Vista 585 TC (Passport) Information, Review, Specs

The Passport Vista 585 TC began production in 2010, designed by the acclaimed Bill Dixon. Passport Yachts, founded in 1979 by Wendell Renken, established its reputation for building robust offshore sailing boats that prioritize both performance and comfort for extended passages. Initially constructing vessels in Taiwan at yards like King Dragon and Hai Yang, Passport transitioned its production to China, partnering with Xiamen Hansheng Yacht Building Co., LTD, where the Vista 585 TC was built. This move allowed Passport to integrate modern construction techniques while upholding its commitment to high standards.

Bill Dixon's design philosophy for the Vista 585 TC is evident in its "breathtaking hull design" and a distinctive raised deck house, aiming to achieve a harmonious balance of speed, comfort, and safety. The construction features a solid fiberglass hull, hand-laminated with DBM stitched biaxial fiberglass fabrics and 100% Vinylester resin throughout, ensuring structural integrity for demanding offshore conditions. While the vessel primarily comes with a deep fin keel drawing 7.92 feet, a shoal draft option of 6.5 feet was also made available, offering versatility for various cruising grounds. The 585 TC shares its core hull design with the larger Vista 615 TC, differing primarily in its stern configuration.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Passport Vista 585 TC is engineered as a performance blue-water sailboat, providing a capable and comfortable motion in a seaway. With a reported sail area of 1631 square feet and a displacement of 67,776 pounds, its sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 15.3 suggests a boat with respectable light-air performance that won't be easily overpowered in stronger winds.

Her ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 32.5%, coupled with 22,000 pounds of lead ballast, indicates a moderate to good level of initial stiffness, allowing her to stand up well to her canvas and provide a stable platform. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 203 places the Vista 585 TC firmly in the category of a moderate displacement cruiser, balancing seaworthiness and carrying capacity with good cruising speeds. She boasts a theoretical hull speed of 9.76 knots. The vessel features a solent rig, providing versatility in sail plan for varying conditions, and a skeg-hung rudder, known for its robust construction and protected foil, which contributes to reliable steering and directional stability, particularly in offshore conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Passport Vista 585 TC is crafted to the high standards expected of a luxury cruising yacht, offering substantial volume and the possibility for significant customization. The standard layout typically features a three-cabin, two-head configuration, designed to maximize comfort and utility for extended periods aboard. All bulkheads are marine plywood, meticulously tabbed to the hull sides and deck, providing a strong and integrated structure. Owners have a choice of fine woods, such as American cherry, for the interior finish, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Key interior features commonly include a spacious aft master stateroom, providing a private retreat for owners. The intelligently designed interiors are a hallmark of Passport, featuring practical elements such as poured foam insulated refrigerator and freezer compartments, often with signature front and top openings for efficient access. Ample storage, generous tankage for fuel (510 gallons) and water (425 gallons), and well-engineered systems contribute to the vessel's self-sufficiency for long voyages. The twin cockpit design allows for distinct zones for sailing and relaxation, enhancing on-deck comfort and safety.

Owner's Perspectives

While specific anecdotal reviews detailing common strengths or weaknesses unique to the Passport Vista 585 TC are not widely published in easily accessible public forums, Passport Yachts maintains a vibrant and active community of owners. This community often engages in discussions, shares experiences, and provides valuable feedback directly to the company, influencing future designs. Passport owners consistently praise the brand's commitment to quality construction and the semi-custom nature of their builds, allowing each yacht to be tailored to individual preferences and cruising plans. The ownership experience is characterized by a high degree of collaboration between the client, designer, and builder to create a truly bespoke yacht.