Oyster Summer 2013 // Issue75

S U MMER 2 0 1 3 // i s s u e 7 5

news from the world of oyster S U MMER 2 0 1 3 // i s s u e 7 5 w w w. o y s t e r y ac h t s. c o m

news from the world of oyster: 40 YEARS AND COUNTING // OYSTER PRODUCT UPDATE // OYSTER REGATTAS WORLD RALLY UPDATE // OYSTER 885 REVIEW

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contents 75 0 4 // O y s t e r L i f e 0 8 // O y s t e r Y a c h t s t o d a y

David Tydeman

1 6 // OYSTER SU P ERYACHTS

David Tydeman

2 0 // OYSTER W OR L D RA L L Y U P DATE

Louay Habib

2 8 // 4 0 YEARS AND COUNTIN G

Mike Owen

5 0 // 1 0 YEARS o f O y s t e r YACHT C h a r t e r

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5 4 // O y s t e r R e g a t t a G r e n a d a 2 0 1 3

Louay Habib

6 1 // W HIMS AND A ROYA L W EDDIN G

Mike and Devala Robinson

6 7 // O y s t e r R e g a t t a C o w e s 2 0 1 2

Mike Owen

7 3 // O y s t e r 5 7 5 U P DATE

Mike Owen

7 7 // THR o u g h t h e NORTH - W EST P ASSA G E

Mariusz Koper

8 6 // O W n e r P r o f i l e : Al a n P a r k e r C B E

Louay Habib

9 1 // O y s t e r r e g a t t a P a l m a 2 0 1 2

Louay Habib

9 8 // F a r e w e ll t o t h e f a m i l i a r

Misty McIntosh

1 0 4 // OYSTER 8 8 5 RE V IE W

Mike Owen

1 1 0 // J P , B i ll a n d m e

Jean-Pierre Cardin

1 1 4 // OYSTER B ROKERA G E

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1 2 0 // NE W ARRI V A L S 1 2 3 // O y s t e r a t t h e AUTUMN S h o w s

summer 2013

OYSTER news

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Editor Rebecca Twiss Contributing Editors Louay Habib Mike Owen From the Editor: We know from our readers that the articles they most enjoy reading in the Oyster magazine are the contributions from Oyster owners. If you have a story to tell or information about cruising in your Oyster please let us know.

Photographs are always welcome.

E: rebecca.twiss@oysteryachts.com

The Oyster magazine is published by Oyster Marine Ltd. The publication is for promotional purpose only, privately circulated, and cannot form part of any contract or offer. Views, details and information herein are therefore not necessarily endorsed by the publisher who will not be held responsible for the consequences of any error or omission.

Pictures and illustrations are liable to show non standard equipment.

Oyster magazine is published by FMS on behalf of Oyster Marine Limited.

FMS Nigel Fulcher: Managing Director Irene Mateides: Publishing Director Mark Welby: Creative Director Kathryn Giornali: Project Manager James Randall and the design team Mark Gentry, Mark Lacey and the production team

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welcome I’m very pleased to introduce this special edition of the Oyster Magazine, our 75th issue, celebrating Oyster’s 40th birthday.

We have included a special feature on the history of Oyster and how we

This transition to fully owning both yards has allowed us to position OYS

have developed from the early ideas to the proud company we are now.

ready for larger custom projects and to entertain much wider customisation

I’m also delighted to report that we closed 2012 with a profitable set of results

of the Oyster 825 and 885 than we were able to undertake for the Oyster 82s.

and a stronger balance sheet than many of our competitors. I am convinced

In parallel, we have increased the production efficiency in OYW. With

this has helped us sell yachts in what is still a temperamental marketplace.

discussions ongoing for an Oyster 115 to be built in the UK, and with some

The new version of the Oyster 575 has been hugely successful. Launched

on building great yachts across a wide range.

great new styling for the Oyster 475 and Oyster 545, we remain focused with hull number 18 in early Autumn last year, we signed the contract for hull number 27 in May this year. As one client said to us as he contracted

The development of the Oyster Regattas over the last 12 years, the parallel

for one of these new Oyster 575s: “It’s very reassuring to buy from a

development of the Oyster Charter and Brokerage services, the enviable

successful company which is clearly selling yachts, when others are not!”

