Oyster 565

The Oyster 565 is a sub-60-foot luxury bluewater cruising sloop built by Oyster Yachts in the United Kingdom. Introduced in 2019, it was the first design to emerge under the yard's new ownership following Oyster's 2018 receivership, and it effectively replaced the well-regarded 56 and 575 models. Naval architect Rob Humphreys of Humphreys Yacht Design shaped a contemporary twin-rudder hull with a longer waterline and beam carried well aft, giving the boat considerably more volume and speed potential than its predecessors while remaining manageable for a shorthanded couple.

The 565 is intended for extended offshore passages and circumnavigation. Standard features lean heavily toward ease of handling: hydraulic push-button in-mast furling, hydraulic headsail furling, electric primary and mainsheet winches, and retractable bow and stern thrusters all reduce the physical demands of sailing. The cockpit layout centralizes sail controls at twin helm stations, and the rig can be trimmed without leaving the cockpit. The Series II version builds on the same platform with refinements to systems, equipment, and interior finish.

Oyster manufactures the hulls in-house using a reinforced monolithic composite structure, with Lloyd's Register surveyors conducting weekly inspections throughout the build. The hull is heavily cored for stiffness and thermal comfort, with extra reinforcement applied in slam zones and around the keel attachment. Engineering attention is evident throughout: a deep bilge sump with limber holes, dual cross-linked seawater inlets, and plywood-foam composite acoustic panels reduce engine noise to near inaudibility from the cockpit. Topside, flush-laid, sustainably sourced quarter-sawn teak covers the deck, and all running rigging is led below deck to maintain clean, uncluttered lines.

The standard fin keel carries a bulb at the tip and draws 2.50 m (8'2"). An alternative centerboard-in-fin configuration is available for sailors who need shoal-draft access. Twin spade rudders work in concert with the wide-transom hull form to deliver a balanced, responsive helm even when the boat is pressed hard in heavy air. The mast steps to 25.04 m (82'2") above the water, and a Seldén hydraulic in-mast system furls the mainsail under load.

On the water the Oyster 565 has earned consistent praise from reviewers for being fast for her size and remarkably well-mannered. Offwind she settles into 9 to 9.5 knots in moderate winds and can push into double digits as conditions build. Upwind, the blade jib configuration allows tighter pointing angles than the cutter rigs fitted to older Oyster models. Twin rudders keep weather helm minimal even when the yacht is well heeled, giving the helmsman a light, predictable feel throughout the wind range.

The sports pack option reconfigures the rig for performance-oriented passages or events such as the Oyster Regatta, while the standard setup is optimized for shorthanded cruising. Autopilot integration via B&G NAC 3 and Zeus chart plotters makes long-passage watch-keeping straightforward. Reviewers have described the 565 as one of the finest production sailing yachts they have ever sailed, citing its balance of safety, comfort, and genuine offshore performance.

Below decks the 565 is arranged with a full-beam aft owner's cabin that benefits from the yacht's wide beam and Seascape windows to bring in light and views. An island berth, cedar-lined wardrobes, en-suite shower, and electric flush head make the cabin feel closer to a shoreside bedroom than a traditional yacht quarter berth. Two forward double cabins provide well-appointed guest quarters, each with its own en-suite facilities and thoughtful stowage. A utility cabin amidships doubles as a crew berth on extended passages.

The saloon is generous, with a longitudinal galley that reviewers describe as hard to better for serious offshore cooking. Fiddles, gimballed stove and oven, and full-sized appliances cater to long-passage provisioning. The navigation station sits beside the chart table with optional desk configuration and houses the B&G electronics suite. Interior woodwork is available in oak, silver oak, maple, or walnut. Storage is maximized throughout: a full-width lazarette aft and a dedicated forward sail locker handle bulky gear without cluttering the living areas. The yacht accommodates up to seven guests in total.