Formosa 51: A Trusted Bluewater Ketch for Sale in the UK (1981)

The Formosa 51 is a legendary bluewater sailing ketch, originally built in 1981, offering exceptional durability and comfort for long-distance voyages. This particular vessel, located in the United Kingdom, is available for sale and has been beautifully maintained with key upgrades including new teak decks, a serviced engine, and updated masts.

1981 Formosa 51 Ketch – Proven Ocean Cruiser with Recent Investment This 1981 Formosa 51 is a substantial, ocean-capable ketch built for serious bluewater cruising. Designed with the traditional strength and character that Formosa yachts are known for, she offers a solid cruising platform with the reassuring motion and stability expected of a long-keel yacht. Her teak decks were renewed in 2021, and a comprehensive osmosis treatment was completed in 2024, providing long-term hull protection. The long cast iron keel and keel-hung rudder give directional stability offshore and a forgiving motion at sea. Power is provided by a Ford Lehman 120hp diesel engine, recently serviced, supported by an 8.5kW Northern Lights generator. A bow thruster (installed 2016) assists with close-quarters manoeuvring. The ketch rig features a 65ft main mast (2019) and a 45ft mizzen mast (2024), along with a full wardrobe of North sails, offering flexibility and balance for passagemaking. Below deck, KUAN YIN presents a traditional teak interior with accommodation for six across three cabins. The aft master cabin is generous, while the forward cabins provide practical space for guests or crew. The saloon features classic joinery and a wood/coal stove, creating a warm atmosphere in cooler conditions. The linear galley is equipped for extended cruising with a full-size electric oven, gas hobs, and ample refrigeration. As with many yachts of this era, she offers a strong structural foundation alongside systems that may benefit from ongoing refinement and personalisation to suit a new owner’s cruising plans. For buyers seeking a capable, traditionally built offshore yacht with recent investment in key structural areas, this Formosa 51 represents an opportunity to acquire a serious bluewater platform. Available through Williams & Smithells International. Construction Owners version White GRP hull with blue bootstrap Osmosis treatment completed in 2024 Teak laid on GRP decks New teak laid in 2021 White GRP Centre cockpit superstructure Long cast iron keel Keel hung rudder Wheel steering Machinery Ford Lehman 120hp, 6-cyl diesel engine Borg Warner gearbox Shaft drive to three-blade prop 8.5kW Northern Lights generator Machinery recently serviced in 2024 Bowthruster (2016) Electrics 12v and 220v onboard voltage 220v rewired 2020 3 x 200amp/h Engine and service batteries 200amp/h Generator start battery Victron Energy 200amp battery charger Fast cranking facility to main engine 75A alternator on the main engine Manual regulator for auto charging Tankage 800 liters Fuel capacity in GFK tank 700 liters Water capacity in GFK tank 2 x Holding tanks Rig and Sail Ketch rigged ocean cruiser White 65ft wooden main mast (2019) White 45ft wooden mizzen mast (2024) Stainless steel standing rigging (2014) Standing rigging maintained by Northsails (2023) Sails White Northsails main (2005) White Northsails mizzen (2005) White 150% Northsails genoa White high-cut Yankee White staysail Club-footed jib Storm Jib Radial head spinnaker with snuffer Winches 2 x Winches XT40 2 x Winches XT 44 (2016) Accommodation Accommodation for six in three cabins. Forward V-berth with twin bunk berths to starboard Forward heads to port opposite twin cabin Forward heads with shower and wash basin Saloon with L-shaped seating to starboard Additional seating to port, with TV unit behind. Wood/coal free-standing, stainless steel stove with flue to deck. Central companionway from cockpit. Water, heater, engine, generator, and refrigeration systems housed in a separate engine room Services/workshop below Linear galley to port Second access stairway to cockpit within center-berthed double stern cabin Aft double master cabin Master cabin heads with shower and wash basin Double berth is 6ft square with additional single berths on either side. Electric heads and macerators added front heads (2006), back (2010), all renewed in 2019 and maintained in 2024 Domestic Hot and cold pressurized water system to the galley Deck wash supplied by a saltwater pressure system Double stainless-steel sink Front opening fridge and top opening freezer Full-size electric oven with 2 electric hobs 2 x Gas hobs renewed in 2016 Electric kettle, Toaster, and Sandwich maker TV & audio systems Advantage of electric galley - Every time the generator is activated, it automatically charges batteries, operates the 220v refrigeration system, and supplies the hot water system, if selected. Deck 1500W 24V Lofrans Tigres horizontal Ø10mm windlass 80lb (36kg) Delta anchor 60lb (27kg) CQR anchor 300' 3/8" (100m) Galvanized chain Deck lights on the main mast Spotlights Swim ladder Passerelle 3 x 3 Warps 8 fenders Mooring lines Sun awnings, winter and summer cockpit covers Davits on stern Navigation Tak Tik wind/speed/direction instruments 2 x Depth sounders 2 x Log/speed displays Cetrek autopilot connected to hydraulic steering rams, with alternative wheel steering Magellan GPS Simrad Navi chartplotter, Touchscreen NSS8 (2014) Simrad Broadband Radar 3G (2014) Waeco Cold Machine Series 90 Type CU-96 (2014) C.Plath Merkur Kompass No. 33345 (2015) Raymarine Speedlog (2016) Icom IV M23 marine transceiver (2016) AIS VM-WMX850 Vesper Marine WatchMate 850 (2020) Steiner Admirals Cup with Compass and light Icom VHF transceiver Fixed full-size chart table Tender GFK Tender boat (fiber), 3m, 2 oars, white with blue stripes (2024) 4HP Suzuki outboard S/N 910685 (2018) Inflatable boat 2.4m CN-HFU656215616 Additional 2hp Suzuki outboard Safety Plastimo 8-person liferaft (2011) mounted on deck GPS/EPIRB McMurdo (2011) Life jackets, harnesses for 6 persons 2 x Horseshoe life buoys Dan buoy Various flares and lifelines Fire extinguishers Emergency steering extension to rudder stocks and tiller The condition or level of safety equipment on board is not to be negotiated on following survey. It is likely to be listed by most surveyors but is not structural or an integral working part of the vessel and is not to be used to further negotiate the price down after survey. We strongly suggest that for your own personal safety that when purchasing a yacht you provide new safety equipment rather than relying on second hand gear. Should you become the new owner of this yacht then the responsibility to re-register or update official bodies for items such as EPIRB, VHF, MMSI or AIS becomes yours.

Designed for serious sailors, the Formosa 51 accommodates 6 guests across 3 cabins, making it ideal for family cruising or liveaboard opportunities. With a length of 50.83 feet (15.54 m) and a beam of 4.29 m, this ketch combines stability with spaciousness. Its engine delivers 120 hp (88 kW), ensuring reliable performance on open waters.