Oyster Life | Summer 2022 | Issue 84

ISSUE 84 SUMMER 2022 THE OYS TER 495 REVIEWED

TOP TOYS FOR YOUR OYS TER

THE PERFECT B L U E WAT E R C R U I S E R

WORKING FROM HOME (ON BOARD AN OYS TER)

Matthew Sheahan gives the new 495 a run for her money on an extended passage. Read his verdict on our latest model.

It’s time for fun, fun, fun in the sun! Explore our favourite toys to have onboard your Oyster this summer.

Discover what makes the ideal yacht for cruising adventures and long-distance ocean passage-making.

Meet our owners who have made the switch from land to sea, making their Oyster the home-from-home office.

EDITOR James Parsons CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Matthew Sheahan, Elaine Bunting, Sue Pelling and Ed Prichard FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the second of our bi-annual issue of Oyster Life.

At the start of the year, we committed to moving Oyster Life back to two issues a year and we’ve delivered! You won’t be disappointed.

This issue is packed with lots of interesting content, from owners’ stories and new launches, through to the best toys for your Oyster and a comprehensive update on everything ‘Oyster’ – and there’s lots more. We hope you enjoy!

As always, we would be delighted to hear from you with those magical Oyster adventure stories or feature ideas. Producing two publications a year comes with the challenge of finding great stories and subjects to share – that’s where you come in!

If you have a story to tell or insights to share about ownership or adventure on your Oyster, or just a topical subject, please get in touch with me at james.parsons@oysteryachts.com.

Oyster Life is produced and published by Oyster Yachts Limited, designed by Both Associates - www.bothassociates.com. The publication is for promotional purposes only, privately circulated and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Views, details and information herein is not necessarily endorsed by the Publisher who will not be held responsible for the consequences of any error or omission.

Please note pictures and illustrations are liable to show non-standard equipment.

CONTENTS 3 NEWS ROUNDUP Catch up on all the latest stories from Oyster including the launch of the Oyster 885GT; the return of the Oyster Palma Regatta; an emphatic victory in the Round The Island Race; and much more.

4 A VERY BIG ADVENTURE 25 Oyster owners share the memories they have made as they reach the halfway point of the Oyster World Rally 2022-23. Share in the thrills and stories of adventure on this once in a lifetime voyage.

1 2 O Y S T E R W O R L D R A L LY 2 0 2 6 - 2 0 2 7 Inspired to circumnavigate the world on your Oyster?

Sign up today and become an Oyster circumnavigator on this voyage of a lifetime.

13 UPCOMING EVENTS Join us at one of the many exciting events we will host and attend over the coming months, including the 495 World Premiere Tour, summer boat shows and the Oyster Palma Regatta.

2 8 T H E OYST E R 4 9 5 Matthew Sheahan gives the new 495 a run for her money on an extended passage out to the Channel Islands. Read on to discover his verdict on our 50 foot bluewater benchmark.

66 NEW L AUNCHES Meet some of our latest additions to the Oyster family: four new owners and their project managers tell the story behind these exceptional new yachts.

7 2 T H E G O - A N Y W H E R E YA C H T Discover the Oyster 745 now available with a super shallow-draft centreboard keel.

14 OWNER’S STORY – OYST E R 575/25 JA N US From buying an Oyster 575 to the purchase of an entire SailGP racing team, Fred and Chantal Pye share their Oyster experience in their fast-moving world.

20 CRUISING GUIDE – CARIBBEAN Sail the dream – get the inside track from one of our charter skipper’s lifetime of Caribbean adventures as he shares his must-visit locations, the go-to islands and recommendations for the best places to eat, drink and soak up the Caribbean culture.

24 TO P TOYS FO R YO U R OYST E R It’s time for fun, fun, fun in the sun! Explore our favourite toys for your Oyster this summer from sea scooters, an inflatable canoe to electric bicycles!

26 OYST E R C O M M A N D Discover how Oyster is seamlessly weaving innovative technology into our next-generation yachts with proprietary systems like the new Oyster Command™.

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3 6 T H E P E R F E C T B L U E WAT E R CRUISER Elaine Bunting investigates what makes the ideal yacht for cruising adventures and long-distance ocean passage-making.

42 OWNER’S STORY – OYS T E R 5 6 5/0 6 B RUA DA R AC H

7 3 T H E OYST E R F L E E T Life-changing, globe-conquering, award-winning adventure machines. The Oyster Fleet is made up of the world’s finest bluewater sailing yachts. Discover which model is right for you.

8 8 O Y S T E R YA C H T C H A R T E R Fancy sailing the dream? Start here with our listings of Oysters to charter, from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and beyond.

Life-long sailors Colin and Sue Mitchell met racing dinghies. Now, as proud owners of an Oyster 565, they are immersing themselves in sailing adventures from Scotland to the Caribbean.

9 0 OYST E R B RO K E R AG E Our exceptional standards of craftsmanship and quality mean pre-owned Oysters are in high demand.

Find yours with Oyster Brokerage, the go-to expert for buyers and sellers.

50 WORKING FROM HOME (O N BOA R D A N OYST E R ) The pandemic changed working habits forever. Meet our owners who have made the switch from land to sea and made their Oyster their home-from-home office while sailing the world’s oceans.

92 OYST E R A F T E R SA L E S Described by one owner as “the best After Sales service unit in the yachting world”, discover how our team looks after our owners and their yachts, wherever they are in the world.

56 Q&A – THE ART OF COMMISSIONING Meet George Newman, Oyster Yachts Commissioning Manager, whose extensive experience helps him in the vitally important and meticulously detailed business of commissioning our yachts.

6 0 C H A N G I N G TA C K Sailing yacht vs motorboat has been a hotly debated topic for many years, but with the environmental impact of yachting now better understood, we thought it was time to investigate further.

9 3 OYST E R S E RV I C E With service centres in the UK, the Mediterranean and the US, you have the reassurance your Oyster is in the most experienced and knowledgeable hands.

9 4 OYST E R C R E W Whether you are looking for a Captain and Chef couple, a solo engineer or anyone in between, Oyster Crew services take the hassle out of finding your perfect crew.

9 6 C O N TA C T U S Get in touch with us easily, wherever you are around the world.

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R I C H A R D H A D I D A’ S S U M M E R U P D AT E Dear friends, I hope you’re well and enjoying some exciting sailing adventures this summer.

We kicked off the summer with a class win for the new Oyster 495 at the Isle of Wight ‘Round the Island Race’, along with a second overall! She is a class act and she proved her performance credentials against a fleet of thoroughbred racing yachts.

Many of you will have seen the 495 on her World Premiere tour or in the press. She is a truly new generation Oyster – effortless to sail, fast (really fast!), luxurious and technologically advanced. With 16 already sold, I’m sure she will win more fans on her summer Mediterranean tour.

The 495 embodies our continued investment in the business, with new and improved facilities, and our commitment to marrying technology with traditional crafts skills and exceptional people – a 600-strong team is now onboard!

Our build bays are full and demand for new yachts continues. Brokerage yachts are also in high demand and the entire charter fleet is booked for the summer, with many people sailing Oysters for the first time – you may even be reading this on one of them!

We have two exciting new additions to the fleet: the Oyster 745 is now available with a super shallow-draft centreboard keel, featuring a reduced draft of 1.98m/ 6’6” – see page 72 for more information and the much anticipated and extremely impressive Oyster 885GT is now on the water and with our commissioning team – watch out for more on this boat.

After a two-year pause, the Oyster Palma Regatta is back on. Join us from 27th to 30th September, for what looks set to be a very special Regatta, the perfect excuse to meet up with old friends and new ones.

If you haven’t experienced the new generation Oyster yachts yet, you can see them at shows in Sydney, Cannes, Southampton and Genoa. Or at our Private Views in Barcelona and Palma – details on the website.

Enjoy your summer and I hope to see you at an event or on the water very soon.

Fair winds.

RICHARD HADIDA CEO AND OWNER OY S T ER YA C H T S

Our build bays are full and demand for new yachts continues. Brokerage yachts are in high demand and the entire charter fleet is booked for summer, with many experiencing Oyster for the first time.

RICHARD HADIDA

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NEWS ROUNDUP The Oyster 495 World Premiere Tour continues Following her well-received debut at the London Luxury Afloat show, the new 495 set sail on her World Premiere tour to visit 12 cities. After her warm welcome on the Nordic leg, she has made her way down to the Mediterranean, where you can catch up with her in Barcelona, Cannes, Genoa or Palma.

T H E O Y S T E R PA L M A R E G AT TA 2 0 2 2

OYS T E R 8 8 5 GT – A N OYS T E R M I L E S TO N E The new Oyster 885GT embodies the styling, technology and luxury of our much-loved and extremely successful Oyster 885. The GT is a new concept for Oyster, building on the performance aspect – we’ve reduced weight, optimised the sail plan, enhanced the specification with T-keel, upgraded kit and fitted a taller mast and carbon rigging. The 885GT is now in the water, with Oyster commissioning for performance trials.

OYST E R 4 9 5 TRIUMPHS Against stiff competition, Oyster 495/01 Carpe Diem won her class (ISC4) in the 91st edition of the Round the Island Race. She also came in second overall out of 478 entries in ISC. This was an impressive result for the 495 in her first competitive outing against thoroughbred racing yachts including Swan, Solaris and X-Yachts.

OYS T E R WO R L D R A L LY 2 0 2 6 - 2 7 The Oyster World Rally continues to inspire owners to take up the challenge of circumnavigation. The current rally is halfway through its epic voyage and the 2024-25 event is fully subscribed. Following the huge demand for places, we’ve launched the Oyster World Rally 2026-27. If you are ready for the adventure of a lifetime, visit our website to register your interest.

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We have been away for two years but we’re delighted that the Oyster Palma Regatta is back with a bang. The programme is the perfect balance of sailing and fun, with a series of bay and coastal races and our legendary social events. The event is close to capacity, so don’t miss out, enter now to avoid disappointment.

The goanywhere Oyster 745 The Oyster 745 is now available with a centreboard keel. This opens up your options with the ability to explore super shallow-draft cruising grounds you never believed you could experience safely. The retractable centreboard reduces draft from 3.10m/10’2” to a remarkable 1.98m/6’6”, which means you can anchor pretty much anywhere you choose, with complete confidence. Find out more about this new option on page 72.

Hythe fully operational The historic flying boat building, all 7000m2 is now fully functioning. Over the last 12 months, the operation which began with the production of the 495 has been transformed and is now fully operational, moulding the 885 and building the 495, and 675, with joinery, moulding and entire fit-out now performed on-site.

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O Y S T E R W O R L D R A L LY U P D A T E J A N U A RY – M AY 2 0 2 2

A VERY BIG ADVENTURE D I S T A N C E : 2 7, 0 0 0 N M L O C AT I O N S : 2 5 S T O P O V E R S F L E E T: 2 5 OYS T E RS D U R AT I O N : 1 6 M O N T H S

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On Sunday 9th January at 13:00hrs, His Excellency the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, fired the starting cannon for the Oyster World Rally from Fort Charlotte. 25 Oyster yachts crossed the starting line, leaving Oyster’s spiritual home at Nelson’s Dockyard, as they headed off on an epic adventure that will take them through three oceans and the experience of a lifetime.

The fleet gathered in Antigua from the end of November, with some yachts making their own way to Nelson’s Dockyard, while others sailed with the ARC across the Atlantic. Over the following weeks, each owner and their crew made their final preparations.

As well as provisioning their yachts and ensuring the smallest details were taken care of, owners and crew took part in final training sessions and spent time with the Oyster technical support team to make sure they were ready for the big day.

All the owners and crews taking part spent many months preparing for this big moment – from commissioning their brand new Oyster or choosing a Brokerage Oyster, to in-depth training on navigation and weather; from honing their sailing skills, to learning how to provision their yachts properly for the long passages between stopovers.

Each Oyster bluewater yacht is designed to be a true live-aboard adventure machine, built with meticulous attention to detail to take owners on this epic adventure effortlessly, in safety, comfort and luxury. The Rally is unique as it is the only fully supported circumnavigation event, with Oyster’s expert Rally support team meeting the fleet at major destinations. They assist with everything from managing berthing, supervising repairs, sharing their experience and technical expertise, along with an in-depth knowledge of the must-see places to visit.

By the time the starting cannon’s roar echoed across Freeman’s Bay, everyone was raring to go. Trevor and Judy Hill, owners of Oyster 725/01 Intrepid, summed up how everyone felt shortly before the start: “We feel ready, not panicked, just excited!

There are so many highlights on this trip ahead of us, but it’s the prospect of the adventure we’re most looking forward to."

LEF T: T H E C R YS TA L C L E A R W AT E R S O F T H E S A N BLAS ISLANDS

BELOW TOP: THE STUNNING SKYLINE O F C A RTA G E N A , COLOMBIA.

SAN BLAS ISALNDS GUNA YA L A

PA N A M A

ABOVE: F U N T I M E S PA D D L E BOARDING IN THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS.

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ANTIGUA

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

GUADELOUPE

ABOVE: HIKING IN ANTIGUA WITH B R E AT H -TA K I N G V I E W S .

ABOVE RIGHT: A WARM WELCOME FROM THE LOCALS IN THE SAN BLAS ISLANDS OF PA N A M A .

LEF T: OYSTER OWNERS EXPLORING THE IDYLLIC SAN BLAS ISLANDS.

ST LUCIA CURAÇAO ARUBA BONAIRE BEQUIA GRENADA

A N T I G U A T O T H E PA N A M A C A N A L The fleet left Antigua for their next major stopover, Panama City, but it wasn't a case of the whole pack following the same trajectory - in fact, the fleet took three routes across the Caribbean. The first pack headed north via the British Virgin Islands, with boats bolstered along the way by the north-easterly trade winds. The second group took a southerly route through the Caribbean islands including Guadeloupe, St Lucia and Grenada.

The third went south-west through the Leeward Antilles, also known as the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao). The whole fleet stopped at the San Blas Islands close to Panama, before meeting up to prepare for the Panama Canal transit.

A group of yachts headed for Bonaire, including Intrepid, Seabird, Akoya, Nikaia and Irish Blessing. Judy Hill, onboard Intrepid, recalls “It was fun because we were always in sight of each other, so that was a special way to get started.” The passage proved to be quite full-on for the crew of Irish Blessing – “We arrived in Bonaire after a three-day passage and learned a lot about sailing and each other. I (John) am now considered the squall king! It’s best if you can get your sails reduced in two minutes. After three squalls, Cullen and I now have it down to a pattern. Thank God!” IS SUE

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Bonaire is a small (20 x 5 miles) Dutch island, located 50 miles north of Venezuela. The owners and crews enjoyed some amazing diving in the protected seas around these islands. There are more than 85 dive sites to explore, with a mix of wreck and reef dives.

It is also heaven for kite surfers – five of the world’s top ten hail from the island.

Irene IV took the southern route and enjoyed some snorkelling on stunning coral reefs around the island of Bequia, where they enjoyed a warm welcome. A local, Alvin, came out on his boat to see if they wanted any banana bread and invited the crew to a beach barbeque with his family. Everyone was blown away by their warmth and generosity, no doubt the first of many encounters with strangers whose kindness will be a highlight of the Oyster World Rally.

All the fleet called in at the WW islands (also known as Guna Yala).

It is a group of 365 islands along Panama’s southern Caribbean coast, home to the Kuna Indians. Many of these stunning, white sand islands, filled with coconut palms, are uninhabited – “your quintessential Gilligan’s Island…” as one owner described it.

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PA N A M A C A N A L T R A N S I T In mid-February, the fleet reconvened in Shelter Bay Marina at the top of the Panama Canal to prepare for their transit. There was plenty to keep them busy, with lots of formalities and planning to be completed by the Oyster World Rally support team. Taking a break from the preparations, the fleet enjoyed plenty of activities planned by the Rally Support team, including cigar and rum tastings and an unforgettable party at Fort San Lorenzo – made famous by pirate Captain Morgan, who passed through on his way to relieve the Spanish of their gold in Panama City in 1671.

Approaching the Panama Canal from the Atlantic, boats are taken through a series of locks to Lake Gatan, where they stay overnight before continuing through towards the Pacific. To exit the canal, there is another series of locks (the Miraflores locks) that step down over sixteen metres into the Pacific. Apart from a short delay caused by gale force winds, the fleet transited in two groups without problem, with the help of canal pilots who know the waters intimately. Irene IV’s pilot, Caroline, was one of just four female pilots in a pool of 300.

The yachts were secured together in nests of three boats to pass through the locks safely. Arriving in Lake Gatun, the yachts moored for the night, before sailing in convoy through the lake and being guided through to the next stage of the canal by the pilots. The canal is very busy, with huge container ships, tankers and cruise ships sharing the waterway.

The diminutive size of the Oyster yachts was brought into perspective when the ‘Irish nest’ (made up of Irish Blessing, Irene IV and Ruth II) found itself in the Miraflores locks parallel to a cruise ship. Looking at the pictures, the cruise ship looks like a floating block of flats, dwarfing the three yachts.

For Louis Goor, owner of Irene IV, the icing on the cake was an announcement over the tannoy as the fleet left the last Miraflores lock and headed under the iconic Bridge of the Americas: “Welcome to the Pacific Ocean Oyster World Rally Fleet.” Harald Findlay, owner of Serendipity, came through the Canal feeling encouraged by the Oyster World Rally experience so far: “Splashing into the Pacific gave us the sense that maybe we’d be able to pull this voyage off – and that turning back to enjoy a 2022 vineyard summer was not an option!”.

Everyone agreed the Panama transit was a big tick on the bucketlist. All were impressed by the incredibly well-organised operation, the professionalism of the pilots and the breath-taking scenery.

The owners and crew were also hugely appreciative of the Oyster team’s support. The team began organising the logistics and paperwork associated with the transit back in early 2020, when they booked the fleet transit window and began completing the lengthy paperwork required for each vessel's transit.

After an invigorating break exploring Panama City and the Las Perlas islands, the fleet set sail into the Pacific on their next leg to the Galápagos.

BELOW: THE OYSTER FLEE T IN NESTS OF THREE CROSSING THE PA N A M A C A N A L .

RIGHT: OYSTER 725-01 INTREPID E N J OY I N G T H E PA N A M A CANAL EXPERIENCE. BELOW: OYSTER 675/04 SE ABIRD AND OYSTER 725/01 INTREPID RELISHING THE G A L Á PA G O S I S L A N D S .

LEF T: PETER BRINGS OVER THREE DECADES OF B O AT M A N U FA C T U R I N G E X P E R I E N C E TO OYST E R.

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LEF T: PETER BRINGS OVER THREE DECADES OF B O AT M A N U FA C T U R I N G E X P E R I E N C E TO OYST E R.

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LEF T: T H E G A L Á PA G O S A R E A MARVEL OF GEOLOGICAL ACTIVIT Y WHICH LIE SIX HUNDRED MILES OFF THE COAST OF ECUADOR.

TOP RIGHT: T H E G A L Á PA G O S G I A N T TO RTO I S E , O N E O F T H E M O ST FA M O U S A N I M A L S OF THE ISLANDS. ABOVE RIGHT: T H E G A L Á PA G O S FUR SE AL ENJOYING THE COMFORTS OF AN OYSTER.

G A L Á PA G O S ISALNDS

T H E G A L Á PA G O S I S L A N D S The route to San Cristóbal took the fleet across the equator, which was celebrated in traditional seafaring style. For those crossing for the first time, it is traditional to pay homage to King Neptune with a ceremony that transforms you from a Pollywog to a Shellback. The crew of Irene IV describe a typical experience: “The ceremonies invariably include costumes, a good wetting and eating somewhat unsavoury food items…King Neptune, Queen Amphitrite, Neptune’s Herald, Davy Jones, a doctor, an astronomer, and a barber all made an appearance aboard Irene IV!” Infinity chose a slightly more civilised approach, celebrating with a nice meal and a bottle of wine, but of course Neptune was given his share in return for a safe passage for the remainder of their adventure.

At the end of February, the fleet began arriving in the Galápagos, where they were welcomed by the local sea lions, whose sole purpose in life seems to be lounging on any available surface – from yacht transoms to swim decks, even in tenders! As well as the sea lions, each yacht was visited by eleven Ecuadorian inspectors – from immigration and customs to doctors and nurses. Each boat must be fumigated and the bottom cleaned in Panama, then inspected before they are allowed into Galápagos.

