A N I N S I D E L O O K AT. . . t h e O y s t e r 6 5 5
The 655 is one of Oyster’s most successful models in its impressive new ‘g5’ series of Kevlar/Carbon deck saloon cruisers, with 11 built already since its launch two years ago and further orders already signed. As with all current Oysters, this lustrous ocean cruiser was created by renowned yacht designer, Rob Humphreys, together with Oyster’s own in-house design team. In addition, during the initial construction, Oyster formed a close partnership with High Modulus – one of the world’s leading composite engineering companies – to help them create the strongest but lightest hull possible without compromising Oyster’s renowned build quality. The 655’s single skin hull is moulded from an E-glass/Carbon/Kevlar composite using a balance of materials designed to offer superior strength and stiffness to the hull, whilst making significant weight savings over a typical GRP construction. The hull is further reinforced by bonding a matrix of foam stringers and floor bearers to the inside – both above and below the waterline. The consequent weight reduction, allied to a long waterline, shallower underwater sections and generous sail plan, has resulted in an easily driven hull that is not only pleasingly quick under sail, but also extremely well balanced. In standard form, the Oyster 655 sports a high-performance bulb keel combining a moderate draft with good sailing performance. She sports a GRP stub keel to which is bolted a 14.7-tonne, hydro-dynamically efficient lead ballast bulb. A shoal draft keel reducing the draught from 2.93m to 2.16m is also available as an option for those that like to get a little closer to the beach. Attention to styling has given the new g5 range a more modern, streamlined appearance and a truly seductive profile. Completely new moulds were created wherein the hull to deck join, finished with upstanding bulwarks on previous models, has been modified to create a smooth, moulded toe rail that can be left bare, or teak-capped. The new deck moulding offers improved headroom throughout the length of the boat without adversely affecting her sleek contours.
ON DECK Her twin-helm cockpit, standard on all Oysters over 56ft, has a working area that is kept separate from the main cockpit, so guests can be entertained under way without being disturbed by the crew. The lectern-style consoles at both helms are large enough to house a substantial chart plotter/radar LCD, plus a plethora of other instruments and displays. The deck gear is sensibly arranged so that a couple can manage her quite easily – in fact she can even be sailed single-handed without much difficulty, thanks to her standard powered sheet winches and furlers. Headsail sheets, mainsheet winch and furling controls are all within reach of the helms and hydraulic adjustment to the Navtec outhaul and vang is made from the consoles, duplicated each side. Many of Oyster’s traditional features have been retained, such as the handy rope bins in the cockpit seats that keep the decks tidy and hazard-free. The main/guest cockpit has a teak table that extends to provide dining space for at least eight in comfort. Twin helm stations provide an unobstructed passageway from the cockpit to the transom, where steps lead down to the teak-planked swimming platform and deck shower. The large afterdeck leaves plenty of room for drying off and lounging about, whilst two L-shaped, teak rail seats offer a fantastic view of the whole deck and are a great place to sit under way. Beneath the afterdeck is a huge lazarette large enough for a diving compressor and bottles, as well as all the other paraphernalia associated with long-term cruising. Flush hatches, fold-away cleats and recessed headsail tracks mean moving around her decks bare footed is not a toe-stubbing experience. Her wide side decks sweep enticingly up to her commanding bow, which looks and feels immensely powerful as it carves a deep groove through the oncoming waves. Anchoring facilities are robust on any Oyster as its designers and builders fully understand that their boats frequently lie at anchor for long periods in all conditions. Long-term cruisers need formidable ground tackle to enable an undisturbed night on the hook. The 655’s 48kg CQR self-stows in a massive bow roller and together with 100m of 12mm calibrated chain and powerful Lewmar electric windlass, should undoubtedly keep yacht and crew safe and sound. >
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