The design aims to challenge the idea that a yacht over 60 feet is too large for a couple to handle. It combines a maximized waterline and plumb bow with an aggressive, razor-sharp sheerline, Oyster’s signature cat’s-eye coachroof, and half a dozen vertical hull windows on each side.
Design and Construction
The 595 uses Oyster’s tried-and-tested centre-cockpit layout, with a flush foredeck, substantial bowsprit, and a transom boarding platform that feels like a back porch. Humphreys co-designed the hull alongside that of the smaller Oyster 565. The 595 has 14% more internal volume than its sister, as well as slightly higher sail-area and ballast ratios.
Oyster’s current construction method uses monolithic carbon-infused structures. They’re Lloyds-approved and costly, but create more stiffness. An aluminium grid stiffens the floor panels.
Twin rudders provide stacks of grip while clearly telegraphing load. The blades are designed to sever in a serious impact, and watertight bulkheads sit on each side of the rudder stocks. Buyers can choose between two keels: a standard foil or a centreboard that allows shallower draught.
Rig, Handling, and Performance
The 595 carries a powerful, massive sail plan, managed with a hydraulic vang, furlers, electric winches, and an in-mast furling mainsail with excellent vertical battens. Twin helms balance the expansive cockpit. The boat is designed so a couple can handle most sailing and manoeuvring through hydraulics and push-button controls.
On the test sail of Hull No. 1, the 595 made 8.9 knots closehauled in 5–8 knots of wind. Under power, she proved one of the quietest boats the tester had experienced, helped by astounding engine-room insulation. Gliding upwind under sail, she produced neither a creak nor a groan.
A fixed-shaft hydrogenerator between the keel and rudder consistently produced 20 amps at speeds of 9 knots or more.
Accommodation
Several interior layouts are available. An aft owner’s cabin is standard, while a forward owner’s cabin is the alternative. The aft version has triple vertical hull portlights and 6ft 3in of standing headroom at its forward end; the forward cabin makes use of stellar skylights. The standard midships cabin has two bunks.
Furniture and cabinetry are available in cherry, maple, or oak, with teak, ash, or walnut also offered. The test boat had light oak. The saloon table’s butterfly leaves open to reveal marquetry.
The passageway galley is superb, with a practical longitudinal arrangement. Standard equipment includes a large fridge, freezer, microwave, hob, oven, and extractor. Options include a dishwasher, icemaker, washer-drier, wine fridge, and instant boiling-water tap.
Seven comparatively steep companionway steps lead below, and the navstation is set at 45 degrees.
Equipment and Systems
Standard equipment emphasizes self-sufficiency and easy handling. It includes retractable bow and stern thrusters, a genset, hydraulics, a Guardian Angel touchscreen and lighting system, and C-Zone digital switching at the heart of the electronics.
The ground-tackle setup includes 130m of stainless steel chain with a deckwash and an integral sprit arrangement. A retractable telescoping passerelle suits Mediterranean mooring.
A walk-in engine room with an adjoining workroom provides useful machinery access. An excellent sail locker and generous lazarette complete the practical arrangement.
The Verdict
The Oyster 595 is a thoroughly modern 30-tonne cruiser that answers concerns about a boat of this size being too much to handle with push-button systems and a stiff, quiet hull. Her volume, natural light, and couple-friendly controls make long passages plausible for two. The centreboard option and the safety thinking behind the twin-rudder installation also show real bluewater intent.
Pros
- Designed for couple-managed handling through hydraulics and push-button controls
- Lloyds-approved carbon-infused structure and watertight bulkheads around the rudder stocks
- Quiet under power and sail, with astounding engine-room insulation
- 14% more internal volume than the Oyster 565
- Multiple cabin layouts
Cons
- Comparatively steep seven-step companionway
- Only three of the first 16 boats ordered had the centreboard option