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Once there, the fleet enjoyed exploring this iconic destination.

The islands sit at the northern end of the Humboldt current, a flow of cold water from Antarctica that is full of nutrients that feed the huge variety of sea life. The current dictates the weather, which in turn makes the climate perfect for the distinctive species that populate the islands – including giant land turtles, finches, flightless cormorants, along with the Galápagos lava lizards and marine iguanas.

The fleet filled their days with hikes up volcanoes, diving and snorkelling. Evenings were spent cementing new friendships in the many bars and restaurants to be found on the main island, Santa Cruz. Many took off on day trips, while others explored off the beaten track, with local guides showing them special places away from the tourist trails. Highlights included diving at Kicker Rock, meeting the giant tortoises, taking in the lava rocks at Sullivan Bay and meeting some curious penguins.

After a few weeks taking in the Galápagos, the fleet gradually set sail on the next leg of their journey - the longest ocean passage of the Oyster World Rally to the Marquesas Islands.

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C R O S S I N G T H E PA C I F I C T O T H E M A R Q U E S A S The passage from the Galápagos to the Marquesas covers 3000nm of the Pacific Ocean and takes around three weeks. The Marquesas Islands are 1,300km northeast of Tahiti and 3,000km west of Mexico, making them one of the remotest destinations in the world.

The fleet had plenty of time to contemplate life, the universe and everything else on their passage. In his blog, Intrepid's Trevor Hill mused on the immensity of the ocean: “…to sail across the Pacific, when day after day, week after week, you see more of the same blue ocean that seems as if it will go on forever, you gain a different awareness of how big it is. I found myself comparing our journey to that of Magellan and the early explorers who were going at half our speed and unsure of what awaited them; or imagining how in the future travelling to Mars will be a similar experience…”.

Irish Blessing summed up their crossing in statistics: “3,150 nautical miles from Galápagos to the Marquesas (3600 miles).

300 gallons of fuel, 1,800 gallons of water made (onboard desalinator), 270 individual meals prepared. Only two bags of garbage (all food waste overboard), all plastic cans, bottles etc washed and dried to eliminate odours. Five fish caught (one blue marlin released and four tunas consumed). Ten books read.

Movies watched, too numerous to list. 128 flying fish and 16 squid cleaned off deck on morning inspection. Each crew member stood watch three and a half days at two hours a shift…”

Despite the vastness of the ocean, they were not alone – everyone was treated to visits by pilot whales and schools of dolphins. On the human front, Louis Goor of Irene IV led the daily SSB Radio Net for the fleet, at 09:00 and 18:00hrs. His unique humour kept everyone entertained and informed, the calls were eagerly anticipated as a chance for a little human contact on the long passage.

T H I S PA G E : STUNNING SIGHTS, SCENERY AND SURROUNDINGS IN F R E N C H P O LY N E S I A .

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T H I S PA G E : OYS T E R 7 2 / 1 2 A L ATO B E AT A N C H O R I N T H E MARQUESAS ISLANDS, A GROUP OF VOLCANIC ISLANDS IN FRENCH P O LY N E S I A .

A WA R M W E LC O M E I N N U K A H I VA By mid-April, the whole fleet had arrived in Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the Marquesas, where they spent a couple of weeks exploring before heading south to the Tuamotus Islands.

Spending time on dry land was very welcome after so many weeks at sea. The Oyster French Polynesia agent organised a fresh food delivery for the fleet to help them provision for the next leg of their trip. Getting a goodie bag of fresh fruit and veg in such a remote place was a real treat.

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The Marquesan people laid on a whole day of festivities and entertainment to welcome the fleet. Everyone was invited to try local handicrafts, ride horses along the beach and perform a Haka. This was followed by a traditional feast and a welcome speech given by the mayor. In the evening, local dance groups and musicians kept everyone entertained into the early hours.

The fleet spent time exploring the lush forests and volcanic peaks of the Marquesas, but soon it was time to prepare to sail south to the Tuamotus and then on to Tahiti and Bora Bora… Look out for the next instalment of this epic voyage in the next issue of Oyster Life.

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JOIN THE OYST E R WO R L D R A L LY I N 2 0 2 6 - 2 7 With the 2024-25 Rally fully subscribed, the next opportunity is the Oyster World Rally 2026-27.

With so much to see and do on a circumnavigation - not to mention the incredible sailing - the 16 months are truly memorable, as this year's fleet is discovering. Six months into the Rally and many boats are already planning return trips to explore their favourite stopovers in the future.

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If you would like to find out more and register your interest for the Oyster World Rally 2026-27, visit our website.

We look forward to welcoming you to the start line in Antigua, in January 2026!

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UPCOMING EVENTS 2022 6th - 11th September - Cannes Yachting Festival/ Cannes 495 World Premiere 15th - 18th September - Newport Brokerage Show 16th - 25th September - Southampton Boat Show 22nd - 27th September - Genoa 495 World Premiere 27th - 30th September - Oyster Palma Regatta 7th - 9th October – Palma 495 World Premiere 13th - 17th October - United States Sailboat Show, Annapolis 21st October - Oyster Owners Trafalgar Dinner, London 14th - 20th November - ARC Start 2023 21st - 29th January – Boot Düsseldorf 15th - 19th February – Miami International Boat Show April - Oyster World Rally 2022-23 finish 5th - 8th April - Oyster Antigua Regatta

T H I S PA G E : SUNSE T SAILING AS OYSTER 66/12 ARCHAEOPTERYX C O M P L E T E S T H E I R PA C I F I C CROS SING ON THE OYSTER W O R L D R A L LY 2 0 2 2 - 2 3 .

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OWNER’S STORY

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Nothing about Fred and Chantal Pye’s story is straightforward.

Be it the way in which they discovered and bought their Oyster 575/25 Janus, or the background to what started as a second boat and ended with the purchase of an entire grand prix racing team. The Pye’s world is a fast moving one that is taking them to both ends of the sport while laying the foundations for an exciting new future for Canadian sailing. At the heart of the Pye’s world is their Oyster.

F R E D A N D C H A N TA L P Y E OYSTER 575/25 JANUS

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OWNER’S STORY

L

ike many owners, spending considerable amounts of time travelling for work goes with the territory and Fred Pye speaks for many when he admits that when it comes to relaxing, hotel-based holidays are not for him.

Instead, boats have always been the answer.

But even this is not quite as straightforward as it may seem. His self-confessed appetite and clear enthusiasm for taking with him his work in the fast-moving world of digital currencies when he is cruising aboard Oyster 575/25 Janus, places him at odds with those who head to sea to get away from the pressures ashore.

“Our attitude to life and to work has changed, as I am sure it has for many people. To take this approach a stage further and onto their boats, I believe that with the right set up, there is no need to feel that there’s any difference between being on board or being in your living room. We’ve not yet had an issue where we could not be electronically connected.

Even in the middle of the Atlantic, we had our satellite and were emailing, uploading, downloading emails every day. So, we were always in contact, and it was easy.”

Our attitude to life and to work has changed… to take this approach a stage further and onto their boats, I believe that with the right set up, there is no need to feel that there’s any difference between being on board or being in your living room.

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red Pye has been sailing all his life.

Born in Vancouver to a French/ Canadian mother and a British father, he was raised in Montreal. He started sailing at five years old with his father and smiles as he recounts the annual winter task of sanding and varnishing their Flying Junior dinghy.

At eight, he entered his first club championship, winning a few races and finishing third overall. After that, it was onto 420s and a diet of youth and national championships before graduating into the Shark and his first world championship event. From there the obsession with racing only grew.

LEF T: COOLING OFF THE HORSES IN MENORCA A F T E R A F U N G A L LO P TO THE BEACH.

TOP: C H A N TA L A N D F R E D AT SUNSET CROSSING THE AT L A N T I C .

ABOVE: FA M I LY T I M E TA K I N G TURNS ON THE HELM, C R U I S I N G AT 2 0 K N OT S I N THE BALEARIC ISLANDS.

“During COVID, staying at home and working in a home office environment was new for me and at 62 years old I now can’t imagine commuting 30 minutes to go to an office downtown ever again,” he said.

Fred is clearly happy to mix business with pleasure and while the pandemic has accelerated that thinking, he admits that the change of working practice has been easier than he thought.

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ABOVE: EXPLORING THE IBIZ A S H O R E L I N E B Y D I N G H Y, HIKING UP AND THEN TA K I N G A D E E P B R E AT H BEFORE CLIFF DIVING.

In the Pyes’ world there is clearly lots to do, see and accomplish and Fred’s in a hurry.

But the Canadian couple have another reason to live life to the max.

Do you wait until you’re 52 or 62 or 72 before you start living your dream? I don’t think anybody should be delaying.

“I’ve had health issues my entire life,” he said. “I had a triple bypass on my 43rd birthday, I had a stroke a year after, I’m deaf in one ear and then two and a half years ago, I survived prostate cancer. So, when you’re living on borrowed time, those dreams to sail around the world, or sail across the Atlantic cannot be postponed.

And even if health isn’t the issue, do you wait until you’re 52 or 62 or 72 before you start living your dream? I don’t think anybody should be delaying.”

“In the 1980s we were sailing the then newly designed J24, and we went to the 1986 World Championships in Newport, Rhode Island. Qualifying for the J24 Worlds was not easy, you had to win multiple national championships and provincial championships just to get there.” His sailing trajectory continued a familiar path through the boats of the day until, in his words, ‘Life took over and the racing stopped.’

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“I used to travel an awful lot, like I do now, I guess. The result is that I’ve never been interested in taking a vacation in a hotel and have always chartered instead,” he continued.

“We’ve chartered all over the world, for the last 30 years or so. We got comfortable with 40 or 50 footers as we knew we could handle boats of this size and I think that was what led us to the Oyster 575, knowing that it could be handled by Chantal and myself.”

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ut, while many will identify with a pattern of behaviour that starts with charter holidays and ends up with the need/desire to buy a boat, the Pyes’ route to ownership wasn’t conventional.

I’ve been in love with Oysters for 20 years. I’ve always thought they were the prettiest boats.

The new designs are even more spectacular.

“I’ve been in love with Oysters for 20 years. I’ve always thought they were the prettiest boats. The new designs are even more spectacular. We discussed buying an Oyster around ten or fifteen years ago but that didn’t pan out. But during the pandemic, we were reading about the Oyster World Rally. To sail around the world has always been a dream of mine, but of course you need to have an Oyster to take part.

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“I knew my brother-in-law’s boss, Domenic Pilla, had an Oyster 575 and that he had just upgraded to a 745 so I called Dominic and asked whether I could buy his 575.

He told me that he had already sold it but that he was sitting on board his new boat in the UK and a 575 had pulled up alongside them.

The two crews got talking and had dinner together, during which time the owner of the 575 said his boat was up for sale and had asked whether Dominic knew anyone who might be interested. I didn’t hesitate to get in touch.

“Meanwhile, we had also met Alan and Sarah Harmer, who were long term Oyster employees, in fact Alan was the project manager for Janus. So, Alan became our project manager and gave us the confidence to buy the boat without seeing it. From there, we signed the deal in April 2021 and flew to Falmouth in the UK in May to start our journey.”

Although she too grew up in Montreal, Chantal’s background is different to Fred’s and having Alan and Sarah Harmer on board provided the opportunity to learn and build confidence in handling the boat.

“My parents had a motorboat, so I was exposed to being on the water as a child and I loved it,” said Chantal. “And while I have been a good, competent crew for Fred, it was really nice to have Alan and Sarah on board with us for the first five weeks.

“When we took delivery of Janus, we had to wait for the weather window to cross the Bay of Biscay which gave us a chance to sail the south coast of England. Fred’s grandparents were from Torquay, so we did a bit of an ancestry trip there. Having to wait for that weather window also gave us the time to learn about our boat in more detail.

We’ve chartered all over the world, for the last 30 years or so.

We got comfortable with 40 or 50 footers as we knew we could handle boats of this size and I think that was what led us to the Oyster 575, knowing that it could be handled by Chantal and myself.

ABOVE LEF T: J A N U S AT R E S T I N A P E A C E F U L B AY I N ST LUCIA.

ABOVE: THE PYE CHILDREN JUSTIN, DANIEL AND SIERRA SCUBA DIVING IN ST MARTIN.

“Having Alan and Sarah, to guide us through the process meant that every day we learned something new and that was such a big help. Once we arrived in the Balearic Islands, our kids came to spend the summer there with us. I still wanted to increase my learning on Janus, so I did an RYA course in Majorca, a one week intensive, which was great and I’m now working towards my Day Skipper.

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OWNER’S STORY

“But what I’ve also learned is that it’s not just about the sailing, there’s a great deal more to contribute when you look at the bigger cruising picture. For example, I research which islands to go to and what is needed when we get there, what the COVID testing issues might be, the immigration and customs requirements.

I’d love a larger Oyster, but for us it’s all about finding the right size that fits with what we want to achieve and the 575 strikes the perfect balance.

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heir next move from the Balearics to Cadiz was another example of their new-found, flexible approach.

They are also conscious that the choice of boat has played a big part in this flexible approach. “For us, the 575 and the 595 would be the biggest,” said Fred. “Not only is this a size that the two of us can handle, but the modest draft means that we can get into harbours and anchorages that wouldn’t be available to us with a bigger boat. I’d love a larger Oyster, but for us it’s all about finding the right size that fits with what we want to achieve and the 575 strikes the perfect balance.

LEF T: S I E R R A W ATC H E S T H E DOLPHINS DANCE OFF THE BOW FROM M A L LO RCA TO CA B R E R A .

BELOW: AT T H E S TA R T O F T H E I R V O YA G E I N E A R LY M AY 2021, THEY GEARED UP FOR THE COLD BRITISH W AT E R S A N D W E R E TRAINING ON THEIR NEW OYSTER.

“We headed to Cadiz for the SailGP event before moving on to Lanzarote,” continued Chantal. “Fred was still travelling for work, so from time-to-time Alan and Sarah would deliver the boat for us so that we could keep our cruising programme on the move.”

BELOW: D A N I E L TA K I N G I N THE SUNRISE BEFORE S TA R T I N G T H E TO R R E N T D E PA R R E I S H I K E I N MALLORCA.

I look into the suitability of anchorages and marinas and whether they have sufficient depth. Plus, there’s the issue of what you do when you get ashore. Our family loves sailing but some are more comfortable than others and yet they are all active from scuba diving and snorkeling to horse riding, cycling and hiking so there’s always plenty to keep me busy planning.”

“For me, the big eye opener has been the wonderful live-aboard experience. In the past we would only have vacationed for a maximum of two or three weeks aboard a boat, but this time, to spend a year on board and to clock up over 10,000 nautical miles has been a very different experience and one that we have both really taken to.

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“Once we had arrived in the Mediterranean, we spent three months in the Balearic Islands, going around every single island and exploring all the bays. Our plan was to head further east to Sardinia, Corsica and along the Italian coast. But when we got to the Balearic Islands, we fell in love with them.

Plus, Fred was also working full time so we changed our schedule so that he would be able to work during the week and then we would sail our bigger trips on the weekends.

Being able to continue to cruise and explore, while still being able to work on the boat, has been the silver lining for us.”

L I FE

The big eye opener has been the wonderful live-aboard experience.

In the past we would only have vacationed for two or three weeks aboard a boat, but to spend a year on board, has been a very different experience and one that we have both really taken to.

Talking to both and reading between the lines, it is clear that being able to adapt to changes and demands while still living the bluewater dream has taken them by surprise. At the same time, it’s built their confidence in how they may tackle changing issues during the coming seasons while maintaining their focus and participation in the Oyster World Rally.

From the Mediterranean, the next step was to cross the pond. “On 4th November, we left Lanzarote to cross the Atlantic,” continued Chantal. “It was an eighteen and a half day crossing, which was very smooth.

We could not have asked for better weather and we ended up in Tortola.”

T

oday, Janus is ashore in Grenada and will be in dry dock until November. After that, the Pyes’ plans are to take her north with a view to getting her to Bermuda and then possibly crossing over to Newport.

“We haven’t confirmed our schedule for 2023 and next summer yet,” said Fred. “But, having been in Bermuda for SailGP, I’d love to have her in Bermuda for the event next year.”

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F

or many, managing their bluewater cruiser and sailing programme would be close to a full-time job, but for Fred, cruising is just one aspect of striking a busy work/leisure balance. Early in 2022, his workload increased again as he became the owner of the Canada SailGP team. And once again, the route to this additional role came from an unexpected angle.

I believe that kids should be learning to sail on the most recent technology. So, I started doing this and I worked with an Olympic athlete, Tyler Bjorn, to watch over the boats and coach the kids.

“And one day he said to me, ‘You know, you’re doing exactly what SailGP does’. I had no idea what he meant so I went away, and I binge watched all the YouTube SailGP content and I was absolutely hooked.

“Shortly afterwards we went to the Plymouth and St Tropez events. Our negotiations finished in Cadiz, and we ended up with the Canadian SailGP team.

What I hadn’t expected was the impact that this created for Canadians in such a short time. It’s been overwhelming how appreciative people have been. But we have taken a very different approach.”

W “Philanthropy is something I am interested in, and I started giving money to a charity ‘Wind Athletes’ on behalf of a friend of mine who had passed away. The purpose of the donations was to buy foiling WASZPs to teach kids the next generation of sailing.

“The trouble is that WASZPs are quite expensive and I believe that kids should be learning to sail on the most recent technology. So, I started doing this and I worked with an Olympic athlete, Tyler Bjorn, to watch over the boats and coach the kids.

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hile many in the cruising world may have moved on and bought a bigger boat, Fred and his partners have now bought a racing team, but there was more to come.

“Not long after, a friend of mine said well, now you have two boats. I said, no, what they didn’t tell me when I bought the team, was that while you may have bought an F50 foiling cat from SailGP, now we need a foiling GC32 to practice on. Oh, and by the way, now we need a chaser boat plus one in Portugal as an instructor boat. And then, in Canada we now have eight WASZPs, so I’ve gone from one cruising boat to a full fleet of racing machines.”

S

o, be it sailing or business, onshore or offshore, Fred Pye has plenty of ideas and projects, but overall, he is driven by a need to deliver on his personal goals as much as his commercial enterprises. He hesitates to mention the deep rooted and personal motivation, but when pushed he is candid.

T H I S PA G E : AUSTRALIA AND CA N A DA G O H E A D TO HEAD IN THE FINALS IN CHICAGO. THE NEW CANADIAN TEAM, AFTER JUST TWO EVENTS IN SAILGP SEASON 3, IS IN 2ND PLACE ON THE LE ADERBOARD.

In the middle of the ocean, I wrote a list of friends that had passed away before reaching 65. These are people I don’t want to forget.

“I don’t want to sound morbid but, when we were sailing from England to the Med in the middle of the ocean, passing France, I wrote a list of the 28 friends that had passed away before reaching 65. These are people I don’t want to forget who had a great impact on my life.”

Fred Pye is in a rush and it’s easy to see why.

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CRUISING GUIDE

F R A N K F I C K E N , C A P TA I N , OYS T E R 6 2 5 L AT I T U D E Frank began sailing out of Newport, Rhode Island in the 1980’s and began his professional yachting career 30 years ago running large sailing yachts. With 25 years’ experience in the Caribbean and New England charter world, Frank knows all the quietest anchorages and hottest spots for a Caribbean sailing trip.

An insiders’ guide to the islands Frank Ficken, captain of Oyster 625 Latitude, has been cruising the Caribbean for 25 years.

Here are his suggestions for the best places to explore.

The Caribbean is far more than an island playground.

It is a series of playgrounds, each with its own character.

Some sailors spend a week at a time exploring here and there, while others spend entire lifetimes.

Frank Ficken of Oyster 625 Latitude is not quite at lifetime status yet, but after 25 years cruising from the Virgin Islands in the northern Caribbean to the Grenadines down south, he has learned a thing or two about the best destinations and experiences.

