedition crew.

True to the Good Hope lineage, the 65 is a go-anywhere vessel, engineered for sailors seeking reliability, comfort, and confidence far from conventional cruising grounds.

Jo Fensham Contribution

For the Good Hope 65, Jo Fensham Yacht Upholstery was responsible for all interior and exterior upholstery, as well as custom mattresses and bedding throughout the vessel.

Working closely with Jacobs Bros and the design team, Jo Fensham delivered a fully integrated soft furnishing solution tailored to the yacht’s expedition-focused brief. The scope of work included:

• Interior saloon and pilothouse seating upholstery, engineered for comfort during long passages
• Cabin upholstery and soft furnishings across all staterooms
• Custom-shaped mattresses, CNC-cut to fit the unique geometry of each cabin
• Premium marine bed linens, fitted precisely for extended onboard living
• Exterior cockpit and deck cushions, designed to withstand harsh marine conditions
• Selection of globally renowned marine-grade fabrics and foams, chosen for durability, UV resistance, and comfort

Every upholstery element was designed to complement the Good Hope 65’s purposeful aesthetic while ensuring long-term performance in demanding environments. From foam density and fabric specification to stitching detail and fit, Jo Fensham’s work enhances both the liveability and endurance of this expedition-ready yacht.