Overview Oyster Sovereign 55 Kantara is a beautifully maintained Oyster Sovereign 55 that has remained in the same ownership since 1998. Built by Oyster Marine to a Holman & Pye design and commissioned in 1993, she is one of the most highly regarded bluewater cruising yachts of her era. Designed from the outset for comfortable long-distance cruising and manageable short-handed sailing, the Oyster 55 is ideally suited to a couple undertaking extended offshore passages or even circumnavigation. Thoughtfully upgraded and carefully maintained throughout her life, Kantara combines Oyster’s renowned build quality with genuine ocean-going capability, extensive cruising equipment and a level of long-term stewardship that is becoming increasingly rare to find. Ownership & Stewardship Current ownership since June 1998Nearly three decades of continuous ownershipUK VAT paidOyster Marine VAT documentation retainedLong-term cruising historyMaintained and upgraded for continued use rather than short-term resale Equipment and Information Construction & Design Oyster Sovereign 55 Hull No. 29Designed by Holman & PyeBuilt by Oyster Marine, Landamores Yard, WroxhamLloyd’s approved constructionCutter-rigged centre cockpit cruiserGRP hull, deck and superstructureEncapsulated keel without boltsFuel and water tanks situated mid ship under saloon.Blue Awlgrip hull finishWhite cove stripe detailingTeak laid side decks, cockpit seating and cockpit soleSugar scoop stern with integrated boarding platformStainless steel pushpit, pulpit and guardrailsStainless davits for tender handlingCentre cockpit owner’s layoutAft Companionway from owner’s cabin Mechanical Systems Main Engine Perkins M90 four-cylinder diesel engine80hpApprox. 4780 engine hours recordedFresh-water cooled via heat exchangerTwin belt alternator upgradeAquadrive anti-vibration shaft coupling systemRacor primary fuel filtrationSecondary engine fuel filtration1000 ltr fibre glass fuel tankEngine instrumentation at helmEngine room sound insulation Generator Westerbeke 7.5 KW generatorApprox. 3545 generator hours recordedIndependent electrical generation systemIntegrated battery charging capability Propulsion Max Prop 3 blade propellerShaft driveAquadrive thrust bearing systemBow thruster Aquafax 16HP Electrical Systems Extensive domestic battery bank 450 AhDedicated engine start batteriesDedicated generator start batteryVictron charging equipmentDual Shore power connectionBattery monitoring systemsAC and DC electrical distributionMultiple UK 3 pin AC power points throughout vesselDedicated communications charging station at navigation desk Water Systems 750 ltr and 250 ltr glass fibre water tanksSeaFresh watermaker with divert valvePressurised hot and cold water systemCalorifier hot water systemLarge freshwater tankageJabsco pressure water pumpEmergency evacuation bilge pumping system belt driven from clutch on main engineMultiple bilge pumps Navigation & Communications Raymarine chartplotter systemSecondary Raymarine chartplotterRaymarine radarRaymarine multifunction displaysRaymarine ST60 wind instrumentRaymarine ST60 speed instrumentRaymarine ST60 depth instrumentRaymarine autopilotRaymarine autopilot repeatersRaymarine cockpit plotter displayFluxgate compass systemIcom fixed DSC VHFIcom handheld VHFFuruno Weatherfax receiverWeather routing receiverOffshore communications stationDedicated navigation desk charging station Navigation Station Full-size chart tableNavigator’s seatIntegrated communications panelStorage for pilot books and chartsDedicated instrumentation consoleExtensive bookshelf storage Rig & Sail Handling Cutter rig configurationGenoa, staysail, main by Peter Saunders, Lymington, Spinnaker by GowenSpinnaker pole fitted on mastAdjustable split backstayLewmar self-tailing winches throughoutCentre cockpit sail handling arrangementTwin electric primary winchesHalyard winches on mastOuthaul/ mainsheet/kicker/topping lift electric winch used in combination with in mast electric furling to port orstarboartdMainsheet traveller systemSpacious lazerette for storage, fenders, lines, boarding equip, hoses, cables, bicycles etcEmergency tillerTeak cockpit tablesExtensive deck hardware Ground Tackle Primary anchorKedge anchorAnchor windlassAnchor chain 75mSecondary anchoring equipment Cockpit Deep protected centre cockpitLong cockpit seating to port and starboardCockpit cushionsTeak cockpit tableEngine controls at helmInstrument pod at helmExcellent visibility underwayOffshore secure seating arrangement Accommodation The vessel features Oyster’s sought-after owner’s layout with a spacious aft stateroom, dedicated navigation stationand excellent separation between owner and guest accommodation and three Cruise Air cooling combined heatingsystems in forward, mid and aft cabins Accommodation Summary Centre cockpit owner’s versionLarge aft owner’s stateroomForward double guest cabinQuarter cabin twin berths, upper and lowerMultiple heads compartmentsDedicated navigation stationSingle cabin aft navSaloon port side seating contains trotter box for passage making next to nav stationU-shaped dining area with adjustable solid walnut tableExtensive storage throughoutEnsuite accessDressing areaExtensive hanging lockersDrawer storageVanity areaSeating areaBookshelvesOpening portlightsExcellent ventilationNatural light from cockpit windows Guest Accommodation: Large double berthStorage lockersHanging storageOpening portlightsReading lightsGood standing room Saloon U-shaped seating areaLarge dining tableBlue upholsteryExtensive cabinetryBookshelvesOpening deck saloon windowsOverhead hatchesExcellent natural lightVentilation throughoutEntertainment storage Galley Corian-style worktopsDeep double stainless steel sinksGimballed Force 10 gas cooker with 4 burners and ovenExtensive drawer storage Dedicated crockery storageGlassware storage cabinetFood preparation areaDeep freezer and fridge holding plate system driven by central compressorExcellent locker capacitySecure sea-going layout Safety Equipment Liferaft arrangementEmergency tillerEmergency bilge evacuation systemOffshore guardrailsStainless pushpit and pulpitRadarMultiple VHF systemsWeatherfax capabilityOffshore communications equipment Broker’s Comments There is something special about a yacht that has remained with the same owners for almost thirty years. Kantara immediately gives that impression. She feels like a yacht that has been used exactly as intended, cruising extensively, maintained carefully and upgraded thoughtfully over time. The Oyster 55 remains one of the yard’s most successful bluewater designs, offering a rare combination of offshore capability, comfortable liveaboard accommodation and manageable sailing characteristics. Kantara benefits from a comprehensive cruising specification including generator, watermaker, upgraded charging systems, extensive navigation equipment and a substantial inventory developed through real-world cruising experience. For buyers seeking a proven offshore yacht with genuine pedigree, continuous ownership history and the enduring appeal of a classic Oyster, Kantara presents a particularly compelling opportunity.