The second S&S large cruising ketch to be launched at Palmer Johnson, ASTRAL was defined by the late Mike Kelsey as a ‘refinement in shape and detail’ over the mega-yachts which had preceded her. ASTRAL proved to be a model of stability and comfort – even in extreme conditions.

Sparkman & Stephens Design #2510 is the Palmer-Johnson built, 123ft ocean-cruising ketch, GALILEO.  Launched in April, 1989, she was the largest aluminum sailing yacht to be built in the States since the 1930s.  The yacht has extensively cruised the world, including the Atlantic, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Pacific, and coast of California. 

Her John Munford, classically styled interior includes warm rosewood joinery with luxurious furnishings and details.  The accommodations include an owner’s stateroom, two large guest staterooms, and crew quarters. 

GALILEO’s design was based upon a Sparkman & Stephens 123ft design, FREEDOM.  The design firm took FREEDOM’s concept or an oceangoing pilothouse yacht, but modernized the underbody with a wing keel (as opposed to FREEDOM’s centerboard).  The design work included a series of tank tests at Arctec Offshore Corp in San Diego.  The final wing keel design was derived from the tank data.  Additional modifications to ‘traditional’ design include an active trim flap on the rudder to provide improved feel on the helm and a compressed air system for power back up for the hydraulic furling systems. 

Launched August, 1986 by Picchiotti SPA in Viareggio, Italy, the 124’ cruising ketch was designed for former Secretary of the Treasury William E. Simon, who chose Sparkman & Stephens for his first custom-designed yacht because of their outstanding reputation in the field of naval architecture and their extensive experience in the design of large yachts. His design brief was based on the concept of a long-range, safe, comfortable and fast yacht which was technologically advanced and simple to sail and yet elegant, graceful and classic. Debuting in Fremantle for a spectator yacht for the 1987 America’s Cup, FREEDOM was all that and more. 5000 square feet of sails cover the Rondal/Marquip ketch rig, utilizing hydraulic furlers for the main, mizzen and headsail. Equipped with everything needed for a long-range cruise, FREEDOM ’s 98’ waterline is easily driven under power or sail.