Oyster Customer Services, and the fantastic enthusiasm for the Oyster World Rally all add the final touches to the 40-year-story that places

As I reflect on 40 years of history and some of the recent changes we

Oyster where it is today – enabling your adventures and dreams, through,

have made, it’s clear that Oyster today is a convergence of strengths which

we hope, providing quality and confidence in everything we do.

were previously spread out across a wider network of subcontractors.

The unsurpassed level of workmanship reached in Norfolk through

It is a privilege for me to run this great company and now with our new

E.C. Landamores and Windboats now forms the backbone of the newly

investors positively behind the business strategy, two wholly owned and

branded ‘Oyster Yachts Wroxham’ (OYW) and, as Anthony Landamore

strong shipyards and a great team at our Ipswich HQ, we look forward to

heads to retirement, we are able to secure employment for his workforce

the next 40 years!

and take over the management of his premises. We hope to continue with Windboats for local subcontracting as work allows. On the South

Sincere regards to you all,

Coast with 30 years of classic yacht restoration experience, Southampton Yacht Services has formed the backbone of the rebranded ‘Oyster Yachts Southampton’ (OYS) and this team has not only made the new Oyster 885 and 825 projects come to fruition but has also engineered the delivery of the three Oyster Superyachts built in Turkey. We continue to be sought after for classic refit work (as Southampton Yacht Services) and are currently planning for a fine classic to be in the sheds in late 2014.

David Tydeman,

left »

to p »

The Oyster 885 Lush at the start of the Oyster World Rally 2013.

David Tydeman with Oyster Team Germany aboard the Oyster 885 Karibu at the 2013 Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.

CEO Oyster Group

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Oyster life 75 A T L A N T I C RE C O R D S W ELLS Last winter saw a record number of Oysters crossing the Atlantic in one season with an impressive total of 39 Oysters transiting from Las Palmas, 24 of these taking part in the 2012 ARC, with some doing really rather well.

Chris Glossop’s Oyster 575, Dreamer of Hamble took first overall in Cruising Class B and was also first Oyster on corrected time in the Cruising Division, so taking the Oyster Trophy. Moving up in size and into the Invitation Division, Oyster 82 Raven came in as first Oyster on corrected time, too, while Andrew and Sabrina Eddy’s Oyster 485 Gaia took the Oyster line honours with no motoring.

Ross Applebey aboard his successful, well-travelled Lightwave Oyster 48 Scarlet Oyster scooped first in the ARC’s Racing Division and went on to a tremendous racing season in the Caribbean, taking line honours and class title in the challenging RORC Caribbean 600 for the second year running and by over three hours.

O Y S T ER I N T ERI O R S T Y LI N G B Y S A LL Y A N N E H O LMES After Sallyanne Holmes’ impressive styling of the first Oyster 885, Lush, which premiered at the Southampton Boat Show before heading for the Oyster World Rally starting from Antigua, Oyster invited the internationally acclaimed interior designer to style the yachts on display at this year’s private view event at St Katharine Docks.

The results were admired by visitors and owners alike. For more of an insight, including the interior of Lush, visit www.holmesinteriors.co.uk

O Y S T ER SU C C ESS I N R O U N D T H E ISL A N D R A C E In this year’s fair wind J.P. Morgan Asset

with their achievement in their first race

Management Round the Island Race, 1,459

since her launch in February this year.

boats including seven Oysters sailed a strikingly

participating Oyster yachts performed

that gave competitors near perfect reaching

particularly well, with Oyster 42 Sundancer

conditions right around the island.

of Chichester and the recently launched

Among those who showed their skirts, the

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Also in the ISC Division, two other

fast race in a welcome, pleasant northerly

Oyster 625 Vamos respectively taking 30th and

new Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa took line

51st on corrected time. Success also came in

honours in the ISC Group Four, and finished an

the IRC Division for the Ellen MacArthur Trust

impressive seventh overall on corrected time in

aboard Oyster Lightwave 48 Scarlet Oyster

the ISC Division out of more than 700 entrants.

skippered by owner Ross Applebey who

Lady Mariposa’s crew were rightly delighted

claimed 3rd in class and 30th overall.

