£169,000
Asking Price
Atlantic Yacht Brokers
London, United Kingdom
Listed by Mike Hodkinson
Mike
1976 Formosa 51 Ketch
About This Yacht
Step aboard a rare piece of nautical history. This 1976 Formosa 51 represents one of approximately 100 ever built during the legendary Taiwanese yard's limited production run from 1972 to 1982. Designed by the revered naval architect William Garden, she embodies everything serious cruisers seek: bombproof construction, timeless aesthetics, and the proven capability to carry you safely across any ocean.
The Formosa 51 earned her reputation the hard way – through countless circumnavigations and offshore passages that proved her mettle in every condition imaginable. This particular vessel showcases the hallmark features that made the model legendary: a solid fiberglass hull built without compromise, a full keel that tracks true through heavy seas, and heavy displacement that provides the steady, comfortable motion essential for extended passages. Her traditional ketch rig not only offers versatility in sail combinations but also balances beautifully under various points of sail, while wide side decks ensure safe movement forward even in challenging conditions.
Below decks, the craftsmanship of a bygone era reveals itself in every detail. Rich teak joinery throughout the interior creates an atmosphere of warmth and sophistication, with hand-crafted cabinetry that modern production boats simply cannot replicate. The spacious aft cabin configuration provides genuine privacy and comfort, while ample headroom throughout makes extended liveaboard cruising a pleasure rather than a compromise. The classic saloon serves as the heart of the vessel, where friends gather and passage plans take shape.
This Formosa 51 has been thoughtfully maintained and upgraded for contemporary cruising while preserving her classic character. With newer sails enhancing performance, robust deck hardware ready for serious work, and the inherent seaworthiness that defines the breed, she stands ready for her next chapter. Whether your dreams involve blue-water passages, comfortable coastal cruising, or a characterful liveaboard home, this vessel offers the rare combination of proven pedigree, timeless beauty, and genuine offshore capability that discerning sailors recognize immediately.
Machinery & Systems Power comes from a reliable Ford Lehman 2715E diesel engine delivering 120 horsepower, a proven workhorse known for longevity and ease of maintenance in the cruising community. The engine provides ample thrust for the vessel's 38,000-pound displacement, offering economical cruising speeds and excellent range under power. The heavy displacement design ensures stability and comfort while the full keel configuration protects the running gear. Fuel capacity supports extended passages with comfortable reserves, while the robust electrical system has been designed to handle offshore demands. The engine room layout provides good access for routine maintenance and systems monitoring, essential for self-sufficient cruising in remote anchorages.
Navigation & Electronics Navigation and communication systems are configured to support offshore passage-making and coastal cruising. The electronics suite includes essential equipment for safe navigation, while the traditional ketch rig allows for versatile sail handling and balanced performance across wind ranges. The vessel's proven design incorporates strong deck hardware throughout, with quality blocks, winches, and cleats positioned for efficient sail handling. The navigation station provides a dedicated workspace for chart work and passage planning, with proper lighting and comfortable seating for extended watches. VHF communication capability ensures contact with other vessels and shore stations, while depth instruments and speed logs provide essential performance data.
Accommodations The interior layout maximizes the 51-foot length with a spacious center cockpit configuration that creates distinct living zones. The generous aft cabin offers genuine privacy with full standing headroom, proper hanging lockers, and comfortable berth space – a true owner's retreat rarely found on yachts of this era. Forward, the classic saloon showcases the vessel's signature hand-crafted teak joinery, with beautifully finished cabinetry, comfortable settees, and a proper dining table where crews gather for meals and evening conversation. The full galley comes equipped with ample counter space, storage for extended provisioning, and appliances suitable for serious cooking underway. Additional cabin space forward provides flexible accommodations for guests or crew, while multiple heads ensure comfort for extended passages. Throughout, the teak interior has been maintained to preserve its rich patina and warmth, creating an inviting atmosphere that modern production boats struggle to match. A dedicated workshop and navigation station area provides space for repairs, project work, and passage planning.
Deck & Exterior On deck, the classic lines reveal themselves in the sweeping sheer, elegant clipper bow, and graceful overhangs that define William Garden's aesthetic. The center cockpit layout positions the helmsman with excellent visibility forward and to the sails, while the deep, protected cockpit offers security and comfort during offshore watches. Wide side decks with substantial toe rails provide safe passage forward, essential when working the foredeck in challenging conditions. The ketch rig spreads sail area between main and mizzen, allowing for balanced combinations and easier handling than a comparable sloop. Deck hardware includes robust cleats, quality blocks, and properly sized winches positioned for efficient sail handling. The foredeck offers ample working space for anchor handling and sail changes, while the bowsprit adds both functionality and classic character. Stanchions and lifelines are through-bolted for security, and multiple deck hatches provide ventilation and emergency egress below. The overall deck layout reflects the vessel's offshore heritage, with everything positioned for safety, efficiency, and ease of handling by a short-handed crew.
Key Features • William Garden design – one of approximately 100 built during limited 1972-1982 production run • Solid fiberglass construction with full keel and 38,000-pound displacement for offshore capability • LOA 51 ft, LWL 39 ft, Beam 14.6 ft, Draft 6.0 ft – classic proportions for seaworthiness • Spacious aft cabin with generous headroom and hand-crafted teak joinery throughout • Proven circumnavigation pedigree with countless successful ocean passages by sister ships • Traditional ketch rig with newer sails, strong deck hardware, and wide side decks • Ford Lehman 2715E 120 HP diesel – reliable, economical, and maintainable offshore • Timeless classic beauty combined with genuine bluewater capability under £500K
3
Cabins
6
Berths
2
Heads
Specifications
Manufacturer
Formosa
Model
51 Ketch
Year Built
1976
Length Overall
51 ft
Beam
14.5 ft
Type
Ketch
Condition
Used
Location
California, Marina del Rey
Country
United States
Listed
11 Mar 2026
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