Images of Oyster's New 655 at the London Boat Show

by Sail-World/Oyster media on 12 Jan 2007
The Oyster 655, designed by Rob Humphreys and the Oyster Design Team, launched last September made its debut at the 2007 Collins Stewart London Boat Show.

The 655 is an all-new addition to the Oyster Range and joins the Oyster 72 as the second model in the range designed to use modern materials such as Kevlar and Carbon, combined with engineering by one of the world’s leading composite engineers to create the potential to combine strength, rigidity and significant weight savings.

The 655 has clean undistorted hull lines and her long 57.9 ft waterline combines with a generous 18.4 ft beam to create an easily driven hull. The yacht carries a generous 2830 sq ft of sail in 150% configuration giving a clear indication of the yacht’s potential performance.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]While performance is an important focus for the 655, considerable attention has been paid to the development of the yacht’s visual styling. Aesthetics are an important factor in pride of ownership and this yacht has a stunning sleek outboard profile that makes the yacht look fast, even at rest.

The important thing here is that while the deck abounds in curves and style, traditional Oyster values and practical seamanlike features have been maintained. The 655 has a generously proportioned cockpit with ergonomically designed seating and protective coaming/backrests.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]The helm position features twin wheels with custom designed lectern type pedestals, putting an array of controls and instruments within easy reach of the helmsman. Twin wheels put the helmsman in exactly the right place and offer the additional benefit of really easy deck to cockpit access via a walkway that runs down the centre of the cockpit between the wheels.

The entire deck and cockpit area has been fully optimised as a development of both the Oyster 62 and the new 72. Oyster’s Richard Matthews’ own 62 covered 27,000 miles in two years from the Arctic to Auckland so we have a pretty good idea of which bits really work!

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]The light and airy saloon enjoys an abundance of light via the Deck Saloon windows with up to eight people being accommodated in four cabins, each with their own en suite heads and shower. All provide spacious accommodation for owner and guests as well as practical accommodation for professional crew, if required.

[Sorry, this content could not be displayed]A large U-shaped galley opens out into the saloon area, which is expected to give the feel of a luxury apartment.

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In 10-14 knots of true wind on her first builders trials the 655 appeared fast and was very well balanced. Quoting the owner of #01 after his first sail 'my face was aching from smiling so much. I really am over the moon'. Oyster is confident that other owners will be equally delighted.

Oyster website: http://www.oystermarine.com