O Y S T ER RE G A T T A S 2 0 1 3 / 1 4 Supported by our family of sponsors, Oyster Regattas and events are run on a hands-on basis by our own staff and, with the emphasis on fun, all include parties and social functions every evening, not just for owners but also for crew and friends. As we don’t sell through agents or dealers, most owners have a direct relationship with Oyster staff so can be sure of finding friendly faces and a warm welcome on arrival. As you’ll see below, events also take place, quite literally, around the world.

Palma: 2 – 5 October 2013 Oyster is delighted to be returning to Palma for the ninth annual regatta hosted by the island’s premier yacht club, Real Club Nautico. This is a popular event and we are expecting a large fleet at the regatta so if you are an Oyster owner wishing to attend, please do book your place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Antigua: 7 – 11 April 2014 Our 2014 regatta in Antigua is timed to coincide with our celebrations marking the end of the Oyster World Rally. Racing by day in the beautiful azure waters of the Caribbean will be followed by parties at night in some of Antigua’s most exclusive venues.

Oyster ‘Celebrating 40 Years’ party, Antigua – 12 April 2014 We invite all Oyster owners, World Rally and Regatta participants to come and join us in Antigua for a party to celebrate our 40th anniversary and the end of our inaugural Oyster World Rally. With the regatta fleet, visiting boats and all the world rally entrants, we could see a fleet of nearly 50 Oysters!

O Y S T ER RE C EI V ES R O Y A L V ISI T In January this year, we were delighted to welcome HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, to the Oyster stand at the London Boat Show.

As one of the UK’s most respected and successful yacht builders, and twice awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Industry, Oyster is seen as an example of the very best of British boat building and has frequently been honoured by visits from royal guests to the boat show.

For further information on all events, please contact Rebecca Twiss – rebecca.twiss@oysteryachts.com

R O N N IE RE T IRES After 39 years at Landamores (builders of Oyster yachts since 1973 and now known as Oyster Yachts Wroxham) Ronnie Yaxley has made the difficult decision to retire from the yard and his position as Production Director.

Ronnie started with Landamores in 1964 as a boy from school and has since been responsible for many changes and innovations across the Oyster range. We wish Ronnie well and a long happy retirement.

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Oyster life 75 A N O T H ER O Y S T ER C IR C UM N A V I G A T O R At the conclusion of almost six years of adventure, Colin and Sarah Seaman recently completed a lengthy circumnavigation on their Oyster 55 Moonbeam of Dartmouth. Leaving Oyster HQ in Ipswich in October 2006, and with a total trip length of 43,883 nautical miles, Moonbeam finally arrived back on her berth in La Roche Bernard on 25th August 2012, with Colin and Sarah having spent nine months in New Zealand, a year in Australia and six months in South Africa en route.

I N MEM O R Y O F T W O S A ILI N G LE G E N D S It was with much sadness that we, here at Oyster, learnt of the sudden deaths of two great sailors: Andrew Simpson, strategist for Artemis Sailing and double Olympic Gold

O Y S T ER 1 0 0 FI N A LIS T I N W O RL D SU P ER Y A C H T A W A R D S For the second year running, the Oyster 100 by Dubois has received recognition at the World Superyacht Awards with Oyster 100-02 Penelope announced as finalist in the 2013 awards ceremony. Now in its eighth year, the prestigious World Superyacht Awards honour the finest new superyacht builds delivered to their owners in the past twelve months.

Penelope is currently available for sale through Oyster Brokerage.

For further details visit www.oysterbrokerage.com

medallist and Magnus Olsson, a central figure in the history of the Volvo Ocean Race.

We are honoured to have got to know Magnus after his involvement in the build of the Oyster 56, Enjoy Life and his unforgettable (and highly entertaining) attendance onboard Enjoy Life at the Oyster Regatta Palma 2012.