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THE VIRGIN ISLANDS The two most popular parts of the Virgin Islands for cruisers are the U.S. Virgins and British Virgins. “The general concept of the Virgin Islands is that God wanted to sit down and create a place where people could sail and have a great, protected harbour available to them no matter which direction the wind and waves are coming from,” Ficken says.

“On any given day, you can decide whether you want to anchor in a hot spot and go to the beach and drink, or cruise five miles to another harbour where you’re one of maybe three boats in a quiet cove.”

One of the best things about sailing in the British Virgins is that the islands are close together, making for easier navigation.

There are numerous ports of entry and exit, including Road Harbour and West End Harbour on Tortola; Gun Creek in North Sound on Virgin Gorda; Great Harbour on Jost Van Dyke; and Thomas Bay on Virgin Gorda.

Many sailors start at Road Town, which offers the largest natural harbour on the island of Tortola, as well as marinas with transient slips, mechanics, and provisioning. Anchorages have mooring fields. Getting there includes sailing up the Sir Francis Drake Passage to the buoys that mark the harbour entrance. Watch for the flashing green buoy that marks a reef on the east side, as well as for the flashing red buoy that warns sailors about Scotch Bank.

For sailors who want to enjoy the throbbing heart of the British Virgins, Ficken recommends Jost Van Dyke. It is home to the Soggy Dollar Bar at White Bay (sailors often swim here, hence the soggy dollars) and Foxy’s at Great Harbour.

“Those are two of the most epic beach bars in the world,” Ficken says. “They’re mustsee spots for nightlife, and that includes nightlife during the afternoons.”

J O S T VA N DYKE

TORTOL A

G R E AT HARBOUR

CHARLOT TE AMALIE RED HOOK

WAT E R ISLAND

ROAD TOWN

G R E AT C A M A N O E

THE SETTLEMENT

GUN CREEK

VIRGIN GORDA

SCRUB ISLAND

EAST END

BEEF ISLAND

WEST END

S A LT ISLAND

GINGER ISLAND

BELOW: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS, A GROUP OF ABOUT 90 SMALL ISL ANDS, ISLETS, C AYS , A N D R O C KS I N THE WEST INDIES.

COOPER ISLAND

PETER ISLAND

S T. J O H N CRUZ B AY NORMAN ISLAND

BUCK ISLAND

S T. C R O I X

ANEGADE

S PA N I S H TOWN

HANS LOLLIK ISLAND

S T. THOMAS

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Ficken is a fan of St. John. Caneel Bay has free mooring balls.

Some sailors recommend avoiding Cruz Bay because of ferry traffic, but they do take dinghies for a look around the town’s colourful shops, arts and crafts.

Virgin Gorda is quieter. There, the Bitter End Yacht Club recently reopened, with restaurants, bars, provisioning and water GUANA ISLAND

G R E AT T H AT C H ISLAND

sports, after rebuilding following Hurricane Irma. This yacht club is a storied destination for sailors, who have been cruising there since 1969. It is a family-friendly atmosphere that takes its name from being at “the end of the line” before the Caribbean Sea meets the open Atlantic.

BELOW: THE TRANQUIL CLEAR W AT E R S A N D W H I T E SAND BEACHES OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

CHRISTIANSTED

FREDERIKSTED

BELOW: EXPLORE BUSTLING H I STO R I C D I ST R I CTS, V I B R A N T C U LT U R E S , SUMPTUOUS DISHES AND SPRAWLING BEACHES.

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L E E WA R D ISLANDS As with the Virgin Islands, the Leeward Islands each offer something different.

St. Martin, for instance, is a hub of marinas, services and provisioning.

“That’s a great place to get your boat worked on, to get any service you need,” Ficken says. “There’s shopping like you would find in America or Europe. And, they have the international airport.”

ANGUILLA

DOG ISLAND

T H E VA L L E Y

MARIGOT

ST MARTIN

PHILIPSBURG

ST MAARTEN

G U S TAV I A

ST BARTHÉLEMY

St. Martin is actually two islands in one.

The French section, St. Martin, is to the north while the Dutch section, St. Maarten, is to the south. Marigot is the capital in the French section where sailors can clear in.

For arrivals in the Dutch section, clearance is at Great Bay or Simpson Bay, with access to the main town of Philipsburg.

Once the boat is provisioned and serviced, Ficken often sets course for St. Barths, where the restaurants are world-class, and the shopping can compete with Beverly Hills. The main port, Gustavia Harbour, has a first-come, first-served dock, as well as room in the harbour for about 40 yachts to anchor. “New Year’s Eve in Gustavia Harbor is an event not to be missed. Every major yacht in the world is there. It is the most impressive gathering of yachts that most people will ever see.”

The laid-back counterpoint to that scene is Anguilla, where visitors can sink their toes into the pink-sand beaches or spend a night in a private villa at Rendezvous Bay. It is straightforward to sail into this bay but note the location of Shaddock Point on the charts. That is a shoal to avoid.

“If you want to go, you have to contact one of a handful of agents who process yachts in and out of Anguilla. They charge a fee to do that, but it limits the number of yachts, so you never get overcrowded.”

Not far from there is Antigua, which has a special relationship with Oyster Yachts, and the historic Nelson’s Dockyard at English Harbour where Admiral Horatio Nelson lived in the 1780s. “It is the most historic harbour in the Caribbean. It is the Caribbean home of Oyster. When someone pulls in aboard an Oyster in Antigua, the people in Nelson’s Dockyard treat them extra special,” says Ficken.

Antigua is also home to the annual Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. “One of the races goes out straight toward Guadeloupe and comes back. On either side of that course, there is a spectator fleet lined up. You see these massive, old, spectacular sailing yachts that were once owned by historical figures.”

BARBUDA

SABA THE BOT TOM

SINT E U S TAT I U S O R A N J E S TA D

S T. KIT TS

BASSETERRE

NEVIS

BELOW: ANTIGUA, THE CARIBBEAN HOME OF OYSTER.

ABOVE: A N G U I L L A , S I T U AT E D AT T H E N O RT H E R N T I P O F THE LEEWARD ISL ANDS.

SAINT JOHN'S

ANTIGUA

REDONDA

M O N T S E R R AT BRADES

P LY M O U T H

ABOVE: THE PORT OF ST JOHN`S, ANTIGUA.

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CARIBBEAN CHARTERS We charter Oyster yachts in the most beautiful cruising locations in the Caribbean. Our crews have first-hand knowledge of Caribbean destinations so they can take you to the most remote stunning locations. It is a great way for friends or family to sail, relax and enjoy unforgettable adventures.

LA DÉSIRADE GRANDE TERRE

GUADELOUPE

BASSETERRE

MARIEGALANTE

ILES DES SAINTES

Each yacht charter is a fully crewed yacht charter run by its own captain and crew, with everything you need to enjoy a personal, exclusive and luxurious holiday.

Explore the latest Caribbean charter opportunities on page 88.

DOMENICA ROUSEAU

ABOVE: TO B A G O C AYS , A COLLECTION OF UNINHABITED ISLANDS IN THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF THE GRENADINES.

MARTINIQUE

RIGHT: P I T O N S B AY, A S P E C TA C U L A R LANDMARK OF S T. L U C I A .

FORT DE FRANCE

CASTRIES

SAINT LUCIA

BARBADOS

up to a mooring ball. Another option, at the north end, is Portsmouth. Part of the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is a rainforest that is unspoiled for hiking and rappelling down waterfalls.

St. Lucia, too, has pristine areas. It is known for the Pitons—twin volcanic spires that climb more than 2,000 feet skyward. Pitons Bay is where most sailors tie up close to the town of Soufriere. “It’s hard to convey how impressive the Pitons are when you’re on a mooring and you’re 50 or 100 feet off the shore and they just shoot straight up to the sky,” Ficken says. “They dominate you.”

BRID GETOWN SAINT VINCENT

W I N DWA R D ISLANDS

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES KINGSTOWN BEQUIA

Cruising is a quieter experience in the Windwards. Guadeloupe is one of Ficken’s favourite islands here. Specifically, he likes to visit a small island group called Les Saintes. Its bay is a horseshoe shape with a sheltered anchorage and mooring balls.

Q U AT R E MUSTIQUE

GRENADINE ISLANDS CANOUAN M AY R E A U UNION ISLAND

CARRIACOU RONDE ISLAND

CAILLE ISLAND

S T. GEORGE'S

GRENADA

TOBAGO

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

ARIMA

PORT OF S PA I N

CHAGUANAS

TRINIDAD SAN FERNANDO

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“Terre-de-Haute is the name of one of the islands, and there’s a small, French village there. If you dinghy in from your boat, you can sit in a small French café. The vibe there makes you feel like you are in a town outside of Paris, but you are in the Caribbean. There are old French forts that you can hike to: and the snorkelling and scuba diving are phenomenal.”

SCARBOROUGH

More great diving awaits halfway down the west coast of Guadeloupe, in the Pigeon Islands, where the prime months are December through to May. “It has some of the best coral and fish that you’ll find in the Caribbean.”

Another great island for nature is Dominica.

Most sailors arrive at Roseau, on the island’s southern end, where boats can anchor or tie

Mustique is an island that everyone should visit because its manicured atmosphere is so different. Pay attention to weather here, as big swells can be uncomfortable in the anchorage. “It’s home to Basil’s Bar, one of the most famous bars in the world,” adding that in late January and early February, boaters can take in the Mustique Blues Festival.

Farther south, Ficken recommends the Tobago Cays, where wildlife dominates. Many sailors use the approach with day markers between Mayreau and Baleine Rocks, to avoid sizable coral heads.

A lesser-known spot in that same area is Chatham Bay on the west side of Union Island. It is a quiet anchorage that usually has limited swell and only accessible by boat. “It has a couple of wonderful beach bars that serve phenomenal, locally cooked food. They’re not at all fancy, but they’re the kind of place that you buy a yacht for.”

Discovering all that the Caribbean offers can take sailors a lifetime. It can be done during a week of cruising now and then, or during entire seasons spent living on board. The beauty of these islands is that each one offers something just a bit different and special.

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TO P TOYS FO R YO U R OYST E R

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WAV E JA M

YA M A H A R D S 3 0 0 S E A S C O OT E R A N D S E AW I N G I I

Originally designed with lifesaving in mind, the recreational version weighs just 18kg or 24kg depending upon battery size. With a top speed of 8½ knots, the Wave Jam provides the thrills, but also the means, to explore the locality at water level. Steering is achieved by simply leaning your body.

3 S N O R K I E -TA L K I E Paired with an Aria QR+ full face mask, this allows you to speak to similarly equipped snorkellers within 150m. The unit attaches to the snorkel of the mask and will only work when that is above the water. The masks are much more comfortable as you do not have to spend the whole time chewing a rubber mouthpiece. This also makes speaking easier too!

Designed for the recreational scuba diver (it is rated to a depth of 30m) the Seascooter weighs 8.2kg and the whole package stows away in a compact carrying bag. It has a mount for a GoPro® and will pull you along at up to 3mph underwater, with a run-time up to 90 minutes.

An interesting (and much lighter at 3.7kg) alternative is the Seawing II which has two props instead of one and a lithium-ion battery instead of the Seascooter’s lead-acid unit. Recharge time is shorter but so is the duration at 40 minutes. This is more suited to being used at snorkel depths and is suitable for crewmembers of all ages.

Top Toys

Lying at anchor in an idyllic bay will often need to be supplemented with something cool and refreshing.

New materials and technical advances, particularly in electrical propulsion, have meant you are now spoilt for choice – but you might need a bigger toy box. Here are 10 great toys to consider for your Oyster.

4 T I WA L 2 This is a proper little performance dinghy! At 2.8m and with the main hull similar in construction to an inflatable SUP, it has inflatable side-decks and a toe strap allowing the crew to properly hike out. It has a 5.6m2 North Sails set off an unstayed carbon mast, and blocks are by Harken. The whole thing weighs 41kg, can be assembled in 15 minutes without the need for tools and comes in two small bags that can be easily stowed.

5 FLITEBOARD AIR Originating in Australia, these electrically propelled foil boards have developed a strong following. This inflatable version is more buoyant and packs down to a small size. Speeds of up to 26 knots are promised, with a duration of up to 90 minutes with the larger capacity battery. Control is via a wireless handheld controller that also acts as a virtual kill cord – you will need this when you’re learning. This is a premium product with high build quality. For many, it will also be addictive!

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6

8

SCORKL

ANFIBIO SIGMA TXA I N F L ATA B L E C A N O E

Mmm… essentially a very basic underwater breathing kit that gives just a few minutes of air. These have become popular and are marketed as requiring “no scuba certification”.

If you have one of these or are considering buying one, make sure that you are aware of its limitations.

These are extraordinary - you can have your own glassbottomed boat with room for two but which weighs only 2kg!

Designed originally for the backpacking market, the canoe uses tear and abrasion-resistant urethane/nylon fabric and the whole thing packs down to 30cm x 20cm. A carbon super-light paddle that weighs 480g is also available.

9 GO CYCL E GXI ELECTRIC BICYCL E True innovation (from a former McLaren F1 designer) and excellent stowability makes this a perfect choice for when you finally make it ashore. Weighing 17.5kg and with cables, gears, chain and sprockets contained within the frame, there is no risk of an oily mess. A range of up to 80km and a top speed of 25km/h allow for some proper exploring.

Full recharge in four hours.

7 JOBE E-DUNA POWERED SUP This is no thrill ride but a 3.5m conventional SUP with an ingeniously small electrically powered water jet that fits into the centre giving three hours cruising at 2 knots. Handy for when you are getting tired of paddling, facing a headwind or just want to chill out.

A speed controller clips to the paddle.

10 SWIF T YONE MARINE A D U LT F O L D A B L E S C O O T E R Just like we had when we were kids, but for grown-ups. This is perfect for getting about the marina, village, or further afield. Lighter than a folding bike at just 7.8kg and with a polished aluminium frame, this “Marine” version has upgraded stainless steel components.

Also, consider the MARINE-e which can reach 25km/h and is still easy to load into the tender at 13.2kg. Be aware though that in some countries, including in the UK, this electric version is not legal on either road or pavement which might therefore be considered a limiting factor!

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For more information and to discuss purchasing these toys for your Oyster, please get in touch with our After Sales Team via email aftersales@oysteryachts.com or telephone 023 8083 1005.

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THE CONNECTED YA C H T We all take for granted the many examples of innovative technology we enjoy at home, in luxury hotels and even in our cars. That means everything from appliances controlled from your iPhone, subtle lighting themes at your fingertips and a button to send an SOS signal to your car manufacturer. So, shouldn’t we enjoy the same luxuries and practicalities when we are off on an adventure on our Oyster liveaboard yachts?

Today, you will find leading-edge technology woven into the design of Oyster’s new generation yachts as standard, making them fully digitally enabled, as you would expect. We have taken a holistic view of technology based on the way most people live today and will do in the future, making our yachts a real home-from-home. Owners have a huge choice of technology to include when they fit out their boats.

And if you imagine it, it can almost certainly be made into a reality.

S E A M L E S S I N T E G R AT I O N Our approach to technology embraces everything from onboard systems and entertainment suites to the Internet and WIFI, all seamlessly connected with digital interfaces throughout the yacht.

Wherever you are, we can provide specific technical equipment to guarantee you are always connected with the world as much (or as little) as you choose. All our systems are selected for their ruggedness and ability to meet their purpose, which is unique to each owner and their yacht.

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The latest innovation to be fitted as standard on our new yachts is Oyster Command™. It’s the gateway to technology on board, connecting everything from entertainment and lighting to the main systems, utilities, Oyster proprietary lighting systems and security.

INSPIRED BY EXPERIENCE Founder Richard Hadida’s extensive experience in the world of digital technology has driven many of the advances adopted on our new generation yachts. As such, he has been a huge inspiration for our designers and engineers. Picking up on the many innovations we now take for granted at home, we are finding ways to bring similar technology and experiences to life on our bluewater yachts.

Our approach is to specify or invent purpose-driven, practical innovations that make a real difference, that make life on board even simpler, more enjoyable and safer every day. Much as you will want to go off-grid on your Oyster in some of the remotest corners of the world, you always have the reassurance that you are just a call away from our expert support if you need it.

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Oyster Command™ is now fitted as standard on all new Oyster models. At heart, it lets you access and control all the systems on the boat. This includes everything from onboard entertainment suites to domestic systems, power management, engine controls, generators, tanks and bilges, interior/exterior lighting and maintenance.

The overview display provides a snapshot of all the main functions and systems. You can see the status of the generators and AC/DC systems as well as what is going on in the tanks and bilges, all at a glance. Maintenance alarms keep you up-to-speed with any vital tasks that need attending to and flag any recurring problems that need to be investigated further. An easy-to-navigate touchscreen menu lets you delve deeper into each system to review and adjust settings as necessary.

FOCUS ON THE FUTURE We work with leading manufacturers to specify the most advanced innovations, as well as developing our own technology. Last year, we announced a new partnership with B&G (part of the Navico Group), the leading manufacturer of advanced sailing electronics.

We wanted to ensure every new Oyster is equipped with the most sophisticated but practical navigation equipment. This lets you choose from a wide range of essential technology, from multitouch sailing chart plotters and intelligent sailing data displays to advanced instruments and autopilot systems. These cutting-edge electronics are designed specifically for sailing yachts, to enhance and improve adventures and experiences that continue to fuel your passion for sailing.

Since this is a digital system, it can be displayed and controlled on any multi-functional display installed at the chart table and helm station and throughout your yacht.

TRIED, TESTED, TRUSTED Creating innovative technology is one thing, making sure it is robust and fit for purpose is another. We put every piece of new technology through its paces at sea, in the kind of conditions you will encounter yourself when you are out sailing. As a result, and based on our experts’ first-hand experience, you have the added peace of mind that comes from knowing all the safety and navigation technology on your Oyster is robust, reliable and trustworthy.

B E H I N D Y O U A L L T H E WAY Oyster is world-renowned for its legendary technical support and After Sales service. With the introduction of Guardian Angel™, Oyster’s latest support system takes this support to another level.

Your yacht’s YellowBrick tracker automatically pings your location and all the systems’ data every few hours. You can seek assistance or advice at the touch of a button, providing an entirely new level of reassurance while you are at sea.

THE FUTURE OF ONBOARD LIVING

TA K E C O N T R O L

It is easy to forget just how quickly changes in technology have transformed our lives at home. As you can see, we believe these advances can make a huge difference to your enjoyment and safety on your Oyster. Our yachts are designed to be your home-fromhome when you are on board, kitted out with robust, tried, tested and trusted technology. Just as our galleys now reflect all the mod cons of your kitchen at home, it’s clear the rest of your yacht can do the same. Whether it is a functional or practical innovation or technology that enhances your sense of comfort, luxury and well-being, we believe it has a place on board an Oyster.

We have spent a lot of time developing the new Oyster Command™ system – an important innovation and yet another example of using digital to your advantage. We fed in some great insights from owners, crews and the Oyster team to create a thoroughly rewarding system that makes life simple.

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THE OYSTER

495 B Y M AT T H E W S H E A H A N

After four days and three nights, the goal had been achieved, our 200 mile test aboard the Oyster 495 had allowed us to get under the skin of this eagerly awaited new model. Yet, despite the amount of time that we had spent on a trip that had taken us to the Channel Islands and back, I had deliberately refrained from asking one question straightaway – why a fifty-footer?

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OYSTER 495

L E F T: T H I S 5 0 F O O T S A I L B O AT COMBINES MODERN S T Y L I N G , C R E AT I V E D E TA I L I N G A N D A HOST OF PRACTICAL S E A M A N L I K E F E AT U R E S .

It might seem odd not to start with this, after all, Oyster Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Adamson, was aboard and has been close to this project from its early beginnings. Asking him at the outset would have established what design parameters had been set, making it easier to judge whether the final product had succeeded in hitting the target. But throughout the development process, it was clear that the 495’s route to reality has been different.

Instead, I wanted to let the new model do the talking, at least to start with.

She was conceived while the 565 and 595 were sliding into the spotlight as the new double act revealed a new direction for Oyster. But behind the scenes, there was little doubt as to how important the newbie of the fleet would be. For starters, while 50 feet isn’t exactly small for many builders, for Oyster the 495 would be the new entrylevel model and would still need to bear the trademark characteristics of the marque - quality, performance and reliability. She needed to be just as capable as a longdistance bluewater cruiser as any of her larger sisterships, while her build quality and production values needed to match the bigger boats in every way too.

