About the Vessel
About the CT 54
Also known as the Ta Chiao CT-54
Design & Heritage
A Classic Bluewater Ketch
Celebrated as a "pirate ship", it is a classic Taiwanese-built bluewater staysail ketch. Designed by Robert Perry (with structural input from Ted Brewer), it was one of Perry's early fiberglass designs and became iconic for its stout, traditional lines, clipper bow, long keel, and exceptional seaworthiness. Originally intended as the Hans Christian 54, it was built by Ta Chiao Shipbuilding Co. for export markets.
Designed as a heavy cruiser: heavily overbuilt (thick fiberglass layup), stable in heavy weather, comfortable for long passages or liveaboard use, with a classic aesthetic (bowsprit, tailboards, molded plank seams, low freeboard, and striking sheer). It's not a light-air racer but excels in moderate-to-strong conditions, with proven bluewater credentials (many circumnavigations and ocean crossings).
Entertaining & Living Spaces
Designed for Life Aboard
Cockpit & Deck
Step aboard Calypso into the spacious, deep covered cockpit that extends the living space outdoors, creating a comfortable all-weather gathering area ideal for dining, relaxing, and enjoying waterfront views. The cockpit provides abundant guest seating and functions as a natural social hub, making it perfectly suited for charter excursions, cocktail cruises and entertaining. The vessel was previously registered for charters, sailing from San Pedro to Catalina and other locations along the southern California coast.
Companionway & Saloon
Elegant curved companionway stairs create an inviting and safe transition to the living space below. The spacious salon, galley, staterooms and heads are all accented by beautifully crafted teak throughout. Saloon features an expandable relaxation lounge or dining area, that also converts to a berth, two reclining chairs and a fireplace (AC). Expansive wraparound saloon windows fill the teak-accented interior with natural light while offering exceptional views of the surrounding waters and landscapes. Windows feature Levelor blinds to control light and provide privacy. Inside steering station and navigation desk.
Galley
Galley features an island slightly less than 3x5' with mini wine and cocktail station and refrigeration storage. Raised 2x4' serving counter, appetizer bar, or catering station perfect for social gatherings or serving charter guests. Includes small AC fridge, microwave and toaster oven, and gas stove/oven.
Staterooms
Four staterooms and convertible saloon settee provide sleeping accommodations for 8–11. Aft master stateroom with oversized queen bed area, and 3 forward staterooms (1 double bed, 1 double bed and bunk, v-berth with 2 bunks). The v-berth is currently used as storage and tool room. Custom cushion designed for use with salon settee and table to sleep 2 more. The two forward stateroom beds convert to settees for added day charter guest seating (currently set up with mattresses for sleeping, but have cushions for seating).
Heads
Master stateroom has private head with curved stall shower and Marine Elegance electric toilet. Forward head also has curved stall shower and Marine Elegance electric toilet.
Additional Features
Generous storage solutions in every cabin and living space.
Cruising Comforts Underway
Easy to Handle, Built to Perform
Cockpit-controlled furling on all sails makes Calypso exceptionally easy to handle, whether sailing short-handed, as a couple or solo. Equipped with a Max-Prop feathering propeller that reduces drag under sail, improves sailing performance, and provides excellent maneuverability under power. Also, an electric windlass for effortless anchoring and retrieval. See Specifications and Additional Information for more.