Oyster Life | Summer 2023 | Issue 86

ISSUE 86

SUMMER 2023

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

We look back at what earned Oyster the reputation as the world’s finest bluewater cruiser and look forward to the next 50 years.

THE OYSTER DIFFERENCE

What makes Oyster’s bluewater fleet the only choice? Four owners and Oysters’ founder, Richard Matthews, get to the heart of the matter.

ONE FOR THE BUCKET LIST

From life in the slow lane of the pandemic to a life-changing adventure, one owner shares his story of a dream that became reality with Oyster.

STEPPING UP

Thinking about upgrading your Oyster? Owner David Braben explains the ins and outs of making the leap from an Oyster 575 to the flagship 885.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2023

SEPTEMBER 4 - 8 Oyster Palma Regatta

SEPTEMBER 12 - 17 Cannes Yachting Festival

SEPTEMBER 14 - 17 The Newport International Boat Show

SEPTEMBER 15 - 24 Southampton International Boat Show

OCTOBER 12 - 15 United States Sailboat Show, Annapolis

NOVEMBER 5 The ARC+

NOVEMBER 19 The ARC

NOVEMBER 25 50th Anniversary Owners’ Dinner, London

2024

JANUARY 14 Oyster World Rally 2024-25 Start

JANUARY 20 - 28 Boot Düsseldorf

FEBRUARY 14 - 18 Miami International Boat Show

APRIL 25 - 28 Palma International Boat Show

APRIL 24 - 28 London Private View

JUNE 21 - 23 Oyster Rendezvous

SEPTEMBER 23 - 27 Oyster Palma Regatta

Ed Prichard, Elaine Bunting and Matthew Sheahan.

CONTENTS

Discover what’s been happening in the world of Oyster, including a look back at the last 50 years as we celebrate our 50th anniversary; welcome back the Oyster World Rally 2022-23 fleet; and take a closer look at what makes Oyster yachts so special.

Oyster offers the widest range of shallow-draft models, best described by owner Richard Hadida as ‘gamechanging’. With our shoal keel Oyster 495 and 595CB, 745CB and 885CB centreboard models, discover the places other yachts cannot reach.

Over 1,100 boats built and launched. Twenty million nautical miles sailed. 100 circumnavigations completed. One incredible journey and one amazing family. Look back at the last 50 years of Oyster and forward to the next 50.

12 COMING HOME – THE OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2022-23

After 16 months, 27,000nm and 25 stopovers, this epic adventure came to an end as the fleet crossed the finish line in Antigua on 4 April 2023. Relive their final leg from Cape Town to Antigua.

18 THE OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2024-25

The next group of intrepid owners are just a few months away from setting off on their adventure of a lifetime, beginning in January 2024. Find out how their preparations are going and get inspired to join the 2026-27 event.

70 MASTERS OF THE MED

Discover the secrets behind Oyster Palma’s comprehensive service offering. Our Director of Service Operations, Mark Durham, explains how a welcoming, personal service and meticulous standards keep owners coming back for more.

74 NEW LAUNCHES

Looking for inspiration for your Oyster build or fit-out? Look no further – here is a round-up of the latest masterpieces our skilled team have hand-built and handed over to their excited new owners.

Only an Oyster is good enough – for many of our owners, there is no alternative to our bluewater sailing yachts. Four owners and our founder, Richard Matthews, explain what puts an Oyster head and shoulders above ordinary yachts.

For 50 years, our luxury bluewater sailing yachts have set the standard. Built with care, experience and for the long haul, they are a platform to adventure, whether you wish to explore your local sailing grounds or circumnavigate the world.

108 OYSTER OWNERSHIP

110 OYSTER YACHT CHARTER

112 OYSTER BROKERAGE

116 OYSTER AFTER SALES

117 OYSTER SERVICE

118 OYSTER CREW

120 CONTACT US

3 NEWS ROUNDUP

10 SHALLOW-DRAFT CRUISERS

78 THE OYSTER FLEET

20 OYSTER AT 50

4 OYSTER ANTIGUA REGATTA 2023

Always a big moment in the Oyster calendar, The Oyster Antigua Regatta 2023 marked our 50th anniversary with epic racing and celebratory dinners. The Oyster family had the time of their lives.

40 CROATIA CRUISING GUIDE Oyster 125 Twilight Captain, Louis Bell, shares his personal experiences of the 3,000 nautical miles of stunning coastline, from the rugged, rocky northern coast to the lush southern islands. This is the insider’s guide to discovering a unique and memorable sailing location.

44 THE ‘OYSTER DIFFERENCE’

54 OWNER’S STORY – ONE FOR THE BUCKET LIST

From the slow-rolling days of the pandemic to a life-changing round-the-world adventure, read Ross Golding’s story of how a long-held ambition to circumnavigate on his own yacht became a reality.

62 OWNER’S STORY – STEPPING UP Many owners daydream about upgrading their Oyster. Discover how the combination of capability, space and service helped owner David Braben make the seamless leap from his beloved 575 to an Oyster 885.

FROM ASHLEY HIGHFIELD

With 50 years of experience under our belt, these are exciting times at Oyster Yachts. I feel privileged to be here supporting our superb team in their endeavours and our owners with their adventures. An Oyster is a truly amazing yacht and we are a unique organisation that consistently demonstrates why the experience of owning an Oyster is different and that little bit more special than any other brand.

As CEO, my purpose is to put our owners’ experiences and those of their friends and families right at the heart of what we do and to ever strengthen the lifelong bond and relationship we have with them. The last 50 years are a testament to our ability to deliver bold and innovative yachts, services, experiences and adventures that go beyond expectation. We have always strived to make the experience of owning a sailing yacht a joy – life-affirming and even life-changing for many. My focus is to make every experience with Oyster among the best and most memorable of an owner’s life. The ultimate example of which is the Oyster World Rally: 16 months, 25 destinations, 27,000nm. In one event it demonstrates the capability and power of an Oyster bluewater cruiser perfectly – and I’m reliably informed by Rally veterans that it really is the voyage of a lifetime.

To even contemplate sailing around the world, peace of mind on the strength of construction, safety and comfort is paramount, along with the reassurance of incomparable levels of service before and during the circumnavigation. Put simply, at Oyster we are passionate about building the best bluewater cruising yachts in the world and then supporting owners with services ranging from Crew to After Sales; Yacht Servicing to Guardianage; Refit to Charter; and Brokerage to on-demand help and technical support.

Over the last five years, we have invested strongly to improve workflow, productivity and quality. As the challenges of Covid recede, there has been a renewed and relentless focus on on-time delivery and the meticulous levels of craft, detail and excellence for which our yachts are renowned worldwide. The results are exceptional. Our fleet of 50 to 90 foot newgeneration yachts offers something unique for most people’s sailing requirements. Each is designed with its own purpose. Oyster DNA runs through them from stem to stern – from our award-winning, easy-to-handle shorthanded 50 to 70 foot yachts, through to our fully-crewed flagships: the luxury Oyster 745 and range-topping 90 foot Oyster 885.

And so we look to the next 50 years. We are committed to continuing to innovate with new models and features for the next generation of Oyster owners. We bring five decades of knowledge and experience, combined with new technologies and fresh thinking on propulsion, power generation, sustainability, and maximisation of usable space and performance. We will continue to create new iconic, award-winning yachts that combine luxury with performance and the beauty that comes from a singleminded approach to design. Oyster will always be a platform for adventure and I want the aspiration to own one of our new yachts to be unstoppable.

We believe the Oyster Life magazine perfectly captures the essence of Oyster –the inspirational stories, facts and figures to be found in these pages demonstrates this better than I could ever put into words. So, please join us in looking back on the last 50 years and looking forward to the next 50.

Enjoy Oyster Life!

ASHLEY HIGHFIELD CEO OYSTER YACHTS

I’m delighted to introduce this very special edition of Oyster Life, celebrating 50 years of Oyster.

My focus is to make every experience with Oyster among the best and most memorable of an owner’s life.

NEW GENERATION OYSTERS SET THE BAR

Oyster 565 and 595 continue to go from strength to strength. The awardwinning 565 was a landmark for the rejuvenated brand in 2019, heralding the new generation of Oysters. A sub-60 foot bluewater sailing yacht with a powerful sail plan. It continues to be an extremely popular model with 25 sold. Her big sister, the Oyster 595 is not far behind, with 22 sold and four in build. At 60 foot, this versatile yacht offers customised build solutions and a shallow-draft option.

OYSTER AT 50 CELEBRATIONS

CONTINUE

Our 50th anniversary celebrations began at the Oyster Antigua Regatta in April 2023, with our first anniversary dinner. Founder Richard Matthews’ speech brought us full circle from UFO to the 495, through 50 action-packed years. The icing on the cake was the finish of the Oyster World Rally 2022-23, which saw Oyster 56/63 Temerity become the 100th Oyster circumnavigator since 2013. Celebrations continue with dinners at the Palma Regatta in September 2023 and in London in November 2023. We hope you can join us at one (or both!) of these unmissable events.

495 crowned European Yacht of the Year 2023

A major milestone for Oyster in our 50th year, as the Oyster 495 sets a new 50 foot benchmark. Judged European Yacht of the Year 2023, Best Luxury Cruiser by an esteemed group of European judges. The 495 is effortless to sail, delivers fast passage speeds and features Oysters contemporary new generation luxury

THE CRAFTSPEOPLE OF THE FUTURE

interiors. Nine 495 owners are already enjoying their yachts, with another 10 eagerly awaiting delivery. Chair of Judges, Jochen Rieker said: “[She is] so reassuringly strong, so surprisingly quick in straight line speed, so great to helm, so easy to handle and so, so comfortable...!”.

Oyster’s Apprenticeship Scheme and Trainee Programme continues to flourish. Since 2018, we have taken on 25 apprentices/trainees with 14 more joining us in 2023 to learn from our highly skilled workforce. Our passion for sustaining these time-honoured boatbuilding crafts recognises not only our reliance on them, but also our commitment to nurturing, developing and expanding on these artisan skills. We’re proud to report the class of 2018 recently graduated and have all taken full-time roles at Oyster.

IBIZA RENDEZVOUS

Marking the start of the summer sailing season, the Ibiza Rendezvous was the perfect opportunity to catch up and enjoy the pleasure of owning an Oyster. A long weekend of relaxed cruising, water sports, yacht hops with a dinner at the charming, family run restaurant Ses Toques at Es Cubells. It was fantastic to see so many new members of the Oyster family, with many new friendships and plans made.

ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD

As Ashley Highfield steps into the CEO role full-time, owner Richard Hadida becomes Chairman and has redefined his day-to-day role to focus on product development and innovation. The company has strengthened the senior team with two new appointments – new Chief Financial Officer, Peter Ingram, joins from Raymarine and digital entrepreneur David Braben OBE, joins as a Non-Executive Director.

28 Oyster Yachts from all over the world gathered in Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, to celebrate 50 years of our incredible bluewater yachts. The Antigua Regatta, which took place over four incredible days, was filled to the brim with exhilarating racing, legendary social events, and amazing fun with the Oyster family.

MEMORIES are MADE of THIS

Antigua Regatta

2023 – a special 50th Anniversary event

The Regatta got off to a flying start with a welcome party hosted in the charming UNSECO World Heritage Site, Nelson’s Dockyard. Owners, family and friends reunited and enjoyed delicious rum cocktails to the sound of steel drums as the sunset over the Caribbean horizon.

16 Yachts, including six who had just completed the voyage of a lifetime on the Oyster World Rally 202223, enjoyed three days of champagne sailing in the tropical waters of Antigua. The Oyster Cup was one

The Dolphin Sails Race Day 1

Saw two ‘round-the-cans’ races south of English Harbour, taking in the stunning views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a brisk 17kts true wind speed from the east, the yachts beat east toward Shirley Point in a choppy sea, before a speedy reach west on a downwind leg towards Cades Reef. With gusts of up to 23kts and a heavy rain squall at the bottom mark, the first race certainly blew away the cobwebs.

In Class 1, the 885s showed their metal with 885 Lush taking the win, 885 Achenar in second, followed by Oyster’s founder aboard his extended transom 82 Midnight in third place. Class 2 saw the top spot go to the World Rally team aboard Oyster 655 Irene IV, with 675 Seabird (also fresh from the World Rally) taking second and 655 Blow coming in third. In Class 3, 625 Papillon took first place, 575 Spirit second and third went to another World Rally veteran, 625 Black Lion.

With the breeze up a few clicks, Race 2 sent the fleet east towards Willoughby Bay and out to sea for some varied wind angles, broach reaches and mark

highlight of this memorable event with a pursuit race taking the fleet to the east coast of the island, for a beautiful evening at the chic Asian-inspired restaurant Rokuni, overlooking Nonsuch Bay. Owners gathered at the Admiral’s Inn for a magnificent dinner to celebrate Oyster’s milestone birthday, and to top it all off, the final prize-giving and party at the iconic Shirley Heights lookout was a night that will go down in the Oyster history books.

rounding practice. Another speedy blast downwind brought them back west, with a short beat to the finish in brilliant sunshine and bright turquoise waters.

In Class 1 885 Lush maintained her hold on the top spot, with 82 Midnight jumping into second place to split the 885s, with Achenar in third. Class 2 saw the competition hot up with 655 Blow first, 675 Seabird second and 655 Irene IV in third, with all three boats finishing on equal points. Class 3 also saw a roll of the dice with 625 Papillon cementing her hold in first place, 625 Black Lion jumping to second place and 625 Latitude moving up to third.

Prize-giving took place in the Dockyard before our first dinner to commemorate 50 years of Oyster, held at the Admiral’s Inn. Founder Sir Richard Matthews spoke about how he started and grew Oyster into an international brand; Oyster World Rally circumnavigator Trevor Hill shared what it meant to sail his Oyster 725 Intrepid around the world; and new Oyster Yachts CEO Ashley Highfield revealed what the future holds for Oyster. Dinner concluded with a toast “to the next 50 years” with The Glenturret whisky.

The Glenturret Race Day 2

On the second day we saw the first of two Pursuit Races competing for the new Oyster Cup. With an overnight stay in Nonsuch Bay on the east coast of the island, a full-day, 22-mile course was set. Yachts set off in speed order – slowest first, fastest last – with the aim of all the yachts finishing at the same time.

The fleet beat east past Willoughby Bay and Half Moon Bay, up past Green Island before reaching a turning mark on the northeast corner of Antigua. Champagne sailing was the order of the day with 1820 kts of wind and seas rolling down the decks, and a great chase was set in true Pursuit Race style. After another blast reach and surfing some big swells, the yachts finished off Half Moon Bay with smiles all around. It was a fast race, with many

boats exceeding hull speed, followed by a leisurely motor into Nonsuch Bay and through the passage into Green Island, where many stopped off for a well-earned swim before the evening ashore.

First to start was 575 Spirit who sailed a flawless race to stay ahead and finish first. Second place went to 655 Blow and third to 625 Papillion, just 40 seconds behind. With everything to sail for, the final race of the regatta was shaping up to be very exciting.

As the sun set, crews headed ashore to Rokuni Restaurant, overlooking the yachts at anchor in Nonsuch Bay, for the daily prizegiving, drinks and Asian-inspired dishes. A local musician Joshu provided the perfect soundtrack and the Oyster family enjoyed a truly memorable evening.

A great chance to meet and learn from other owners and crew; yet another testament to the strength and value of the Oyster Family.

GREGORY WHITE 625 LATITUDE

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: 655 BLOW GLISTENING DOWNWIND. THE FLEET ANCHORED IN NONSUCH BAY. THE TEAM ABOARD 625 BLACK LION SHOWING THE FLEET HOW IT'S DONE.

The Lewmar Race Day 3

Saw the second Oyster Cup Pursuit Race. The fleet set off with a downwind start off Half Moon Bay, in 15 - 17kts of breeze. A long run in brilliant sunshine and cloudless skies took them to the western end of Cades Reef. At the bottom mark, the whole fleet was in view of each other and the final chase to windward began – especially between the 60s in Class 3 and the 65s in Class 2, with all the crews hiking out on the rail. A boat-forboat, tack-for-tack duel between 655 Blow and 625 Papillon saw Papillion cross the line ahead of Blow for the day’s honours, with Irene IV close behind.

For the final evening of the Regatta, crews convened at the iconic Shirley Heights Lookout. As the sun set, they enjoyed the famous rum punch, with views of the fleet in English Harbour below. CEO Ashley Highfield announced the day’s results and the overall results for the regatta.

The winners in each class were presented with the perpetual Oyster Regatta Trophy and a beautiful handmade walnut and copper bespoke award. Papillon’s crew lifted the exquisite new Oyster Cup and received a very special bottle of The Glenturret 30-year-old whisky.

A delicious Caribbean BBQ followed, before the legendary 'Asher Otto and Itchy Feet' took to the stage for the big finale. Everyone agreed our 50th Anniversary Antigua Regatta was a huge success, with superb racing and socialising with the Oyster family.

We’d like to say a special thank you to our Regatta partners – Dolphin Sails, The Glenturret and Lewmar – for their continued support.

This was our second regatta after Palma last year. Different venue – the same fantastic experience with great parties, competition and friendships built. We came with the hope of doing better in the racing and my crew of friends from Connecticut came through and we won after some superb close racing. We will do more of these regattas in the future for sure.

OVERALL CLASS RESULTS

Class

1st 885 Lush

2nd 82 Midnight 3rd 885 Achenar

82 ZigZag 5th 82 Dama de Noche

Class 2 1st 655 Blow 2nd 655 Irene IV 3rd 885 Seabird 4th 655 Sotto Vento

66 Serendipity

Class 3

1st 625 Papillon

2nd 625 Black Lion

3rd 885 Spirit

4th 625 Latitude

5th 625 Irish Blessing 6th 565 Akoya

Oyster Cup

1st 625 Papillon

2nd 655 Blow 3rd 655 Irene IV

These shallow-draft models are a game-changer, opening up more possibilities for adventure and relaxation than ever before. This is what we mean when we say: ‘the world is yours’.

RICHARD HADIDA, CHAIRMAN AND OWNER OF OYSTER YACHTS

OPENING UP NEW WORLDS

Imagine being able to sail into the most stunning shallow water bays and dropping anchor within a stone’s throw of the beach. Today, Oyster’s shallow-draft cruisers make that dream a reality – four of our most popular 50 to 90 foot bluewater cruisers are now available in shallow-draft variants, making them the ultimate go-anywhere adventure yachts.

“Our owners want fast, bluewater performance with the flexibility to explore previously inaccessible shallow cruising grounds,” explains Alex Gardner, Lead Naval Architect Design at Oyster Yachts. “If you have a yearning to explore the places other yachts simply cannot reach, these shallow-draft models open up a world of shallow cruising grounds and secluded bays.”