So, with that in mind, we decided to take her offshore to replicate what many will use her for and find out how she would fare on a typical long weekend cruise.

U N D E R WAY & O N D E C K It might have been the beginning of the working week, but the River Hamble in mid-summer is a busy place whatever the day and leaving the dock using the Sleipner Sidepower retractable bow and stern thrusters addressed one of the biggest issues for those that may be new, nervous or both about close quarters handling. The ability to slide sideways away from the quay is only one of several impressive party tricks that have become commonplace aboard the modern Oyster range and is a manoeuvre that says much about this boat from the off.

The ability to spin her around in her own length by using the two thruster controls without moving the wheel is another manoeuvre that provides an early tick in one of the most important boxes for many potential owners.

Once away and in open water, the sea breeze was yet to build, forcing us to motor for the first stage of our passage out of the Solent as we pushed against the flood tide. As we headed west towards Hurst Narrows, she sat at 9 knots with ease as the engine hovered at 2,300rpm. This, as we were to discover, is her happy speed and provided the first indication of a boat that will eat up the miles.

As the breeze started to build from the east as we entered the Needles Channel, we tucked in towards Alum Bay to avoid the worst of the foul tide and set sail in the flat water in the lee of the Isle of Wight.

The ability to slide sideways away from the quay is only one of several impressive party tricks that have become commonplace aboard the modern Oyster range and is a manoeuvre that says much about this boat from the off.

But it was also clear that this punchy and compact world cruiser would need to deliver at the other end of the scale and provide the perfect solution for coastal trips and weekend family cruising.

So, while it was important for her to have long legs for the big trips, she would also need to be easy to handle, and nimble at close quarters in confined busy harbours to inspire confidence among owners, some of whom may be new to the sailing world.

And this made her an ambitious project right from the start.

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ABOVE: ALL THE HALLMARK OYSTER DESIGN CUES YOU KNOW AND LOVE, WRAPPED INTO A 50F O O T S A I L B O AT.

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BELOW: EASY HANDLING IN BOISTEROUS CONDITIONS F O R T H I S N E W B L U E WAT ER BENCHMARK.

The 495 is surefooted and powerful, her twin rudder configuration and beamy sections aft coming into their own. The result is a boat you can get to grips with quickly and feel confident that she’ll let you know when she’s feeling overpressed.

Both the headsail and mainsail on this boat use Seldén furling systems. The standard for boats with an alloy mast is for electrically powered systems for both sails. But on this boat, with her carbon in-mast furling system that saves around 85kg over the standard spar, the mainsail has a hydraulic system. In both cases, the operation is a push-button affair. The genoa system has the benefit of having two-speed furling, while the mainsail on the carbon mast configuration has an ingenious single button system for deploying and furling which operates both the furler and the outhaul simultaneously.

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The mainsheet arrangement is also a pushbutton affair that makes use of a hydraulic ‘magic ram’ inside the boom that operates a reverse purchase system to create a sufficient range for the mainsheet’s travel.

A winch and a 2:1 mainsheet alternative is available for those who prefer a more conventional configuration.

Once past the Needles, a steady 10-14 knot breeze from the east allowed us to reach towards Alderney at around 7-8 knots with the asymmetric kite set. But as we drew away from the influence of the land and a high-pressure system started to slide in on top of us, the breeze gradually died.

So, as the realities of life and deadlines took over and driven by the need to be at the notorious tidal race at the gateway to the Channel Islands with fair tide, we fired up the engine once again.

The ability of the 495 to maintain a decent pace whether under sail or power is a big advantage, whether you are on a long trans-ocean passage or looking to extend your weekend cruising grounds.

Given what I had experienced during sailing trials aboard the 565 and 595, it wasn’t surprising to discover a sprightly

performance under sail. Her Humphreysdesigned hull and appendage package is a very similar configuration and with the added benefit of a carbon spar and good quality sails, she delivered what was expected of her.

What was more of a surprise was the ease and comfort with which she will cruise under engine. Oysters are always quiet, but the 495 takes this onto another level where noise and vibration are minimal.

The following day, after spending the night in Guernsey’s main harbour St Peter Port, conditions had perked up significantly, with a 15-18 knot breeze from the northeast as we headed across to Sark. With the wind against the tide, the sea state had built too, perfect conditions to assess her handling at the top of the range for a full sail.

Once again, like her two bigger sisters, the 495 is surefooted and powerful, her twin rudder configuration and beamy sections aft coming into their own. The result is a boat you can get to grips with quickly and feel confident that she’ll let you know when she’s feeling overpressed.

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The more boisterous sea state also revealed how easy and secure her deck layout is when you’re punching upwind. I’ve long been a fan of the twin-wheel configuration for just this reason as it allows you to move safely about the cockpit while also providing great visibility from either of the wheels.

Be it the seating around the helm station or the comfort of the cockpit coamings for those who prefer to sit facing inboard, ergonomically speaking I’d say this is one of the best layouts so far.

Add to this the push buttons, winches and control lines which are all close to hand for both helm and crew, this is an easy boat to sail, fully crewed or alone. Even when dropping anchor, a remote deployment system that can be operated from the helm station makes light work of it all.

Be it hoisting or stowing the asymmetric spinnaker from the sail locker in the bow or retrieving fenders and warps from the cavernous aft lazarette, her deck layout is straightforward and broadly the same as her sisterships and yet you can’t help wondering how a 50-footer feels like she has the capacity of a much bigger boat.

Elsewhere, as you move around the side decks, the space and secure feel is again more common aboard bigger models where the scaling effects make it easier to let layouts breathe.

But some aspects have become common across the modern Oyster range, such as the way the jib sheets are led back through fairleads set close to the coamings to ensure that there is never any risk of them flailing around close to the guest cockpit.

The central cockpit table not only provides a convivial part of the space on deck but ensures that there is always somewhere to brace yourself against, whether moving around or seated. But the 495 also differs in some areas. The bathing platform is a good example.

“At this size of boat, having a folding transom adds a fair bit of weight and complexity. Handling the platform as it opens and closes requires some heavy equipment,” said Adamson. “So, our designers came up with an electrically driven cassette system that extends out from the transom, allowing us to save weight in this area while maintaining the solid feel.”

The more boisterous sea state also revealed how easy and secure her deck layout is when you’re punching upwind.

I’ve long been a fan of the twin-wheel configuration as it allows you to move safely about the cockpit while providing great visibility.

A C C O M M O D AT I O N Below decks, the feeling of space that has been achieved through her ample beam and volume in the main saloon is accentuated by the light that streams in through the now ubiquitous Seascape windows in the hull. The Cool Oak finish helps to achieve a fresh and vibrant feel without feeling stark or showy. And when it comes to the quality of fit-out there is little that needs to be said other than the standard is precisely the same level as across all the boats in the range.

BELOW: INTELLIGENT INTERIOR SPACE PL ANNING C R E AT E S P L EN T I F U L STOWAGE WHILE M A I N TA I N I N G H ER LUXURY FEEL.

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ABOVE: THE LUXURIOUS INTERIOR O F 4 9 5 - 0 1 F E AT U R I N G C O O L OA K J O I N ER Y A N D S I LV ER GREY OAK SOLE BOARDS.

The space in the owner’s cabin aft would not be surprising if you were aboard a boat 10 foot longer. The same goes for the heads and shower stall, and you are left trying to figure out how the designers have done it.

The most noticeable and indeed significant difference however is the galley arrangement. Here the U-shaped area on the port side is a departure from the norm where Oyster galleys are typically longitudinal affairs within the walkway through to the owner’s cabin. This new configuration frees up the passageway aft and avoids the galley dance that is frequently required when gaining access to the master cabin.

Being in the centre of the boat, the galley is low down and provides a very secure and workable area with decent worktop space and good access to stowage whichever tack you are on.

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And while focussing on the working areas of the accommodation, the navigation station is set opposite the galley on the starboard side.

This also provides a good secure area in the middle of the boat with space for charts and pilot books along with plenty of instruments as well as an innovative computer screen that is mounted on the inside face of what is essentially a locker door. When opened, the screen sits directly in front of the navigator, a neat solution to a familiar issue.

In many ways, the space in the owner’s cabin aft would not be surprising if you were aboard a boat 10 foot longer. But once again, the fact is that the volume that is available in this cabin is far more than you would expect. The same goes for the heads and shower stall. But she is what she is, and you are left trying to figure out how the designers have done it.

The same is true of the forward guest double which has plenty of headroom and volume within modern bow sections that are characteristically slender.

If there is one detail below decks that is common across all the new models, it is the mood lighting, where a fresh new

approach has created a sumptuous look and feel once the sun goes down. And for passage making, once you become familiar with the light switch protocol that is now common to all the current range, slipping into night mode is easy and effective wherever you are in the accommodation.

C O N ST RU CT I O N & SYST E M S Under her skin, the 495 hull is a Vinylester solid laminate in the slamming regions of her forward sections. The monolithic laminate is also in place around the keel area and extends to behind the engine. Elsewhere, the hull is a sandwich construction with a 25mm structural foam, closed cell core, in a resininfused laminate that incorporates carbon unidirectional fibres.

The deck structure is much the same and in keeping with others in the range.

But once again, it is the ingenious layout of her systems and services within the engine room and under the cabin sole that reinforce how much effort has been spent on ensuring that she’s a practical boat to service and maintain.

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BELOW: CARRYING HER BEAM WELL AFT CONTRIBUTES T O F O R M S TA B I L I T Y A N D SAILING PERFORMANCE.

ABOVE: DESIGNED TO OFFER A S T U N N I N G C O M B I N AT I O N O F PERFORMANCE, COMFORT AND ST YLE, WITH SEAMANLIKE QUALITIES IN EQUAL MEASURE.

That starts with an engine room that is significantly larger and easier to access than some of her predecessors, an advantage that stems from the wide beam that is carried well aft and creates significantly more volume. The U-shaped galley also plays its part when it comes to accessibility.

While there is sufficient volume to get inside, it’s not necessary for daily checks and maintenance.

Not only is the 110hp Yanmar saildrive easy to get to, but the seacocks and sea chests for filtering the water inlets are also easily accessible, as are the fuel filters.

The saildrive configuration also means that the generator can be mounted behind the engine, (in front is more common) and is slightly offset to starboard, making it easily accessed as well.

And if that wasn’t enough, there is good access from the port side of the boat too.

The impressive amount of volume has allowed around 80 percent of the systems to be sited here close to amidships, just where you would want the weight to be - an argument that is also valid for the remaining systems that are outside the engine room.

Tankage for fuel and water, batteries, chargers and breakers are all sited under the saloon floor in the central part of the boat, where simply lifting the floorboards provides easy and instant access.

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An interesting detail here is that the grey water tank for the sinks and showers has been positioned in the keel stub. While this is just above the bilge sump, it is still very low down in the boat. When the grey water level rises, a float switch activates a pump and the water is discharged overboard. But the system can also be isolated to ensure that emptying the grey water tank only happens offshore.

CONCLUSIONS After three days, it was time to head back to the Hamble and while the breeze had played to the forecast and decayed as the sun set, heading back across the English Channel overnight provided plenty of downtime to contemplate our trip and this plucky new model.

Aside from the constant reminder that this boat sets completely new standards for volume and space, what comes across clearly is that this is a boat that is not only well mannered, quiet, quick and comfortable, but she’s easy to get to grips with. And in the context of an entrylevel boat, this surely must be the most important feature of all.

So, while the question as to what was so special about this 50-footer had set the broad agenda, the answer had revealed itself naturally over the course of 200 miles.

Aside from the constant reminder that this boat sets completely new standards for volume and space, what comes across clearly is that this is a boat that is not only well mannered, quiet, quick and comfortable, but she’s easy to get to grips with. And in the context of an entry-level boat, this surely must be the most important feature of all.

And while Adamson was quick to confirm that a large part of the focus for this design was intended to introduce the next generation of cruising sailors to Oyster, the real question was now, how many agree?

“We have six currently in build in the new factory in Hythe with another 10 waiting to get started,” he said.

Given that we were sailing boat number one that had only been launched a few weeks earlier, it was clear that a vote of confidence on the newest and arguably boldest Oyster to date had already been delivered.

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‘wander-must’ W H I C H O N E ’ S O N YO U R

‘ WA N D E R - M U S T ’ LIST

An eclectic array of properties, with personalities as distinctly individual as our guests.

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CLIVEDEN HOUSE

| T H E LYG O N A R M S

| 11 CADOGAN GARDENS

| T H E M AY FA I R T O W N H O U S E L I F E

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B L U E WAT E R CRUISING

What makes the ideal yacht for ocean adventures and long-distance voyaging?

Elaine Bunting investigates.

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If your dream is to sail across oceans or even around the world, what is the right yacht? What type and size should you look for? And what equipment is going to add most to your safety and enjoyment of life on board?

The answers to these questions will define your experience and are going to vary depending on your budget, how long you intend to be away, and with whom you’ll be sailing. There are, however, some common denominators you’ll need to think about to sail safely and comfortably.

First, the fundamentals of a true bluewater yacht: its design and sea-keeping attributes. A good bluewater yacht is capable of making long passages in comfort and will look after you whatever the conditions you encounter.

Oyster yachts are renowned for their adventuring credentials; the yachts are well-found, luxurious and solidly built. About 95 have already circumnavigated the world, and with another 25 participating in the Oyster World Rally 2022-23, soon Oysters will have logged over 100 successful circumnavigations. Starting with the fundamentals, they have hulls with integrated keels, certified for strength and safety, and have keelstepped masts. They are designed with self-sufficiency in mind and have generous accommodation and tankage for long ranges. Equipment is over-specified, from rig and steering gear to winches and windlasses, and there is easy access to systems and machinery.

The evolution of every design in the last 24 years is linked by a common thread: Humphreys Yacht Design.

Renowned yacht designer Rob Humphreys is at the helm, working closely for the last 15 years with his son Tom, a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.

“The primary job of a bluewater yacht,” says Humphreys, “is to be capable of being sailed by a short-handed crew. It has to be easily handled, comfortable at sea on long passages, yet capable of a reliable turn of speed that will make the miles slip by without great effort.”

The fundamentals of a true bluewater yacht: its design and sea-keeping attributes. A good bluewater yacht is capable of making long passages in comfort and will look after you whatever the conditions you encounter.

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“The motion of the boat is important. Performance is important, too, but less so – comfort is more telling,” Humphreys explains. He favours a hull shape with a “shallower rocker forward and a deeper mid-section to distribute the volume, which creates that softer ride.”

Moderate displacement yachts such as Oysters are born passagemakers. The hull form is not only capable of producing reliable daily mileages on passage in comfort, without stressing crew or yacht, but can accommodate generous fuel and water tanks and bluewater critical items such as generator, large battery bank, washing machine and air conditioning. It also provides excellent internal stowage for stores and spares and ample locker space externally in sail locker and lazarettes.

“Control and manageability and the steering qualities are also important so there is less burden on autopilot systems. And the other side of it is that a yacht should have good load carrying abilities for stores and spares.”

The latest generation hull shapes, with plumb stems and beam carried right aft, not only look purposeful, they create a larger interior and can sail faster and more efficiently. A long waterline and greater hull volume means more accommodation in the bow area, but most particularly aft. That wider shape also benefits a yacht in pure sailing terms.

“Increased power aft helps with free stability,” Humphreys explains. “Stability is generated through hull form and is not so much dependent on the mechanical stability of the lead [on the keel]. So, in that respect, these boats are a little bit more powerful, a benefit all round, but particularly when sailing upwind and close reaching.”

These latest designs also have increased freeboard, which means it is possible for yachts to have a flush foredeck for aesthetic and practical reasons, yet also really good headroom below. For Oyster Yachts it has allowed large vertical Seascape windows that let in light and connect cabins with the world and the views outside.

Other features that distinguish the true bluewater cruiser are a safe, protected and well-sheltered cockpit and helm stations, with sail controls led back; a good galley that is easy to use and secure at sea; a practical and comfortable navigation area; and clear and uncluttered sidedecks and foredeck.

The centre cockpit design, that is a hallmark of Oyster Yachts, is comfortable for long-distance cruising and “provides protection while sailing and entertaining in port, and is great in terms of overall visibility,” affirms owner Stephen Gratton. Stephen and his wife, Debbie, sailed around the world in their Oyster 53, Amelie, then returned through the Panama Canal to Canada and Alaska, sailed back across the Pacific to French Polynesia and are currently in Seattle.

“We have been in some extreme conditions, but even when things go wrong we know that Amelie can look after us. The comfort is great. Even in a gale, when you go below it all goes quiet. You feel like you are on a well-made boat and we like the solidity of design and thoughtfulness.”

BELOW: THE NEW OYSTER 495, A NEW BREED OF 5 0 F O OT B L U E W AT E R S A I L I N G YA C H T.

Wide hull shapes are also suited to twin rudders, which in turn, says Humphreys, “gives fingertip control and makes a boat easy to steer.”

These evolutions can be traced back to race yacht design, as can the plumb bow. “That is another aspect of hull form that has translated well,” says Humphreys.

“More vertical bows give you more waterline length, and that is always working for you. It gives you a better chance of sustained daily mileages, of reliable speed rather than exceptional speed.”

I bought the boat to go across oceans and for me it is about the motion of the boat. Panthalassa sits on the water like a much, much bigger boat and in a big sea I have been impressed with her seakeeping.

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We have been in some extreme conditions, but even when things go wrong we know that Amelie can look after us. The comfort is great. Even in a gale, when you go below it all goes quiet.”

S T E P H E N G R AT T O N OYSTER 53 AMELIE

On the Huisman, Haines had had professional crew, but for his round the world voyage he wants to skipper and run the boat himself. “Having crew on board changes the dynamics and it is not the same,” he says.

“When you are employing people, it takes quite a long time to make your boat a home as there a lot of people around. It can be hard work.”

ABOVE: THE OYSTER 675, AN E X H I L A R AT I N G 70 F O OT S A I L I N G YA C H T, D E L I V E R I N G L U X U R Y, C O M F O R T A N D S A F E T Y.

W H AT S I Z E YA C H T I S B E S T ?

While small yachts can, and do, cross oceans, a moderate displacement, higher volume yacht has all the advantages for long-term cruising. A sweet spot for ocean cruisers lies between 45ft and 65ft. Yachts in this range can accommodate the comforts, stores and spares a crew of family and friends needs whilst also making quick passage times.

Larger yachts, fitted with hydraulic furling and electric winches, can still be sailed by a short-handed family crew, though beyond 65ft loads increase with size, maintenance demands grow too and it may require the help of a professional crew.

When Leo Nagtegaal sold his business, he and his wife, Karin, bought an Oyster 56, Duchess. In 2013 they set off to realise Leo’s lifelong dream of sailing around the world.

The Nagtegaals loved the sailing life and people so much that, in 2014, they traded up to an Oyster 625.

“We thought that as we’d be pretty much living aboard nine months of the year for the next five, six or seven years, we’d like just a little more space,” says Leo. In his opinion, 45ft is the minimum size for long-term ocean voyaging: “Size is very personal,” he admits. “I have friends who went around Cape Horn in a 33ft wooden boat and did well, so they will disagree when I say that a bluewater yacht should be at least 45ft. It really depends on how the boat is equipped.”

Stephen Haines took delivery of his new Oyster 565/01 Panthalassa, in 2019. He has been planning a circumnavigation “for many, many years”. Unusually, Panthalassa represents a downsizing for Haines. He previously owned a 40m Huisman which he sailed with his young family all over the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Bahamas and US East Coast.

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Haines says the 565 is “the perfect size for me” and says: “I wouldn’t swap with a bigger boat. In terms of build quality an Oyster is right up there, strong with a good reputation. My Huisman was a one-off, but the more 565s they build, the happier I am. It is easier to get spares and it adds to the residual value.

“I bought the boat to go across oceans and for me it is about the motion of the boat. Panthalassa sits on the water like a much, much bigger boat and in a big sea I have been impressed with her seakeeping.”

W H AT E Q U I P M E N T D O Y O U N E E D ?

