ARC appearances in last 5 years - 16
Manufacturer's ranking - 4th
Since their move away from the racing scene around 20 years ago, Essex-based Oyster Marine have carved an impressive niche in the luxury cruising market. While other UK boatbuilders have struggled to keep their businesses afloat, Oyster have not only gone from strength to strength, but also created a style of cruiser that has been emulated around the world.
Among the current fleet the Oyster 56 has been one of the most successful models, thanks largely to her convenient proportions. The 56 is large enough to accommodate a professional skipper and/or crew, yet small enough to run and handle without them.
On top of this, the 56 is one of the prettiest boats to emerge from the Oyster stable. Her launch back in 1998 marked a departure from the long association with designers Holman & Pye and she was the first in a new line of sleek and subtle deck saloon cruisers to be drawn by Rob Humphreys.
Yet the differences go way beyond those of style and appearance. Beneath the waterline the 56 marked a new generation of slipperier underbody, thanks to a change in the distribution of volume and a proportionately lighter boat. The result was a step change in the performance of Oyster's mid-50ft model and a string of orders in the process. To date 60 examples have been built and sold.
Another appealing feature is the cockpit, which is both comfortable and easy to work. Primary and secondary winches are close to hand for the helmsman, without being out of reach for the crew. The mainsheet traveller is easy to get to and its long travel across the deck allows the main to be de-powered in an emergency. The proportions of the sail plan also help to keep the boat manageable and although the boat we tested in April 1998 was fitted with plenty of powered winches, she is set up to be easy to handle manually too.
Below decks the build quality continues at Oyster's high level and while a range of standard layouts are available, the ability for owners to incorporate specific features allows an appealing degree of flexibility in the final specification.
All of which make for several good indications as to why this boat has become
so popular among the blue water cruising fraternity. www.oystermarine.com
ARC appearances in last 5 years - 16