Our thoughts are with Andrew and Magnus’s friends and family.

O Y S T ERS O N T H E M A P Owner of Oyster 49 Zebahdy, Boyd Goldie has created a collaborative online Oyster owners’ map, which can be added to and edited by Oyster owners to show the location of their yacht to open up possibilities of simplified communication and sharing of information and experiences between Oyster owners.

Visit the ‘Owners area’ of the Oyster website www.oysteryachts.com to view the online map and apply for access.

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V O R T E C M A RI N E FIRE T R A I N I N G SIMUL A T O R Adding to their experience of potentially dangerous situations aboard, Oyster World Rally partner Vortec Marine Training has launched an exciting new level to their safety courses. To enhance understanding, capability and improve chances of circumstances, Vortec has now

3 – 8 September

brought a full-size fire and flood

Festival de la Plaisance, Cannes

The simulator is designed to give a real sense of what it can be like in an

Boat of the Year for Best Bluewater Cruiser at the Cruising World magazine

23 – 25 August

HISWA In-Water Show

Marina base on the River Hamble.

The Oyster 625 has triumphed again in the world of awards, winning 2013

Open Yards at Orust

survival in potentially catastrophic

simulator on site at their Universal

O Y S T ER 6 2 5 – B O A T O F T H E Y E A R 2 0 1 3

O Y S T ER E V E N T S 2 0 1 3

10 – 15 September

Newport Boat Show 12 – 15 September

emergency situation, whilst being

Southampton Boat Show

in a completely safe and controlled

13 – 22 September

environment. Forewarned is

Oyster Brokerage Show

forearmed. For further information on the simulator and other courses, visit www.vortecmarine.com

Boat of the Year Awards.

The announcement was made at the North American magazine’s 20th annual Boat of the Year awards after an independent panel of experts, who

13 – 22 September

Monaco Yacht Show 25 – 28 September

Oyster Regatta – Palma 2 – 5 October

inspected and tested 24 nominated boats, made their decisions based on

Annapolis Sailboat Show

extensive dockside inspections and sea trials of all the yachts in contention.

10 – 14 October

The stunning Oyster 625 certainly turned the judges’ heads as they

Hamburg Boat Show

unanimously voted to honour her, and on behalf of all our 625 owners, we were delighted to accept the special award of Best Bluewater Cruiser.

Judge Ed Sherman, technical author, lifelong sailor and director of the

26 October – 3 November

ARC Party

American Boat & Yacht Council’s education programme said: “Everything

21 November

about this boat is absolutely first-class. It was built by people who truly

ARC Start

understand what ‘global cruising’ really means.”

24 November

O Y S T ER E V E N T S 2 0 1 4

P R O U D P ERF O RMERS A T T H E SU P ER Y A C H T RE G A T T A S

Oyster Regatta – Antigua 7 – 11 April

hosted by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda in Porto Cervo:

Oyster ‘Celebrating 40 years’ Party, Antigua

the biennial Dubois Cup and the annual Loro Piana

12 April

Oyster was well represented in two prestigious events

Superyacht Regatta.

The Dubois Cup drew 16 of Ed Dubois’ designs including the Oyster 100 Sarafin and our largest yacht to

O Y S T ER E V E N T S 2 0 1 6

date, the Oyster 125 Twilight. Sarafin, who’d crossed back

The Loro Piana Superyacht regatta followed swiftly

to the Med after the St Barths Bucket in March, played

after with Sarafin staying over and joined by the newly

Oyster World Rally Start

hard ball in the nought to 40 knots of Race 1, that saw

launched Oyster 885 Karibu for their first regatta. Overall

6 January

Salperton retire, and same again the next day in Race 2.

regatta results showed Sarafin 3rd and Karibu 4th: worthy

Sarafin notched a very credible 4th overall.

results for both, especially for Karibu’s first outing.