From sails to power management and electronics, a multitude of choices shape the ideal bluewater cruiser.

The sail inventory, for example, is part of personalising your boat and will depend on how many crew you have and how you like to sail.

The majority of ocean crossings on a tradewinds circumnavigation are on reaching and running angles.

A suitable downwind set-up can be as simple as the mainsail and a poled-out genoa, or it could be twin headsails set to run day after day. Or you might want to add more power and speed with an asymmetric spinnaker on a furler, or a specialised spinnaker such as the Parasailor.

Ideally, you would have multiple off-wind sail options (including for regattas if you plan to race) and upwind sails that can easily be reefed. In-mast furling, automated systems and electric winches take all the hard work out of reducing sail.

The latest Oysters and other modern cruising designs feature bowsprits that allow an additional light wind Code Sail to be set on a furler so you can keep sailing instead of turning on the engine. But whatever you add to the inventory, the important thing is to have sails that you want to use and don’t find daunting.

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B L U E WAT E R CRUISING

“I would say, everything generally on Oysters is useful even if is not essential. If I am going to be living on it and sailing round the world, quite honestly give me everything. I want the icemaker, nice mattresses, a washing machine, a tumble dryer. I got almost everything you can get. It’s nice to have everything – why not?

STEPHEN HAINES OYS T E R 5 6 5 /0 1 PA N T H A L A S S A

“From my experience, if you are short-handed and you have a spinnaker in a bag in a sail locker it tends to stay in there, but if you have a sail on a furler it’s easier,” says Mark Durham, Head of Service Operations of Oyster Yachts Palma. After-market solutions are also available for yachts not designed with sprits, he adds, explaining how a new Trogear carbon bowsprit is being fitted to an Oyster 725 that will allow a downwind sail to be set up to 1.5m forward of the bow.

High on the list of essentials is a robust windlass that can handle as large an anchor as possible, ground tackle of up to 100 or 120m for anchoring in deep bays, and a second kedge anchor. The CQR type is ever popular, though many Oyster owners opt for a Rocna or upgrade to the stainless steel Ultra anchor, says Durham.

Power management is one the biggest and most critical issues boat owners face. “Questions about power come up all the time. Power management is key, and trying to use as little as possible,” says Durham. Most Oyster owners opt for a generator but are increasingly looking at diversifying power sources with solar and hydro power, also charging high capacity lithium ion batteries.

“It is about trying to use as many different methods of power generation as you can, for example wind generators, hydrogenerators or solar panels,” says Durham. Alternative energy sources not only reduce emissions and the consumption of fossil fuels, they also allow longer periods of silent running and extend generator service intervals.

Power upgrades are always a worthwhile element of a refit. Stephen Gratton says that fitting a new 5kW inverter and 400 A/h of lithium ion batteries to his Oyster 53 is “the biggest change we have made in the 13 years we have had our boat. I would say that the ability to have big gaps between charging and the silence when cooking is one of the best things.”

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A watermaker is a prized item on bluewater cruisers of all sizes, giving crews independence from shore.

A reliable, well-spec’d autopilot that has a fast speed of response downwind, with back-up spares, is essential. Bow thrusters and even stern thrusters are increasingly popular, especially for couples who sail two-up frequently.

Communications is critical for almost all long-term cruisers. Satellite comms and onboard WiFi networks not only make it simple to keep in touch with home, friends and work but also to get detailed real-time weather data and forecasts, and even repair advice and downloads. SSB radio, dated technology though it undoubtedly is, also remains popular with crews who live aboard for lengthy periods.

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M A K I N G Y O U R YA C H T A H O M E FROM HOME On an extended voyage, your yacht is your home, a place to entertain guests and enjoy visits from friends and family. Comforts are important and, unsurprisingly, all the cruisers we spoke to advised having as many of them as possible.

Paul and Trish Ducker have lived aboard their Oyster 54, Babe, almost full-time since she was launched in 2011. For their new boat, an Oyster 565 currently in build, they are going for “all the mod cons”. While accepting that high equipment levels may bring increased demands in terms of maintenance, Paul says: “It is our home, so we want everything, from aircon to a water maker to a washing machine.

When I ask bluewater sailors for their best advice, it usually boils down to a simple prescription: just go. Life is too short to put off your dreams.

“I would say,” he adds, “everything generally on Oysters is useful even if is not essential.” At the top of the Duckers’ priority list are a large capacity fridge and freezer; sufficient power to run a washing machine; air conditioning from time to time; an electric cooker; and entertainment equipment.

A bimini that can be kept up on passage will keep crew shaded from the sun. A canvas sunshade for covering the cockpit and perhaps also the foredeck will extend your outdoor living area in the Tropics. The biminis and sprayhoods fitted to Oyster yachts are also extremely solid and are designed to be kept up permanently while sailing.

When he was spec’ing his new Oyster 565/01 Panthalassa, Stephen Haines thought: “If I am going to be living on it and sailing round the world, quite honestly give me everything. I want the icemaker, nice mattresses, a washing machine, a tumble dryer. I got almost everything you can get. It’s nice to have everything – why not?

GE T RE ADY TO GO How long does it take to prepare to cast the lines off and go cruising? Typically, owners getting ready to go off for an Atlantic crossing or further, take a season or two to prepare, though I have met many people who have successfully done it much quicker. A longer runway, however, allows you to spec your boat, trial it thoroughly, and get your life organised for leaving.

Some owners advocate a year of home waters cruising before going further afield. For example, Leo Nagtegaal had his Oyster 56 Duchess shipped to Singapore, where he was working, and sailed from there for several years until taking full retirement and joining the Oyster World Rally 2013-14.

But however you plan to break free, what really helps is a deadline: a date that you are going to set off, with a scene you can visualise to keep you motivated as you work through the preparations and demands of shore life. Most preparations are really just logistics, and you’re probably already pretty good at that. The bigger obstacle is often mustering the courage to leave.

Preparing a bluewater yacht and all that is needed to set free and go is a complex project, but you’ll have plenty of good help and advice along the way. I have yet to talk to anyone who has regretted it. When I ask bluewater sailors for their best advice, it usually boils down to a simple prescription: just go. Life is too short to put off your dreams.

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OWNER’S STORY

DINGHY SAILORS TO OYST E R OW N E RS COLIN AND ANNE MITCHELL OYSTER 565/06 BRUADAR ACH

Making the transition from dinghy racing to yacht cruising may sound straightforward enough, but as Colin and Anne Mitchell discovered, the learning curve is huge. Having spent 30 years doing their apprenticeship on a string of different yachts, it was the Oyster 565 that ultimately won their hearts. In an interview with Sue Pelling, Colin Mitchell reveals why he believes his Oyster 565/06 Bruadarach is so appealing to a former dinghy racing enthusiast.

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Colin Mitchell confesses that hanging up his wetsuit at age 30, after an active life on the dinghy open meeting circuit, was a big decision but believes the timing was perfect.

Colin – founder and former Managing Director of FPG Ltd, a fire protection and security solutions company – successfully raced 420s, Ospreys, Fireballs and Lasers throughout the UK, which is how he met his wife Anne. “We met in our early teens racing dinghies on Linlithgow Loch.”

Colin and Anne married at the age of 25, but with a busy career and setting up a home together, inevitably life began to take a different course. Colin continued: “It was then the desire to cross the finish line first and the gradual call for more lead under the keel won through and, at the age of 30, we made the big transition.”

KEELED OVER

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he decision to buy their first keelboat was a big one but their choice of a Maxi 95 at the time was, according to Colin, a good one, albeit slightly daunting.

“We had absolutely no experience with big boats whatsoever.

“As dinghy sailors, we knew how to sail but it was things like chart reading and navigation, and the fact we were alone without the support of a rescue boat, that we found most challenging. I suppose it was even more complicated because it was around the time we had our first wee one – Rhona – so we were even more cautious.”

A succession of Jeanneaus followed, including a Sunfizz, SunKiss, and a Sun Odyssey 49, the latter remaining with Colin and Anne, and their three children Rhona [now 31], Peter [now 28], Stuart [now 27] for twelve years.

Colin continued: “It was a good family boat but we still yearned for that luxury yacht so, around 2012, we began our search. We spent ages pondering and visiting all the boat shows. Essentially, we wanted a good, wellproven brand such as Oyster, Discovery, or Swan, so it was a very exciting time.”

OYST E R I S S E RV E D

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ot surprisingly, it was Oyster’s glowing reputation for not only producing quality yachts but also for its renowned customer service that stood out for the Mitchells. But, according to Colin, that was just the start of the decision making progress.

“After looking at all the other similar sized options in the same price range, I think it was the lines of the Oyster that did it for us.

They always look utterly superb.

A F T E R L O O K I N G AT A L L T H E OT H E R S I M I L A R-S I Z E D OPTIONS IT WAS THE LINES O F T H E OYS T E R T H AT D I D I T F O R U S . T H E Y A L WAYS L O O K U T T E R LY S U P E R B

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“Knowing that we wanted the boat for blue water cruising, Oyster offered oodles of space below plus, importantly for us, we were able to have a bit of input with the interior design.”

With so much money at stake in commissioning a new yacht, the Mitchells believed Oyster would also offer good financial stability so, in 2017, they commissioned their dream yacht. Colin added: “Oh my goodness, talk about bad timing. It was the exact time Oyster Marine went into Receivership.

“We were well and truly caught up in that, so it was quite an anxious time. I have to say though, how the new company owners dealt with the situation could not have been better. It really did work out absolutely fine. In many ways, it proved wholeheartedly the ethos of the new management team and just how professional the company is.”

Interestingly, the Oyster the Mitchells signed up for was the 575 because the 565 hadn’t been conceived at that time. The ownership change from Oyster Marine to Richard Hadida’s Oyster Yachts Ltd meant the project was delayed, which gave the Mitchells time to reconsider their option.

Colin continued: “We had to re-commission her because the mould had been built by Oyster Marine but Oyster Yachts Ltd then took on the ownership, so it was a year later, in September 2018, that we signed the new contract. It then took a year to build.”

Knowing that we wanted the boat for blue water cruising, Oyster offered oodles of space below plus, importantly for us, we were able to have input with the interior design.

BRUADARACH IN THE MAKING

ABOVE: ANNE SWIMMING IN T H E C R YS TA L C L E A R W AT E R S O F E A S D A L E S L AT E Q U A R R I E S , W E S T COAST S COT L A N D. RIGHT: B R U A D A R A C H AT A N C H O R I N L O C H S C R E S O RT, I S L E O F RU M , S COT L A N D. BELOW: COLIN, ANNE AND FRIEND GEORGE IN H O RTA , A Z O R E S .

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ronically, the delay due to the change of ownership at Oyster turned out to be favourable for the Mitchells because, in the recommissioning process, they were able to opt for the sparkling new 565 design that had just come off the drawing board. It was a very exciting time for the Mitchells because they were able to get involved during the build., Commenting on how much influence they had in the layout design, Colin said: “As always, Oyster could not have offered us more support. One of the options available on the 565 is to have a cabin [seventh berth] either next to the engine room, or have it as a separate utility room housing the washing machine.

“This is where we had other ideas. We wanted to keep the washing machine in that area yet still have the seventh berth for use when we have a crew aboard. We spent a lot of time looking at the design and trying to understand how it could work. We believed there was enough space. The design office re-drew the plans to incorporate our idea by installing the berth below and the washing machine above.

“Other ideas incorporated included a specially designed hybrid Bimini to provide more shelter in northern climates where we are based on the west coast of Scotland.”

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THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING

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ruadarach was handed over to the Mitchells in October 2019.

It was with great excitement the Mitchells made their way to Ipswich in preparation for her sail south around the coast to her new homeport at Ardfern, Scotland. They chose to include professional skipper – Iain Hunter – for the maiden voyage, which turned out to be, what Colin describes as, “the best decision they could have made.”

ABOVE: SIZEABLE SEA CROSSING O N T H E C O N T I N E N TA L S H E L F, S O U T H W EST O F IREL AND. LEF T: COLIN AND CREW ENJOYING THE SUNSET ON BOARD BRUADARACH. BELOW: C A L M AT A N C H O R I N GOMETRA HARBOUR, S COT L A N D.

“I remember it clearly,” says Colin. “27th October 2019 when the ideal strong easterlies were due to be replaced by the not so ideal ‘Storm Amélie’. Thankfully we did have a window of opportunity before the storm was due to arrive, so great haste was required to enable us to be well up the Irish Sea before it hit.”

A WA L K O N T H E W I L D S I D E

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othing really could have prepared the Mitchells for the conditions on Bruadarach’s maiden voyage, with winds for the first five days constant at 25-35 knots, with gusts into the 40s. However, in recalling the experience, it is clear that Colin was smitten with his new yacht from the moment he stepped on board.

“Indeed, you may ask who in their right mind would take an expensive yacht out on its maiden sail, in strange waters, foul weather, and alone with no other yachts for company? Not many I suspect, but I have to say it was very exciting in a strange sort of way. The conditions were made worse by the fact it was pouring with rain most of the time, there was no moonlight and dark black clouds were whipping across the sky constantly.”

Chatting about the Mitchell’s baptism of fire and how Bruadarach performed in the extreme conditions, Colin said she was everything they had expected and more. “We were so pleased because she handled it particularly well. We were surfing at 15 knots and making steady progress at between 10-12 knots.

With their dinghy sailing roots, it is not surprising the Mitchells took great pleasure in the exhilarating maiden voyage. As well as her fine lines and good looks, the 565 is, in Colin’s opinion, an ideal choice for other dinghy sailors making a similar transition into yachts.

“Although we don’t intend to race her seriously, it is always good to have a boat with exceptional performance that gives you the option to race if desired. She’s certainly no slouch and, as a dinghy sailor, you still feel that sense of exhilaration when it’s blowing hard.”

ON TOUR

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new chapter in their adventures with Bruadarach has already begun. No sooner had they arrived at their homeport in Ardfern after the wild maiden voyage, than the next ‘hurdle’ appeared.

Colin recalled: “We did manage to fit in some excellent sailing with our family that December [2019] and we had plans for more.

However, as is often the case on our coastline, we had a series of storms/deep lows, one after the other, from January to March 2020.

Then, just when the weather decided to abate, along came Covid, so we didn’t do much sailing in her first six months.

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NEW BEGINNINGS

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hankfully, with Covid restrictions easing mid-2021, the Mitchells were ready to set sail. “It gave us the perfect opportunity to explore our home cruising grounds including St Kilda, Outer/Inner Hebrides plus islands such as Iona, Coll/Tiree, Mull, Rum, Barra, Harris, Skye.”

Commenting on a passage that stood out, Colin continued: “It was our sail out to St Kilda from Berneray on the Outer Hebrides, which was about 49nm. Owing to another big low in the Atlantic and, with nothing between us and New Foundland, it brought with it big seas and swell.

“St Kilda had just the most amazing atmosphere. We then had a fantastic sail back through the Sound of Harris. Interestingly, although we were cruising, we’d just picked up a new crew from Rum, and found ourselves having a private ‘race’ with another cruising Oyster. It turned out to be Oyster Yachts founder, Richard Matthews’ Oyster 82 Midnight.

“We left for Tobermoray the next morning to beat the next band of foul weather and realised Midnight was also preparing to leave for Tobermoray too. In a Force 7 off the west coast of the Isle of Muck, it was very exposed to large seas so we had yet another exciting sail, a beam reach round Ardnamuchan, the most westerly point on the UK mainland. We arrived at Tobermoray and we all had a very pleasant evening, exchanging stories. It was then that Midnight admitted they were secretly trying to race us too!”

In a Force 7 off the west coast of the Isle of Muck, it was very exposed to large seas, so we had an exciting sail, a beam reach round Ardnamuchan, the most westerly point on the UK mainland.

T O P, L E F T T O R I G H T : E N J OY I N G A TO U R I N ST LUCIA. THE PINK SANDS OF BARBUDA IN THE CARIBBEAN. ABOVE, LEF T TO RIGHT: STUNNING VIEWS OF T H E TO B A G O C AYS F R O M M AY R E A U, G R E N A D I N E S .

THE SKIPPER DWARFED

BY AN ENSIGN IN P ORT LOUIS MARINA, GRENADA. RIGHT AND BELOW: BRUADARACH IN P U E RTO CA L E RO M A R I N A , L A N Z A ROT E .

TRIED AND TESTED

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aving put Bruadarach through her paces in such a short space of time, Colin was keen to point out how impressed he was with not only her performance but also with the layout and the systems.

Commenting on the piece of equipment or gadget that has impressed him the most (other than the beer cooler of course), a delighted Colin said: “I am totally impressed with the bow and stern thrusters. With twin, aft rudders, it makes manoeuvring in tight spaces easy. It is so different from other boats we’ve had, as with twin rudders on a beamy boat, you don’t get the opportunity to use prop wash to kick the stern one way or the other.

“Interestingly, because I wasn’t familiar with in-mast reefing, I wanted slab and in-boom reefing, as we always had had before but I was advised against that. I am so pleased I listened because it is pretty impressive and I would now never go back to slab reefing. Another recommendation by Oyster was to increase the roach slightly with longer battens. You can really tweak the main to improve sail shape and performance.”

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I am totally impressed with the bow and stern thrusters. With twin, aft rudders, it makes manoeuvring in tight spaces easy.

THE NEXT BIG ADVENTURE

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n 1st December 2021, Colin and crew departed from Puerto Calero, Lanzarote, for their trip across the Atlantic and, looking at the wind patterns, they decided a direct route to St Lucia was their best option. Colin added: “The electronic systems on the boat are superb and came into their own, especially on our return journey to Horta (Azores).

“We decided not to join the ARC and, other than two cargo ships and a 25 metre sailing vessel, we were on our own for the whole crossing. The trade winds were particularly revved up and our wind speed rarely dropped below 20 knots. It was mostly a steady 23-33 knots, gusting into high thirties in the squalls. We completed the crossing in exactly 15 days.”

P I R AT E S O F T H E C A R I B B E A N ?

ABOVE: A STUNNING SUNSET IN BEQUIA, GRENADINES. LEF T: BRUADARACH EN-ROUTE F RO M L A N Z A ROT E TO ST LUCIA. BELOW LEF T TO RIGHT: A WET BEQUIA, GRENADINES. COLIN, ANNE AND THE P I TO N S, ST LU C I A .

BOT TOM LEF T TO RIGHT: PA D D L E B O A R D I N G I N CANOUAN, GRENADINES. A B U S Y TO B A G O C AYS .

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olin and team’s return home from St Lucia to enjoy winter skiing in December and January in the Alps was wrecked

by COVID-19 Omicron variant, so they returned to the sun in January. Colin, chatting about their extra time in the Caribbean, said: “Once our friends had joined us, we set off for Bequia and, after a brief stopover and check out in Marigot Bay, we arrived seven hours later. Bequia is a fantastic anchorage where we spent several days exploring the island, walking the beaches, enjoying the food and rum punches.

“The Grenadines offered a variety of other islands to explore such as Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, and Union Island. We had planned to go to the Jazz festival on Mustique and hopefully rub shoulders with Mick Jagger and Daniel Craig, who we were told were on the island, but, alas, time was not on our side.”

TIME TO HEAD NORTH

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ith a couple of new friends aboard, they set sail again, this time towards Carriacou.

“We made a short hop over to Union Island and the Grenadines. The high winds made snorkeling on the reefs too dangerous, so we swam with turtles and paddle boarded. One of our favourite destinations was Mayreau with its fantastic views over the Cays. A stopover in Denis’s Hideaway Bar and Restaurant is a must and don’t forget to take your swimming costume.”

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NO TIME TO LOSE

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ntigua was the next destination. From there, it was back to St Lucia and then Martinique. Colin continued: “We missed out Dominica and spent several days in the Saintes (Guadeloupe). We really enjoyed our time there and we highly recommend it. It has many high quality restaurants, shops and narrow streets.”

“We stopped over in Deshaies and visited some of the best gardens we have ever seen. From here, we enjoyed a fantastic 40-mile hop over to English Harbour, Antigua, a beam reach in 25+ knots and big seas. If there is something I would do differently is not to be too ambitious with our itinerary, though having the 565 helped immensely.

