Standfast 56 Information, Review, Specs

This rare yacht, with only three units reportedly built between 1990 and 1993, represents a significant undertaking for its era, offering a substantial platform for extended cruising and spirited sailing.

History and Design

The Standfast 56 emerged from the Standfast Yachts facility in Breskens, The Netherlands, a shipyard established by Frans Maas in 1970 with a dedication to bringing high-quality yacht designs to life. Maas's yard gained a reputation for meticulously crafting vessels, predominantly in fiberglass, that excelled in both performance and comfort. While many iconic Standfast models were designed in-house by Maas himself, the Standfast 56 marked a notable collaboration with the renowned Germán Frers.

Germán Frers' design philosophy, spanning decades, emphasizes well-balanced aesthetics and the creation of powerful, efficient yachts. For the Standfast 56, his approach resulted in a "slightly more spacy hull design", hinting at a focus on maximizing interior volume without compromising sailing dynamics. Produced during a period when Standfast was celebrated for its "highest quality sailing yachts" and "race winners," the 56 embodies the yard's ethos of robust construction and excellent sailing characteristics, translating Frers' sophisticated lines into a durable fiberglass form.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Standfast 56 is engineered for robust sailing performance, capable of undertaking ambitious voyages while providing a comfortable motion. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 17.76, she possesses ample canvas to perform well in lighter winds, suggesting a responsive and engaging sailing experience. Her ballast to displacement ratio (Bal/Disp) of around 0.37 indicates a solid, yet not overly stiff, vessel, providing a good balance between stability and tenderness in various conditions.

The yacht's displacement to length (D/L) ratio of approximately 292 places her firmly in the category of a moderate-to-heavy displacement cruiser. This translates to a vessel that can carry stores and cope with challenging offshore conditions with a comfortable, steady motion, rather than being a light, twitchy racer. With a maximum draft of 8.2 feet, the Standfast 56 benefits from a deep fin keel, contributing significantly to her upwind performance and directional stability. Her hull speed is calculated at 8.75 knots. Furthermore, a Capsize Screening Formula of 1.72 suggests good initial stability and resistance to capsize, a critical attribute for offshore yachts. The yacht also boasts a Comfort Ratio of 42.23, indicating a very comfortable ride, particularly in a seaway, suitable for extended passages.

Accommodations and Layout

Designed for comfortable extended cruising, the interior of the Standfast 56 aims to provide spacious and functional living areas. With an impressive maximum headroom of 6.9 feet, the interior feels open and inviting, accommodating taller occupants with ease. While specific interior layouts can vary given the semi-custom nature of such yachts, a vessel of this size typically features multiple private cabins, including a large owner's stateroom, often forward or aft, complete with an en-suite head.

Common arrangements would include a spacious salon for dining and lounging, a well-appointed galley designed for offshore use, and additional guest cabins, usually with their own or shared head and shower facilities. The builder's reputation for meticulous craftsmanship suggests high-quality interior finishes, likely incorporating fine wood joinery and durable materials appropriate for a yacht intended for serious voyaging. Storage would be ample throughout the vessel, essential for long-term cruising, and ventilation would be provided through numerous hatches and portlights.