When Oyster Yachts launched hull number one of the new 595 two years ago, a modern Rob Humphries design, they already had 16 orders for the 60 footer. Those were Beneteau-type numbers, which is all the more remarkable because at the time a new 595 cost upwards of $3 million.
Yet, coming out of the pandemic, there was a huge pent-up need for people, long isolated and living behind masks, to get busy living out long held dreams. Owning an Oyster for those with means was certainly one of those dreams.
As it turned out, the 595 has become one of Oyster’s most popular models ever. So, it comes as no surprise that the venerable British builder announced in April the launch for the Series II version of the boat.
I am lucky enough to have sailed many Oyster models over the years and to have been friends with the company’s founder Richard Matthews. The boats hold a special place in the offshore and blue water sailing world built on the deep integrity of the builders, the designers and management team.
These are classic round-the-world, semi-custom yachts and the 595 has proven that capability many times over. For a family heading over the horizon, this may well be one of the best monohulls on the market.
The 595 contains all the classic Oyster DNA and is a thoroughly modern design. It has a full-volume hull with a raised deck saloon and a center cockpit with twin wheels aft and the social area forward. The stern folds down to create a wide swim platform.
The powerful sloop rig has a moderately-sized genoa, roughly 105 percent, with an in-mast or in-boom furling mainsail. The side decks are wide and the fore and after decks have large lockers for stowing gear and sails. Most of the boats have dinghy davits.
Under the water you can opt for the standard eight-foot, ten-inch cruising fin keel. Or you can reduce draft with the shoal keel-centerboard option. With the board up, it only draws five-foot, ten-inched; with the board down, you get a full 13-feet, four-inches of draft which will enhance her up-wind performance.
Down below, several plans are offered, and owners can make custom modifications within the limits of the overall structure. The centerpiece will be the spacious saloon which has almost eight feet of headroom and is filled with natural light.
The master suite aft has a center-line queen-size bed, an en-suite head, a vanity and plenty of storage. For a couple with children sailing about the world, this will be a wonderful sanctuary.
The kids’ or guest cabins forward can be either two double cabins sharing a head or two doubles with their own smaller heads. A pullman cabin with upper and lower berths is tucked into the plan at the aft end of the saloon.
The new Series II version takes this elegant yacht and adds many new touches. The overall styling has been modernized and made even more elegant, with new and larger hulls windows, many fine joinery details and new fabrics.
The 595 Series II is proving as popular as the Series 1. As of June 1, 2025, you will have to wait until the fall of 2026 to take delivery of your new boat.