THE RETURN JOURNEY

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he preparations for the return journey across the Atlantic involved another crew change. Colin concluded: “Our children left on 1st May, Iain Hunter arrived on 2nd May, George and Lis arrived on 3rd May, and we departed Cat Marina on 4th May for our 2,400k mile trip to Horta.

“Brisk easterlies gave us a beam reach for the first 600 miles before the wind dropped off, forcing the iron horse to do some work. One of the benefits of having an Oyster is the generous diesel tanks and with 950lts on board, we had no concerns about running low.

“The electronic systems paid their way, as the grib files showed a nasty deep low heading straight for Horta. We diverted southeast, dropping down 1.5 degrees to avoid the worst of it. We did experience 30-40 knots winds in four-five metre seas. A larger Oyster, that did not have the luxury of weather routing/forecasting, recorded winds of 70+ knots and 10 metre waves. They were unfazed by the experience, saying the boat handled it very well, recording 18 knots on a surf beating our 16 knots surf.

“Arriving in Horta 15 days later, the harbour and marina were chaotic, with boats at anchor and yachts rafted three deep. After a pleasant two days replenishing stocks/refuelling, we set off for home and seven days later we arrived in Ardfern.

ABOVE: BRUADARACH IN DESHAIES, GUADELOUPE. RIGHT: THE ROUTE EAST SHOWS T H E D O G L E G TO AVO I D T H E WO RST O F T H E STO R M .

BELOW LEF T AND RIGHT: T H E B OTA N I C A L GARDENS IN DESHAIES, GUADELOUPE. BOT TOM LEF T TO RIGHT: SWIMMING ASHORE IN C A R L I S L E B AY, A N T I G U A .

BRUADARACH ANCHORED I N C A R L I S L E B AY, A N T I G U A .

The electronic systems paid their way, as the grib files showed a nasty deep low. We diverted south-east, dropping down 1.5 degrees to avoid the worst of it. We did experience 30-40 knots winds in four-five metre seas. A larger Oyster recorded winds of 70+ knots and 10 metre waves.

They were unfazed by the experience, saying the boat handled it very well!

“The 565 is an extremely comfortable bluewater cruiser and having lived aboard for five months, we can only commend Oyster for such an amazing, solid and safe package. She is everything we had hoped for and she’s fast.”

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Exotic layers of Fresh Citrus, Oriental Botanicals and Gunpowder Tea.

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WORKING FROM HOME

WORKING FROM HOME (ON BOARD AN OYSTER) Pirate’s Lair is a quiet anchorage in the Exuma Cays of the Bahamas, with vivid turquoise water and a white sand beach.

Once reputedly a haunt of the freebooter, today you are more likely to encounter a freelancer.

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WORKING FROM HOME

Last winter, Trevor Hill sailed into Pirate’s Lair on his Oyster 725/01 Intrepid. There were no other yachts to be seen. “We were completely alone,” he remembers.

With Intrepid calmly moored, Hill joined an important conference call. In another part of the boat, his daughter continued coursework for her Master’s degree in London. When they finished, they went for a swim. “It was amazing to get off that call and plunge into the crystal-clear turquoise water and swim to the beach,” Hill says.

After a winter among the Caribbean islands, Trevor and Judy Hill crossed the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and then

With Intrepid calmly moored, Hill joined an important conference call. In another part of the boat, his daughter continued coursework for her Master’s degree in London.

When they finished, they went for a swim. “It was amazing to get off that call and plunge into the crystal-clear turquoise water and swim to the beach,”

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retraced their steps to Antigua to join the Oyster World Rally 2022-23. The Canadian businessman officially retired in 2018 but became an investor and joined several boards. Since then, the Hills have lived mainly aboard and continued to work while sailing over 25,000 nautical miles.

The technology that enables working from on board a yacht has existed for many years, but it was not until 2020 that virtual meetings and remote working became widely accepted.

“That is one of the few things that has been a bright, shining highlight of Covid, people are comfortable using Zoom and Teams and not seeing others in person,” says Hill.

“At the moment, I’m right in the middle of issuing a bond in the US and I will never have met any of the 25 people on that particular financing transaction.”

MIXING WORK WITH PLEASURE Mark Johnson says he always planned on taking his young family sailing around the world and the pandemic presented him with an opportunity to bring forward this dream while still working full-time.

The American consultant bought his Oyster 82 Jagiya in October 2020 and he and his wife and two daughters, aged ten and eight, rented out their house and moved aboard in February 2021. Since then, they have cruised from Newport and Boston and as

far north as Maine, before making their way south towards the Caribbean.

Johnson has worked for the same tech company for 20 years but the shift away from business travel and face-to-face meetings has made it possible to go sailing while working as normal. “It is a different way of doing things and I think better than a traditional work or home office. The more you can surround yourself with enjoyment the better it is,” he observes.

Some might worry about mixing a demanding job with the distractions of sailing, but Johnson has not found it a problem. “It’s all intermingled from a work perspective, and there is no impact at all.

I think the home life is much better even though I am working because there is this great mesh with my personal life.”

The only issue, he says, is around connectivity. “Infrastructure is different in different countries, and you have to plan carefully if you want to make a video call. If you have a delay on a call with ten people, it is hard to get others to pause while you have your go!”

ABOVE LEF T: ENJOY THE FREEDOM OF WORKING WHILE EXPLORING AND ENJOYING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES. WORKING REQUIREMENTS

ABOVE, TOP RIGHT: TREVOR AND JUDY HILL , OWNERS OF OYSTER 725/01 INTREPID. ABOVE, BOT TOM RIGHT: A N O F F I C E V I EW TO B E P RO U D O F.

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TECHNOLO GY TO WORK FROM ANYWHERE In fact, the technology that allows fast speed internet access from anywhere in the world is well developed but can be expensive. You need to anticipate what kind of work you will do when sailing along the coast, offshore or in remote locations and how much data is needed, then choose both the right equipment and service plan.

Gavin Painter runs tech company IT@Sea and has worked with Oyster owners for over 20 years. It’s his job to find out how each owner wants to work and deliver the best and most cost-effective connectivity. He readily admits that the choices can be “a bit of a can of worms”.

Coastwise, most owners will use the 4G/5G networks, using an antenna high up in the spreaders to get a signal as far as 55 miles offshore to get services such as email, weather forecasts, WhatsApp, and streaming video. A modem can be fitted with SIMs that give network priority and will not be throttled at peak times.

For offshore and ocean passages, owners can use VSAT, Inmarsat Fleet One or Iridium Certus satellite services. VSAT has

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regional coverage with some gaps – for example, between the Galápagos and French Polynesia. Fleet One coverage is global but has speeds up to only 150kbps, whereas Iridium Certus has a much faster speed (700kbps) but is much more costly.

Choosing between these also means navigating a myriad of pricing plans, minimum contract periods, bundle options and flat fees, with data charged from a price per MB right up to unlimited options.

“Part of my job is to manage the contract side of the airtime and the spec of the equipment to suit an owner’s needs,” explains Painter. “Most of the time owners are on 4G, but if an owner is working while the boat is at sea they might go on a satellite data bundle which reduces the cost per MB.” In these cases, Painter will set up a split network onboard, with one for the 4G/5G system and another for the satellite system, so that crews can switch easily between the two as they leave or approach the coast. It can work so seamlessly that people on shore have no idea they are communicating with a yacht at sea. “Sat phones can even be set up with a landline number,” says Painter.

Trevor Hill uses 4G/5G most of the time but when offshore uses Inmarsat Fleet One, which allows weather, email and WhatsApp. He uses WhatsApp messages to exchange documents, PDFs and Excel files, which he transfers to his laptop to review. He also has a sat phone with a hands-free kit so that he can “pace around the boat in the middle of the ocean on a conference call.”

“It is a bit more expensive, but not when compared with the journey of having to fly to a board meeting in New York!” he says.

Coastwise, most owners will use the 4G/5G networks, using an antenna high up in the spreaders to get a signal as far as 55 miles offshore. A modem can be fitted with SIMs that give network priority.

BELOW: AN OFFICE WITH A DIFFERENCE FOR OYSTER 725/01 INTREPID.

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HOW TO WORK ON THE MOVE Finding the right place to work on board is surprisingly easy, says Mark Johnson.

Like many businesspeople today, he was well used to working while travelling.

“All I need is a laptop and connectivity,” he says. He has private space in the owner’s cabin but often chooses to work in the saloon or the cockpit.

Some yachts, such as Oyster 885 Firebird, are specially set up for working on board.

Firebird has a double cabin that can be converted to a sofa and a large desk with two monitors built into a bulkhead so two people can work side by side. But, like Mark Johnson, Trevor Hill finds he doesn’t need any special arrangements.

“We’ve had many different kinds of homes over the years, and some have had beautiful offices built-in, and I’ve never used them,” he says. “I like to have my laptop and my phone and a cup of coffee on the saloon

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table. Sometimes I go back to the cabin to get away if we have people on board. So yes, I see people put offices in their cabins and that would be fine. But ours doesn’t have that and I don’t need it.”

ARE THERE ANY D OWNSIDES TO WO R K I N G F RO M O N BOA R D? “It’s a little tricky to get away from work fully,” Hill comments. “The concept of retirement and taking the gloves off doesn’t exist for me. There will always be 10-20 percent of your life and mind [taken up] managing your own affairs, at least in our world, so you have to put in place all the processes to manage things by exception.

“However, I don’t see any of it as a negative,” he continues. “This is a nice way of doing it. It’s a luxury to be connected to businesses doing what I love to do, and it is a nice way to segue from a busier work life.”

Asked for advice on planning a move aboard, Hill says: “If you are thinking about

it, my advice would be: do it. It’s easy. The tech is there and it’s excellent! “If you are going to work from home you might as well work from your yacht, and it’s certainly more fun. When you are off Nantucket or Block Island or somewhere in the Exumas, cracking open your laptop for a couple of hours is a small price to pay.”

If you are thinking about it, my advice would be: do it. It’s easy.

The tech is there and it’s excellent!

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Q&A

The Art of Commissioning

Q&A

In this issue, we meet another expert who helps bring Oysters to life. All our experts bring valuable experience and a deep understanding of our yachts (along with an equally deep love of the sea) to their roles.

Commissioning Manager, George Newman, is no exception. Discover how his extensive experience and background as a skipper of classic and Oyster yachts, helps him in the vitally important and meticulously detailed business of commissioning our boats.

Tell us a little about life before Oyster I became a sailing professional right after I left school, heading to the Mediterranean to join the Classic racing circuit, sailing vintage boats. I spent ten years on Mariquita, a 125 foot gaff-rigged cutter, starting as a deckie, then working my way up through bosun to first mate to captain, which I did for five years. In the early years, the owner used to join us for one day a year, but the new

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owners came for every single race – eight regattas a year – and we worked hard to get the most out of her. It was great fun but a very long season. Starting in May in the south of France, moving on to Italy, the Balearics, mainland Spain, back to Italy and finishing up in France at the end of the summer. After I met my wife on the circuit and we had a family, I wanted to move to a more shore-based job.

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I’m lucky; every day is different.

I’m deeply involved with boats and none of them are the same, even those of the same model.

Owners specify different systems and configurations, so there are new considerations every time.

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Q&A

LEF T: RIGGER GOING ALOF T TO I N S P ECT M AST HARDWARE DURING COMMISSIONING PROCESS.

What attracted you to Oyster?

After the Classic yachts, I ran an Oyster 745 for two years. It was much cruisier (literally!) than the Classic circuit, a much slower pace, much calmer – we’d do just two Oyster Regattas every year. I got to know the boat, and understand all the systems and how they worked practically, so it was a logical step into commissioning.

A boat will arrive on a Monday from Wroxham. We’ll launch her on Tuesday and the first thing is to get the mast stepped and the rig in. It’s a complex job and we work for a week to set up the rig, tensioning it and getting the sails on. At the same time, we’ll be connecting the hydraulics and electrics, making sure all the systems are running properly.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I am lucky; every day is different. I’m deeply involved with boats and none of them are the same, even those of the same model. Owners specify different systems and configurations, so there are new considerations every time. We are always busy too – in 2022, we will be handing over 25 yachts ranging from the 495 right up to our biggest model, the 885.

At the start of the following week, we get out on the water to tune the sails and get her sailing at her best. We go through all the systems and use them as much as possible in real situations to make sure everything works properly. We have incredibly high standards, which ensures everything is as it should be – perfect. We put all the systems and moving parts through real-life simulations to test functionality, just like an owner will when they’re on a passage.

Can you talk us through the commissioning process?

Before we start work on a boat, we’ll send a team to the yard, during the testing phase, to fully understand the specification. This ensures we have a good idea of what to expect when she arrives.

Most of the commissioning takes place in Ipswich, apart from the new 495, which is done in Southampton.

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What is the most important part of the process?

Time with the boat is at the heart of our success. A well-commissioned Oyster is what sets us apart from the competition and an international reputation for building the world’s finest sailing yachts.

Commissioning takes between four to twelve weeks, depending on the size of the boat. And there is no better way to test things than taking her out and using her as much as we can in real sailing situations – and that takes time.

Our commissioning logs are extensive, with over 100 pages of checks and tests. We could easily sign off hundreds of checks moored up in the marina, but it’s only when you’re heeled over in a stiff breeze, with all systems running, do you feel like you’re testing her properly. It is about attention to detail and we like to take it to the extreme!

We take a yacht out on a 24-hour passage and then test everything simultaneously – from the cookers to the showers and bilge pumps, along with electronics and navigation systems. And if we can get a few hours of upwind sailing in, we’ll put her through her paces, which is the best way to shake everything down, in the same way the owner will when they set off on their adventures.

We have incredibly high standards, which ensures everything is as it should be – perfect. We put all the systems and moving parts through real-life simulations to test functionality, just like an owner will when they’re on a passage.

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After all the testing, we put together a snagging list which we work through with the yard to ensure she meets the owner’s expectations at the handover. When we do finally hand her over, we have absolute peace of mind that everything is in great shape. Our meticulous attention to detail helps mitigate extensive warranty snags and, most importantly, ensures the owner enjoys their Oyster from the moment they take the helm.

With a smaller model, handovers start on a Monday, when we do a final polish to make sure everything is in tip-top condition. On Tuesday, the owners meet the team and their project manager who has supported them throughout the build from day one.

Then begins a walk-through of the boat from stem to stern. We look under the beds, lift floor hatches and open the headliners to reveal all the systems, so they know where everything is.

How long does all this take?

It depends on the size of the yacht but it’s time-consuming regardless. We take four weeks to commission a 495, followed by a two to three-day handover with the owners. At the other end of the scale, the 885 is a much bigger and more complex yacht, so you are looking at a ten to twelve-week commissioning process, with a week or even two of handover.

The second day is spent out on the water with the sailmakers to demonstrate the sails. The owners learn how to set them and how to work all the automatic sailing systems, winches and windlass.

How intense is the handover process?

It is full-on and there is a huge amount to take in. Some owners film the whole experience so they can go back to revisit and digest it later. Most usually have some knowledge and experience, so they’re not starting from scratch. No matter what level of experience, all owners leave us feeling confident with their yacht and we are always here for them for further questions once they have got to know her better.

Day three and four involve going over the deck and the IT team come on board to show them how to use the plotters and comms equipment. At the end, the Oyster After Sales team bring in all the spares.

For larger models, we follow the same handover process, but the time required expands to consider the size of the boat and the complexity of the systems. As you can imagine, the bigger the yacht, the more there is to get your head around – we probably impart a lifetime’s knowledge in the space of a week or two!

Finally, what’s the best part of the job?

It’s an amazing job all round. I get to spend time with these incredible yachts, experiencing the entire Oyster fleet.

Nothing beats putting a new yacht through her paces with a great team around you. It’s more fun in summer than in February, but it certainly beats a desk job!

I think the best part of the job is when the owners arrive for the handover. Typically, it’s the end of a lengthy project. It is the first time they have seen their boat finished and looking stunning. They are usually giddy with excitement and very emotional – who wouldn’t be!

No matter what level of experience, all owners leave us feeling confident with their yacht and we are always here for them for further questions once they have got to know her better.

RIGHT: I N C R E D I B LY H I G H S TA N D A R D S A N D M E T I C U L O U S AT T E N T I O N TO D E TA I L F R O M T H E OYS T E R YA C H T S COMMISSIONING TEAM.

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POWER TO SAIL

TA C K

CH NGING

On a summer’s day in 2017, Cees Heuker of Hoek was sailing from Valencia to Ibiza on a friend’s yacht.

As he listened to the sound of the boat surging forwards on the breeze, he had a sudden idea. “A thought just hit me like lightning. I should buy a yacht.”

“It was nice, so relaxing,” he explains. “There was no noise. We were working a little bit on the course.

And I saw that a yacht is like your house; every time you go out it’s your home.”

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Heuker of Hoek already owned a boat, a beautiful 38 foot Wajer open motorboat.

For five years he had kept and enjoyed it in the south of France near St Tropez.

But with a sailing yacht, he could see different horizons opening up.

“After five or six years, I really thought that a motorboat is more about getting to a destination than enjoying the journey. Yes, it is an advantage that you can go from St Tropez to Monaco [quickly] but after so many years it felt a little bit like a taxi.

“And after a long time of working, I wanted to do something else with my life, with my head.”

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Once back at home, he began a deep dive into suitable types of yachts. “I started thinking about it all and looked at lots of different types, including catamarans, but I kept coming back to Oyster,” he says.

Then he began to learn more about the Oyster World Rally. Could sailing around the world be possible?

When he discovered that hull number 12 of the Oyster 595 could be ordered for delivery in 2023, he realised he had a lifechanging decision to make. “I stopped my car on the way to work and said: do I want to do this? Should I stop working and hand the company over to the management so I can enjoy every part of the Oyster dream?

“I said to myself, why not? I was 58. I was privileged to be able to work and still go and do something else. My partner said to me: “If you wait until 63 to order a boat and you get it when you’re 65, and then you have to learn what you need to know to sail it, you’ll be nearly 70. You don’t know how you will be. You can’t look in the future. Later is now.

“So it was like a bell ringing. There’s never a perfect time. I decided that I have to do it now. Sailing would be a way for a new experience, a once in a lifetime adventure.”

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POWER TO SAIL

T H E V E R S AT I L I T Y O F S A I L

“We have been thinking that people in motorboats would start to think about a sailing boat and of ways to motor less and minimise their burn,” says Paul Adamson, Oyster Yachts Chief Commercial Officer.

Following the launch of the new Oyster 495 this summer and its tour of Scandinavia, Adamson and his colleagues have heard more frequent conversations about moving from power to sail. “It was the first time I have had couples, who are motorboat owners, coming on board saying they were thinking of changing to sail and were there to see what it is all about,” he says.

This heightened interest mirrors the rapid adoption of electric cars and is being driven by the same concerns about sustainability and independence from fossil fuels.

“And maybe there’s a generational thing as well. When somebody goes to buy a boat, they have to buy it for the whole family. The kids think it is less and less cool to turn up in anchorage with two big diesel engines running. A yacht has far less impact on the environment.”

Sailing may appear to require specialised skills, peppered as it is with esoteric terminology. The modern reality, however, is that automated systems make modern yachts comparatively easy to sail, and the navigation, boat handling and mooring skills used in motorboating are readily transferable.

Cees Heuker of Hoek is one of a small but steadily growing number of people willing to make the move from power to sail, seeing both its environmental advantages and an oceangoing yacht’s world-girdling capabilities.

It is also a clubbable sport, with a huge range of fun, cruising and racing events and the strong sense of a global community making the sailing world remarkably friendly and open.

“You don’t need to have sailed as a kid. Sailing is a welcoming sport,” says Adamson. “There is a massive social side to it, with a huge variety of events such as the ARC Transatlantic Rally and the Oyster World Rally, where you can meet up and bring your friends. You can also get far off the beaten track with a sailing boat.”

B E LOW, TO P R I G H T: L E A R N H OW TO SA I L WITH AMPLE ROOM ON BOARD FOR YOUR O W N D E D I C AT E D C R E W TO G U I D E YO U E V E RY S T E P O F T H E W AY. BOT TOM LEF T: T H E S TA N D A R D O F COMFORT ON BOARD AN OYSTER CAN EQUAL A N Y M OTO R B O AT

W I T H E X PA N S I V E A N D LUXURIOUS LIVING S PA C E S .

