Astahaya

The 56 is Oyster’s most popular model ever, seventy-five were launched between 1998 and 2010, and it is arguably the quintessential Oyster design. During this time the 56 was the undisputed class leader and did more than any other design to establish the 56-59’ (17-18m) size range as perhaps the ideal for owners without crew; large and spacious enough for rapid ocean cruising and to accommodate her crew in safety, comfort and style when living aboard, but also compact enough to be handled by a couple.

The 56 was the first Oyster design to be drawn for us by Rob Humphreys, beginning a partnership that continues to this day, and he certainly got it right first time. The 56 retained earlier successful Oyster design features; the single skin hull construction with stiffness provided by massive ribs and stringers, keel-stepped mast, and the full-length rudder skeg protecting the entire rudder. The 56 was the first yacht to benefit from an ergonomically designed cockpit, designed in conjunction with Loughborough University, creating a space which makes relaxing and entertaining a true pleasure, whilst maintaining all the essential qualities you would expect of a serious ocean-going yacht.

The 56 is a proven performer, with many ocean crossings and circumnavigations to her credit. She has had class wins in the ARC and has also won Cruising Class 1 at Antigua Sailing Week, beating a number of more serious racing yachts. She is a superb sea boat and very highly regarded by all her fortunate owners and all those who have sailed on her.

Astahaya is Oyster 56 hull number 62 and was launched in 2008, and benefits from the g5 styling of the younger 56s, which gives the attractive sweeping profile to the deck saloon which is characteristic of our subsequent designs. She is still in her original ownership and has benefitted from ongoing care and maintenance. The remarkable interior boasts joinery in high gloss crown-cut teak. There are also a number of lovely features specified by the owners when new including teak portlight surrounds to the hull, a useful office desk in the owner’s stateroom, a double door to the port-forward cabin, unique among 56s, which opens up to provide more space forward, while the bunks in that cabin may be converted to an inviting sofa. Two comfortable reclining chairs with a coffee table grace the starboard side of the saloon, whilst in the fourth cabin has custom oilskin storage. The galley has also been modified to accommodate the owners’ high-end kitchen appliances, which reflect the sellers’ love of fine dining. Her rig is simplicity itself – push button hydraulic furling to her mainsail, genoa, and staysail. 

In 2022 Astahaya’s mast, boom and spinnaker pole were serviced and re-painted and her standing rigging was replaced. In addition, her entertainment system, domestic batteries, some sailing instruments, sat phone, PC, life raft, EPIRB, and windlass were all renewed, and her teak decks were sanded and recaulked.

Astahaya is now back in the UK to be sold, the sellers having completed their dream of sailing around the world. Viewings are encouraged.