WHAT WE SAY

Broker's comments

The Oyster 56 is widely regarded as the perfect balance of size, performance, and comfort and Estella is a prime example of why this model became Oyster’s most popular design, with 75 yachts launched and cruising worldwide.

At just under 60 feet, the 56 offers the ease of handling that an experienced couple can manage comfortably, yet she provides the space and volume to accommodate family and guests in four cabins, sleeping seven in comfort. Her cutter rig with hydraulic in-mast furling and headsail furling, electric winches, and thoughtful deck layout make short-handed sailing simple and secure, whether coastal cruising or crossing oceans.

The interior is equally impressive: a classic, light-filled saloon, a generous owner’s stateroom aft, a spacious forward double, twin guest cabin, and a flexible fourth cabin/workshop, all crafted in Oyster’s signature joinery. With a timeless deck saloon profile and the proven strength of Oyster’s world-renowned construction, the 56 combines iconic design with robust seaworthiness.

Estella is a superb opportunity to acquire one of the most capable and desirable cruising yachts ever built by Oyster. She is an ideal size for blue water passage making, family adventures, or simply the pleasure of owning a true modern classic.

Manufacturer’s Comments:

The quintessential Oyster and undisputed class leader at this size, the 56 is also our most successful model, with seventy-five launched between 1998 and 2010. Rob Humphreys designed the 56 to be large enough for rapid ocean cruising and to accommodate her crew in comfort and style when living aboard, but also to be small and agile enough to be handled by a couple.

The 56 was the first yacht with an ergonomically designed cockpit, the result of working with Loughborough University's Ergonomics department, making relaxing and entertaining a true pleasure, whilst maintaining all the essential qualities you expect from a serious seagoing yacht. She’s a proven performer with class wins in the ARC, and also winning Cruising Class 1 at Antigua Sailing Week, beating a number of more serious racing competitors.

Owner's Comments

My wife and I purchased Estella in Europe in the fall of 2024. Our intention was to shift into semi-retirement and embark on a new life chapter living aboard Estella on a full-time basis, enjoying winters cruising in the Caribbean and summers in New England. We completed a transatlantic in January of 2025 and, after spending the winter in the Caribbean, proceeded to sail north to New England via Bermuda. During these offshore passages, Estella has exceeded both our expectations, and the reputation of the Oyster 56 model, with regard to her comfort and seaworthiness. She has proven to be a true blue water luxury yacht, the perfect size to comfortably live aboard, and an absolute joy to sail as a couple. As our primary home, we have endeavored to keep Estella in pristine condition and prioritized improvements with regard to both safety and comfort. With this in mind, investments have been made to upgrade various systems onboard including new standing and running rigging, painting her mast and boom, new electronics, upgrading refrigeration, and adding a new Miele washer/dryer. The cockpit cushions have been replaced and a new center console dinghy was purchased. Despite our intention for Estella to be our home for the foreseeable future, due to a multitude of unexpected circumstances, we have made the bittersweet decision to sell Estella and transition ashore. We are grateful to have called Estella our home and trust the next owners will enjoy and appreciate her as much as we have.