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Bristol 566
Designer: Dieter Empacher  ·  Builder: Bristol Yachts Inc. (Usa)  ·  First built: 1986
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About the Bristol 566

Designed by Dieter Empacher and built by Bristol Yachts beginning in 1986, this substantial 56-footer represents the yard's commitment to quality blue-water cruising vessels. The Bristol 566's impressive displacement of 66,000 pounds and deep 11-foot draft signal serious offshore capabilities, while the generous beam of 15.5 feet provides exceptional interior volume and stability. The cutter rig configuration offers versatility in varying wind conditions, allowing sailors to balance the sail plan effectively for both coastal passages and extended ocean crossings. With a comfort ratio of 54.33, this yacht prioritizes seakeeping ability and motion comfort over pure speed, making it an ideal choice for long-distance cruising couples or families seeking a stable, secure platform. Bristol's reputation for solid fiberglass construction and attention to detail shines through in the 566, which features traditional styling combined with modern amenities. The boat's SA/Displacement ratio of 13.5 indicates moderate sailing performance that won't disappoint in light to moderate conditions, while the hull's design allows for respectable passage times. The standard 100-horsepower engine provides reliable auxiliary power for maneuvering in tight quarters or motoring through calms. This vessel appeals to experienced sailors seeking a proven offshore cruiser with excellent build quality.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 56.50 ft / 17.22 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 45.50 ft / 13.87 m
Beam 15.50 ft / 4.72 m
Max Draft 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Min Draft 5.42 ft / 1.65 m
Displacement 66,000.00 lb / 29,937 kg
Ballast 20,500.00 lb / 9,299 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Sail Area (Reported) 1,372.00 ft² / 127.46 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Keel/Cbrd.
Rigging Type Cutter
Construction FG
Designer Dieter Empacher
Builder Bristol Yachts Inc. (USA)
First Built 1986
Related Sailboats ["Oyster 55" · "Little Harbor 57" · "Hylas 55" · "Oyster 56" · "Swan 56"]
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 13.5
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 31.06
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 312.8
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 54.33
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 9.04 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 1.38
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 2,519.94 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 13.5
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 68.00 ft / 20.73 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 23.00 ft / 7.01 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 59.00 ft / 17.98 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 20.00 ft / 6.10 m
SA Fore 782.00 ft² / 72.65 m²
SA Main 590.00 ft² / 54.81 m²
SA Total (100%) 1,372.00 ft² / 127.46 m²
Est. Forestay Length 71.78 ft / 21.88 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Make Weterbeke
Engine Model 6-354
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 100
Fuel Capacity 220 gals / 833 L
Water Capacity 320 gals / 1,211 L
How It Compares

vs. Hylas 55, Little Harbor 57, Oyster 56

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Bristol 566 ★
56.5 ft
Hylas 55
55.4 ft
Little Harbor 57
56.7 ft
Oyster 56
57.3 ft
LWL
Bristol 566 ★
45.5 ft
Hylas 55
45.8 ft
Little Harbor 57
47.3 ft
Oyster 56
47.5 ft
Beam
Bristol 566 ★
15.5 ft
Hylas 55
15.8 ft
Little Harbor 57
16.8 ft
Oyster 56
16.2 ft
Displacement
Bristol 566 ★
66 lbs
Hylas 55
47 lbs
Little Harbor 57
54 lbs
Oyster 56
57 lbs
Ballast
Bristol 566 ★
20 lbs
Hylas 55
20 lbs
Little Harbor 57
22 lbs
Oyster 56
17 lbs
Sail Area
Bristol 566 ★
1 sq ft
Hylas 55
—
Little Harbor 57
1 sq ft
Oyster 56
1 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Bristol 566 ★
13.5
Hylas 55
—
Little Harbor 57
17.9
Oyster 56
15.3
Ballast / Disp (higher = stiffer)
Bristol 566 ★
31.1 %
Hylas 55
42.4 %
Little Harbor 57
—
Oyster 56
—
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Bristol 566 ★
54.3
Hylas 55
38.1
Little Harbor 57
39.1
Oyster 56
43.2
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Bristol 566 ★
1.54
Hylas 55
1.75
Little Harbor 57
1.78
Oyster 56
1.68
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Bristol 566 ★
312
Hylas 55
219
Little Harbor 57
—
Oyster 56
—
Hull Speed
Bristol 566 ★
9.0 kts
Hylas 55
9.1 kts
Little Harbor 57
9.2 kts
Oyster 56
9.2 kts
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