Humphreys’ clean hull lines earned the 575 a reputation as a fast passage-maker and an effortless offshore cruiser. Nine owners chose the model for the 2017–19 Oyster World Rally.
Design and Construction
The 575 carries its beam aft, creating space for a large cockpit and roomy aft accommodations. A moderate aft overhang and neatly raked stem complete the profile. Below the waterline, she has a skeg-hung rudder that one reviewer described as very long and narrow, with an elongated fillet at the skeg root.
The standard Oyster High Performance Bulb keel draws 8 feet 9 inches, while the shoal-draft option reduces draught to 6 feet 8 inches. Oyster also offered the model with a shallower fixed keel drawing 2.06 metres, as well as a centreboard-and-twin-rudder arrangement that reduces draught from 3.82 metres to 1.65 metres.
The composite construction uses carbon and Kevlar laminates, an approach shared with the Oyster 655 and 54. This keeps the 575 relatively light for an all-out cruising boat. One tester calculated a displacement-to-length ratio of 202, although a flat figure of 190 has also been cited. The construction contributes to a slippery, easy motion at sea, as does the boat’s relatively light displacement.
A raised-saloon cabintrunk admits plenty of light below. Advances in the design also increased interior volume while retaining a deep-V, seagoing bilge.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The standard rig is a full-batten mainsail, with in-mast furling available as an option. Buyers could choose double or non-overlapping headsail plans. The mainsheet traveller is mounted on deck just aft of the twin helm stations.
Under sail, the 575 proved well mannered in a seaway. In a Force 3, she showed the same slippery pace as the Oyster 54. With a 135 percent genoa, she could make seven knots close-hauled at nearly 50 degrees, while the staysail provided another gear as the wind increased. Off the wind, she settles easily into nine knots.
A Yachting World reviewer found the helm less communicative than it might have been, owing to the long steering linkage and dual autopilot rams. Even so, a slight and reassuring weather helm developed as the wind reached the teens. With the powered systems close at hand, the boat remains manageable for a couple.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The centre-cockpit layout makes room for sumptuous aft cabins, along with either a large passageway or a U-shaped galley. The spacious saloon sits low enough to provide privacy but still receives plenty of light through the coachroof windows.
The aft owner’s stateroom has an off-centre double berth, a dedicated head and shower, and a desk to starboard that can be converted into stowage or seating. A pilot-berth cabin aft can serve as a workshop or crew space and is available with a lift-up bunk.
Forward are two smaller staterooms with upper-and-lower berths. The forward cabin shares its head with the stacked-berth stateroom. The cabin beside the engine uses the same forward head and also provides engine access.
The galley lies to port of the engine. Its passage is wide enough for two people to pass, yet narrow enough to brace securely. Beside the companionway, the navstation provides ample space for instruments.
A later interior revision enlarged the forward guest cabin and gave it direct access to the head. Oyster also raised the chart area to saloon level, added a crafted companionway staircase, and introduced Seascape windows, sculpted headliners, upgraded doors, custom air-conditioning vents, and accent lighting in the saloon. White oak is the standard timber, although the test boat On Liberty had American cherry.
Machinery and Onboard Systems
The revised 575 received a higher standard specification informed by feedback from owners’ world travels. It included Formula spars, a Volvo D3 engine, and Raymarine i70 instruments.
The walk-in engine room provides unhindered access to the VW 150 TDI. It is double-insulated with foam and high-density rubber, while the generator is installed beneath the companionway steps.
A second fuel tank beneath the forward sole increases total capacity to 1,400 litres. The main tank has three inspection hatches. Watermaker service components are grouped beside the navstation, and the raw-water manifolds for the engine and genset can be linked, so a blockage in one need not stop the engine.
Known Issues
For all their palatial feel, the aft cabins can transmit noise from the dock, engine, and deck—enough to wake someone sleeping there. Yachting World identified this as the main drawback of aft cabins.
The companionway is steep, and the sea berth in the pilot position is cramped. The standard layout also lacks a dedicated locker for wet gear. The same reviewer found the cockpit bench backrests too low and thought they needed additional cushioning.
In the saloon, the usefulness of the starboard double sofa is questionable. Its lifting television also can’t be viewed from that side.
The Verdict
The Oyster 575 is a thoughtfully developed Humphreys cruiser. It balances couple-friendly handling with the space and finish expected of a luxury bluewater yacht and charter platform. Its composite construction and hull lines provide a fast, forgiving motion, while the later interior update modernised the saloon and forward cabins without disrupting the proven centre-cockpit layout.
Pros
- Fast, easy motion from the Humphreys hull lines and carbon-Kevlar composite construction
- Manageable for a couple, with powered systems and a walkthrough between the twin helms
- Spacious aft owner’s cabin and flexible crew or workshop space
- Walk-in engine room and grouped service points make maintenance more accessible
Cons
- Noise from the engine, deck, and dock reaches the aft cabins
- Steep companionway and cramped pilot berth
- No dedicated wet locker
- Low cockpit backrests