SHOAL KEEL AND LIFTING CENTREBOARD MODELS

We have added four shallow-draft models to the fleet, including the Oyster 495 and 595CB, 745CB and 885CB models. The 495 features a shoal keel, while the other three feature lifting centreboard keels. This is another Oyster first – we are the only global manufacturer to offer a range this broad.

With remarkable draft reductions from 3.50m/11’6” to 1.79m/5’10”, these yachts also give you complete confidence to access safe anchorages, marinas and river inlets at a moment’s notice should conditions change suddenly.

“These shallow-draft models are a game-changer, opening up more possibilities for adventure than ever before,” says Oyster Yachts Chairman and Owner, Richard Hadida. “This is what we mean when we say: ‘the world is yours’”.

SEAMLESS DESIGN

Much thought has gone into the design of the shoal keel and centreboard to make them a seamless part of the yacht. The result offers ultimate access to shallow waters with no compromise on Oyster’s outstanding bluewater performance and welcoming social spaces and cabins.

Our designers and engineers designed the lowering and lifting systems with simplicity in mind. The base ballast keel is made from lead and it is longer, shallower and slightly heavier than a standard keel. It is strengthened with additional structural frames, including extra athwartships floors and laminate in the keel itself and where the mechanism is fitted.

CONTROL, PERFORMANCE AND SAFETY

This longer, shallower keel maintains the boat’s general and directional stability, which makes it possible to sail in shallow waters in complete control with the board up. Once the board is dropped, it effectively creates a deeper keel, offering improved upwind performance on open water.

Safety is also a big consideration, paramount when sailing in shallow waters, so we chose efficient hydraulic systems. At the same time, centreboards are designed to flip up if accidentally grounded, avoiding damage to the hydraulic system and the boat itself.

CERTIFIED FOR PEACE OF MIND

As with all our next-generation yachts, these models are designed and built to Lloyd’s Register-certified or DNV-GL standards. So, not only do you benefit from Oyster’s exceptional build quality and attention to detail, but you also have the peace of mind that each hull and keel or centreboard is tested and inspected to the highest standards.

The 50 foot Oyster 495 with a shallow-draft shoal keel option reduces the yacht’s draft to approximately 1.83m/6’0”. Precision design and engineering mean there is no compromise on sailing performance.

An extremely versatile and well-appointed centreboard variant of Oyster’s 60 foot bluewater cruiser. With a draft of less than 1.80m/5’10” (approx.) when the centreboard is up, explore anywhere you choose.

The Oyster 745CB’s retractable centreboard keel acts as a full-depth keel for serious upwind performance. Unique on a 75 foot sailing yacht, it reduces the draft from 3.10m/10’2” ft to approximately 1.98m/6’6” ft.

The 885CB takes you to places other 90 foot yachts cannot reach. Offering an impressive reduction in draft from 3.50m/11’6” to approximately 2.3m/7’6” with no compromise on performance.

OYSTER 885CB

OYSTER 495 SHOAL KEEL

OYSTER 745CB

OYSTER 595CB

COMING HOME

The Oyster World Rally 2022-23 fleet returned to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua in April 2023 following their 16-month circumnavigation. Discover the adventures they've encountered on their voyage of a lifetime.

CHRISTMAS IN CAPE TOWN

Cape Town offers the perfect place to lay up over the holidays. With its beautiful harbour in the shadow of Table Mountain, vibrant streets and guaranteed sunshine, there’s nowhere like it. The Oyster World Rally fleet took full advantage of a wonderful Christmas and New Year in this amazing city.

After a challenging sail from La Réunion in the Indian Ocean to Durban then up to Cape Town, the crews were more than ready for a break on terra firma. They gathered at the V&A Waterfront Marina for an Oyster Christmas party at the Grand Africa Beach Club, with incredible views of Table Bay and the infamous Robben Island. After a spectacular meal accompanied by excellent local wines, Santa stopped by with gifts for everyone. With lots of different nationalities amongst the fleet, the one thing everyone seems to share is the giving of gifts at Christmas. Quite a few seemed to like a Santa hat too.

There is plenty to keep you busy relaxing in the Cape. Highlights included seeing the penguins at Boulders Beach, Cape Point (where the Indian and Atlantic Oceans meet), hiking up Table Mountain and visiting the Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek wine regions. Most of the crews also headed inland for safaris in the Kruger and Shamwari Game Reserves.

The next section of the rally took the fleet back out into the Atlantic, with a route that took in the islands of St Helena and Ascension, before setting sail for Brazil. These are some of the longest passages of the whole rally, so there was plenty of preparation to ensure every yacht was in excellent shape and the crew were back into sailing mode.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A REMARKABLE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER AT BOULDERS BEACH.

CAPE TOWN PASSAGE ON BOARD OYSTER 725/01 INTREPID.

A STUNNING SUNSET IN CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA.

ST HELENA

A British Overseas Territory, St Helena is a tiny, volcanic island in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. Some of the fleet anticipated a quick pit stop for food and fuel but were surprised to discover a magical island packed with history, magnificent scenery and a surprisingly tropical climate. The last resting place of Napoleon, it is one of the remotest places in the world – 4,500 miles from Paris, 1,200 miles from the southwest coast of Africa and 1,800 miles from South America.

After 10 days at sea, the first boats arrived and the crews set off to explore the island. The islanders gave the fleet a warm welcome and treated the crews like royalty, ferrying them around the island on a 1929 Cadillac bus. Highlights included Napoleon's house, meeting Jonathan the Giant Tortoise (the oldest-known living land animal in the world at 190 years old) and swimming with giant whale sharks.

The whale sharks were just astonishing – they are so special, for some owners the opportunity to see these creatures was at the heart of their decision to join the Oyster World Rally.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Harbourmaster Steve Kirk, who made the formalities straightforward for our owners and skippers and was a super-helpful point of contact during their stay. The call of the sea and the fleet’s next destination was strong – with the vibrancy of Brazil next on the itinerary. The fleet set off on a 10-day, 2,000nm passage, with the promise of the exotic awaiting them on the far side of the Atlantic.

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ST. HELENA ISLAND, A REMOTE VOLCANIC TROPICAL ISLAND IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN. SPECTACULAR SCENES SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS. VIP TREATMENT WITH A 1929 CADILLAC BUS TO TOUR THE ISLAND.

SALVADOR

The first yachts from the fleet made landfall at the start of February, gathering in the Bahia Marina. Salvador is one of the oldest cities in the Americas and its culture, history, music and buildings are a testament to this. The city comes alive at night, with music, dancing and vibrant café culture. There were plenty of bucket list moments here, with trips up the Amazon and into the rainforests, discovering Rio de Janeiro, including Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Statue of Christ the Redeemer, not to mention the iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches. No visit to Brazil is complete without experiencing the Carnival, which the crews did in both Rio and Salvador. Five days straight of partying in the streets to celebrate the deep Afro-Brazilian heritage, with music, dancing, parades and exotic costumes – all in all, an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.

It is estimated that 100,000 people were on the streets of Salvador each day and the rally crews got in amongst the action for a real taste of the samba.

Exhausted and exhilarated, most of the fleet then set off for a complete contrast on a small volcanic island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, 200 miles from Salvador. Fernando de Noronha is famous for its undeveloped beaches and soothing warm waters filled with dolphins, sea turtles, rays and reef sharks. Not surprisingly, it is one of the world's top diving destinations and a special stop for the many diving enthusiasts on the Oyster World Rally.

We are so proud and privileged to have been part of this incredible journey and more importantly, to have had all of you in our lives for the past 16 months.

LEO ECCLES OWNER, OYSTER 655/09 MAN OF WAR

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ALL SET FOR THE RIO CARNIVAL, THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH AND THE BIGGEST EVENT OF THE BRAZILIAN CULTURAL CALENDAR. CHRIST THE REDEEMER AT THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT CORCOVADO, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL. SANCHO BEACH, FERNANDO DE NORONHA.

GRENADA

The fleet’s last ocean passage of the Oyster World Rally 202223 was a short 1,100nm hop into Caribbean waters, crossing the Equator for the second time on the voyage. The fully-fledged Shellbacks made sacrifices to King Neptune and sailed on safely to Grenada, where the wonderful port staff at Port Louis Marina welcomed the fleet with local rum punch. After almost a year of exploring exotic islands and archipelagos, the crews still had a thirst to discover more – it seems you never tire of stunning scenery! Grenada offered trips to stunning waterfalls, hikes in the rainforest and evenings enjoying the Spice Island’s huge choice of restaurants. A visit to Grenada wouldn’t be complete without checking out the world’s first underwater sculpture park, which features 65 stone sculptures on the seabed.

The fleet bade farewell to Grenada and set sail for the famous island of Mustique. Following a pursuit race to Canouan, St Vincent, the yachts island-hopped in familiar waters before navigating north to Antigua and the finishing line.

ANTIGUA

On 4 April 2023, the Oyster World Rally fleet sailed over the finishing line to complete its 16-month circumnavigation. Oyster 56 ‘Temerity’ became the 100th Oyster to complete this epic voyage. As each yacht crossed the line, they received a canon salute from the stern of Oyster 82 Midnight owned by Oyster founder, Sir Richard Matthews.

Once the fleet was safely moored in Nelson’s Dockyard, everyone gathered for a champagne reception. It was an emotional moment as the crews and Oyster team reflected on the incredible experience, their favourite places en route and the many memories made. Each owner and crew were presented with mementoes of their trip at a prize-giving event at the historic Admiral’s Inn, before heading to the Circumnavigators’ Dinner at Catherine’s Café for a night of celebration.

Thanks

JOHN MCTIGUE OWNER, IRISH BLESSING 625/16

Every Oyster World Rally offers a unique experience for owners and crew. It is a truly life-changing voyage and participants make friends and memories that last a lifetime. Each yacht has its own inspiring story to tell and every sailor returns changed by their experiences. It is such an incredible trip; many people talk about doing it all over again – and some do.

Thank you to the sailors who chose to take up the challenge and made up the Oyster World Rally family of 2022-23 – you are an inspiration to us all. Our thanks go to the tireless Oyster World Rally team, whose hard work, dedication and grace under pressure made the circumnavigation smooth and memorable for all involved.

If you are inspired to cast off on the voyage of a lifetime, find out more on page 19.

again for a lifetime of memories!

THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: GRENADA'S SCULPTURE PARK; ONE OF THE WORLD'S MOST UNIQUE SUB-AQUATIC EXPERIENCES.

OYSTER 675/04 SEABIRD ARRIVING IN ANTIGUA. THE FLEET SAFELY MOORED IN NELSON'S DOCKYARD, ANTIGUA.

OYSTER 575/02 JUNO SAILING FROM CAPE TOWN TO ST HELENA.

IT’S ALL IN THE PREPARATION

The Oyster World Rally 2022-23 fleet completed their 27,000nm voyage in April 2023, 16 months after setting off from Antigua. At the same time, the next fleet is starting to assemble for the 2024-25 Rally – 22 yachts, more than 100 owners and crew, all preparing for the voyage of a lifetime.

Sailing around the world is no simple undertaking. Even if your route is well-sailed, there are a million details to attend to, from choosing the perfect yacht down to the vital spares you need to take with you. The first Oyster World Rally took place in 2013 to celebrate 40 years of Oyster, with two more editions in 2017-18 and 2022-23. Not surprisingly, the Oyster team’s experience and expertise make preparing for the voyage a smooth process.

Before the fleet sets sail from Antigua in January 2024, there is still plenty to do. There is a comprehensive programme of training, with guidance and advice from Oyster experts and trusted suppliers and partners that make the components of each Oyster.

Owners are immersed in an ongoing mix of practical workshops, online masterclasses and seminars, public destination webinars, along with monthly entrants’ meetings. Safety is paramount, so crews have taken medical, radio, navigation and sea survival courses. Our team at Oyster Palma are busy helping many owners with final preparations before the hop to Las Palmas for the Atlantic crossing to Antigua.

The starting line still feels like a long way off for these intrepid sailors, but we know the time will fly by and before they know it, they will hear the boom of the starting cannon on Charlotte’s Point, Antigua and be off on their voyage of a lifetime.

OYSTER AT

Anniversaries will always attract numbers and statistics beyond the headline figure alone and in the 50 years since Oyster Yachts was founded, one of the world’s best-known builders of luxury yachts has accumulated plenty.

More than 1,100 boats built and launched and over 20 million nautical miles accumulated says plenty about the impact and influence that Oyster Yachts have had in the luxury cruising scene.

But while facts and figures are certainly something to be proud of, some landmarks and milestones represent more than simply a number.

Inspiring owners to set the world as their goal and then helping them to achieve it is something very special. While every trip around the planet is an extraordinary achievement, when the tally of Oyster circumnavigations reached 100, as Richard Flaye’s Oyster 56 Temerity arrived in Antigua at the end of the Oyster World Rally 2022-23, it was time to celebrate. There have been more Oyster circumnavigations in the last 10 years than in the previous 40, making it clear that while the brand’s reputation remains as strong as ever, times have changed, and dreams have flourished with Oyster at the very centre.

In 50 years, Oyster has come a long way and taken advantage of design and technology advances to the benefit of all, but many values remain the same as they did when the company was founded, and for good reason.

Building yachts that are safe, secure, robust, easily handled and exquisitely finished were among the goals from the start. Goals and objectives have been the cornerstones of a business that has grown from a local Essex-based endeavour to an international industry leader. Oyster at 50 has been no ordinary journey.

OYSTER

THE ROAD TO 50

Despite Oyster Yachts’ global reputation for high-quality bluewater cruising yachts and unparalleled customer service to match, the company’s original focus was on a very different type of boat. Back in 1973, Oyster Yachts’ founder Richard Matthews was looking at building a racing boat.

Having started a tea and coffee vending business as an enthusiastic 19-year-old entrepreneur with £2,000 that had been left to him by an aunt, the business had been good, but he needed to find a way of reducing the cost of running a race boat.

His accountant suggested that an ex oneoff race yacht could be classed as a preproduction prototype which could be used to achieve trade terms and to offset tax.

The boat that emerged was a Holman & Pye designed 34 foot, three-quarter tonner, the UFO34.

Her first season on the racecourse proved successful and attracted plenty of interest from potential buyers. In fact, so successful that around 150 UFO34s were sold in total worldwide, albeit many of them in kit form.

The fuse had been lit and sensing an opportunity, Matthews moved his attention to the first cruising Oyster.

This too started from modest beginnings. “We rocked up at the Southampton Boat Show with a model made by one of the guys from Landamore boat builders, along with a bit of chipboard attached to a caravan with some brochures on it,” he said.

“Nothing happened for the first two or three days, but between Wednesday night and the last Sunday of the show we had sold seven Oyster 37s. Something had happened, and it was clear to us that it was down to the success of the UFO range. People were interested and I think we had sold 20 boats before the first boat got launched.”

From here, things moved quickly, and the Oyster 39 followed.

Then came the boat that set the trend, the Oyster 46, the first deck saloon configuration. The arrangement gained popularity quickly thanks to the feeling of space below decks where light flooded into an area of the accommodation that was traditionally dark and enclosed.

We rocked up at the Southampton boat show with a model made by one of the guys from Landamore boat builders, along with a bit of chipboard attached to a caravan with some brochures on it.

RICHARD MATTHEWS

Staying the distance

HANNES AND STEFFI FEHRING OYSTER 61/05 RASMUS

There is a moment when Hannes Fehring is describing Rasmus, the Oyster 61 he and his wife Steffi have sailed since they bought her new, launching in 1996, that it becomes clear what ownership has meant to them. After 27 years of adventures, that have included six transatlantic crossings, the boat is to be sold and there is palpable emotion in Hannes’ voice as he describes the decisions that have led to this point.

“It is the right time,” he says, “but I am saying this with a tear in my eye. I love my wife, but I also love Rasmus. I do not regard the boat as our second home, it is our first home!”

With plenty of sailing experience to draw upon, it was clear that the 61 would fit their needs. The deck saloon layout and large opening windows made a lasting impression and it wasn’t long before they were on the path towards ownership of the fifth 61 launched, of which 14 were produced altogether.

Hannes is particularly proud of the quality of the carpentry throughout and how it has endured. “There’s really good craftsmanship in the woodwork,” he says. “Everybody

who comes on board is impressed by the still-perfect finishes with no scratches.” Their transatlantic voyages, as part of the ARC fleet, have also involved stays in the Caribbean. Indeed, the boat was based in St Lucia from 2009 until 2013 and they have fond memories of the 2003 Oyster Antigua Regatta in which they were placed first in Class One. Other favoured destinations have been Sardinia and Sicily, as well as the Azores on their return trips from the Caribbean.

The emphasis throughout their ownership has been on having fun on board – there are stories of dancing in the mid-Atlantic and meeting lifelong friends from within the Oyster family. As they reflect on many happy years afloat, Hannes’ upcoming 80th birthday party in Austria also promises to be a memorable occasion.

Rasmus has been a central part of their lives from the moment she was launched, and you suspect there will be more than a few toasts in her honour, as well as for Hannes on the big day. After all, being one of the longest-serving Oyster and owner deserves a toast to both.

The serial owner

It is not uncommon to find owners who have had more than one Oyster. Many will admit to being inspired by others and finding themselves trading up. Some will have been seduced by the brand and the renowned after sales service, or perhaps it seems only natural to have at least one more.

There are those for whom owning an Oyster is the first step towards fulfilling a dream to complete a circumnavigation. And for some, owning an Oyster becomes a lifelong addiction.

Since taking ownership of his first Oyster in 1995, Sir Peter Davies has had no less than five, including an Oyster LD43 motorboat. Yet, despite kicking the boat owner habit several years ago, his passion and enthusiasm for Oyster on and off the water remain. “I’ve sailed all my life and my first Oyster was 45/01 Cygnus III in the 1990s, which I kept in Anglesey. I had a great time on it for three years, then in 2000, I decided to buy Oyster 56 Cygnus of Anglesea, which we sailed extensively around the Caribbean and Europe.

“In 2003, I then stepped up to an Oyster 82, with a professional crew, which we also sailed in the Caribbean as well as spending a September in Maine.

“In 2006, I decided to downscale which is where the LD43 motoryacht Rip Rap came in, but it wasn’t long before I bought Oyster 54/01. When I bought her, she was originally a 525, but Richard Matthews decided to increase her space aft and so the 54 was born.

“I think out of them all my favourites were the 56 and the 82 and if I had to pick one, it would be the 56. She offered such good value for money and was such a versatile boat. You could just as easily operate her with a professional crew crossing the Atlantic as you could handle her shorthanded in the Caribbean. But like many others, it hasn’t just been the boats that have kept Peter with Oyster. “They’re a very well-organised company. Right from my first dealings, I thought that their sales operation was good and they were skilled at doing demonstration sales and test runs, the handover process and other related aspects were all professional throughout. As someone who grew up in marketing and sales, I was impressed by their professionalism.

“When it came to design and the quality of finish, they have always had talented individuals working on them, along with excellent project management, after sales and service. Whichever way you look at it, Oyster takes great care in ensuring the boats are built properly.

