Design number: 143 Year: 2004
The Oyster 655, to quote one of her owners, is “a wonderful all-round yacht with great performance.” Indeed performance was the central criterion when designing this member of the Oyster family, so the Humphreys team created a sleek hull profile with a fine bow line through to a clean run aft which curves downwards and incorporates a three-step stairwell. We carried the beam further aft to create a more powerful hull and greater stability as a result of this new balance. Like other Oysters in the series, the 655 benefits from a low centre of gravity bulb keel, a modern high aspect rudder and a large sail plan. The result is a fast yacht with twin wheel helm that puts the skipper in exactly the right place and is a pleasure for her crew to sail. The deck configuration places the helm station a little further aft, so the whole of the spacious forward cockpit area is uncluttered, and can be accessed from the stern area virtually on the level.
The Oyster 655 is a blue water cruising yacht and passage maker, yet with excellent racing credentials as well. She can be handled by a small crew but is spacious enough in her interior layout to accommodate eight sailing companions without the need to use the saloon. The interior styling and details can be matched to each owner’s requirements, but the standard layout offers a good all-round combination of comfort and practical sea-going features. The seating areas are generous, taking full advantage of the yacht’s beam of over 5.6m, and are situated next to a U-shaped galley on the port side to create a spacious contemporary open-plan living environment with lots of surfaces and stowage options.
The Oyster 655 offers performance, comfort and style in a handsome combination and is popular with families and crews who love leisurely cruising and fast passage-making in equal measure.
