RUM DIARY

The Oyster 575 was designed by Rob Humphreys and the Oyster Design Team to replace the Oyster 56, which had been our most popular model. Built on owners’ feedback, the 575 was designed and engineered as a direct replacement – a long range, ocean-going, bluewater cruiser and liveaboard, which can be easily handled by a couple. The 575 has a longer waterline length, deeper keel, increased sail area, and fuel tankage. She feels like a ‘bigger’ yacht, with more headroom and a beam that is carried further aft, enhancing off-wind performance, and allowing a more spacious owner’s stateroom. The biggest upgrades and biggest steps forward were to the cockpit, which features twin wheels, a centreline walkway aft, and distinct working and relaxing areas ideal for children or non-sailors whilst underway.

The first 575 was launched in 2010 and a total of 41 were launched when production ceased in 2018. The 575 is a proven circumnavigator and consummate ocean cruiser, which offered three different keel options, a standard deep draft, a fixed shoal keel and a ‘super shoal’ lifting keel. There is also an Extended Transom version, which replaces the sugar scoop with a counter stern, allowing a huge lazarette and deck space aft. Most 575s are rigged as cutters, with a few sloops. Oyster’s fifth-generation deck saloon design gives the 575 an attractive profile at sea. She is well-mannered and reassuring, comfortable in all conditions, and with a turn of speed that will keep the most demanding sailor fully engaged.

A beautiful late model 575 with a light grey hull, Rum Diary is fully equipped for world cruising. She has perhaps the simplest and most versatile rig Oyster produced, with hydraulic push button furling to her mainsail, genoa and staysail, all controlled from the safety of the cockpit. Her lifting keel reduces her draft to just 1.65m (5’5’’) giving access to shallow water anchorages and harbours or simply allows much shorter dinghy trips to the beach. A light and bright interior finished in limed oak, and complemented by natural light flooding in from her deck saloon and seascape windows make for a very pleasant experience below deck, where she sleeps up to seven in four cabins.

Recently arrived in Annapolis, MD, USA, and available for viewing at any convenient time.