“When it comes to costs, they may be among the more expensive in their field, but I was reviewing some of the acquisition and sale invoices recently and after deducting the agent’s commission, the cost per year was quite modest. Plus, most importantly, Oysters retain their value and I think it is those two factors that make the original outlay worthwhile.”

Sailing was a bit of a camping trip back in the 1970s. Sailing on a yacht meant that you either spent much of your time wet and uncomfortable when you were on deck or buried in a dark cavernous interior with no view if you went below. The deck saloon changed all of that. There was light and space and you could see out, especially when underway. Comfort had arrived in cruising and with very little competition in the market, it was relatively easy for Oyster to make its mark.

NICK CREED

The raised floor in the saloon enabled increased machinery space beneath and decent-sized tanks as well while also achieving a lower centre of gravity for enhanced stability. The centre cockpit also allowed for a large owner’s cabin aft, while on deck the configuration provided a roomy yet protected cockpit. There was plenty to like.

“Looking back, it wasn’t difficult to see why the deck saloon became so popular so quickly,” said Commercial Manager, Nick Creed, whose time with Oyster stretches back to the mid-1980s.

“Sailing was a bit of a camping trip back in the 1970s. As far as many families were concerned, sailing on a yacht meant that you either spent much of your time wet and uncomfortable when you were on deck or buried in a dark cavernous interior with no view if you went below. The deck saloon changed all of that. There was light and

OYSTER HP46 1981

SIR PETER DAVIES

space and you could see out, especially when underway. There was heating below decks and electric winches on deck. Comfort had arrived in cruising and with very little competition in the market, it was relatively easy for Oyster to make its mark.” And make its mark it did, the deck saloon had arrived.

Alongside Matthews’ passion for racing and the range of racing Oysters such as the 41, 43, SJ35 and the Lightwave models that were produced as a result, the cruising side of the business was gaining a great deal of traction.

“There were two things that made Oyster a successful business,” continued Matthews, “We knew from the outset we had to be an international company and we needed to market our boats around the world. The other thing was we opted to go for quality.”

Fifty years later and the same principles apply. During that time, both styling and performance have also been refined continually.

The change of watch on the design front from Holman Pye to Humphreys Yacht Design in the late 1990s is seen by many as one of the key transitions in the evolution of the modern Oyster.

There were two things that made Oyster a successful business. We knew from the outset we had to be an international company and we needed to market our boats around the world. The other thing was we opted to go for quality.

OYSTER 435 DECK SALOON 1983

OYSTER HERITAGE 1984

OYSTER SJ35 1983

OYSTER HERITAGE PILOT HOUSE 1984

RICHARD MATTHEWS THE OYSTER 745 AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE MODERN OYSTER

Well known for developing good-looking, well-balanced lines, in the racing scene Humphreys’ designs were rarely as radical as those of his contemporaries and yet it was this skilful balance between performance and looks that has been at the heart of the modern bluewater Oyster for over two decades. And it is these characteristics, along with the ease of handling, that has maintained Oyster’s leading position in the market.

Layout and style were also important ingredients in Oyster’s recipe for success. Here, designer Andrew Winch introduced subtle tweaks and changes to the Oyster styling that have played a key part in creating an internationally recognised and frequently copied look, where wrap-around windows, sweeping lines and of course the deck saloon eyebrow, have created multiple generations of Oyster.

As designs became more refined, it was a natural progression for owners’ aspirations to expand with them. More capable, comfortable and manageable yachts helped to expand the horizons of existing and future owners.

Over the years, Oyster has made great play of celebrating and publicising owners’ extraordinary adventures which has led to a wealth of inspiring stories. But not all the change has been easy.

“The mid-2000s were difficult times for the company,” continued Creed. “Boundaries were being pushed, new areas and materials were being explored and the reins were relaxed when it came to what owners could specify for their boats.

“From cored joinery to carbon masts, non-metallic rigging and eccentric interiors, this was an important era that delivered a greater overall understanding, which in turn led to longer-term benefits.”

When Richard Hadida took control of the company, there were more big changes to come, but in areas that were less outwardly visible. Hadida’s vision was at the heart of a significant change.

This time the revolution within the business was to centre on production, where one of the key focal points was for Oyster to own the entire manufacturing process from moulding to delivery.

When it came to design and the quality of finish, they have always had talented individuals working on them, along with excellent project management, after sales and service. Whichever way you look at it, Oyster takes great care in ensuring the boats are built properly.

OWNER, SIR PETER DAVIS

THE PROTECTED TWIN HELM ON OYSTER 885/01

TWO OF OYSTER’S MOST PROLIFIC DESIGNERS, DON PYE AND ROB HUMPHRYS

To achieve this, substantial investment in systems and technology was required to improve quality and productivity. Now, with the complete process in place, the business has taken big strides forward.

The latest and the smallest yacht in the range, the Oyster 495, is a perfect example. Here, both the innovative approach to design and the unrelenting quest to create the highest possible quality have created a bluewater cruiser that is not only supremely manageable for newcomers and experienced sailors alike but is designed to go wherever any of her bigger sisters will head in the world.

Winning European Yacht of the Year Luxury Cruiser 2023 was the icing on the cake, validation for this extraordinary yacht and a very proud moment for the company.

Success over 50 years has also relied on providing a 360-degree service that starts with sound and expert advice on what size and specification will suit best, through the execution of the build with dedicated project managers assigned to each client. Once launched, the help and assistance continue through commissioning, delivery, registration, maintenance and every other service to help owners get the best out of their investments, whether they are coastal cruising or taking on the world.

This close relationship, which extends well beyond the sale, construction and delivery process, sits at the heart of the Oyster ethos, but it also cuts both ways. Understanding the detailed and specific needs of each client at any stage of their ownership provides essential information that feeds into the continual evolution of both individual models and the complete range.

Little surprise then that for 50 years Oyster has been recognised as a worldleading brand and that when it comes to gauging success, there is no greater validation than that of owners and the trips that they undertake.

OYSTER PILOTHOUSE 49 1991

OYSTER 485 1992

THE OYSTER 495, THE 2023 EUROPEAN YACHT OF THE YEAR LUXURY CRUISER

DESIGN

Over 50 years, developments in design and technology have led to big leaps in performance. During this time, there have been plenty of key moments along the Oyster timeline. One such moment happened 25 years ago and marked not only a change in appearance but coincided with the start of a revolution in the design and construction world.

In 1998 the first Oyster 56 was launched. As always, hopes ran high for a new model in a size range that would replace the very popular Oyster 55. But as the new 56 footer headed out for her first trials, few had any idea as to just how well she would perform and how significant this new model would turn out to be. Over 12 years, 75 were built and she remains Oyster’s most popular model.

The 56 was the first to have lines drawn by Lymington-based Humphreys Design and from this alone, it was clear that while she maintained many of the attributes that would make her unmistakably Oyster, she also represented a step change for the marque.

Bigger, beamier and with a sleek, modern superstructure, there was more than a hint that she would be quicker too. And she was.

She was also the first in the range to have an ergonomically designed cockpit following a collaboration with Loughborough University’s Ergonomics department. Below decks, the additional hull volume provided more spacious accommodation, which in turn provided scope to create new options and a new feel for popular layouts.

Another key influence was to come from across the Atlantic. “Oyster’s business was developing in the USA where there was a

THE OYSTER 595, A 60 FOOT SAILING YACHT CAPABLE OF GREAT THINGS

A ROB HUMPHRY’S DESIGNED OYSTER 56

need for shallow drafts, especially on the East Coast,” said designer Rob Humphreys. “We looked at all kinds of solutions including wing keels and centreboards but one of the other details we studied was twin rudders. In fact, in designing the Oyster 82 we carried out some tank testing, part of which focused on this configuration and delivered benefits that are incorporated to this day.

Oyster’s business was developing in the USA where there was a need for shallow drafts. We studied twin rudders, which delivered benefits that are incorporated to this day.

ROB HUMPHREYS

Living the dream

JOAKIM AND CECILIA FURUSTEN OYSTER 56/74 BLISS

At the time of writing, Stockholm-based Joakim and Cecilia Furusten were anchored off Australia’s Queensland coast, five years into an around-the-world odyssey that will be the envy of many. This story however began more than 10 years ago.

Having completed the ARC in 2012 on one of the smallest boats in the fleet, a Beneteau First 36.7, Joakim soon realised that there were more comfortable ways to cross oceans and it was the Oysters in the fleet that stood out. Their build quality, comfort, natural light below decks and the security of the cockpits were to be admired.

“I made a pact with myself and said that if I was going to cross an ocean again, I would do it more comfortably,” he said. Visits to Southampton and Palma followed and via Oyster Brokerage, a 56 built in 2010, one of the last of that very popular design, was sourced.

In 2017 the pair cruised to Norway, Shetland, Fair Isle and Orkney, before returning to Stockholm. In June 2018 the Brittany coast was thoroughly explored, with La Rochelle and San Sebastián the highlights.

After Madeira, they visited the tiny Savage Islands, before heading on to the Canaries and Cape Verde. Then it was across

the Atlantic where they made landfall at Tobago on Christmas Eve. Their first ocean crossing together had gone well. They have fond memories of the Caribbean, including taking part in the Oyster Antigua Regatta, but it is the Pacific that caught their imagination. “The Galapagos Islands were wonderful, and we can recommend Easter Island,” said Cecilia. “But French Polynesia, where we spent 18 months, has been our favourite place so far.”

A stopover in Auckland was followed by a passage north to Fiji, Vanuatu. “To be able to stand at the rim of an active volcano and to see the lava was amazing,” added Joakim.

After that, it was off to New Caledonia and from there across the Coral Sea to Bundaberg Port Marina in Queensland. The Indian Ocean, Mauritius and Madagascar followed, and then on to Cape Town before heading to the Caribbean. Joakim is glad that he followed his instincts from St Lucia all those years ago.

It’s simple, an Oyster looks better, feels better, and is better.

“One of the biggest steps in the evolution of the modern Oyster followed with the design of the 885. Practical building constraints informed the width of her wide beam. This, along with a restriction on her draft, meant that we needed to look at ways of maximizing the stability and hence the power of the hull.

“This in turn led to us drawing fuller lines aft which then meant twin rudders, which deliver much less drag when heeled. From there it was clear that we had turned a corner.”

But in a world that continues to be influenced by advanced technology and where the demands for luxury are much greater than ever before, there have been more corners to turn.

One aspect that hasn’t changed in over half a century has been the importance of building to weight. Here the investment in modern systems has paid a handsome return once again.

Careful and precise management during the construction process helps to ensure an accurate build which feeds back to the Humphreys team and ensures that they can refine their hull and appendage shapes with real data.

But for all the technical benefits of modern computing power in the design and construction, the significant increase in the feeling of luxury has been another important aspect when it comes to the Oyster evolution. Here, company owner, chairman and 885 owner Richard Hadida has been leading the charge.

“One of the first things I wanted to do when I took on the company was to distinguish old Oyster from new Oyster,” he said.

“Now, if you go into the cabin of any of our yachts you get that sense of ‘wow!’ which is something I didn’t feel was there before.”

To achieve this, he enlisted the help of award-winning and highly respected interior

One of the first things I wanted to do was to distinguish old Oyster from new Oyster. Now, if you go into the cabin of any of our yachts you get that sense of ‘wow!’.

RICHARD HADIDA

THE OYSTER 885 SII DESIGNED AND ENGINEERED TO DELIVER UNCOMPROMISING PERFORMANCE

THE LUXURIOUS INTERIOR OF THE OYSTER 595

designer, Fleur Liversidge. Together they focused on creating intelligent interiors that reflected the latest developments in contemporary living.

The result is that all new generation models are digitally enabled with leadingedge systems integrated into the design to enhance the home-from-home feel. All the onboard systems, including Wi-Fi and Internet, are integrated and work together seamlessly. Furthermore, most models are fitted with Oyster CommandTM, a digital switching system that controls everything from onboard entertainment and lighting to all the main systems.

Fifty years of production has produced an enviable track record along with a vast amount of experience but, most importantly, a level of quality and performance that has risen consistently. In short, evolution.

Extreme cruising

When James Ashwell set sail for the Caribbean in 2017, he had no plans to go any further. Crossing the Atlantic and spending time cruising around the islands with friends would be living the dream. But this turned out to be just the start. Three years after setting out from the UK, Oyster 62 Uhuru had 17,000 miles under her keel and had visited 34 nations. And then the global pandemic struck, forcing James and his crew to sit out the crisis in New Zealand.

The stop gave them time to reflect on what they had achieved and learned so far, particularly from their Pacific crossing.

“The first was to maintain our four-to-one ratio of time under sail to time on land. And that meant that whatever we did, we had to drastically cut down the number of planned visits, or dramatically increase the time that the trip would take.

“The second was to be a lot more relaxed about visitors and not committing to a specific time and a place, which risked putting us under pressure. And the third thing we realised was that our best adventures had been the ones that were off the beaten track.”

Among the islands that they visited along the way, a number stood out. “We wanted to go to Isla del Coco, but needed to leave

from Costa Rica which means heading 500 miles north first. We also had to go there to pick up the scuba diving instructor. It is a legal requirement if you plan to dive.

“It was well worth the effort. There was no one else there, just us and our boat on this uninhabited island. We dived with amazing sea life, including huge hammerhead sharks, bait balls of fish and Galapagos sharks.”

Galapagos was the next stop for Uhuru. “We spent a month there in total which was great. We were then inspired to head to Easter Island in Pitcairn. This contrasted with most boats that were heading to the Marquesas. The popular impression is of desolate views and huge statues, but the reality is that that is only a part of it. Instead, there are beautiful beaches, palm trees, wildflowers, hibiscus flowers and little cafes and bars, it’s beautiful.”

JAMES ASHWELL OYSTER 62/20 UHURU

TRANSITION

As the owner of Oyster 885 Lush, Richard Hadida’s first Oyster experience came through a charter in 2013. Five years later, the technology entrepreneur bought the company, inspired by his lifelong love of sailing and a deeply held belief that Oyster yachts are the best sailing yacht in the world.

From the moment he took control, he had great ambitions for the brand, to refine the yachts, grow the business and welcome new members to the Oyster family. With full-order books and a range that is expanding and evolving, several of those boxes have already been ticked. But this is more than a business for Richard.

As much as owning an Oyster is a privilege, owning the business is all that and more, a responsibility he takes very seriously. He is personally committed to staying ahead of the best yacht brands and to continuing to develop, build and support the world’s finest bluewater cruising yachts.

“Oysters have an undeniable strength in their DNA that flows through their build quality and the world-class support we offer our owners through Oyster Sailing Services that make life-enhancing and life-changing adventures possible.”

Since the acquisition of the business, Oyster has grown faster than ever to keep pace with demand, during which

time Richard has invested heavily in new facilities, design, technology and crafts teams. Throughout he has remained true to the founding principles by enhancing the strength of construction and build quality, redefining the yachts’ performance and reimagining their interiors.

He remains adamant that today’s Oyster should continue to be built to last several lifetimes, be a luxury home from home and maintain its reputation as the world’s finest bluewater sailing yacht.

Since ownership, he has been behind the launch of the extremely successful Oyster 565, (successor to the popular 575) and the 60 foot Oyster 595. It was these successful models that triggered the concept of the Oyster 495, a model that achieved instant success, with long lists of orders and accolades.

Such success has in turn continued to drive his investment in the expansion of the team and facilities, including the new state-of-the-art facility in Hythe near Southampton, the home of the 495.

But his investment in the future goes further. His passion for maintaining and growing traditional British boat-building skills led him to launch the Oyster Apprenticeship scheme to ensure Oyster has the skills to sustain Great Britain’s boat-building trades and techniques.

OYSTER YACHTS CHAIRMAN & OWNER, RICHARD HADIDA

People are at the heart of Oyster,” he says, “from those who imagine, design and build them to those who own and love them. We think of ourselves as a tight-knit family, supporting and inspiring each other with the adventures that we undertake, the tales we tell and the lasting memories we create.

RICHARD HADIDA

OYSTER 54 2008

OYSTER 575 2010

OYSTER 625 2011

OYSTER 725 2011

OYSTER 100 2011

NOW AND THE FUTURE

As the model range has grown and developed over the last 50 years, so too has the company. From a standing start in 1973 to over 600 employees today working across six sites, the growth has been substantial. With key centres such as brokerage, sales and commissioning in the UK, servicing, charter and brokerage out of Palma, as well as an office in Newport USA, Oyster has a large international footprint in the industry.

Since Richard Hadida took ownership of the company, the turnover has gone from circa £30 million to circa £70 million. And while sales have been strong across the range, the fact that more Oyster 885s have been sold in the last three years than in the previous six speaks volumes for the change that has taken place. But so too does the fact that the tally for the newest and smallest boat in the fleet is already up to boat number 18.

These are facts and figures that CEO Ashley Highfield knows off the top of his head. But he is also keen to point out that this transformation hasn’t been solely

down to developments within the business alone, people have changed too, and he believes that Oyster owners have played a big part.

One obvious change is a societal shift where people want to have adventures and experiences with friends and family while also sharing them more widely through digital media,” he says.

“But even more significantly, many are less interested in simply owning an asset for the sake of it and more interested in what that asset enables them to do.

“We now see that more than half of the yachts that go into the Oyster World Rally have been bought new, specifically to take part in the event. We see that trend only increasing and this means that it is natural that we should look at how we help our owners to get the best out of the rally and their yachts.

“Some people want to do it largely by themselves and just know that we are there as a backup plan. But increasingly, others want a full service from us and full support.”

OYSTER 625/03 BLACK LION AT ANCHOR IN FIJI

OYSTER 565/08 INFINITY IN MONURIKI ISLAND, FIJI

Opening up the world

MIGUEL AND CARMEN GARCIA OYSTER 595/03 ALIENA

Having circumnavigated the globe aboard their Oyster 56, the Garcia’s were hungry for more and keen to upgrade to a yacht with more space. Living on the boat full time and plans that included another round-the-world voyage, the Oyster 595 fitted the bill perfectly.

According to Miguel, one of the biggest decisions they made was opting for a lifting keel.

“We are often in beautiful places in the world but our draught restriction with a fixed keel meant that we were unable to explore further up rivers and creeks,” he said. “In Brazil, the early part of our third circumnavigation, was amazing because we got to see so much more.”

The Garcias took delivery of Aliena in January 2022, with a plan to spend at least two to three years sailing around the world.

“Having started our trip from Gibraltar, our first stop was in Praia, Cape Verde, where our family joined us for 10 days. We then headed south to Fernando de Noronha, a beautiful island 200 miles from the Brazilian coast. Our next leg was to Recife, northeast of Brazil, then to Rio de Janeiro.”

The duo entered the Recife to Fernando de Noronha regatta and surprised themselves. Carmen added: “We are solid cruising sailors and have no focus on racing but somehow we did well. We finished third in our class!”