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When somebody goes to buy a boat, they have to buy it for the whole family.

The kids think it is less and less cool to turn up in anchorage with two big diesel engines running.

A yacht has far less impact on the environment.

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Automated systems make modern yachts relatively easy to sail, and the navigation, boat handling and mooring skills used in motorboating are readily transferable.

On a motorboat, you could burn 1,000 litres in a weekend.

On an Oyster, the same amount will easily support you on an ocean crossing.

It’s true a sailing yacht is more complex to operate, but Adamson says: “It can seem complicated; people have to learn a whole new skill. But that is getting easier.

If they invest in a bigger Oyster they will have a crew, or we can put a crew on a smaller Oyster to look after them and train them. What I have noticed is that once a motorboater jumps on a sailboat, they are surprised that they have the space on board and all of the comforts they are used to.”

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A well-found sailing yacht such as an Oyster has a far wider range of operating conditions than most motorboats; can keep making progress safely in almost any conditions; and will open up the world in a way in which cannot be rivalled. It also synchs with a change in how people are thinking about their impact on the world.

Conversations on topics like solar power, hydrogeneration and lithium batteries for long periods of self-sufficiency and silent running are now the norm, mirroring the shift from fossil fuel to electric cars.

“The cost of fuel is also impacting motorboats,” notes Adamson. “On a motorboat, you could burn 1,000 litres in a weekend. On an Oyster, the same amount will easily support you on an ocean crossing.”

Adamson thinks it is part of a wider reassessment of life and priorities that coalesced in the course of the pandemic.

“People want to see more and do more.

We’ve seen it with the Oyster World Rally

and the places that sailing boats go. People think it’s really cool to set off across an ocean and explore, and it is achievable.”

Satellite communications technology at sea is keeping pace with land-based infrastructure, and the new acceptability of Zoom and Teams meetings makes it possible to work or run a business on board – numerous Oyster owners do just that. It has also altered many people’s long-term outlook.

“Going sailing is true escapism and while, traditionally, people would wait to retire or sell their business, now they are thinking, why wait?” Adamson observes.

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NOW OR NEVER From his young days as a windsurfer and early career in the Navy, Miki Schestowitz always dreamed of having a sailing boat.

Life got busy though and a motorboat was a neater fit – he still owns an Azimut 77.

Then, in 2020, he visited the Düsseldorf Boat Show and fell for the Oyster 565.

“I was looking at a 64 foot yacht and had even been sailing on one but thought it was too big; I could not take such a responsibility,” he said. “And I didn’t want to get a skipper, I wanted to do it myself.

Then I saw a video about the Oyster 565 and the story of how it was developed. I went to Düsseldorf and thought, ‘I am 62, it is now or never.’”

Everything about the Oyster attracted him: the standard of build, the joinery, the sense of luxury, the large, bright Seascape windows – and the company ethos itself. “I said to myself, ‘you need the possibilities of an Oyster from what you have seen’.

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Not just the look, the whole package was a game-changer. You feel more secure making this [buying] decision. Honestly, if it had not been for Oyster, I don’t think I would have done this.

Schestowitz ordered his boat and Oyster 565/09 ZiGi, was launched this year.

Initially, his family thought he was crazy. “‘Do you know what you are doing?’ they said, but in a humorous way. Now, they are excited for me and I believe I am right.

And if I am, I will sell the motorboat.

He will join the boat for the passage from Spain to Corfu where he will keep her to sail in the Mediterranean. One “gentleman crew” will look after the boat, he says, but he will skipper ZiGi himself when on board.

For him, sailing an Oyster strikes exactly the right chord. “I don’t like the image of a motorboat or having a crew. I would rather be alone with my wife and family. I always look at a sailing yacht and I know that it’s tougher but it’s much more meaningful.”

I said to myself, ‘you need the possibilities of an Oyster from what you have seen’.

Not just the look, the whole package was a game-changer.

Honestly, if it had not been for Oyster, I don’t think I would have done this.

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POWER TO SAIL

OPENING UP THE WORLD

Learning to be a sailor, I have been on courses and I will do it step by step.

That part, in conjunction with the experience of being totally in control of a yacht of 65ft, is really exciting.

The boat doesn’t take you from A to B, you have to do it.

Owning a large sailing yacht and planning an adventurous voyage is a complex project, but for Cees Heuker of Hoek, “that was part of the attraction.”

BELOW: O U R YA C H T S A R E P R I Z E D F O R T H E I R B U I L D Q U A L I T Y, C R A F T S M A N S H I P, L U X U R Y, C O M F O R T A N D S A F E T Y. T H E Y C A N TA K E YO U TO T H E M OST R E M OT E CO R N E RS O F T H E W O R L D T H AT A R E O N LY ACCESSIBLE ON LIVEABOARD YA C H T S L I K E O U R S .

“[In terms of] learning to be a sailor, I have been on courses and I will do it step by step.

That part, in conjunction with the experience of being totally in control of a yacht of 65 foot, is really exciting. The boat doesn’t take you from A to B, you have to do it.”

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“When I retired a couple of months ago, it was because I wanted to enjoy it,” he says. “You have to investigate technology and learn to use the instruments and to manage what will be your house. I made the decision last year that I wouldn’t solve all the problems about family, kids and business, but I will make it work.

He sees this as merely the start of his journey. His new Oyster will launch next year, too soon for him to join the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 he feels, so he is planning to take part in 2026.

“I need two years to become a sailor. So I have time from 2023 to learn and get confident and be ready in the summer of 2025 to leave the Mediterranean and sail across the Atlantic to join the rally.”

Migrating from power to a larger sailing yacht has opened up a world of experiences that he did not imagine, and were not possible before. “I am privileged still be able to go and do something else.

I see it as a gift to ourselves, and to my family, my two boys, and my girlfriend’s two kids, to be a part of that dream.”

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GER19195 / 1219

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NEW L AUNCHES

N EW L AU N C HES For many owners, the much-anticipated handover of their brand new Oyster is like a dream. So much so, that many of them are pinching themselves to make sure they really are on board.

build by our expert project managers. With our meticulous attention to detail, every decision you make will be based on exactly what you want and need.

The journey from choosing the right Oyster model to ownership is different for everyone. Some dream of it from the moment they set foot in their first dingy. For others, the desire to own only the best sailboat available comes later in life. But what unites them all is a taste for adventure that Oyster is well-provisioned to fulfil.

At the end of the journey, you will not only take ownership of a remarkable yacht, but you will also have built a deep and lasting connection with her. By being involved in the build process, meeting our designers and craftspeople, and seeing them put their timehonoured crafts skills into practice to perfect the smallest details, you will be the proud owner of a yacht that is unique to you.

We know the pleasure of ownership starts from the moment you place your order. It is a deeply personal and involving experience and you will be guided through every step of specification and

We hope these stories of our recent new owners and their Oysters will inspire you to take the first step, whether you are considering ordering your first, second or third Oyster.

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NEW L AUNCHES

OYSTER 565/09 ZiGi OW N E R : M I K I S C H ESTOW I T Z PROJECT MANAGER: OLIVER ESSEX H A N D O V E R : M AY 2 0 2 2

At the start of May 2022, Miki Schestowitz took ownership of Oyster 565/09 ZiGi – named for his father. Miki is an experienced mariner, having served three years on a missile boat in the Israeli Navy. He retired early seven years ago and has spent the intervening years enjoying his Azimut 77 motorboat. A keen windsurfer for many years, it was a natural step for him to trade up to a sailing yacht.

He discovered Oyster and the 565 through sailing magazines and on YouTube. Attracted to the yacht’s special look with the Oyster trademark wraparound windows, and after seeing the outstanding build quality and attention to detail for himself at boot Düsseldorf, he was convinced to place an order.

He enjoyed choosing from the different design and specification options available, as well as working with our highly experienced Interior Design Team. He loves the look of his 565 and is thrilled with the design and fit-out, especially the master cabin.

ZiGi will be based in Corfu where Miki will master the art of sailing his 565. Miki is so proud of her, he has vowed to be Oyster’s ambassador across Greece and Israel.

PROJECT MANAGER COMMENTS Due to the pandemic, all our meetings were done online, but Miki did manage to visit the yard for a day during the build which was an emotional moment for him.

He put a lot of time and thought into the interiors, choosing stunning horizontal European oak wood throughout, with matching soles and a whitewashed wax finish on the floors. It makes for a very light and welcoming space below decks. There are some lovely, sophisticated details here too, including a continuous shadow gap running through the forward companionway and the cabin doors.

ZiGi not only looks superb, but she also handles perfectly. The handover sail took place in an exciting 22-25 knots and she proved herself more than capable of dealing with everything thrown at her. Miki enjoyed powering around Harwich harbour and out to sea at a steady 10+ knots in the lap of comfort and luxury – exactly the kind of performance and experience you expect from an Oyster.

I’m thrilled with ZiGi – she is everything I dreamt of and more.

The attention to detail is marvellous throughout, down to the smallest details. She is super-impressive in so many ways and I am looking forward to getting to know her better over the coming months.

We have many journeys and adventures ahead, I am certain!

MIKI SCHESTOWITZ

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OYSTER 595/02 KARIOCA III OW N E R : K A R I R I N KO PROJECT MANAGER: LUKE PORTER H A N D O V E R : M AY 2 0 2 2

Owner Kari Rinko was looking for a quality bluewater cruising yacht to make his circumnavigation plans possible. After comparing Oyster with other well-known brands, he chose the Oyster 595.

“She is very well designed for Blue Ocean cruising, with lots of clever details and practical solutions. Importantly, high on the priority list was my desire for a ‘short-handed’ sailing yacht to skipper myself and with family.”

Kari started sailing at the age of seven and has had experience cruising in Europe and South America with his own yachts (smaller monohull sailing boats and a catamaran, with between 37 foot and 50 foot hulls).

As well as Karioca III’s overall build quality, Kari was delighted with the “cool sailing performance”, ease of handling (as expected) and very stylish and cosy interior living spaces.

Kari is passionate about green technology and innovation and she is therefore fitted with a Watt & Sea Pod 600 hydro generator and will boast an array of solar panels on the fixed bimini. She will also have padeyes installed on the vast foredeck, where Kari can secure a bicycle to charge the batteries.

PROJECT MANAGER COMMENTS We were delighted to hand over this highly-specified boat with an extended transom and huge lazarette. The owner chose the centreboard keel option to make the most of shallow-draft cruising and the ability to tuck into the remotest shallow anchorages.

She’s equipped with all the engineering kit you could wish for (oil transfer pumps, fuel polisher, heating system and aircon). Kari is also a rum connoisseur and his pièce de résistance is a bespoke 11 litre rum tank, hidden in the cockpit backrest.

The teak interior is a standout design feature, a stunning combination of traditional dark wood that works with the other fittings to offer a contemporary feel throughout. The combination of contrasting upholstery and soft furnishings ties the interior together beautifully. We had a fantastic sail trial with a good 1015 knots and the 595 soon demonstrated her ease of handling, which was an important requirement for Kari, not to mention the quietness of the engine, smooth ride, and good boat speed – everything one could hope for in a liveaboard bluewater cruiser.

Kari headed back to Finland and from there will head south to Palma to start planning for his circumnavigation, routing around Cape Horn.

Karioca III is a stunning and impressive yacht. I’m very pleased with the Oyster quality and craftsmanship... the finish is very detailed, including my own customised requests – such as a bespoke rum tank in the cockpit!

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OYSTER 595/04 LALALEE PROJECT MANAGER: DEBBIE SCOUGALL HANDOVER: APRIL 2022

LaLaLee was handed over to her owners in Ipswich in April this year. This beautiful Oyster 595 was chosen by the family as she can be effortlessly sailed shorthanded but also offers plenty of space for a crew if required.

The owners came to Wroxham to see the build in progress and meet the sailmakers and Oyster craftsmen and women as they brought LaLaLee to life. They worked very closely with the team when specifying the boat, especially with our experienced interior design team.

The result is the first Oyster with a walnut interior. She features unusual woven leather headboards and bulkheads in the aft and saloon cabins, along with beautiful, light, soft furnishings throughout. The stunning and unique look was completed with Unnatural Flooring synthetic seagrass/sisal, which offers a combination of practicality and tactility (it looks like woven sisal but it can be hosed down!). The owners also commissioned a Torqueedo electric outboard for their RIB, working closely with Marine Tech to deliver the ideal solution.

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PROJECT MANAGER COMMENTS The owners were thrilled with LaLaLee and the overall finish of this stunning yacht exceeded expectations. It was a pleasure to see their ideas realised in such a beautiful interior and their cruising sheet which featured a stunning Polynesian turtle logo. Our project manager, Luke Hancock, sailed with the owner to Cartagena and was mightily impressed with the performance of the boat on all points of sail. The owner continued to the Mediterranean for the summer, with plans to winter in the Caribbean and hopefully join the Oyster World Rally in 2024.

Despite the build being hit by headwinds of the pandemic, the entire Oyster team put in a super-human effort to deliver in the timescales. Our thanks go to everyone who went the extra mile to create this exceptional yacht. We know the owners are delighted with LaLaLee and we wish them fair winds on their adventures.

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OYSTER 675/05 TIGER OWNER: SIMON PILL AR PROJECT MANAGER: GARETH ALLEN HANDOVER: JANUARY 2022

Tiger is Simon Pillar’s second Oyster, replacing his first, Oyster 625/04, which he owned for almost eight years. Simon’s boats have always been a huge part of his family life and are always a major focus when the family holiday together. Not surprisingly, every aspect of this build was seen through the lens of the family’s wants and needs.

As a result, his new Oyster 675 was designed with a completely new front-end layout. This features a twin bunk cabin to port and two heads, one en-suite for the forward starboard cabin. There is also a forepeak/sail locker with a removable pipe cot, which creates a handy extra bunk when an unexpected guest turns up.

On deck, she boasts a suite of high-performance Elvstrom sails with a hydraulic furling Code Zero and a big A2 gennaker for downwind sailing. She is equipped with an AB ALX 13 tender with a 40hp engine and a jockey console, which can be stored on the foredeck or davits.

After a short, informal handover, Tiger set sail to La Coruna with an Oyster representative on board for support. On arrival, there was a crew change and she then continued down to Las Palmas, arriving safely just before Christmas. Tiger then took part in the ARC in January, with Simon and his brothers joining for their first Atlantic

crossing together. After a safe crossing to the Caribbean, there were a couple of family trips for all to experience Tiger in all her glory, before she cruised up the East Coast of the United States towards Newport. She is due to return to the Mediterranean at the end of the season, in time for the Oyster Palma Regatta 2022 at Real Club Nàutico de Palma.

PROJECT MANAGER COMMENTS This was the first 675 we have built in Southampton and the team delivered a beautiful boat. The specification was stunning, well informed and intelligently specified thanks to Simon’s clarity on sail plans and knowledge and experience of Oyster.

Simon made several visits during the build and each time he was stunned by the quality of work, the standards and the craftsmanship of every aspect of the build. On delivery, Simon was blown away, Tiger exceeded his and the family’s expectations on every level. Simon remarked on how impressed they were with the enhancements in quality and finishing all-around – features they felt would be almost impossible to improve upon.

We wanted to say a massive thank you to Oyster for the amazing work and effort that went into delivering TIGER 675/05, the most beautiful yacht. The family is looking forward to creating a new set of memories on her in the years ahead. Thank you to our Project Managers and the rest of the amazing team. We are deeply, deeply grateful.

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OYST E R 74 5 CENTREBOARD

The go-anywhere yacht The Oyster 745 is now available with a super shallow-draft centreboard keel.

The new go-anywhere Oyster 745 with retractable centreboard keel gives you the best of both worlds. Reducing the draft from 3.10m/ 10’2” to a remarkable 1.98m/ 6’6” means you can cruise shallow cruising grounds and anchor anywhere you choose with complete confidence. The retractable centreboard is raised and lowered at the touch of a button from the helm station. The centreboard swings up inside the shallow draft ballast keel to give maximum clearance of the seabed – all without compromising the openness and spaciousness of the 745 layout and interior joinery.

The Oyster 745 centreboard variant is paired with a carbon mast and boom and carbon composite standard rigging, all designed to maximise stability and balance, while reducing weight for optimum performance under sail. With the centreboard down she grips the water, giving truly outstanding windward performance, while her twin rudders provide rewarding finger-tip control – making her an exceptionally comfortable and exhilarating yacht to sail.

Oyster has decades of experience designing and building shallow draft, monohull sailing yachts. As well as the new 745 centreboard, the Oyster 595 is also available with the same flexible configuration, reducing draft from 2.68m/ 8’10” to 1.79m/ 5’10”. The latest addition to the fleet, the new Oyster 495, also features a shallow-draft configuration in the form of a fixed shoal keel, which reduces the draft to 1.83m/ 6’0”.

This extremely versatile yacht will deliver every kind of adventure, whether with family and friends or with a crew to support you on long ocean passages. The Oyster 745 centreboard is the ultimate sailing yacht for those who wish to explore the places other yachts simply cannot reach.

The shallow-draft also acts as a safety feature, providing more options to tuck into safe anchorages, marinas and river inlets at a moment’s notice than with a standard keel boat. Not only will you be able to anchor closer to shore, but you will also be better protected from storms.

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OYST E R FLEET

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

For over 49 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.

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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 90 circumnavigations.

Over the last five decades, we have refined and finessed 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. Find out more about the Oyster fleet over the following pages.

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

OYST E R 675

OYST E R 8 8 5 GT

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OYST E R 4 9 5 A N E W B L U E W AT E R B E N C H M A R K

The latest collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design and Oyster’s own in-house design studio, the new Oyster 495 combines innovative design, styling and attention to detail, along with a shallow-draft option, all in an exceptional 50 foot yacht.

Elegantly-built and featuring effortless shorthanded sailing controls, next generation styling and contemporary interiors, the Oyster 495 sets a new bluewater benchmark in her class. She is designed for a stunning combination of performance, comfort and style, with seamanlike qualities in equal measure. Built

by Britain’s finest craftsmen and women, she combines modern styling, creative detailing and a host of practical features not normally seen on a 50 foot yacht.

With clean hull lines and carrying her beam well aft, the 495 offers excellent form stability and sailing performance. Her twin rudder configuration makes her light and easy on the steering in even the most boisterous of conditions. An array of innovative, automated sailing technology means she is a joy to sail shorthanded.

Whether you are hosting a dinner party OYST E R 4 9 5 DECK PLAN

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length overall including stemhead

16.1m / 52’8”

Length of hull

15.15m / 49’7”

Beam

4.77m / 15’8”

Draft - Standard keel | Optional shoal keel

2.28m / 7’5” | 1.83m / 6’0”

Displacement (Lightship)

21,000 kg / 46,297 lbs

Overall sail area (in-mast furling)

115.78m2 / 1,246ft2

Overall sail area (fully battened mainsail)

126.9m2 / 1,364ft2

Typical engine

Yanmar 4JH110

Fuel tank

800 litres / 211 US gals

Water tank

550 litres / 145 US gals

Air draft (approximately 0.60m (24”) extra for optional lights and aerials)

23.58m / 77’4”

for friends, exploring coastal waters, crossing oceans or even circumnavigating the globe, no other 50 foot yacht offers such limitless potential.

Key features: Three cabin configuration Available in five alternative interior styles Electric cassette bathing platform Owner’s cabin featuring signature triple Seascape windows Twin rudders, standard and shoal keel options

T H E OYST E R 4 9 5 WORLD PREMIERE See the new Oyster 495 on her World Premiere Tour in the Mediterranean.

Visit our website to book your personal tour at the Cannes or Genoa Boat Shows, or at our Private View in Palma.

OYST E R 4 9 5 SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 4 9 5 I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R 5 6 5 A YA C H T F O R A L L O C E A N S

Heralding a new generation of Oysters, this 60 foot sailing yacht builds on the many accomplishments of the pioneering 56 and 575.

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

Displaying our core design values and latest innovations found on the new generation of Oyster yachts, the awardwinning Oyster 565 is the ultimate pocket superyacht.

