2001 Oyster 56

The 2001 Oyster 56 is a composite-hulled sailing yacht designed by Rob Humphreys, representing what many consider the archetypal Oyster design. At 57 feet with a beam of over 16 feet, she balances substantial volume and seakeeping ability with manageability for short-handed sailing. The hull employs single-skin composite construction stiffened by substantial ribs and stringers, with a full-length rudder skeg and keel-stepped mast. A Yannoy diesel engine of 110 horsepower provides auxiliary power.

The cockpit was the first ergonomically designed space of its kind on a sailing yacht, developed with input from Loughborough University. Below decks, the interior features hand-finished American cherry joinery throughout. The accommodation comprises four cabins and two heads, arranged for comfortable cruising and living aboard. The rig is configured for short-handed operation, with hydraulic push-button furling on the mainsail, genoa, and staysail, all controllable from the cockpit.

This yacht has completed a circumnavigation voyage to the Caribbean and back, followed by Mediterranean cruising. She has been continuously maintained and upgraded throughout her service life, with the current owners having held her since 2003.