After the regatta, they headed to Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte and enjoyed anchorage in the river in front of Natal Yacht Club. From there, they joined the World ARC 2023 (Pacific).

By this stage, the Garcia’s had fully settled into life aboard their 595 and could reflect on the differences between their two boats.

“The 595 is the granddaughter of the 56,” Miguel said. “Technologically and designwise, the 595 is a much more advanced boat. Like the 56, this boat is very well designed and built. Everything is just slightly more comfortable, with more room, and our lifting keel and choice of sails are perfect for our cruising adventures.

“So, if you do decide to head off around the world, one of the best pieces of advice we can offer is to choose a comfortable boat – ideally an Oyster –because it is your home!”

The new generation Oyster fleet

There is harmony within the current Oyster range. Across the six models, from the 495 through to the 885, there are more common threads and links between the individual models than at any other stage in the company’s long history.

And while it is true to say that the ability to go anywhere in the world has been an objective for all of Oyster’s cruising yachts, never has there been a clearer display of the Oyster DNA. From looks to the construction and craftsmanship that lies within, there is no mistaking the Oyster family.

The smallest in the range, the 495, is also the most recent addition and punches way above her weight. So much so, that she won the coveted European Yacht of the Year award in the Luxury Cruiser category just months after she had been launched.

The 565 and the 595 were originally conceived as a double act and while they are close in overall lengths, both have been designed with shorthanded cruising in mind, either as a couple or with family and friends, but both yachts can also accommodate professional crew if desired. The 675 has proved extremely popular with those looking to venture further afield. One of the remarkable features of this boat is the ease with which she can be handled by a crew of two and yet cater for a full complement of eight in comfort when required - an impressive achievement for a bluewater cruiser nudging 70ft.

For many, the 745 is the gateway to truly global cruising. She is the smallest in the range to have dedicated crew quarters, which not only opens the possibilities for

a professionally run boat but also lends herself well to charter operations.

The flagship of the fleet is the 885 Series II. Her name alone points to the remarkable and ongoing success of this model. At just under 90 feet, the Oyster 885 comes in just below the 24m Load Line Rule, which means less red tape but with many of the benefits of a much larger yacht.

Available in a range of layouts including a performance enhanced GT model, the 885 has proved a highly versatile bluewater cruiser that boasts impressive performance that eats up the miles wherever she is in the world.

THE OYSTER 675 DESIGNED FOR THE ADVENTUROUS AT HEART.

“I want to make sure that we can provide people with the experience of a lifetime, safely and in luxury, with whatever level of support they want.

“So, this means putting the owners and those friends and families’ experiences right at the front of what we do and that’s made me focus the business on the endto-end lifelong relationship we have with our owners. We need to make it clear that we are there for them all the way, while at the same time building the world’s finest bluewater cruising yachts which they can use as their platform to adventure.”

“To achieve this has meant investing strongly in new methodologies to ensure

we remain on top of budget and quality control. We’ve been doing this across the whole business, but the best example is our Hythe facility, which is a showcase for our modern production methodologies as it highlights the benefits of modularisation.

“By building more modules, like the heads, the engine room and other key elements and components such as the wiring looms, off the boat before then installing them, means we can build more efficiently.

“The result is that workflow improves, productivity goes up and so does the quality. We started the process on the 565 and the 595 and the results have been exceptional.”

More than half of the yachts that go into our world rally have been bought new, specifically to take part in the event. We see that trend only increasing and this means that it is natural that we should look at how we help our owners to get the best out of the rally and their yachts.

ASHLEY HIGHFIELD

OYSTER YACHTS EXPLORING SAN BLAS ISLANDS

ONWARDS

Oyster at 50 marks an exceptional journey. From humble beginnings through extraordinary growth, from essential founding principles to an outstanding lineup of world-renowned luxury bluewater cruisers, the evolution of Oyster Yachts has continued throughout half a century and continues to do so.

The challenges of the future to create more sustainable ways of enjoying a sport that starts with the natural advantage of sail power, is also a large part of the thinking for many at Oyster. Ideas and developments in this area are being driven by a generation of owners, designers and

craftsmen and women who are focused on creating extraordinary adventures while looking at new efficient and green ways of creating and running the next generation of Oysters.

But Oyster’s story and success is about far more than setting high targets and achieving them. The continual development throughout the range has been driven by the ambitions and aspirations of the owners, staff and sailors who have fed their experiences back into the Oyster community.

By remaining true to their founding principles, strength of construction, performance and quality, they have successfully informed and inspired owners, while at the same time listening to what makes them the perfect bluewater cruiser. This approach and the ability of Oyster yachts to go anywhere in safety, luxury and comfort, has successfully made the new generation bluewater cruisers as relevant today as they have been over the last 50 years.

So, whether it be coastal cruising, high latitude expeditions, or circumnavigations, the experiences of those in the Oyster family have been the biggest influence of all in the success of both the company and the models it produces. Oyster at 50 has been no ordinary journey.

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Once known as the Mediterranean’s best-kept secret, Croatia has seen steady modernisation and development since the troubled times of the 1990s. Marinas have been built, charter fleets have been established and tourism has bloomed. If you include the countless islands, there are over 3,000 nautical miles of coastline to explore, offering sheltered sailing, quiet anchorages, remote restaurants and plenty to explore ashore.

CROATIA

Louis Bell, who was born and raised in the seaside town of Howth near Dublin and has sailed since he was seven, knows these waters well having cruised there extensively as skipper of Oyster 125 Twilight and he loves the place.

“It is just spectacular, the water is crystal clear, there are so many options for anchoring, and the locals are extremely helpful. They are very proud of where they are from and what they have to offer you. Sailing from north to south or vice versa offers dramatic changes of scenery. The northern islands are almost lunar in appearance, with barren boulders protruding from the sea in vast quantities, and a multitude of hideouts. The southern islands are lush with green overhangs and sparkling waters.”

WHY CHOOSE CROATIA?

Since it joined the Schengen Area in January 2023, Croatia is now subject to the 90 days in any 180 that UK nationals are now having to become all too familiar with. However, its well-developed maritime infrastructure allows owners the opportunity to leave their boats in good hands between visits. Its extraordinary coastline is an idyllic cruising ground where you could while away the summer months without visiting the same anchorage twice.

Innumerable shoreside cafés and restaurants are serving superb, locally sourced fish and seafood and you are assured of a friendly welcome. Croatia may no longer be a secret, but it still has plenty to explore.

GETTING THERE

Approaching from the south, Louis recommends the Albanian port of Surandë as a potential stopover. An absolute must-see though is the extraordinary natural harbour that is the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro which is just shy of the Croatian border. As Louis puts it, “It would be sinful to miss Kotor. It takes about two hours to navigate into the bay and it's phenomenal.”

Currents in the Adriatic are weak and barely noticeable but, in general, they flow NW on the Croatian side and SE down the coast of Italy.

However, a close eye needs to be kept on the weather, particularly if you are visiting outside of the summer months. The Bora is the cold katabatic wind that blows from the northeast and can build very quickly along most parts of the Croatian coastline. Louis has experienced its full force – “I’ve been sitting at anchor with barely a breath of wind and a glassy sea and within four minutes it can be blowing 70 knots. It's not a gradual build.” Anchoring strategies need to be carefully thought through and rather than rely on online weather sources, he recommends obtaining forecasts locally, particularly via VHF.

By Mediterranean standards, the season is quite short with June, July and August being the most likely to deliver settled conditions and plenty of options ashore. By mid-September, it will be getting noticeably cooler and once you get to October the chances of very high winds are substantially increased.

KOTOR BAY

Sailing from north to south offers dramatic changes of scenery. The northern islands are almost lunar in appearance, the southern islands are lush with green overhangs and sparkling waters.

ARRIVAL

Dubrovnik would be an obvious first port of call, the mediaeval walled city which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A good marina is located a little way to the northwest, close to the commercial port. Marina Frapa has all the services you will need for re-provisioning, chandlery and other supplies, with very attentive staff to take your lines and assist with mooring, although like many of the new marinas along the Croatian coast, it is quite pricey.

ISLAND AND COAST HOPPING

KOLOCĔP

Just a short distance from Dubrovnik, Kolocĕp offers a good glimpse of what island life has to offer. In the bay of Gornje Čelo, the beach bar has some of the finest food found on the islands. However, unless conditions are very settled, Louis wouldn’t recommend spending the night at anchor there, preferring the shelter offered on the north side of the island near Donje Čelo.

CROATIA

LOPUD

“The southerly bay on Lopud is really beautiful for a stern-to the rocks set up. It’s typically quiet, although the beach bar ashore can offer enough activity for those who fancy a mingle. It’s an ideal bay to spend a day in, snorkelling, paddling and water activities and then wrap it up with a drink ashore. However, it’s important to watch your weather as south or south-westerly winds can create an uncomfortable swell.”

Gasp at the quaint beauty, adorned by uninterrupted greenery. Experience the local oyster excursion, accompanied by wine which is aged under the water!

LOPUD

SLANO LAKE

LUKA SLANO

If you need to get out and seek shelter, you can head for Luka Slano on the mainland shore. Louis advises that “while the Bora can still get you there, the bay has good holding and sea state remains flat”. Slano itself has a good marina infrastructure and easy access by road back to Dubrovnik and is not a bad spot for a base if you were to leave the boat for a spot of mainland exploration.

STON

The bay of Ston, just along the mainland coast, is another must-see. “Drop the hook in 7-10m of water and gasp at the quaint beauty around you, adorned by uninterrupted greenery. Hop in the dinghy and head further up the channel and make sure you experience the local oyster excursion, accompanied by the wine which is aged under the water!” Underwater scuba tours are available to visit this unique arrangement.

MLJET

Larger than the islands described so far, Mljet has a national park at its western end. Louis recommends that you “anchor in the outer part of Polače bay if you have the scope of chain onboard - inside can be quite crowded. There is spectacular, lush greenery and untouched nature surrounding you. Head ashore and explore the national park. You can hire bikes and e-bikes from several vendors.” It’s important to be aware that accessing the national parks throughout the archipelago usually involves paying a small fee.

LASTOVO

This island is further offshore than most of the islands and you are spoiled with anchorage choices. “Spend time exploring the island, the main town is overlooked by a castle and wrapped in traditional stone houses. If you feel a little more adventurous, explore the caves, one of which houses remains from the neolithic age.” The whole island is a nature park and charges apply for anchoring and landing.

HVAR

Next, Louis recommends Hvar. “A more favoured spot of mine is the often overlooked bay of Stari Grad, a subdued Venetian city romantic from almost every angle.” The main town of Hvar has an array of offerings. Busy bars, clubs, restaurants and shops are found in the ancient city.

ŠIBENIK

Continuing along the coast, and if you decide to skip Split which is the centre of the growing charter and flotilla scene and can be rather frantic, Šibenik offers excellent shelter including a marina and the opportunity to go ashore and visit the Krka national park with its scenic waterfalls.

KORNATI ARCHIPELAGO

The landscape has now become rocky and barren and vegetation is sparse. However, the archipelago, much of which has national park status, offers a wealth of remote anchorages, tiny villages and a remarkable selection of small bars, cafés and restaurants. You could happily spend weeks exploring this part of the Croatian coast alone.

A WORD ABOUT BORDERS

The Croatian mainland coastline is interrupted for a few miles to the northwest of Dubrovnik. This is where Bosnia and Herzegovina extends to its only port, Neum. If travelling by road, this is very much a “hard” border and lengthy queues are common.

This was a particular issue if your boat was berthed in, say, Split, but you were flying home from Dubrovnik, the other side of the double border crossing. Happily, a bridge has now been built from Kolmarna across to the Pelješac peninsula, which was opened in 2022 and allows road traffic to remain in Croatia.Transiting this area by sea presents no problems with officialdom however and the spectacular Pelješac Bridge itself, with an air draught of 55 metres, is worth a look.

LASTOVO

HVAR

ŠIBENIK

KORNATI ARCHIPELAGO

“The first time I saw an Oyster I thought ‘Wow!’ and every time I saw one I would go over in my dinghy and look.”

The ‘Oyster Difference’

Yachts and motorbikes have thrilled Pau Serracanta all his adult life and his adventures have been shaped by them. As a Director of Dorna Sports, he has organised the MotoGP World Championships, amongst many other events. Aged just 28, he bought his first yacht, a 27ft Jeanneau and, like most sailors, has always had his next yacht in mind and his next adventure. A succession of larger boats followed: a Jeanneau 36, a Jeanneau 42DS and then a 53DS. But he always hankered after an Oyster. That was his true dream yacht. “The first time I saw an Oyster I thought ‘Wow!’ and every time I saw one afterwards I would go over in my dinghy and look,” he says.

Pau Serracanta’s story is typical of Oyster owners. They have chosen their yacht above all others and have frequently coveted one for many years. Only an Oyster will do. They appreciate that these yachts offer them true value in terms of comfort, safety, after sales service and high residuals, whilst being a real homefrom-home anywhere in the world.

Today, Pau Serracanta and his partner Helena de Felipe Sempere are serial Oyster owners who have had two in succession. They lived on board their Oyster 575 with their young son during the pandemic and enjoyed the experience. It gave them the freedom they would not have had on land and the comforts they enjoy at home: state-of-the-art tech and WiFi for working on board; a generous galley with good quality appliances; supercomfortable mattresses in every cabin; good ventilation and air conditioning; and a light, spacious saloon.

Life on board suited them so much that they began to contemplate a much longer trip and decided to order a new Oyster 595 to take part in the Oyster World Rally 2024-25. They will shakedown their new yacht, Mastegot, in the Med before hauling out for final work at Oyster’s facility in Palma, before an Atlantic crossing this winter. “We will ask what we need to do and I know that they will tell me based on their experience. They will manage everything. In the world of boating, this is so rare. I am so happy someone there is delivering the service,” Pau says.

Despite many fine bluewater yachts to choose from, for most of our owners only an Oyster will do.

Elaine Bunting finds out why.

“Some have the wheels very far aft and on a night when my wife and I are alone steering on watch we would be 1m away from the ocean, and we didn’t want that. We think an Oyster is safer.”

A balanced decision

Oysters are seductive – every owner will tell you that – but the decision to buy is rational and multi-faceted. Oysters command a premium price, even compared with rival luxury brands, so why do so many owners feel that only an Oyster will do?

For Pau Serracanta, the possibility of taking part in the Oyster World Rally made the choice a logical one. “I did check out other competitors, but when I looked at design and solutions, Oyster was the one that convinced me more. They tick many boxes. Then, when I bought my first Oyster, I felt the difference. My second improves on many things. The build quality is something you can feel absolutely.”

Christian Casal had logged over 50,000 miles on charters and offshore passages, but he had never owned his own boat. When he and Katja, his wife, decided to buy one they were looking for a boat that would be safe and reliable, one they could depend on and know that “if you get in an unexpected storm or difficult situation, it is at the highest level.”

“I talked with a lot of people,” he says. “Reliability and durability were paramount, but also service level around the world. We did look at other brands but they have less ability to do customisation, which my wife and I wanted.” The Oyster’s centre cockpit was

also an attraction. “Some have the wheels very far aft and on a night when my wife and I are alone steering on watch we would be one metre away from the ocean, and we didn’t want that. We think an Oyster is safer and the level of comfort is far better.”

Casal decided to order a new Oyster 625 and followed that with a new Oyster 745, named Kalia. He and Katja have poured all their experience and creativity into this new, larger yacht by tailoring the layout and interior design. This was one of the most fulfilling aspects of the project, admits Casal. “We changed some non-structural bulkheads so we have a slightly different design around the galley and the interior design is ours. It sounds weird but you do feel it is your own boat and we are proud of it.”

The process of seeing your boat being built and the relationships that new owners forge with their dedicated project manager, craftspeople and support and commissioning team at Oyster are close and hugely rewarding. Casal describes the experience as joining “a community”.

“What is really cool is that we now know a dozen different people in Oyster and we can call them anytime. The support team in Palma are great and sometimes we go there just to say hello.”

Comfortable and safe

In his twenties, Steve Goodwin hitchhiked on ocean passages. The sense of freedom never left him and, much later, when his son Freddie was eight years old, he and his wife, Jo, decided the time was right to go off cruising. Goodwin’s early ocean experiences shaped some firm views about yacht design and seaworthiness. “From the point of view of priorities, you want a comfortable boat that is safe,” he says. “You want a yacht you know can go anywhere, but if that comes at the cost of performance you might be bored stiff, so there is a balance. I wanted to have a high quality of build, a boat that had a comfortable motion at sea and a bit of speed.”

Initially, the family looked at a variety of brokerage bluewater boats under 50ft. “But then,” says Goodwin, “we thought about going a bit bigger and looked at the Oyster 56.

“When we were on board we could see that because of the way it is designed for shorthanded sailing, it would be quite feasible to sail with three of us and that gave us more options and comfort for longer passages. We felt we wanted the extra room and space.”

Moana had been built in 2003 and, although in good shape, required a refit for the transatlantic adventure the family had in mind. An excellent, heavily built hull

means, to me, the hull will be fine – systems can be upgraded,” says Goodwin. “Moana came at a price that allowed us to do a fair bit of peripheral work and bring it back to a reasonably high spec for its age.

“The quality of the joinery is incredible and it has stood the test of time. Every day I look at it I think: ‘This is real craftsmanship.’ The thought that has gone into the Oysters over the years shows in the way it was laid out and the accessibility was obvious; you don’t find anything that isn’t properly thought out ergonomically and practically. The as-built manuals are fantastic and detailed. I can certainly say that all my impressions when we bought the boat have been backed up and borne out in ownership.”

Goodwin says that one of the most important aspects of owning an Oyster is the support and backup that comes with a yacht for life. “Our boat is 20-years-old now and parts are reaching the end of their mechanical life so things could quite reasonably fail, but when that does happen you can always access machinery, there are often backup systems and the company will never leave you in the lurch. You will never be neglected as an Oyster owner by the Oyster family. We are this boat’s third owner and we are treated as well as the owner of any new yacht.”

“You want a yacht you know can go anywhere, but if that comes at the cost of performance you might be bored stiff, so there is a balance.”

Attention to detail

Few people know more about Oysters than the company’s Commercial Manager, Nick Creed, who has worked for the company over a period of 36 years. He too points to Oyster’s guarantee of quality and reliability.

“They are yachts owners can rely on, that will take them anywhere they want to go, whether that is around the world, across the Solent or to high latitudes,” he says.

“Strength, attention to detail and design - it has all been chosen for what the yacht has to do rather than what it costs. We choose the very best partner components and accessories. If you look at the winches and blocks, we will choose the next size up from the manufacturer’s ready reckoner because we know people are going to use their boats in all sorts of ways. We choose things for strength and longevity.

