He discovered Marshall's design, which adhered to ISO 12217 Category A standards, which state: "A boat considered to be designed to operate in winds of Beaufort 10 or less and the associated wave heights..." Since Beaufort 10 conditions call for winds of 48 to 55 knots and seas of 20 to 30 feet, Marshall's design was definitely meant for serious cruising. As designed, the Kanter 56 is able to return quickly from a 90-degree knockdown.
The fact that it would be built of aluminum by the Kanter yard, which also builds search-and-rescue vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, gave the owner the confidence his new yacht could handle the conditions in which he might once again find himself.
Kanter Yachts is a 30-year-old, family-owned and -operated business, and Manfred Kanter, Jr., runs the shop along with his brother, Chris. Manfred, Sr., continues to help steer the company on its successful course. When you buy a Kanter, you deal directly with the Kanters.
"You can't put everything in a contract. They did a lot of things they didn't have to, and it has exceeded my expectations," said Sunshine's owner, who found the building process to be as enjoyable as owning the finished yacht. He could not have been happier the day I met him onboard with Manfred, who was anxious to show me the yacht's custom details.
I was first struck by the harmonious look created by her raised pilothouse, low-profile flying bridge, stepped sheerline and covered aft deck. She definitely avoids the skyscraper approach to interior volume. Sitting in her slip, she seemed to be asking to be untied and let loose. Even while stationary, her lines give her a graceful, forward motion.
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