Her refined systems make her effortless to sail shorthanded and the exceptional standard of craftsmanship and materials provide welcoming, stylish and luxurious interiors. Every detail has been considered for complete comfort and confidence at sea.

The Oyster 565 has no limits: practical and well-provisioned for long distance sailing, with excellent passage making speeds, she is equally happy cruising in coastal waters.

Her powerful, easily-manageable sail plan means she is ideal for circumnavigation too.

Down below, she offers unexpected volume with generous stowage throughout. The living area makes the most of the hull volume, with full navigation station featuring the Oyster Command System™ and a versatile side cabin which doubles as a workroom.

OYST E R 5 6 5 DECK PLAN

THE BRITISH

YACHTING AWARDS 2019 WINNER

Length overall including stemhead

18.09m / 59’3”

Length of hull

17.22m / 56’6”

Beam

5.13m / 16’10”

Draft - standard keel

2.50m / 8’ 2”

Draft - centreboard up | centreboard down 1.66m / 5’5” | 3.96m / 13’0” Displacement - standard keel

25,570kg / 56,370lbs

Typical engine

Volvo Penta D3-150 110kW (150hp)

Tanks - fuel

950 litres / 208 Imp Gallons (250 US gals)

Tanks - water

750 litres / 165 Imp Gallons (198 US gals)

Sail area - including 105% foretriangle

164m2 / 1,765ft2

Air draft approx, excluding antennae

25.64m / 84’1”

There is a spacious cockpit, while the twin helm stations keep the sailing controls separate for safer and easier handling.

The flush, clutter-free fore and aft decks offer more space to relax and enjoy.

Key features: Three cabin configuration, plus workroom Hydraulic push-button, in-mast furling Alternative interior layouts and wood finishes available Twin rudders, centreboard or fixed keel options Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

The 565 is the winner of British Yachting Awards Bluewater Cruiser of the Year

OYST E R 5 6 5 SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 5 6 5 I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R 5 9 5 C A PA B L E O F G R E AT T H I N G S

The much-anticipated Oyster 595 fills an important gap in the Oyster fleet.

Well-proportioned and extremely versatile, she offers exciting, customised build options and is available with fixed or centreboard keel.

With Oyster DNA running through every inch, she can be sailed effortlessly by two people and has an impressive internal volume, easily accommodating family and friends.

Technology and tradition come together in complete harmony on the 595, making her well-connected with the latest navigation and entertainment systems. The stylish mood lighting and utilities are all controlled through the Oyster Command System™.

There is plenty of space to socialise in the cockpit, on the flush aft and foredecks, as well as an optional swim deck.

Designed for safe yet fast, exhilarating cruising and equipped with the latest automated sailing technology as standard, she offers responsive fingertip control on the helm, courtesy of the twin rudder design. Designed for adventure, with a variety of keel and transom options, her

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length overall including stemhead

19.05m / 62’6”

Length of hull

18.14m / 59’6”

Beam

5.36m / 17’7”

Draft - standard keel

2.68m / 8’10”

Draft - centreboard up | centreboard down 1.79m / 5’10” | 4.06m / 13’4” Displacement - standard keel

30,807kg / 67,918lbs

Typical engine

Volvo Penta D3-150 110kW (150hp)

Tanks - fuel

1,420 litres / 312 Imp Gallons (375 US gals)

Tanks - water

1,140 litres / 250 Imp Gallons (301 US gals)

Sail area - including 105% foretriangle

180m2 / 1,938ft2

Air draft approx, excluding antennae

27.59m / 90’6”

increased hull volume and wide beam aft can handle plenty of sail power for faster passage-making speeds across oceans.

Key features: Four cabin configuration Hydraulic push-button, in-mast furling Alternative interior layouts available Twin rudders, centreboard or fixed keel options Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

OYST E R 5 9 5 DECK PLAN

The 595 is well-proportioned and extremely versatile, offering high quality customised build options with no compromise.

OYST E R 5 9 5 SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 5 9 5 I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R 675 F O R T H E A D V E N T U R O U S AT H E A RT

The Oyster 675 is a true ocean sailboat.

The centrepiece of the fleet, she offers the perfect combination of size and practicality in a 70 foot yacht.

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

With hydraulic push-button, in-mast furling as standard, the 675 can be sailed with ease by two people or with full crew and up to eight friends and family.

Her powerful, beautifully proportioned hull is extremely versatile with plenty of space for customised build options and personalisation. The sense of space in the saloon and owner’s cabin is enhanced by signature triple Seascape windows.

A popular choice for long-haul trips, her build quality offers complete reassurance and confidence in coastal waters or on extended ocean passages. Delivering exhilarating cruising and consistently fast passage-making speeds, she is wellprovisioned for adventure. She boasts large tankage and lots of storage for water sports and sail gear. The large volume hull and twin-rudders offer excellent stability and fingertip control at the helm. The

Length overall including stemhead

21.07m / 69’2”

Length of hull

19.89m / 65’3”

Beam

5.65m / 18’6”

Draft - standard keel

2.95m / 9’8”

Displacement - standard keel

40,787kg / 89,920lbs

Typical engine

Volvo Penta D4-180 132kW (180hp)

Tanks - fuel

1,780 litres / 391 Imp Gallons (470 US gals)

Tanks - water

1,270 litres / 279 Imp Gallons (335 US gals)

Sail area - including 105% foretriangle

229m2 / 2,465ft2

protected helm positions and cockpit keep everyone secure, while concealed lines and clutter-free decks make moving around under sail safer.

Key features: Four cabins, three double en-suite Separate crew quarters (optional) Air-conditioning Alternative interior layouts available Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

OYST E R 675 DECK PLAN

The triple Seascape and Skyscape windows offer spectacular views from the saloon, making it a light and airy place to relax.

OYST E R 675 SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 675 I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R 74 5 B U I LT F O R V E R Y B I G A D V E N T U R E S

The Oyster 745 is a long-range cruising yacht. She is a joy to sail yourself, or with a small crew to assist and maintain her. At 75 feet, she is the smallest model in the Oyster range with dedicated crew quarters and features a shallowdraft option.

The 745 offers huge scope for customisation. Well-provisioned with generous cabins, capacious storage and tankage, she is as suited to long haul liveaboard adventures as she is to local cruising and entertaining. The internal layout offers exceptionally large tankage and generous stowage. A separate ensuite crew cabin and galley guarantees privacy for you and your guests.

A thrilling yacht to sail, her immense scale makes it an unforgettable experience.

The powerful, large volume hull form with twin rudders offers perfect stability and effortless fingertip control on the helm.

Visibility is excellent from twin protected helm stations, making manoeuvering simple. She is easy to handle, delivering consistently fast passage-making speeds.

It all adds up to a beautifully balanced

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S Length overall including stemhead

22.74m / 74’7”

Length of hull

21.93m / 71’11”

Beam

5.91m / 19’5”

Draft - standard keel

3.10m / 10’2”

Draft - centreboard up | centreboard 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

278.8m2 / 3,001ft2

offshore sailboat, which also makes the 745 the perfect model to charter when you are not enjoying her yourself.

Key features: Five cabins, four double en-suite Separate crew quarters Large storage and tankage Forced air ventilation system Alternative interior layouts available Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck Twin rudders, centreboard or fixed keel options

OYST E R 74 5 DECK PLAN

The fine balance between bluewater DNA and handcrafted superyacht luxury means the 745 has more than enough space for any expedition.

OYST E R 74 5 SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 74 5 I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R 8 8 5 S E R I E S I I D ES I G N E D TO O P E N U P N EW H O R I ZO N S

This remarkable 90 foot bluewater sailing yacht is designed and engineered to deliver uncompromising, effortless performance. She can take you anywhere in the world with ease, in luxury and style.

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S

Built with sailing and entertaining in mind, this 90 foot sailboat boasts expansive and luxurious living spaces.

On deck, there is a choice of generous entertaining areas for all occasions. Below deck, you can choose from a number of alternative layouts; her standard layout offers four en-suite double guest cabins, with separate crew quarters with its own discrete entrance for complete privacy.

At just under 90 feet, the Oyster 885 comes in below the 24m Load Line Rule, which means less red tape but with many of the benefits of a much larger yacht. This makes her the perfect size if you wish to make the most of your investment by chartering her to other Oyster enthusiasts between your own adventures.

Length overall including stemhead

27.08m / 88’10”

Length of hull

26.06m / 85’6”

Beam

6.33m / 20’9”

Draft - standard keel

3.50m / 11’6”

Displacement - standard keel

71,500kg / 157,630lbs

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

391.50m2 / 4,214ft2

Key features: Six cabins, four double en-suite Separate crew quarters Carbon rig with Park Avenue boom Large hydraulic bathing platform

Sunken tender well - doubles as entertaining zone Forced air ventilation system Lloyd’s Register certified hull and deck

OYST E R 8 8 5 S I I DECK PLAN

A versatile, exhilarating and luxurious, crewed 90 foot sailing yacht, perfect for entertaining in style, adventure holidays and charter.

OYST E R 8 8 5 S I I SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 8 8 5 S I I I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R 8 8 5 GT A G R A N D TO U R E R FO R T H E O C E A N

Inspired by the Grand Tourer automobiles of the 1950s, the new 885GT offers fast, effortless passagemaking over long distances. She delivers sophisticated bluewater performance with the luxury, comfort and safety for which Oyster is world-renowned.

We have optimised the outstanding performance of the Oyster 885 for even faster passage-making. The result is the 885GT that offers effortless sailing over long distances, combined with true luxury and performance.

Highly-tuned, every aspect has been considered to create a lighter boat with reduced displacement to enhance performance. Many elements 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 play a part. Like any true Grand Tourer, luxury and style is at the heart of the 885GT. She is easily identified by the striking grey or white GT colour schemes and signature red GT rudders and keel.

S P E C I F I C AT I O N S 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

399.00m2 / 4,295ft2

This remarkable bluewater cruiser is a true Grand Tourer, with outstanding performance and luxury rolled into one.

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

OYST E R 8 8 5 GT DECK PLAN

We have focused on the details that make a difference to performance, to create a lighter, faster bluewater yacht that is also luxurious and safe.

OYST E R 8 8 5 GT SAIL PLAN

OYST E R 8 8 5 GT I N T E R I O R L AY O U T

Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations.

For more information on options contact our sales team. Their details can be found on page 96.

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OYST E R CHARTER

LUXURY CREWED SAIL ING CHARTERS. P E R S O N A L , E X C L U S I V E A N D U N I Q U E LY OYST E R. 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, and the Mediterranean.

Our personal service guarantees the perfect charter to suit your wishes. You will 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.

TA K E Y O U R OYS T E R F U RT H E R As the proud owner of an Oyster yacht, you know firsthand the joy of sailing and relaxing in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. But what happens when your yacht is sitting idle?

Oyster Charter offers an effortless way to offset the cost of ownership of your yacht. Chartering her for as little as six to eight weeks a year in the times between your own adventures can significantly offset your running costs. It all adds up to an unrivalled ease of ownership and enjoyment of your Oyster.

For more information contact Molly Marston on +1 401 225 1216 or email molly.marston@oysteryachts.com

2013 OYSTER 1225

2021 OYSTER 885

TWILIGHT

ACHENAR

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: Croatia

R AT E S Summer 2022: €98,000

CRUISING AREA Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

2015 OYSTER 825

2013 OYSTER 825

MAEGAN

REINA

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: Croatia Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

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CRUISING AREA Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

R AT E S Winter 2022-23: $50,000

R AT E S Winter 2022-23: $35,000

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2012 OYSTER 82

2008 OYSTER 82

MIDNIGHT

DAMA DE NOCHE

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: Scotland and Italy Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

R AT E S Summer 2022: €30,000 Winter 2022-23: $33,000

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: Italy, Sicily & Sardinia Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

2004 OYSTER 82

2016 OYSTER 675

BARE NECESSITIES

ALIKA

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: Palma & Balearics

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: Palma & Balearics Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

R AT E S Summer 2022: €25,000

2013 OYSTER 625

2015 OYSTER 575

L AT I T U D E

SPIRIT

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: US East Coast Winter 2023-23: Caribbean

R AT E S Summer 2022: $22,000 Winter 2022-23: $22,000

CRUISING AREA Winter 2022-23: Caribbean

R AT E S Summer 2022: €29,000 Winter 2022-23: $32,000

R AT E S Summer 2022: €23,500 Winter 2022-23: $26,500

R AT E S Winter 2022-23: $16,000

C H A R T E R R AT E S

2008 OYSTER 56

High season applies to July and August. +10% is applied to the

S A LT

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

CRUISING AREA Summer 2022: US East Coast

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R AT E S Summer 2022: $12,000

of 10-20% of the charter fee is customary.

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OYST E R BROKERAGE

2013 OYSTER 885

CLARE

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

Oyster Brokerage is the pre-owned Oyster specialist, 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.

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:

Price: £4,750,000 VAT paid

Lying: Cruising EU

2015 OYSTER 825

MAEGAN

Lying: Mediterranean

NEW LISTING

2011 OYSTER 82

M AT H I L D A

Price: €4,100,000 VAT paid

NEW LISTING

Lying: Mediterranean

Price: £2,300,000 VAT paid

1997 OYSTER 70

2008 OYSTER 72

NO REHEARSAL

Lying: Barcelona, Spain

Lying: Slovenia

SHANGRI LA

UK T: +44 (0) 1473 851 430 Palma T: +34 677 429 116 USA T: +1 401 846 7400 Price: €1,400,000 VAT paid

2001 OYSTER 66

ELISE

Lying: Newport, USA

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UNDER OFFER

2000 OYSTER 66

SCORPI2

Price: $785,000

Lying: Oyster UK

Price: £625,000 VAT paid

2008 OYSTER 655

1998 OYSTER 63

Lying: Mediterranean

Lying: Nova Scotia

ROCAS

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Price: €625,000 Ex VAT

Price: £1,065,000 VAT paid

M O R N I N G S TA R

Price: $775,000

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NEW LISTING

2001 OYSTER 62

PRICE REDUCTION

2004 OYSTER 62

PEARLFISHER

2016 OYSTER 575

Lying: New Orleans, USA

Lying: Isle of Wight, UK

Lying: Oyster Palma

VOICES IN THE SKY

Price: $890,000

Price: £695,000 VAT paid

S A F I YA

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

2015 OYSTER 575

2015 OYSTER 575

PAT R I C E

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: California, USA

Lying: Oyster UK

BRIVIBA

Price: £1,200,000 Ex VAT

2013 OYSTER 575

AY E S H A I I

Lying: Oyster Palma

Price: £875,000 Ex VAT

2010 OYSTER 575

MIS S TIGGY

Lying: Mediterranean

2002 OYSTER 56

GIGI OF LONDON

Lying: Barcelona, Spain

2014 OYSTER 575

K E L LY

Price: $1,380,000

2012 OYSTER 575

Price: £495,000 VAT paid

UNDER OFFER

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Annapolis, USA

Price: £850,000 Ex VAT

NEW LISTING

C H A N TA N A

Lying: UK

Lying: Gibraltar

Price: £1,750,000 Ex VAT

2015 OYSTER 545

SHELENA

Lying: Oyster UK

Price: £515,000 VAT paid

NEW LISTING

2003 OYSTER 53

OSPREY

Price: £799,000 Ex VAT

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster Palma

84

Price: $1,300,000

2003 OYSTER 56

TA B O O O F S T H E L I E R

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ARBELLA

2019 OYSTER 565

2000 OYSTER 45

Price: £425,000 Ex VAT

NEW LISTING

2012 OYSTER 575

2010 OYSTER 46

SONSY LASS

Price: £1,125,000 VAT paid

W H I T E C H O C O L AT E

PA N T H A L A S SA

Price: £790,000 Ex VAT

Price: £1,250,000 VAT paid

Price: £239,000 VAT paid

Lying: Newport, USA

Price: $399,000

2005 OYSTER LD43

MOONDANCE OF CRINAN

Lying: Oyster UK

Price: £245,000 VAT paid

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OYST E R 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, wherever you are in the world.

D E E P OYST E R K N OW- H OW 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.

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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.

In short, the After Sales service provided by Oyster is brilliant.

It is an essential consolidated service with a helpful and friendly team for the initial kit-out of the yacht as well as continued support for any items or spares required on board.

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.

DAV ID Z IE LKE , OY S T ER 5 5/ 1 9 B O T O N Y B AY

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 together, 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 Technical Support Team are incredibly helpful, always providing detail, insights, and technical documents and guidance when needed.

They respond immediately to enquiries and when offshore or at dock often this input is critical to situations that need understanding and resolution.

S C O T T K E Y, OYS T ER 5 7 5/42 UN T E T HERED

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OYST E R SERVICE

A continuing commitment to you and your yacht.

Taking ownership of your Oyster is just the beginning of many adventures on the ocean. But 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.

W E K N OW OYST E R 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 built.

A C O - O R D I N AT E D T E A M 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.

OYST E R S E RV I C E S = P E AC E 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 A S S TA N D A R D 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

Oyster Palma are a fantastic support team - A phone call or email away from assistance. A community one can rely on for always getting the job done.

NIEL BOTHA, C A P TA I N O F OY S T ER 8 2 5/0 3 M A E G A N

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OYST E R CREW

The effortless way to find the perfect Oyster crew.

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 support every step of the way.

M A N A G I N G E X P E C TAT I O N S 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.

Can I just say a big thank you… your advice has been very helpful and we have already implemented several of your suggestions.

It’s really good to speak to people that have been there and lived in this unusual environment.

THE CREW SERVICE

CREW TYPES

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 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 have the crew to fit. We have even found Montessori-trained Yacht Masters to help with kids’ on board schooling, or sailor/diving instructors to work with a family of keen divers. It just takes a little patience and we will make it happen – that’s what we do best.

Once onboard, 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.

C O N S TA N T C O M M U N I C AT I O N 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.

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

There is a lot of demand for experienced crew, never seen more acutely than through the last couple of years. Charlie and the extended Oyster Team went above and beyond to keep us moving and able to enjoy our new yacht.

WENDY IRVIN, OYSTER 885/10 ACHENAR

LEO ECCLES, OYSTER 655/09 MAN OF WAR

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OYST E R PA R T N E R S

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

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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 requirements and meet Oyster’s exceptional standards of build quality. Together we make the world’s finest bluewater sailing yachts.

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C O N TA C T

G E T I N TO U CH ENQUIRIES

NEWPORT RI Oyster New Yacht Sales Oyster Brokerage Oyster Charter Oyster Service Centre

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 OYST E R SA L E S 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

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

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

EVENTS Allie Smith T: +44 (0) 7741 665112 E: events@​oysteryachts.​com

CHARTER Molly Marston T: +1 401 225 1216 E: charter@oysteryachts.com W: oystercharter.com AFTER SALES Dee Addy T: +44 (0)23 8083 1005 E: aftersales@oysteryachts.com

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Charlie Durham T: +34 619 147 056 E: crew@oysteryachts.com

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ONLINE Website: www.oysteryachts.com Instagram: @oysteryachts Facebook: @oysteryachts YouTube: /oysteryachts Twitter: @oyster_yachts LinkedIn: @oysteryachts Pinterest: @oyster_yachts

IPSWICH W R OX H A M HYTHE

Oyster New Yacht Sales Oyster Brokerage Oyster Service Centre

SOUTHAMPTON Oyster New Yacht Sales Oyster Service Centre

OYST E R YAC H TS, H A N D C R A F T E D W I T H P R I D E I N B R I TA I N SOUTHAMPTON Our team at Southampton focuses on the production of our largest models, the Oyster 885SII, 885GT and 745.

ASHMANHAUGH Our technology centre in Ashmanhaugh is where the Oyster 565, 595, 675 and 745 hulls and decks are moulded.

W R OX H A M Our team at Wroxham builds our 60 foot yachts, the Oyster 565 and new 595.

HYTHE Home to the moulding and build of the new Oyster 495; fit out of the 675 and moulding of the 885.

AUSTRALIA Oyster Sales Rest of World

PA L M A Oyster Brokerage Oyster Charter Oyster Service Centre

BIG ADVENTURES START HERE.

495

565

595

675

745

885

W W W. O Y S T E R YA C H T S . C O M

OYSTER YACHTS. B EYON D E XP ECTATI O N .