“An Oyster costs more because we pay a lot of attention to detail. If nothing else, go and look at the weight of the boats and the rigging sizes. That says everything. Together with lead keels on every model, we put all that quality in there, with everything specified for ease of use and longevity. He points out that the latest designs feature twin rudders, which provide a fingertip-light and stable feel on the helm, even if pressed to high angles of the heel.

“Most significantly of all, yachts are inspected and certified by Lloyd’s Register-approved engineers and

surveyors. They inspect the entire build process from design and engineering drawings and mechanical testing of materials and resins to hull and deck moulding.

“Every detail is thought through,” says Creed. As an example, he says: “Stemhead fittings are made and designed for the boat to be anchored in extreme conditions – it takes a crane to put one on all our yachts. And when it comes to maintenance, everything is installed so that it can be accessed.

“We have Spectra, not braid halyards, high-quality sails with laminate cloth, and our engine rooms and generator areas are all lined with dual low and highdensity insulation for superb sound deadening. Our soft furnishings are unsurpassed for comfort and style and we have leecloths on all the sea berths so they are also practical and safe. We always design for lots of stowage so people have room for everything they need to live on their boats.”

The company takes particular pride in the long life of each of its designs. Over 1,200 yachts have been built, most of which are still actively sailing today. To date, more than 100 Oysters, ranging in size from 45ft to 88ft, have sailed round the world and each year the number grows. Many of these have taken subsequent owners safely round on yet another world-girdling voyage.

“They are yachts owners can rely on, that will take them anywhere they want to go whether that is around the world, across the Solent or to high latitudes.”

Pride of ownership

If anyone knows what makes Oysters stand out, it is Richard Matthews, who founded the company back in 1973. Matthews is an exceptionally experienced sailor with a sailing career that spans inshore and offshore racing as well as long-distance cruising. Although no longer involved directly in the company, he is still a devoted Oyster owner (Oyster 82 Midnight) and his appreciation of what owners desire and need continues to define the Oyster brand.

“The people who buy Oysters have one thing in common: they’re in a position to express a preference for the best,” he says. “They are not trying to get the biggest boat they can for their money, what they’re trying to do is to find a boat that will endure for a long time and give them real pride of ownership.

“The difference starts on the drawing board. We are not trying to be all things to all people. We provide a comfortable living environment on a boat that’s a pleasure to look at, an aesthetically pleasing boat that is safe and practical to live aboard for long periods. That is the reason that we’re able to do a round-theworld rally successfully. Few constructors would dare to do a fleet circumnavigation as Oyster has done three times now,” he says.

From early on, Matthews appreciated that the ‘family’ relationships the company cultivates are valuable a nd hugely meaningful to owners. “To become an Oyster owner you have to buy the yacht from Oyster, so the relationship is there from day one and it isn’t watered down by a network of dealers, brokers, agents or whatever. When you buy you become a member of the extended Oyster family.”

Pau Serracanta makes the same point. “You pay a lot of money but the quality is there and once you have the product you get the extra service. They keep

records of when something was done or added and it’s all tracked. That is why the residual value is so high. And you do feel you become part of a family. When you find another Oyster owner, you say hello. There is a very strong sense of community.”

“It depends on the market at the time, but with an Oyster you will get a higher price when you sell than you would with a lesser quality boat. So that is a big factor,” says Christian Casal. He adds: “Almost all yacht owners I talked to told me that the running costs would be 10% of the capital cost per year. That’s not true. It’s not even been 5% and I keep my boat in super shape.

“I tell people with the same profile as me and my wife: think of what you want to spend and which Oyster you can afford. Maybe you will lose 5-10ft overall [compared with a rival type] but you have a boat you can rely on, especially if you have limited time to sail on the ocean and want to do longer passages across the ocean.”

Besides all these practical considerations, there is an intangible, unquantifiable quality that simply has to come with ownership: a sense of pride. In the case of Oyster owners, this seems to intensify rather than dim with familiarity, and it encourages many owners to follow on with another Oyster. That was the case for Pau Serracanta, who moved from his 575 to a new 595: “I always have been in love personally with the deck saloon. On some designs, they can be too high but on Oyster, they look nice, sporty, and powerful. If one day the 595 is too big for us, I would go for the 495.”

Steve Goodwin is lyrical about the pleasure of ownership. “We all love the boat, the design of it. Moana is a really pretty boat; we think she stands out. As a family, we have connected so closely with her and feel she is unique. When we go ashore and look back, she just looks like the nicest boat in the anchorage.”

ONE FOR THE BUCKET LIST

Just three years ago, sailing round the world was a distant dream. Fast forward to today, and Ross Golding has realised a life-changing world voyage. He explains what he learned.

Three years ago, Ross Golding was sitting on the deck of his house in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, cradling a gin and tonic and pondering what to tackle in retirement. Sailing round the world was little more than a pipe dream, but a few days later he happened to read an email about the Oyster World Rally and the long-neglected ambition flared into life.

Golding had hankered after an Oyster for many years and had fallen in love with the new Oyster 565. Ordering a new yacht gave

him the last available place on the Oyster World Rally 2022-23 and suddenly the race to set off on a circumnavigation was on. Golding’s life since those slow-rolling days of the pandemic in 2020 has been lived at warp speed. He has crammed in a multitude of experiences and sights, visited scores of new countries and made deep and lasting friendships he could not have imagined. In some respects, it has changed his outlook on the world – even on life – and has been one of his most rewarding ventures, ever.

“There are so many plusses to a trip like this, it is hard to know where to start,” he says. “It is a huge undertaking but tremendously worthwhile.”

LEFT TO RIGHT:

SETTING SAIL ON A VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME. INFINITY ARRIVING IN NELSON’S DOCKYARD, ANTIGUA. HAMMOCK LIFE IN THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS. OYSTER 565 INFINITY BOW IN AUSTRALIA. GAIL ON WHITEHAVEN BEACH, WHITSUNDAY ISLAND.

THE WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCE OF THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMB. INFINITY’S ASYMMETRICAL SPINNAKER.

SAILING UNDER THE LIGHT OF THE MOON AND STARS. THE AWARD WINNING SUB 60 FOOT BLUEWATER SAILING YACHT AT ANCHOR. HAMILTON ISLAND MARINA.

BUILDING A NEW YACHT

Although an experienced sailor, Golding had no ocean or bluewater experience when he ordered his new yacht, Oyster 565/08 Infinity. The expertise of the Oyster team was decisive. He worked closely with Dan Wurzbacher, Sales Director for Oyster Yachts in the US, and build Project Manager Andy Armshaw to ensure the boat was specified and fitted out exactly as required for his round-the-world trip.

Infinity was launched in the UK in October 2021. “Part of the issue of going a long way to a boat you haven’t sailed before is getting everything you need there,” Golding says, “but it was pretty straightforward. Oyster were very, very helpful and we stayed in Ipswich for a couple of weeks getting everything ready with our crew.”

In November 2022, Golding set off across the Atlantic on the first stage of his journey. He had decided that he would need two professional crew to keep the boat running and stay on top of maintenance and took on German skipper Fabian Fisahn and his wife, Daniela. “I wanted a crew that would stay with us the whole trip, it was a focus for me very early on. Oyster helped us choose and that worked well. Fabian had a lot of experience without being overbearing and had a sense of humour.”

Crew considerations are, he says, a “huge factor” on preparing for a voyage of a lifetime.

HIGHLIGHTS OF A WORLD TOUR

For Golding, the rally exceeded every expectation. It was more varied, sometimes more challenging, more thought-provoking, more full of surprises and of camaraderie than he, or anyone involved, could have anticipated.

“What you understand and appreciate more than flying over vast amounts of ocean to get from one place to another is how incredibly beautiful this planet is and how each country has dramatically different cultures. For example, French Polynesia is so different to Vanuatu. These countries are all fascinating in their own ways,” he reflects.

“Indonesia is a country I hadn’t been to and knew nothing about. So I took two weeks off the boat and hired a private guide to tour Bali and Java. That was an amazing experience. As diverse as it is, it is incredible how the country holds itself together. I asked them how they get along so well and was told it was a policy and an attribute of the country they are taught about from day one in school.”

Hospitality and a welcome were to be found in even the most humble places. “We had people in Vanuatu paddle out to us in dugout canoes and invite us to have lunch with their families, and they didn’t want to be paid for it. The only place we felt some local hostility was in French Polynesia where they are clamping down on where yachts can anchor. But pretty much everywhere else was incredibly friendly even in very, very poor places, like Colombia. We went off-rally there and it is a wonderful country,” he says.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

MONURIKI,

MONURIKI

TESTING

RETURNING

Golding is a very keen diver and among the highlights of his voyage were the sights he saw underwater and memories such as swimming right next to a school of manta rays in Fiji.

Another is Indonesia when, having breakfast on board, suddenly “a pod of whale sharks came up and nestled beside us.”

“The wildlife you see is amazing,” he says.

“And you are going to places that you could not get to any other way.” For example, Infinity stopped at the island of Krakatoa in the Sunda Strait between Java and Sumatra.

HIKING

“A book that made a big impression on me years ago was ‘Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded’ and since then I’d always wanted to go there,” Golding explains.

EXPLORING

“Krakatoa blew itself up but a new volcano is taking its place, arising underwater right in the caldera. So we went there and it was amazing to explore the island with absolutely no one else around.”

There are many places that he would love to return to. “Some would be difficult or impossible without a yacht – for example, Tana on Vanuatu. That is a very special place with an incredible history.

“You are sailing among many of the spots Captain Cook explored, and that was a great treat. I think Fiji is one spot I’d go back to. It is beautiful, very friendly, not over-developed and easy to get to. The food is good. It is not over-populated. Cocos Keeling was also really special. But, again, if you went there without sailing in on your own yacht it wouldn’t be the same.”

You are sailing among many of the spots Captain Cook explored, and that was a great treat. I think Fiji is one spot I’d go back to. It is beautiful, very friendly, not over-developed and easy to get to.

AN UNINHABITED ISLAND IN THE FIJI ISLANDS.

ISLAND SUNSET.

EYESIGHT FOR READING GLASSES FOR THE LOCAL FIJIAN COMMUNITY.

FROM A DIVE AT RAINBOW REEF IN THE SOMOSOMO STRAIT.

BAY OF ISLANDS IN NORTH LAU GROUP.

FIJI AND THE ARCHIPELAGO OF MORE THAN 300 ISLANDS.

INFINITY CREW ESCORTED BY A LOCAL GUIDE TO SACRED CAVE IN NORTH LAU GROUP.

MOUNT YASUR VOLCANO ON TANNA ISLAND, VANUATU. RALLY FLEET IN LAU GROUP, VANUA BALAVU. OYSTER WORLD RALLY 202223 FLEET IN SAVUSAVU, FIJI.

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH

Inevitably, a round-the-world voyage has its tougher parts. These can be challenging yet, conversely, among the most rewarding. That is how Golding sums up the crossing of the notorious Agulhas Current from the Indian Ocean island of Réunion across to South Africa.

“On the very first day we headed out early in the morning and got caught in a squall and 30 knots against the current. Big waves were breaking against the bimini and I thought: ‘This is a bit more than I bargained for’. But by then we were on an Oyster and had 20,000 miles under our belt.”

“But you have to have confidence in your boat. And of course, careful planning is huge. One of the things Oyster supports you with is weather forecasting and routing in key areas. That was one of them, to help make sure you get your timing right.”

Looking back, he reflects: “I consider myself very fortunate to have had a bit of a blow going around the Cape of Good Hope as some people had dead calm, while we were averaging 220-230 miles a day!”

Ocean sailors are often asked in casual conversation if there are times when they have been scared. Golding admits: “It is a question I asked myself before going on the rally. Everybody’s response to that is different. We got in a bunch of squalls and a few situations with wind and weather of 45-46 knots of wind but I loved it.”

“When we went round the tip of Africa, we had to slow down. That is when having confidence in your boat matters. Never for one minute was I the least bit concerned about what that boat could take.”

We got caught in a squall and 30 knots against the current. Big waves were breaking against the bimini and I thought: ‘This is a bit more than I bargained for’. But by then we were on an Oyster and had 20,000 miles under our belt.

A DIFFERENT VIEW OF THE WORLD

Sailing round the world gives you a different view of it, an altered perspective. This is one of the great privileges of travelling under sail, where life must be lived at a pace that encourages deeper reflection.

“Without question, it changes how you think,” Golding says. “You are seeing your own country from a different perspective. I have travelled a fair amount but when you are bobbing across a 3,000-mile ocean you have time to think about things you never, ever think about on land, not even if you were to do the Haute Route or Appalachian Trail.”

Such as what?

“Well,” he laughs, “that is a long conversation. My opinion is that the world is in for a bit of a rough go. You look at what happens when you are gone for a year-and-a-half compared to taking things a day at a time.

“The world went to war in Eastern Europe, some of my friends died, and my son got married and had a baby. “You get a sense that very small minds are running very big countries and they don’t seem to be concentrating on the truly significant issues.”

“One of the things that needs mentioning is that you see the impact of global warming. Two things struck me: the San Blas islands are being overwhelmed by the surrounding ocean quickly. I looked at a photo of it from 2015. We anchored right next to where it was taken and I couldn’t believe it was the same place – it was a third of the size.”

“We had four or five days in Jakarta, which is sinking at an astounding rate and they are moving their capital because of that. It is an agrarian society and they eat and sell what they harvest, but the harvest is completely changed in the last 20 years and every single person said it had affected them. The vast majority of fields flooded before the wet season so they can’t grow tobacco anymore and are searching for other crops.”

STUNNING

A

KRAKATOA, A VOLCANO ON RAKATA ISLAND IN THE SUNDA STRAIT BETWEEN JAVA AND SUMATRA, INDONESIA.

Without question, it changes how you think. You are seeing your own country from a different perspective. I have travelled a fair amount but when you are bobbing across a 3,000mile ocean you have time to think about things you never, ever think about on land.

CHASED OUT OF JAKARTA, INDONESIA BY A TORNADIC WATERSPOUT. INFINITY STOPS AT KRAKATOA VOLCANO, INDONESIA.

MACAQUE MONKEY ON THE ISLAND OF MAURITIUS.

SUNSETS. RICE TERRACES IN BALI. RAINBOW HUNTING IN THE PACIFIC OCEAN. FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN MO’OREA, FRENCH POLYNESIA.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

ADVICE FOR WOULD-BE VOYAGERS

By the time Golding had reached South Africa at Christmas, he was looking towards the end of the rally in Antigua in April and the next stage of his life. Infinity was quietly put up for sale. “I pretty much had her sold when I was in Cape Town. Oyster Brokerage found a buyer almost immediately. It was a good deal for the buyer,” he says.

“I’m getting married in September. My fiancée is a full-time practising physician so getting away is not easy. I probably don’t need to do any more big ocean crossings. I wouldn’t mind sailing from the US to the Azores and back to Europe, but for now, what we will do is take part in Oyster’s charter programme with our kids.”

Looking back, he says: “We couldn’t have done what we did without Oyster, the crew and the support. I think people think what I’ve done is more remarkable than I do. When you consider it from a global perspective, in other words sailing from Europe to the Caribbean and round the world, it seems pretty daunting, almost impossible, but you break that big task into little parts. Get the boat, get your crew, get comfortable, and sail to Guernsey.” His advice for anyone thinking of following in his footsteps is simple: “Really get to know your boat. Get on it and sail it – a lot.

“If I was to give any other recommendations it would be to take your time and vet the crew and sail with them for an extended period beforehand, for example, an Atlantic crossing. Everyone on the rally would say chemistry with crew is a gigantic factor. A huge percentage of the rally fleet ended up going through crew once or twice, even professional crew that had been hired. Whether that was personality conflicts or issues with competency, there are a whole host of reasons why things don’t work out. You have to have a back-up plan.

“Also, you are on the ocean and if you aren’t comfortable with swimming, snorkelling and diving, it’s best to get comfortable or you will miss a huge part of the trip. Ideally, you should learn how to dive. We went to some of the best diving spots in the world and although I’ve been diving for 25 years I’d never seen some of those sights.”

Golding, a radiologist by profession, also emphasises that good health is crucial. “I cannot emphasise enough the importance of getting a thorough health check and dental checkup before doing this. On the rally, muscle mass decreases, especially in the lower body. My body fat went down but bone density also went down.” Nevertheless, Golding concluded that, except for sun exposure, living on board and sailing is good for your health.

It seems pretty daunting, almost impossible, but you break that big task into little parts. Get the boat, get your crew, get comfortable, and sail to Guernsey.”

A LIFE-CHANGING EVENT

Some people may argue that taking part in a rally dilutes the experience of sailing round the world, but no one who has been a part of one would agree. It offers built-in, continual support and backup, and readily forms its own society, becoming a closeknit village on the move.

“One of the huge benefits of the rally is that you have Oyster technical support all the way through. It is exceptional, way more than worthwhile and there wouldn’t be a crew on the rally who wouldn’t say that,” says Golding.

“The event is superbly organised by Oyster’s Allie Smith, who is no-nonsense, really organised, has a great sense of humour and cuts to the chase and gets things done. It is a huge undertaking and the rally is tremendously worthwhile.

“There are so many advantages to it. I think without question the friendships that you make on this rally are amazing and the people you meet are fascinating; they are first-rate, high-calibre, intelligent, super interesting and from all over the world. None of them comes from the same background. I thought that was one of the absolute high points of the rally. Quite honestly, it is a life-changing event.”

The friendships that you make are amazing and the people you meet are fascinating; they are first-rate, high-calibre, intelligent, super interesting and from all over the world. None of them comes from the same background.

CAPE AGULHAS IN WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA. POST-STORM IN THE INDIAN OCEAN, SOUTH OF MADAGASCAR. NAMENA ISLAN, LOCATED 25 NAUTICAL MILES FROM SAVUSAVU, FIJI.

HAPPY FACES AFTER CLIMBING TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA. INFINITY CREW SET FOR A SEVUSEVU ON VANUA BALAVU, SUSUI, FIJI.

LEFT TO RIGHT:

Crafted at Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery since 1763 by hand & heart in exclusive small batches, The Glenturret Single Malt is defined by its outstanding quality and exquisite taste.

Located in the ‘Hosh’, Crieff, surrounded by beautiful Perthshire countryside, The Glenturret offers daily distillery tours, whisky flights at the Lalique Bar, a retail store including the only Lalique Boutique in Scotland, and The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, the distillery’s Michelin Star unique dining experience.

STEPPING UP

Oyster owner David Braben explains why an upgrade from his 575 to an 885 was the right move.

The benefits of upgrading your Oyster seem obvious. Stepping up a size or two will often increase the cruising range, while more volume means more space for the accommodation and systems. The result is more comfort, more capacity and when it comes to planning adventures, the ability to dream big. It’s a natural step.

But for some, like David Braben, the decision to upgrade from an Oyster 575 to an 885 was influenced by a different set of requirements, along with the suite of key Oyster services, that made the plan to upgrade work.

