It was smiles all round aboard the new Oyster 655, which undertook her builder’s trials at the end of September 2006. The 655 is a new design by Rob Humphreys in conjunction with Oyster’s own design team. The all new 655 is, in many ways, a slightly smaller sister to the Oyster 72 that won the Rolex/ Royal Yacht Squadron Race Around the Isle of Wight last year and Cruising Class 1 in Antigua Sailing Week this season.

Weather for the initial trial was ideal and in 10 -14 knots of true wind the 655 appeared fast and was very well balanced. With her new sleek g5 deck styling, the 655 has already proved her international appeal since no less than nine of these yachts were under contract before the first hull was launched.

Quoting the owner of 655/01 after his first sail, “My face was aching from smiling so much …I really am over the moon”. Oyster is confident that other owners will be equally delighted. The Oyster 655 made her show debut at the London and Düsseldorf boat shows.

More information, pictures, deck layout and specifications are on the Oyster Marine website at http://www.oystermarine.com/oyster655.html