Taswell 56 Information, Review, Specs

The Taswell 56 emerged from the Ta Shing shipyard in 1990, marking a significant entry into their "own brand" Taswell range of performance cruising yachts, a line fully designed by Bill Dixon. Ta Shing, established in its modern form in 1978, had already built a strong reputation through OEM contracts for brands like Mason and Baba, known for their meticulous craftsmanship and robust construction ethos. The Taswell range, including the 56, was a testament to Ta Shing's commitment to hand-crafted quality, attention to detail, and a focus on building high-quality, custom bluewater cruising yachts with exceptional seaworthiness.

Bill Dixon's design philosophy for the Taswell series emphasizes a balance between performance and the structural integrity required for offshore conditions. The Taswell 56, specifically, features a fin keel for good maneuverability and a skeg-hung rudder, which offers protection and robust steering control in a seaway. The hull is constructed of solid fiberglass, a hallmark of Ta Shing's dedication to foundational strength and longevity. While a standard version was produced, a shoal draft option was also available, reducing the draft from 7.5 feet to 6 feet to accommodate shallower cruising grounds.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Taswell 56, with its Bill Dixon design, is known for its capable sailing performance, especially for a yacht designed with bluewater cruising in mind. With a reported sail area of 1,389 square feet and a displacement of 48,500 pounds, the Taswell 56 exhibits a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 16.7. This suggests a yacht with moderate light-air performance, capable of moving well in a breeze but perhaps not designed for extreme light-wind speed.

Its Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio stands at approximately 0.404. This high ratio indicates a stiff and stable boat, well-equipped to stand up to significant wind and maintain a comfortable motion in challenging sea states, a crucial characteristic for offshore voyages. The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 212 places the Taswell 56 in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category. This contributes to its solid, comfortable ride, minimizing hobby-horsing and providing a stable platform for long passages. Owners often praise the Taswell 56 for its respectable speeds despite its moderate displacement, thanks to Dixon's balanced design. The cutter rig configuration, a common setup for the Taswell 56, is often preferred for offshore sailing due to its versatility in sail handling across a range of wind conditions. Its fin keel, combined with a robust skeg-hung rudder, provides good maneuverability and a reliable steering system.

Accommodations and Layout

The Taswell 56 is designed to offer expansive and comfortable accommodations, befitting its role as a world cruiser. The interior layouts often feature a spacious three-cabin arrangement, including a generous owner's stateroom located aft, along with two guest cabins forward. Each cabin typically includes a private head, enhancing comfort and privacy for extended periods aboard.

Bob Perry, in a design review, noted that the Taswell 56 came in at least three different interior layouts (A, B, and C), all sharing the expansive aft owner's stateroom with variations primarily in the head and dresser configurations. Common interior features include a large bow cabin and a full-beam owner's cabin, providing ample living space. The finish quality reflects Ta Shing's reputation for hand-crafted excellence, often utilizing premium woods and hand-joined cabinetry, evident in features like teak starburst design dinette tables. These yachts are known for offering a tremendous amount of storage space both inside and on deck, crucial for long-term cruising. The vessel's significant water capacity of 288 gallons further underscores its design for self-sufficiency on extended voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Taswell 56 consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway, making it a highly regarded vessel for serious offshore passages and liveaboard cruising. Many consider it one of the best liveaboard sailboats available, often surprising owners with respectable speeds despite its moderate displacement. The center cockpit design is frequently highlighted for enhancing safety and visibility, particularly in challenging conditions. The interior is often lauded for its spaciousness and the quality of its finish, with owners appreciating the customizability offered by Ta Shing.

For short-handed sailing, the Taswell 56's rig is often fully electrified for ease of handling, a feature valued by cruising couples. Several Taswell 56 yachts have completed global circumnavigations, underscoring their reliability and seaworthiness. While specific common problems were not extensively detailed in the search results, the overall sentiment points to a well-built and dependable yacht, reflecting Ta Shing's reputation for enduring value and skilled craftsmanship. Owners often form a strong, loyal following, further solidifying the brand's esteemed position in the luxury yacht and sailing boat market worldwide.