When David was thinking about the next stage of his sailing journey, he had a clear objective. After two enjoyable seasons based in the Balearics with his 575, this proactive owner realised that his next step would involve a professionally crewed boat. But for a lifelong sailor who has been used to and enjoys running his own boats, this was not such a natural change, at least not at first.

“It felt a bit like going to the ‘dark side’, but in practice, it meant that we could arrive on the quayside and depart,” he explained. “I loved the 575 and while we hadn’t had her that long, I was attracted to the practicality of moving to a crewed boat. The main reason was that work pressures meant that we knew we would have fairly small windows in which to go cruising, often it would be only for long weekends.

“With constraints on time, knowing that the boat will be ready to set off once you arrive means you can plan more effectively. You don’t have to do the shopping, you don’t have to find out what that annoying red light might mean, you can just go, rather than having to work through a list of routine but time-consuming tasks first.”

David was also keen to make the boat available for ‘light charter’ as he describes it, to help offset some of the running costs. “While this is possible with all the boats in the range, stepping up to the 885 meant that we could offer a much broader range of possibilities for potential charterers, both in the layout of the cabins and the degree of privacy that we can offer at this size.”

So, after a good deal of research, David, who has a background in electronic science and computer games development, commissioned Achenar, the tenth 885 to be launched when it was handed over in 2021.

A keen sailor since childhood, he first took to the water in a Mirror 16 with his father and then helped him complete an Achilles 24 from a kit. Larger boats followed, culminating in a Moody 54 that provided many years of enjoyable family sailing and gave them a well-developed sense of what mattered on a boat, both above and below decks.

David’s experiences when chartering had also shown him how important it is to keep on top of maintenance tasks. He sometimes found himself fixing a boat’s long-standing faults, usually electronic, often to the bemusement of the charter company!

When it was time to choose a boat of his own, with his wife Wendy also an experienced sailor, David gravitated towards an Oyster. “I have admired Oyster ever since I’d been looking at boats,” he said. “The 575 is beautifully designed and as with the others in the range, Oyster makes such good use of space which can’t always be said of many of the rival manufacturers.”

The Brabens kept their 575 in Palma and the guardianage service provided David with the assurance that the boat was being looked after on a day-to-day basis.

“They look at the boat regularly and if, for example, you need some work done on the engine, they will chaperone the contractor on board. Oyster will bend over backwards to try and help you. Palma also works very well as a base due to the frequent flights available from the UK and elsewhere in Europe.”

The step up to a professional crew aboard the 885 was facilitated through the Oyster Crew service which has impressed David. “Charlie Durham, who runs the service is great. She seems to know everybody and the calibre is high. Crews do move on from time to time, so to have this service to call on is very helpful and makes the process easy and reliable from an owner’s point of view.”

“ I HAVE ADMIRED OYSTER EVER SINCE I’D BEEN LOOKING AT BOATS, OYSTER MAKES SUCH GOOD USE OF SPACE.”

Another aspect of the running of Achenar is the decision to make her available for charter via the Oyster Charter service. This has been particularly useful when the boat is in the Caribbean.

“Chartering takes the edge off the running costs and practically speaking it’s harder for us to use the boat as much out there because you have to invest that much more time in flying long-haul. The service is very good and Oyster build a great relationship with charter guests - we have a lot of repeat charterers.”

But it’s not just services that David is enthusiastic about, the Oyster events calendar ranks highly too.

“We have been to a lot of regattas and they are great fun, they really are sociable.” And while his working life currently makes taking part in Oyster rallies unrealistic, he can see a time when this could become a possibility. So, what of the boat? Once the 885 was chosen, David worked closely with the Oyster team to realise his vision.

“They were great at showing me the wide range of options and choices, as well as the decisions that other owners had made which was a huge help. I certainly believe that one of the best things you can do when working up your own boat is to look at as many other boats as you can.”

“Achenar is the raised deck saloon version of the 885. It’s spacious and airy and makes the saloon space look bigger, especially with the visibility forward. The master cabin has plenty of natural light, thanks to three vertical portlights on each side. The two guest cabins, each with an en suite, can be configured as either twin or double

depending on the preferences of that week’s guests. Having three comfortable and adaptable cabins aft is great and the joinery throughout is beautifully worked.”

Forward of the deck saloon is a cabin which David describes as a ‘snug’, with a large screen and comfortable furniture and which has a removable longitudinal bulkhead that allows the space to be opened up through to the galley. Forward of the galley is a skipper’s cabin with an en suite and a crew cabin. On deck, Achenar has a Hall Spars carbon mast and boom, with a sail wardrobe by North Sails that includes 3Di Ocean mainsail and furling headsail finished in black taffeta. Reefing the mainsail is via Hall Spar’s Oceanfurl in-boom system.

“I’d never had in-boom before, but one of the things we’ve done, which I cannot recommend more highly, is to have a camera fitted at the mast that looks down the boom,” he said. “One of the key things about in-boom furling is that you’ve got to get the main to go in squarely when it is being furled otherwise you risk damage.

“We have a boom angle indicator at the helm, but the camera, which also has an infrared function so can be used at night, is the equivalent of having someone up the mast looking down the boom to ensure all is well. With the Lewmar remote control system, the mainsail can be furled single-handedly.” The combination of the carbon rig and the weight of the mainsail stored on the boom rather than in the mast has a noticeable effect on the stability and comfort of the boat at rest, particularly when anchored.

David’s scientific background is evident in the amount of thought he has given to the systems with which Achenar is equipped. To begin with, there is no gas on board, so all cooking is electrically powered. This, together with a washing machine, tumble drier, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, several TV screens, a hefty watermaker and air-conditioning throughout, means that the chosen system has to be robust.

There are two generators, the main batteries are lithium-ion giving 2800Ah, taking their charge from eight Mastervolt units, and there are six inverters. “We probably don’t need six inverters but the fewer you have the hotter they run, so distributing the load evenly between them means they are running cooler and are less likely to fail.”

Having this level of electrical capacity at his disposal means that the boat can be beautifully quiet at anchor and overnight, even with the air-conditioning running throughout.

During the specification phase, David did consider some further options including hydro and solar power for battery charging and he may pursue a permanent bimini-mounted solar array in the future.

OPPOSITE:

OYSTER 885/10 ACHENAR HOT ON THE HEELS OF OYSTER 885/01 LUSH AT THE OYSTER PALMA REGATTA 2022

BELOW, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: THE REMARKABLE 90 FOOT BLUEWATER SAILING YACHT EATING UP THE MILES

OYSTER 885/10 ACHENAR POWERING FOR FIRST PLACE AT THE PALMA REGATTA 2022 OWNER, DAVID BRABEN, AT THE HELM OF OYSTER 885/10 ACHENAR

THE CREW MAKING LIGHT WORK AT THE OYSTER PALMA REGATTA 2022

“ ACHENAR IS THE RAISED DECK SALOON VERSION OF THE 885. IT’S SPACIOUS AND AIRY AND MAKES THE SALOON SPACE LOOK BIGGER, ESPECIALLY WITH THE VISIBILITY FORWARD.”

Self-sufficiency is important on a boat of this size. With a draft of 3.5m, the number of places where Achenar can berth for water or connect to shore power is something that needs to be factored in. In the Caribbean, a self-contained electrical system is particularly important because of the difficulties of adapting to the 60Hz US-based system which is often encountered.

There is also full satellite connectivity on board via a KVH system mounted on the lower spreaders, allowing David to conduct business from the mid-Atlantic should the need arise. This also produces benefits for accurate weather forecasting and routing.

“I’ve been amazed at just how good weather forecasting is now. Having access to the GRIB files just gives you that extra reassurance. On our return across the Atlantic, we saw that a storm was developing and we were able to make a 90-degree alteration off course to the south of the Azores which was unusual for that time of year. Some other boats that were crossing at the same time hadn’t picked this up and were caught in 70-80 knots, whereas we didn’t see more than 30. In helping us avoid potentially damaging conditions, the system probably paid for itself.”

David is very much a hands-on owner and when it came to the systems on board he was pleasantly surprised that the 885 was more familiar than he had imagined.

“Something Oyster do very well is that when the boats are scaled up, say from the 575 to the 885, many of the systems are instantly familiar. From a continuity point of view, both for me as the owner and for the crew, this is important. Also, the main engine room and machinery space is impressively spacious and has proper standing headroom and is easy to get around. All the main systems are located there and are easy to access.”

So, what of the future?

“We want to go to some more adventurous locations. We’ve not been to the ABC [Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao] in the south of the Caribbean and we’d like to go through the Panama Canal and visit the Galapagos Islands.”

“

BUT OVERALL, I JUST LOVE BEING ON THE BOAT AND ENJOYING THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT, IN BOTH THE CARIBBEAN AND THE MEDITERRANEAN – IT’S SUCH A JOYOUS PLACE TO BE!”

ABOVE: THE ICONIC OYSTER STYLING OF THE OYSTER 885SII RAISED SALOON VARIANT

Q&A Masters of the Med

With Mark Durham Director of Service Operations, Palma

The Mediterranean is a must-visit destination for almost every Oyster owner. It’s no surprise – with its favourable climate and sailing conditions and it is in easy reach of the UK. Not only is Palma de Mallorca the gateway to the Mediterranean, but it is also the home of Oyster’s service operation for the region. It’s the place owners take their Oysters to prepare them for a summer of adventures, preparation for the ARC and Oyster World Rally, and a full refit or winterisation.

Director of Service Operations in Palma de Mallorca, Mark Durham and his team ensure everything runs smoothly –from the smallest repair to complete refits and beyond.

Tell us what your role involves I run the Oyster service team in Palma and Barcelona which comprises Project Managers, Shipwrights, Engineers, Fabricators, Electricians, a Guardianage team and Administrators. I liaise daily with owners and Captains and work together with the Sales, Brokerage, Crew and Charter teams to promote the fantastic work we do. We are wherever Oyster owners need us, in different locations from one day to the next ensuring our maintenance and service work projects are running smoothly and our owners remain satisfied.

What attracted you to Oyster?

My first meeting with an Oyster was when my wife Charlie and I made our first Atlantic crossing on a Contessa 32 in 2002. We sailed across in company with an Oyster 66 and on arrival in the Caribbean, the owners offered us the job of Captain and Chef for their imminent world voyage. It was a real step up and a steep learning curve, but

I was incredibly impressed with both the boat and support from the Oyster team. We travelled 33,000 miles with the owners, raced in a few Oyster regattas and we were the first Oyster to sail down to Antarctica.

When I rejoined the Oyster family as Captain of Oyster 100/02 Penelope in 2012, I got to know the team at Oyster Palma, including Hamish Burgess Simpson who ran the service projects and we stayed in touch. Oyster’s in-depth knowledge and brilliant guidance on how to look after the boat was invaluable. When Hamish was ready to retire, I was keen to step in and keep his legacy going. By then I had a young family and was based in Mallorca. So, I joined Oyster Palma in 2015.

What makes Oyster Palma special?

It’s the combination of having a team with excellent skills, a deep knowledge of Oyster yachts and a level of support that sets us apart. If you’re a new owner and you call, we will answer. We are people, with real knowledge, here to help. And we’re not just here for current Oyster owners… We were taking delivery of a 495 off the ship and a couple on a Halberg-Rassy couldn’t take their eyes off her. We got chatting and it turned out they were having problems with their boiler, so I sent our team over to sort it out. It’s how we work – building personal relationships with everyone. Who knows, they could become an Oyster owner tomorrow. Our team are flag bearers for the brand in every interaction –with owners and potential owners.

Lots of former Oyster crew who have moved on to other yachts still want us to service their boats. They trust the team and like working with us. They ask for people by name, so we have a great rapport and it’s lovely to have the recognition even when a customer isn’t on an Oyster.

What services does Oyster Palma offer owners?

We’re a full-service operation, which grew out of a conversation with the owners of an Oyster 625. They wanted one point of contact rather than managing multiple sub-contractors, so they gave us the keys and a list and said: “See you in a few weeks”. Another example is a 565 with relatively new owners who don’t have time to maintain their boat. So, we do the

It’s how we work – building personal relationships with everyone. Who knows, they could become an Oyster owner tomorrow. Our team are flag bearers for the brand in every interaction – with owners and potential owners.

MARK DURHAM

daily, weekly, and monthly checks, so they can just turn up and know she’s ready to go. But we also do everything an owner could need – from haul out and refit to guardianage and winterisation, along with berthing, technical and engineering services. We’ve grown significantly and today we have a tight-knit team of 24.

What are the most popular services

Oyster Palma offers?

Haul out, anti-fouling, refit, guardianage and annual servicing. Then there are particular Oyster-centric tasks, like servicing a twin rudder. Owners know it’ll take us less time as we’ve done it so many times. That knowledge is invaluable. Most owners come for annual services and new owners use us for guardianage and taking care of the odd warranty issue. For new owners, handover can be a bit of an information overload – there’s just so much to get your head around. So, we help them fill in the blanks about the finer details of the rig, doing rig checks, improving their sailing abilities and getting to know their yacht better.

Does the operation extend beyond Mallorca?

We provide a service across the Mediterranean and we have another team in Barcelona. We’re in the process of formalising Oyster Approved Service Centres around the world, where owners can expect the same level of service and expertise as they do in Palma. But Palma is where it’s

at, it’s a real hub for Oyster owners – there are at least 40 to 50 yachts here at any one time of the year; for our annual regatta or when people are preparing to set off for the Caribbean, it is not unusual to see 80+ Oysters in Mallorca. Our team can not only fix these yachts, but they also pass on valuable knowledge to help owners keep their boats in peak condition.

What makes Oyster Palma’s operation unique?

We have the best service team in Palma. We’ve been together for a long time and we’re multi-talented. Some of the team speak four languages – they’re more than

just anti-fouling specialists or varnishers. There are eight Oyster skippers, so we really know our stuff and how to sail and look after the boats. When people come back from the Oyster World Rally or for their annual service, the same team do the servicing, so there is consistency and quality but also a deep connection between the team, owners, and their boats.

We want customers to stay in love with their boats. We go out of our way to make sure they’re happy with the work and feel they got a fair price. Word of mouth and repeat clients are central to our success.

What part does Oyster Palma play in the Oyster World Rally?

A lot of Rally boats come through Palma before the Atlantic crossing to Antigua for the start of the rally. We offer advice on preparation; we prepare and service the boats, and train crews on maintenance

During my visits to Palma for scheduled service and repairs, the outstanding difference to other shipyards I have visited is that Oyster staff know every screw, nut, and bolt on my yacht. And only their trusted specialists work on the boats. For me, this is very hugely valuable and reassuring.

ERNST GROECHENIG OYSTER 56 GWYLAN IV

and operating systems. It’s a key part of their rally preparation. For many, their first big test is to cross the Atlantic. When we first meet them, they’re a bit worried, but when they return after the rally, they are in tune with their boats and proud of their achievement.

Palma is where it’s at, it’s a real hub for Oyster owners

What is the most memorable service Oyster Palma has provided?

A very special refit involved Oyster 725/01 Intrepid. We did the pre-World Rally prep, which started over a year before the start. The owner told us he wanted to make it the best boat possible for the adventure. There was a strict budget and we spent a lot of time with them planning, with morning meetings every day, so they stayed in control of the project. We built a hardtop Bimini with solar panels and doubled the battery bank to minimise engine time. The solar Bimini worked well – they told me having the air con on while in the Pacific without running the generator for hours was an absolute pleasure. Now they’ve finished the rally they have some big ideas, including replacing the engine with a hybrid propulsion system.

Are there services Oyster Palma offers that owners might not be aware of?

an Oyster skipper lets new owners relax and get the most from the experience. We also do deliveries – we’ll take boats to wherever owners want them. It’s reassuring having an Oyster skipper, who knows the boat inside and out, in charge. We can help find crew to sail with them. And we also have a new spray booth, a stainlesssteel fabrication workshop and a new mechanical/electrical engineer joining us. We’re growing our skills to create a more comprehensive offering for our customers.

MARK DURHAM

Yes – building on the official handover and helping owners get to know their boats better. We’ve just started to do more maiden voyages. Sailing from the UK to Palma with

What do you enjoy most about your job? Getting good feedback from owners and getting out and sailing with them. I love teamwork and seeing results. One owner wrote to us recently and said, “Thank you for working so diligently on the job list, the standard of work was outstanding.” That’s what we always do at Oyster Palma: work as diligently as possible through job lists and projects and aim to exceed owner expectations. Everyone has the same mindset and takes ownerswhip of each task, which is best for customers and great for Oyster.

– there are at least 40 to 50 yachts here at any one time of the year; for our annual regatta or when people are preparing to set off for the Caribbean, it is not unusual to see 80+ Oysters in Mallorca. Our team can not only fix these yachts, but they also pass on valuable knowledge to help owners keep their boats in peak condition.

NEW LAUNCHES

Over the years, we have launched hundreds of new Oysters into the world and that feeling of joy never gets old. The excitement and delight on the faces of the proud new owners is fantastic to see - whether it is their first Oyster or their third or fourth.

OYSTER 745/07 MEXICAN WAVE

Specification:

• Interior wood in varnished oak with walnut soleboards

• In-mast furling, upgraded winches, trysail track, provision for a Code Zero and asymmetric spinnaker

Lithium-ion batteries, a second generator, fuel polishing system and a Marine Growth Protection System

Cruising plans:

Oyster World Rally 2024-25

595/09 JAZOFI

OYSTER

Specification:

• Forward port cabin with enlarged double berth

• Oak soleboards with maple inlay

• Quartersawn, oak joinery with vertical grain

• Grey asymmetric spinnaker

Solar panels on bimini and Watt & Sea Generator

Cruising plans:

Oyster World Rally 2024-25

OYSTER 885/11 GT BABIANA

Specification:

Racing deck hardware, extended bowsprit, larger staysail plan with furlers, a tall High Modulus slim carbon profile mast, carbon Aero6 standing rigging, Doyle sail wardrobe that includes 5 downwind headsails and a race-tuned sail plan

Lithium-ion batteries, matched generators both hydraulic, a Lewmar Vortex hydraulic system, a custom bow thruster, carbon-teak wheels

Cruising plans:

Oyster World Rally 2024-25

OYSTER 595/08 XOXO

Specification:

Lime washed horizontal grain oak joinery

Oak with maple inlay soleboards

Flexiteek deck

• Sloop rig from Seldén with integrated hydraulic furler in stemhead,

North Sails Tour Ultra and Helix Furling Gennaker

Fold-down sprayhood with tailored cover

Lithium batteries, air-conditioning

Cruising plans:

Oyster World Rally 2026-27

OYSTER

565/12 WYANGA

Specification:

Random plank, crown cut walnut soleboards

Vertical crown cut oak joinery

• Decks in teak

Sloop rig from Seldén with integrated hydraulic furler in stemhead, North Sails 3Di Ocean and Helix Furling Gennaker

• Lithium batteries, solar panels, Watt & Sea Generator

Cruising plans: Mediterranean and the Caribbean

OYSTER 565/14 ROCK LOBSTER IV

Specification:

Decks in teak

OYSTER

675/07 INDIGO

Specification:

• Interior wood in oak with walnut soleboards

• Port Saloon games table

• Standard 675 in-mast furling, North 3Di Ocean sails, a Code Zero and a furling asymmetric sail

Cruising plans:

Brisbane, Australia

Crown-cut, vertical grain cherry joinery

Crown-cut walnut soleboards with maple inlay

Solar panels and Watt & Sea Generator

Jib and yankee, furling inner jib, furling gennaker, furling TradeWind headsail and G2 asymmetric spinnaker

Cruising plans:

Oyster World Rally 2024-25

SUZANNA

Specification:

Horizontal grain Cool Oak joinery with Oak vibrant silver soleboards

Retractable Hydraulic Passerelle

White painted rig

B&G upgrade package Yacht tender

Aluminium Anodised Mast & Boom, Electric In-Mast Furling, Manual Headsail Furler

Generator and Air Conditioning

Cruising plans:

• Oyster Palma Regatta 2023, Spain and France

LIBERTY

Specification:

Horizontal Grain European Oak with Walnut soleboards with Ash inlay Generator and Air Conditioning

MAYFLY

Specification:

• Horizontal Grain European Oak with Walnut soleboards with Ash inlay

• Generator and Air Conditioning

OYSTER 565/15 LARIMAR

Specification:

Flexiteek decking with white caulking Quartersawn, horizontal grain oak joinery

• Random plank, oak-finished soleboards in Osmo Snow

• Selden IMF rig with Code Zero and A2 spinnaker

• Solar Panels, POD 600 hydrogenerator, North Sails

Cruising plans:

Oyster World Rally 2024-25

Naturally anodised rig

Aluminium Anodised Mast & Boom, Electric In-Mast Furling, Manual Headsail Furler

B&G upgrade package

Cruising plans: The Mediterranean

• White painted rig

• Aluminium Anodised Mast & Boom, Electric In-Mast Furling, Manual Headsail Furler

• B&G upgrade package

Cruising plans:

Oyster Palma Regatta 2023 and the Mediterranean

OYSTER 495/05

OYSTER 495/04

OYSTER 495/06

OYSTER FLEET

For over 50 years, Oyster has built extraordinary bluewater yachts, with a dedication to visionary design and build expertise. Today, we continue to push the envelope of yacht design and technology, creating versatile and adaptable, luxury sailing yachts.

We design, build and support the finest bluewater cruising yachts in the world, with a meticulous attention to detail. Our DNA is rooted in over 20 million bluewater nautical miles and more than 100 circumnavigations.

Over the last five decades, we have refined our sailing boats to create yachts that are capable of taking you safely to the remotest corners of the world, in comfort and luxury.

Developed by sailors for sailors, the quality of these liveaboard boats is beyond expectation. You can find out more about the Oyster fleet over the following pages.

OYSTER 675

OYSTER 745

Life-changing, globe-conquering, award-winning adventure machines. The Oyster fleet is home to the world’s finest bluewater sailing yachts.

OYSTER 595

OYSTER 565

OYSTER 495

OYSTER 885 SII

OYSTER 885GT

OYSTER 495

The entry-level of the Oyster range brings with it the build quality and customisation typical of the yard’s largest models…perfect for a couple’s globetrotting dreams.

ALBERTO MARIOTTI

ITALIAN JUDGE, DIRECTOR EDITOR OF VELA E MOTORE

KEY FEATURES

Three cabin configuration

Available in three interior schemes

The owner’s cabin features triple Seascape windows

Twin rudder, standard or shoal keel options

Electric bathing cassette platform

DNV GL-certified hull

The Oyster 495 displays a stunning combination of bluewater sailing performance, comfort, safety and luxurious living space.

Designed for ease of use and shorthanded sailing, she is equipped with the latest sailing technology, touchscreen controls and easy-to-access systems and utilities. Multiple sail options deliver outstanding cruising speeds in complete comfort, so she ticks off the miles effortlessly.

With half a century of Oyster experience and innovation running through her every inch, She embodies all the learning, insights and innovative features from Oyster’s larger models, intelligently integrated into this benchmark sailing yacht.

A true liveaboard Bluewater cruiser, she is equipped to go anywhere in luxury, comfort and safety. The ergonomically designed centre cockpit is perfect for entertaining up to eight people. The wide decks at the stern and flush foredeck offer generous space. Below deck, she can accommodate six guests in Oyster’s new-generation interiors, featuring contemporary styling, integrated technology and equipment for truly luxurious entertaining and living spaces.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length overall 16.1m / 52’8”

Length of hull 15.15m / 49’7”

Length of waterline 14.27m / 46’8”

Beam 4.77m / 15’8”

Draft - standard keel 2.28m / 7’5”

Draft - optional shoal keel 1.83m / 6’0”

Displacement (lightship) 21,000 kg / 46,297 lbs

Engine Yanmar 4JH110

Overall sail area (in-mast furling) 120.00m2 / 1,2941ft 2

Overall sail area (fully battened mainsail) 127.57m2 / 1,373ft 2

Fuel tank 800 litres / 211 US gals

Water tank 600 litres / 159 US gals

Winner of the European Yacht of the Year 2023, the Oyster 495 is a new breed of 50 foot bluewater sailing yacht, featuring a shallow-draft keel option.

OYSTER 565

The Oyster 565 is a seriously impressive yacht. No yacht is perfect, but in terms of design and execution, the Oyster 565 is as close as you’ll find…

TOBY

KEY FEATURES

Three cabin configuration

Alternative interior layouts and wood finishes

Hydraulic in-mast furling and head sail

Twin rudder and fixed keel

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

Practical and spacious for exhilarating blue water sailing or relaxed coastal cruising for a couple, family and friends. The Oyster 565 offers a combination of the latest automated sail-handling equipment, a large sail area, a wide beam and twin rudders making her a joy to sail shorthanded. Built on the most robust marine design and technology available, the 565 is specified well-beyond normal requirements to withstand the toughest of environments.

She builds on the many accomplishments of the pioneering Oyster 56 and 575 and displays all the core Oyster design cues and features found on our larger yachts. The levels of quality, finish and luxury are to the highest standards.

Below decks there is an expansive sense of space, thanks to the volume created by her wide beam aft. Here you will find a spacious saloon, longitudinal galley, impressive owner’s cabin aft and a choice of cabin layouts that can accommodate up to seven guests or crew.

Equipped with a variety of convenient and connected tech, living aboard is easier, more enjoyable and safer than ever before, making the Oyster 565 a true home away from home on long-distance adventures.

SPECIFICATIONS

Tanks - water

Sail area - including 110% foretriangle (IMF)

area - including 110% foretriangle (Slab Reef)

2

Winner of the British Yachting Awards Blue Water Cruiser of the Year, this sub-60 foot sailing yacht is well-appointed with a powerful sail plan, ideal for shorthanded sailing.

OYSTER 595

The Oyster 595 captures the very essence of a bluewater sailing pearl.

CHARLOTTE THOMAS

OCEAN MAGAZINE

KEY FEATURES

Four cabin configuration

Alternative interior layouts and wood finishes

Hydraulic in-mast furling and head sail

Retractable bow and stern thrusters

Twin rudder, centreboard or fixed keel options

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

A true bluewater cruiser with many design features distilled from our larger yachts, the Oyster 595 is the perfect all-rounder. Designed to be sailed effortlessly shorthanded, she is safe, fast and exhilarating to sail. Fully automated with in-mast furling as standard, she offers responsive finger-tip control on the helm.

With a choice of fixed keel or shallow-draft centreboard and transom options, she provides choices to meet any cruising requirement, be that coastal cruising or circumnavigating the world. The increased hull volume, with wide beam aft makes excellent use of her sail power for fast passage-making speeds, yet easy to handle in tight spots thanks to the bow and stern thrusters.

Below decks, the broad beam offers welcome volume, versatile configuration options and opportunities for customisation. Combine interior space, a large deck saloon, flush aft and foredecks, as well as an optional bathing platform, the 595 makes the ideal luxury liveaboard cruiser.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length overall including stemhead 19.05m / 62’6”

Length of hull 18.14m / 59’6”

Length of waterline 16.81m / 55’2”

Beam 5.36m / 17’7”

Draft - standard keel 2.68m / 8’10”

Draft - centreboard up 1.79m / 5’10”

Draft - centreboard down 4.06m / 13’4”

Displacement - standard keel 30,807kg / 67,918lbs

Typical engine Yanmar 4LV-150 110kW (150hp)

Fuel tank 1,345 litres / 295 Imp Gallons (355 US gals)

Water tank 1,004 litres / 220 Imp Gallons (265 US gals)

Sail area - including 110% foretriangle (IMF) 167.00m2 / 1,798ft 2

Sail area - including 110% foretriangle (Slab Reef) 177.00m2 / 1,905ft 2

Air draft approx - excluding antennae 26.81m / 88’0”

The Oyster 595 is a well-proportioned and extremely versatile 60 foot sailing yacht, offering customised build solutions and shallow-draft keel option.

OYSTER 675

A beautifully crafted long-distance yacht with impeccable sailing performance, along with bright, spacious, and thoughtfully arranged accommodation.

DIETER LOIBNE BOAT.COM

KEY FEATURES

Four cabins, two double en-suite

Separate crew quarters (optional)

Alternative interior layouts and wood finishes

Air-conditioning

Twin rudder and fixed keel

Standard and extended transom hull forms

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

The Oyster 675 is the centrepiece of our fleet. Featuring iconic Oyster styling and a powerful twin rudder hull form with an extended transom option, she offers the perfect combination of size and practicality in a sub-70 foot yacht. With her large hull volume, mighty stowage and tank capacity required for long-distance adventures, many consider her best-in-class for long-distance bluewater adventures.

She is responsive, fast-moving and a joy to sail. With ergonomically designed twin helm stations, she is equipped with automated push-button sailing technology for effortless shorthanded sailing whilst delivering consistently fast passage-making speeds.

The 675 features a variety of entertaining spaces, with a generous cockpit, open fore and aft decks and an optional bathing platform. Below decks, she successfully balances practicality and style to present vast volume and every home comfort. Spacious, versatile and luxurious, she can be customised to accommodate a variety of eight friends, family or crew. A choice of interior layouts includes two double ensuite guest cabins, a separate crew cabin and a generous owners’ cabin with an ensuite positioned fore or aft.

SPECIFICATIONS

Draft - standard keel

Displacement - standard keel 40,787kg / 89,920lbs

Typical engine Volvo Penta D4-180 132kW (180hp)

Tanks - fuel

Tanks - water

Sail area - including 110% foretriangle (IMF)

Sail area - including 110% foretriangle (Slab Reef)

Air draft approx - excluding antennae

litres / 391 imp gallons (470 US gals)

litres / 279 imp gallons (335 US gals)

/ 98’2”

The Oyster 675 is a versatile sub 70 foot ocean sailboat that offers the perfect combination of space and sailing capability.

OYSTER 745

There are plenty of details on this boat that take it into the next era of bluewater cruising.

MATTHEW SHEAHAN PLANET SAIL

KEY FEATURES

Five cabins, four double ensuite

Separate crew quarters

Alternative interior layouts and wood finishes

Large storage and tankage

Forced air ventilation system

Twin rudder, centreboard or fixed keel options

Standard and extended transom hull forms

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

This 75 foot sailboat is the smallest in the Oyster range to feature a dedicated crew quarters. Her versatile internal layout offers huge scope for customisation, with a flexible ensuite crew or guest cabin and galley with discrete access, guaranteeing privacy if required.

Luxurious and well-appointed with five ensuite generous cabins, large storage and tankage, she is as well-suited to long-haul liveaboard adventures as she is to local shallow-draft cruising. A large saloon and cockpit, with ample deck space fore and aft, along with a bathing platform means she is ideal for entertaining guests and perfect for charter.

Sailing the 745 is an unforgettable experience – her powerful, large-volume hull form with twin rudders offers perfect stability and effortless finger-tip control on the helm. The smart sail plan makes her easy to handle, delivering consistently fast passagemaking speeds.

On deck the large cockpit offers safety and comfort; concealed lines, clutter-free decks with flush hatches and plenty of stowage

for sails and kit make moving around safer under sail. Down below a large saloon table can comfortably seat ten guests. The generous aft ensuite owner’s cabin is luxurious and light. Four further cabins make excellent use of vast hull volume.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length overall including stemhead 22.74m / 74’7”

Length of hull 21.93m / 71’11”

Length of waterline 20.03m / 65’9”

Beam 5.91m / 19’5”

Draft - standard keel 3.10m / 10’2”

Draft - centreboard up | down 1.98m / 6’6” | 4.56m / 14’11”

Displacement - standard keel 53,957kg / 118,955lbs

Typical engine Cummins Turbo-charged QSB6.7-250 184kW (247hp)

Tanks - fuel 2,000 litres / 440 imp gallons (528 US gals)

Tanks - water 1,500 litres / 330 imp gallons (396 US gals)

Sail area - including 106% foretriangle (Slab Reef)

Sail area - including 106% foretriangle (IMF)

279m2 / 3,007ft 2

269m2 / 2,896ft 2

Air draft approx - excluding antennae 32.49m / 106’7”

The Oyster 745 is a long-range cruising yacht with generous luxury living space, flexible crew quarters and shallow-draft keel option.

OYSTER 885 SII

The Oyster 885: Where luxury design meets high-performance sailing, a yacht packed with luxurious indulgences, for those who don’t like going slowly!

KEY FEATURES

Six cabins, four double ensuite

Separate crew quarters

Alternative interior layouts and wood finishes

Carbon rig with Park Avenue boom

Large hydraulic bathing platform

Sunken tender well – doubles as entertaining zone

Forced air ventilation system

Twin rudder, centreboard or fixed keel options

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

The 885 combines luxury, space and privacy with exhilarating sailing. Practical, versatile and spacious, she is designed for onboard living and entertaining. There is a wide choice of entertaining spaces. Down below in the saloon, the table comfortably seats ten guest. The large, protected cockpit, tender well chillout zone, deck area and bathing platform make her ideal for entertaining family and friends, and ultimately makes the 885 perfect for charter. At just under 90 feet, she comes in below the 24m Load Line Rule, which means less red tape with many of the benefits of a much larger yacht.

On deck, there is a choice of generous entertaining areas for all occasions. Down below, you can choose from a range of alternative layouts including four ensuite double guest cabins, with separate crew quarters for complete privacy.

Her perfectly balanced, high-performance hull with twin rudder and choice of standard or shallow draft keel delivers safe, exhilarating cruising. Responsive and fast-moving, her ability to deliver consistently high speeds ensures excellent passage-making performance.

SPECIFICATIONS

Draft - standard keel

/ 11’6”

Displacement - standard keel 71,500kg / 157,630lbs

Draft - shallow-draft keel 2.3m/7’6”

Draft - centreboard 3.5m/11’6”

Typical engine Cummins Turbo-charged QSL-330 246kW (330hp)

Tanks - fuel 3,500 litres / 770 imp gallons (925 US gals)

Tanks - water 2,000 litres / 440 imp gallons (528 US gals)

Sail area - including 106% foretriangle (Slab Reef) 387.19m2 / 4,168ft 2

Air draft approx - excluding antennae 37.15m / 121’10”

Cabins 4 guest cabins / 2 crew cabins

The Oyster 885 SII is a remarkable 90 foot bluewater sailing yacht. Designed to deliver exhilarating sailing performance, and luxurious living and take you anywhere in the world effortlessly.

OYSTER 885GT

She is a true Grand Tourer with optimised performance and luxury all in one.

HUMPHREYS YACHT DESIGN

TOM HUMPHREYS

KEY FEATURES

4m T-keel with lead bulb

Taller carbon mast and EC 6 carbon rigging

North 3Di Ocean Sail wardrobe

Upgraded winches

Extended bowsprit

Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

Inspired by the Grand Tourer automobiles of the 1950s the 885GT is fast and effortless to sail over long distances. She combines true luxury with exceptional performance capability.

Every aspect of performance has been considered to create a lighter boat with reduced displacement to enhance performance. Many elements of the design have been honed and finessed to offer an even more exhilarating sailing experience. Her taller carbon rig, upgraded winches, optimised sail wardrobe, carbon standing rigging and deeper T-Keel all inform her enhanced performance. A T-Keel and lighter carbon elements throughout give the 885GT rewarding agility and turn of speed on the open ocean.

Like any true Grand Tourer, luxury and styling are at the heart of the 885GT. She is easily identified by the striking grey or white GT colour schemes and signature GT red rudders and T-keel.

SPECIFICATIONS

Length overall –including stemhead

27.37m / 89’10”

Length of hull 26.06m / 85’6”

Beam 6.33m / 20’9”

Draft - standard keel 4.08m / 13’5”

Displacement - standard keel 69,200kg / 153,221lbs

Typical engine Cummins Turbo-charged QSL-330 246kW (330hp)

Tanks - fuel 3,500 litres / 770 Imp Gallons (925 US gals)

Tanks - water 2,000 litres / 440 Imp Gallons (528 US gals)

Sail area - including 106% foretriangle 399.0 M2 /4295FT 2

Air draft approx, excl. antennae 38.80M / 127’29”

The Oyster 885GT combines upgraded bluewater performance with luxury, comfort and safety.

We are committed to making every experience you have with Oyster amongst the best and most memorable of your life.

THE JOY OF OWNERSHIP

We consider each of our owners an important member of the exclusive Oyster family. With that commitment comes personalised care, life-changing experiences and support for the lifetime of the yacht.

Beyond our beautiful bluewater yachts themselves, we have built Oyster’s success over the last 50 years by providing an end-to-end, lifelong relationship with our owners, which sits at the heart of our ethos and informs everything we do.

For our owners, it begins with expert advice based on a deep knowledge of our boats. Your dedicated Oyster Project Manager will guide you on the ideal specification to suit you and your sailing plans. They will be with you through every step of the build, to advise on everything from finishes and materials to the right equipment and fittings. Once your yacht is launched, this assistance continues through commissioning, delivery and registration. Only then will you appreciate the true meaning of being part of the Oyster family, which is also true for those taking ownership of pre-owned Oysters. Whether you enjoy coastal cruising in your local sailing grounds or want to take on the world, all our services are there to help you get the best from your Oyster.

We can assist with everything from sourcing crew, maintenance and guardianage, marketing your yacht for charter and providing technical support, through to our industry-leading After Sales and Brokerage services. And, if you are up for the challenge, we will facilitate a fully supported circumnavigation of the world to help you realise the full potential of your Oyster. No other yacht manufacturer provides such an extensive range of support and service for the lifetime of the yacht. Putting the experience of our owners, their friends and families, front and centre of everything we do is what makes the Oyster brand what it is. It is why we believe that on an Oyster the world is yours.

ASHELY HIGHFIELD, CEO OYSTER YACHTS

THE BENEFITS OF OWNERSHIP

As an owner, you will enjoy a range of services and experiences tailored to keep you engaged and delighted throughout your ownership:

REGATTA EXPERIENCE

New Oyster owners receive a warm welcome with a complimentary invitation to their first Oyster Palma Regatta.

A VOYAGE OF A LIFETIME

Join fellow Oyster owners on the ultimate sailing adventure, the Oyster World Rally – a lap of the planet, fully supported by Oyster’s experienced logistics and technical Rally Support team.

COMPREHENSIVE SERVICING

Select from a range of plans tailored to your Oyster yacht for safety and complete peace of mind when at sea.

JOINING THE FAMILY

As we turn 50, we want to help more people enjoy the many rewards of owning an Oyster. Many dream of owning an Oyster and the lucky few realise that dream. We have explored a variety of initiatives to make joining and being part of our family even more rewarding:

THE OYSTER PROMISE

For complete satisfaction, one of our experienced Customer Care team will pay a complimentary visit to your yacht within six months of handover, to carry out routine checks and share valuable insights to help you get the most from your Oyster.

SMARTER OWNERSHIP

Absorb part of your running costs by chartering your yacht through Oyster Charter.

VALUED CREW

Let our experts find your Oyster crew so you can enjoy every minute on board.

LEGENDARY SUPPORT

Our legendary After Sales team will keep you sailing, wherever you are in the world.

ALWAYS THERE

We fit every new Oyster with Oyster’s Guardian Angel as standard, to monitor the health of your yacht 24/7.

ACCESSIBLE OWNERSHIP

With the support of Oyster’s finance solution partner in select markets, we can help make owning an Oyster a reality.

PRE-OWNED EXCHANGE

If you already own a yacht, we can make choosing a new Oyster a seamless experience with our part-exchange programme.

BETTER INFORMED

Discover the ideal specification for your Oyster by chartering before you buy.

OYSTER CHARTER

Luxury crewed sailing charters. Personal, exclusive and uniquely Oyster.

We specialise in chartering Oyster yachts on behalf of their owners. Our knowledge of these stunning yachts and their crew allows us to offer exclusive, private sailing yacht charters in the Caribbean, New England, the Mediterranean and elsewhere.

Our personal service guarantees the perfect charter to suit your wishes. Experience stunning remote locations, exciting activities, delicious cuisine and the most memorable sailing in comfort, luxury and style on board an Oyster yacht. We will advise you on every detail, from the right yacht to the ideal location for your luxury sailing holiday.

For more information contact Fiona McCarthy on +34 971 28 74 74 / +34 634 344849 or email fiona.mccarthy@oysteryachts.com

CHARTER RATES

High season applies to July and August. +10% is applied to the Christmas and New Year holiday period, with a 10 day minimum. VAT will be applicable in EU countries. The amount can range from 13% to 22% of the charter fee.

EXTRAS

Inclusive of the charter fee are the yacht and crew. Extra costs include shoreside transport, fuel, food and all beverages for the Charter Party, berthing dues and other harbour charges, Charter Party communications and internet use. Crew Gratuity – Although discretionary, a crew gratuity of 5% to 15% of the charter fee is customary.

2012 OYSTER 885 LUSH

2021 OYSTER 885 ACHENAR

825

OYSTER 825 REINA

SPIRIT

2016 OYSTER 675 ALIKA

2008 OYSTER 72 KOLUKA

2015 OYSTER 575

2013 OYSTER 625 LATITUDE

2013 OYSTER 625 PAPILLON

2016 OYSTER 625 MELLIVORA

82

2008 OYSTER 82 DAMA DE NOCHE

OYSTER BROKERAGE

We are the experts for buying and selling pre-owned Oyster yachts.

Oyster Brokerage is the pre-owned Oyster specialist and we’ve been proudly bringing buyers and sellers together for more than 30 years. We thrive in a marketplace that moves fast, with yachts being listed for sale and changing hands frequently. It’s reassuring to have our knowledgeable team at your side throughout the process.

We offer worldwide coverage with a network of brokerage offices in the UK, the Mediterranean and the USA. This gives us a global reach in very different marketplaces. Each hub boasts a team with an intimate knowledge of Oyster yachts, who are ready and willing to advise you on every aspect of choosing and owning the right yacht for your needs. We also have access to original Oyster documentation, build files, build yards, designers and project

managers of every yacht we have ever built. We can share all this knowledge with our clients to help inform their purchase decision.

Oyster Brokerage is an accredited member of the following professional bodies: ABYA, (the UK based Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents); MYBA (Mediterranean Yacht Brokers’ Association); and the YBAA (Yacht Brokers’ Association of America).

To discuss buying or selling your Oyster with one of our brokers, please get in touch at brokerage@oysteryachts.com or call your nearest Brokerage office:

UK T: +44 (0) 1473 851 430 / Palma T: +34 677 429 116

USA T: +1 401 846 7400

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $1,345,000

LYING: Oyster Palma

PRICE: €3,950,000 VAT paid

2015 OYSTER 825 MAEGAN

2009 OYSTER 72 AEGIS

2014 OYSTER 885 BACCHUS

LYING: Oyster Palma PRICE: POA VAT paid

2004 OYSTER 82 JAGIYA

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $1,650,000

PRICE REDUCTION

PRICE REDUCTION

PRICE REDUCTION

PRICE REDUCTION

ELISE

LYING: Slovenia PRICE: €525,000 ex VAT

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $625,000

LYING: Poland PRICE: € 1,150,000 VAT paid

II

655

LYING: Maryland PRICE: $1,450,000

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $895,000

IRISH BLESSING

LYING: Oyster Palma PRICE: €2,550,000 VAT paid

PRICE REDUCTION

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $2,350,000

LYING: Sydney PRICE: AUD$3,200,000 GST paid

2013

LYING: Barcelona PRICE: £1,600,000 ex VAT

LYING: Canada PRICE: $1,525,000

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $1,795,000

LYING: Sardinia PRICE: €830,000 VAT Paid

LYING: France PRICE: £695,000 VAT Paid

1997 OYSTER 70 NO REHEARSAL

2001 OYSTER 66

2007 OYSTER

WEATHERLY

2009 OYSTER 655 DAENA

2007 OYSTER 655 IRENE IV

2013 OYSTER 625 FLYING SPIRIT

2001 OYSTER 62 PEARLFISHER

2016 OYSTER 625

2003 OYSTER 62 LUNA OF LONDON

2015 OYSTER 625 PEGASUS

2018 OYSTER 625 RUTH

2014 OYSTER 625 BUBBLES

OYSTER 625 DISTRACTION

OYSTER BROKERAGE

To discuss buying or selling your Oyster with one of our brokers, please get in touch at brokerage@oysteryachts.com or call your nearest Brokerage office:

NEW LISTING

1996

FULL LISTINGS

2018 OYSTER 575

III

LYING: Oyster Palma PRICE: £1,750,000 VAT paid

LOCATION CHANGE

2012 OYSTER 575 ARBELLA

LYING: Annapolis PRICE: $1,100,000

NEW LISTING

2003 OYSTER 56 BRITICAN

LYING: Grenada PRICE: $595,000

1991 OYSTER 55 MODUS VIVENDI OF DOWN

LYING: Croatia PRICE: £269,000 VAT paid

NEW LISTING

2022 OYSTER 495

III

LYING: Oyster Palma PRICE: £1,650,000 ex VAT

2013 OYSTER 575

LYING: Canary Islands PRICE: €385,000 VAT paid

PRICE REDUCTION

III

LYING: Australia PRICE: AUD$2,500,000 GST paid

2010 OYSTER 575 WIKI WIKI

LYING: Montenegro PRICE: £750,000 ex VAT

2000 OYSTER 56

LYING: Sicily PRICE: €450,000 VAT paid

2010 OYSTER 54 PEARL OF PERSIA

LYING: Mallorca PRICE: £795,000 ex VAT

LOCATION CHANGE

2008 OYSTER 56 MAYLEA

LYING: Barcelona PRICE: £575,000 ex VAT

LYING: Antigua PRICE: £360,000 ex VAT

NEW LISTING

2022 OYSTER 495 TUGA

LYING: Turkey PRICE: £565,000 ex VAT

1991 OYSTER LW48

LYING: Mediterranean PRICE: £1,700,000 ex VAT

NEW LISTING

2012 OYSTER 46

LYING: Oyster Newport PRICE: $210,000

LYING: Oyster UK PRICE: £500,000 VAT paid

PIPERITA

SEASHELLS

PACIFIC PEARL

MARGOT

OYSTER 61 RASMUS

2013 OYSTER 575 AYESHA

DIGNITY

1998 OYSTER 56 KUDU

FRITZ

OYSTER AFTER SALES

Unrivalled support and service across the globe.

When they say you’re never alone on an Oyster, it’s true. When you buy an Oyster, you are becoming the owner of more than just a yacht, whether it is a new or brokerage model. As part of the Oyster family, you have the reassurance that our exceptional After Sales and Support team will look after you throughout your time as an owner.

Wherever you are in the world, you are only a satellite phone call away from one of our expert team who will do everything they can to resolve any issue. They will guide you through any on-the-fly repairs and arrange to get your parts delivered to your chosen destination as soon as possible.

One owner described our service as “...the best After Sales service unit in the yachting industry”. It is an accolade we aim to live up to every day.

DEEP OYSTER KNOW-HOW

Based in the UK, our After Sales department is the nerve centre of Oyster. Operating from both Southampton and Wroxham yards, they have access to boat files and boat builders’ advice.

OUR SERVICES

Our After Sales service covers all parts and spares, along with technical and engineering support and advice. For new and existing owners, we can supply anything and everything you need to enjoy sailing your Oyster from day one. From galley equipment to bed linen, from cushions to safety kit, we can help with your every need.

We hold a recommended spares list to suit your individual yacht and sailing style. We also provide support for all owners at Oyster Regattas and throughout the Oyster World Rally, with spares and technical back-up before, during and after the voyage.

OUR TEAM

Our team is made up of former Oyster boat builders, Oyster crew and sailors. Our technical team is always on hand to provide support and advice and their comprehensive knowledge of our boats is an essential part of the service. The team works closely, sharing years of knowledge and familiarity with Oysters, to find effective solutions quickly.

For After Sales and Technical Support call +44 (0)23 8083 1005 or email aftersales@oysteryachts.com

The legendary Oyster After Sales team bring order and simplicity to the complex task of maintaining a yacht underway in far-flung locations and are my lifeline when we need parts in an emergency.

JAMES ASHWELL, OYSTER 62/20 UHURU

I can’t say how impressed I am with the prompt and thorough response I received. The personal touch is enough to make Oyster rise to the top of my list (if it wasn’t already). Your service reputation is obviously well-earned.

JONATHAN ARNOLD, OYSTER 56/47 SV GRATEFUL

OYSTER SERVICE

Taking ownership of your Oyster is just the beginning of many adventures. To ensure she keeps you safe and protected, it is vital she is well-maintained. Our commitment to you doesn’t end when we deliver your yacht – we believe in lifetime support and you will discover our world-class, worldwide service is second to none. With Oyster Service your yacht will always be shipshape for your next adventure.

You will find our service centres located in Palma, serving the whole Mediterranean; in Newport, Rhode Island, serving the US and the Americas; and Ipswich and Southampton in the UK. Whichever service centre you visit, you can be sure your yacht will enjoy a depth and breadth of service that goes further, regardless of its age or condition.

WE KNOW OYSTER INSIDE AND OUT

As part of our international service network, our team has the inside knowledge to help you, your skipper and crew with everything from friendly advice to complex engineering projects. We have many decades of experience, as well as access to the design and build files of every Oyster ever built.

A CO-ORDINATED TEAM OF EXPERTS

For technical and engineering works, servicing, and from the smallest spare part to a complete refit, you can rely on us to resolve things quickly and with no fuss. Our project managers work closely with our specialist teams of engineers, shipwrights, joiners and varnishers to ensure the highest Oyster standards are always guaranteed.

We are always on hand to advise as you prepare for your next adventure. Our skilled craftspeople and maintenance experts are second to none. Whatever the job, we have the right people on hand to help, giving you the peace of mind that your pride and joy

is in the safest, most experienced hands. So, when you collect her at the beginning of your next adventure, you know she will be in perfect condition and ready to go. And when you return, simply drop off the keys and we will take care of everything for you.

OYSTER SERVICES = PEACE OF MIND

These are the key services we can help you with. If there is anything you need that is not listed, please get in touch – we will definitely be able to help, no matter how big or small your request.

Warranty work

Routine maintenance /

Engineering / Fabrication

Hardstanding / Winter storage

Annual Haul-out / Antifouling

Painting / Varnishing

Guardianage

Full Refit / Project Management

Technical support

New boat sales

Brokerage sales

Charter services

Crew recruitment

CONFIDENCE COMES AS STANDARD

We go over and above to exceed your expectations to make Oyster ownership a unique experience. The combination of design, craftsmanship and service that goes the extra mile will give you complete confidence in your yacht and your decision to join our family.

To find out more, please get in touch at service@oysteryachts.com

I simply cannot thank or recommend the Oyster Service Palma team more, they have always provided superior service and expertise in all areas.

CAPTAIN, OYSTER 625/17 MELLIVORA

A continuing commitment to you and your yacht.

Choosing the perfect crew for your Oyster isn’t always easy. That’s why owners come to Oyster for help. We have built our reputation by sourcing suitable candidates, taking care of the smallest detail and ultimately creating rewarding experiences for owners and crews, with vital support every step of the way.

We used Oyster Crew in preparing and undertaking the Oyster World Rally. The team set out with a good understanding of what we were looking for and was able to screen and present five excellent candidate teams. We have been extremely happy with the new crew and would recommend Oyster Crew highly.

OWNER, OYSTER 885/03 SERAFINA OF LONDON

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

Many of our team have worked as Oyster Crew themselves. Through personal experience, we know to listen carefully to both your requirements and the crew’s and use our knowledge to find the best match. Our objective is to get it right first time, so you can get on and enjoy your sailing adventures with complete peace of mind.

THE CREW SERVICE

We have developed a reliable and consistent approach to finding and engaging Captains and crew teams to suit different itineraries. We review and filter candidate applications, interview them, check their references and qualifications. Only then will we send you the most suitable candidates to consider. We recommend a trial period of three months for your crew. Experience shows the ultimate test for you and your crew is when you get on board

together. Rest assured, we will take care of any challenges quickly and make alternative arrangements if required.

CONSTANT COMMUNICATION

Our crews are an important part of the Oyster family too and we like to keep the conversation open to ensure everyone remains happy. Every two years, we conduct an exclusive Oyster Crew Salary Survey which brings owners and crews up-to-speed with the current earnings of crews on board Oyster yachts. This has proved invaluable for all parties during salary negotiations and pay reviews.

CREW TYPES

We know there is the right crew out there for every owner and yacht. Whether you need an experienced Captain and Chef couple for chartering in the Caribbean, an easy-going solo Engineer for an owner/Skipper, or an all-rounder Deckhand/Cook for a world cruising itinerary, we will find the crew to fit. We have even sourced experienced school teachers who are also qualified Yachtmasters to help with kids’ on-board schooling, or sailor/diving instructors to work with a family of keen divers. It takes a little patience and time but we will make it happen – that’s what we do best.

To find out more about how we can help you find your next crew, please contact Charlie Durham at crew@oysteryachts.com or call +34 619 147 056

You get a thoroughly vetted individual with an appreciation of the value of the boat they’re joining and of what it means to you.

OWNER, OYSTER 625/18 NIKITOO

The effortless way to find the perfect Oyster crew.

OYSTER PARTNERS

More than the sum of their parts, every aspect of our exceptional cruising yachts is carefully considered by our designers and engineers. We set the benchmark for our partners’ products, ensuring they are capable of meeting the owner’s needs and Oyster’s exceptional standards of build quality. Together we make the world’s finest bluewater sailing yachts.

Our yachts are the result of years of experience and deep collaboration with partners who share our obsession with building the highest-quality sailing yachts.

GET IN TOUCH

ENQUIRIES

Oyster Yachts

New Yacht Sales Enquiries

T: +44 (0)1473 851436

E: sales@oysteryachts.com

General Enquiries

T: +44 (0)23 8083 1000

E: enquiries@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER SALES

UK & Ireland

Richard Gibson

T: +44 (0)7590 183240

E: richard.gibson@oysteryachts.com

Americas

Dan Wurzbacher

T: +1 401 924 3434

E: dan.wurzbacher@oysteryachts.com

Rest of World

Stephen Parkinson

T: +44 (0)7525 224990

E: stephen.parkinson@oysteryachts.com

BROKERAGE

UK T: +44 (0)1473 851430

Palma T: +34 677 429 116

USA T: +1 401 846 7400

E: brokerage@oysteryachts.com

W: oysterbrokerage.com

CHARTER

Fiona McCarthy

T: +34 971 287474

E: charter@oysteryachts.com

W: oystercharter.com

AFTER SALES

Dee Addy

T: +44 (0)23 8083 1005

E: aftersales@oysteryachts.com

SERVICE CENTRE

Oyster Yachts UK

T: +44 (0)1473 851430

Oyster Yachts / Newport RI

Will White

T: +1 401 225 3958

E: will.white@oysteryachts.com

Oyster Yachts / Palma

Mark Durham

T: +34 971 287 474

E: mark.durham@oysteryachts.com

CREW

Charlie Durham

T: +34 619 147 056

E: crew@oysteryachts.com

EVENTS

Millie Bolingbroke

T: +44 (0)1473 851430

E: events@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER WORLD RALLY

Allie Smith

T: +44 (0)7741 665112

E: worldrally@oysteryachts.com

ONLINE

Website: www.oysteryachts.com

Instagram: @oysteryachts

Facebook: @oysteryachts

YouTube: /oysteryachts

Twitter: @oyster_yachts

LinkedIn: @oysteryachts

Pinterest: @oyster_yachts

NEWPORT RI

Oyster New Yacht Sales Oyster Brokerage Oyster Charter Oyster Service Centre

WROXHAM

HYTHE

IPSWICH Oyster New Yacht Sales

Oyster Brokerage Oyster Service Centre

SOUTHAMPTON

Oyster New Yacht Sales

Oyster Service Centre

PALMA Oyster Brokerage

Oyster Charter Oyster Service Centre

Oyster

AUSTRALIA

Sales Rest of World

GO ANYWHERE

Explore places other yachts simply cannot reach on the Oyster 745CB centreboard variant, featuring a remarkable shallow-draft of 1.98m/6’6”. Discover Oyster’s range of 50 to 90 foot shallow-draft bluewater cruisers.

OYSTER YACHTS. THE WORLD IS YOURS.