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Oyster Yachts today I h a v e h a d t h e p r i v i l e g e o f b e i n g at t h e h e l m o f O y s t e r f o r j u s t t e n p e r c e n t o f i t s h i s t o r y – f o u r y e a r s o u t o f 4 0 ! S o , a s w e c o m p i l e d t h i s l at e s t O y s t e r M a g a z i n e w i t h t h e a r t i c l e s c e l e b r at i n g t h e 4 0 y e a r s , I WAS AS K ED TO ADD A FEW WORDS ABOUT s o m e c h a n g e s m a d e d u r i n g m y t e n u r e text by David Tydeman

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‘Evolution, not Revolution’ remains the driver of any changes we consider and with over 20 yachts – new and brokerage – sold in the first half of 2013, it seems the market thinks we are on the right tracks!

We took the decision to reduce the Ipswich team to only those selling,

Organisation changes

marketing or supporting the yachts – moving everyone at Ipswich who works on building yachts to the yards. The lead Design and Technical team now resides in Oyster’s Southampton Yard (OYS) led by our Group Technical Director Harvey Jones, and we have a small supporting design team based

The most prominent change at Oyster was the switch in shareholding in

in the newly branded Oyster Yachts Wroxham (OYW).

early 2012 from the four years that Balmoral Private Equity owned the business with significant leveraged acquisition debt. It took us over a year to

In parallel, the production planning and client project managers, historically

work out how to move forward once it became clear in 2011 that Balmoral

based in Ipswich, have relocated to either OYS or OYW to sit alongside

would lose control. I am pleased to report that our new private shareholders

the build project managers. This is already showing tangible benefits in the

have enjoyed their first year of ownership – endorsed by the fact that we are

build processes. The Ipswich team have of course reduced, and a few

building Oyster 825-03 for them and for Oyster to run as a company flagship

good friends have left us and we wish them well with their new ventures.

for regattas and other promotional activity. We are in a strong place now

The leaner team in Ipswich are now focused just on sales, marketing, finance

with a good balance sheet and all acquisition debt gone. Whilst Balmoral

and customer service and support (after sales and brokerage).

were very disappointed to lose their investment, the senior debt providers were fully repaid and as one of them still provides our current account

Opening an office in Palma, Mallorca, completed the change programme

banking facilities, that was good news! And we benefited from Balmoral’s

and as I write, we have over 50 Oyster yachts based in Palma. This has

enthusiasm to invest for growth, with their capital having provided the

enabled us to ‘take the service to the customer’ and we have extended our

investment in the new models and the delivery of the three superyachts

brokerage and customer service activities to operate from the Palma office,

built in Turkey.

as it has done for years in Newport, Rhode island. This has already shown benefits and Jamie Collins, manager of the Palma subsidiary, has successfully

A second important change we’ve made is the takeover of the Landamores

found buyers for several larger Oyster brokerage yachts through being able

business in Wroxham at a point when Anthony Landamore wanted to head

to show the yachts in the Mediterranean sunshine.

towards retirement. This lead to re-positioning the design and technical resources, previously spread out between the yards and our Ipswich HQ,

‘Evolution, not revolution’ remains the driver of any changes we consider

to just the yards. For some years we had also been looking at the relative

and with over 20 yachts – new and brokerage – sold in the first half of 2013,

inefficiency of some duplication between Windboats and Landamores,

it seems the market thinks we are on the right tracks! »

located just a mile apart, and had struggled during the Balmoral era to find a solution.

Our new shareholders were quickly supportive of the in-sourcing strategy and now we own 100 per cent of both the Landamores and Southampton shipyards (having owned the Southampton operation for the last ten years but running them as a subcontractor).

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Product update The most important change we’ve made

to the business over

the last few years has been our investment in the yachts we build. Across the whole range, we have refined the designs, restyled where we can and produced some new models.

The vertical ‘Seascape’ windows were first seen on the Oyster 625 in 2010 and added so much sense of space and light to the saloon that we were quickly asked whether we could add them to other models. The clean deck layouts, twin rudders and more powerful sail-plans of the new Oyster 885 and Oyster 825 similarly led to ideas for the rest of the range.

The new Oyster 475 provides an extended aft deck and larger lazarette than the Oyster 46, and the restyled Oyster 545 improves the design of the Oyster 54, enhancing the use of interior space. The new version of the Oyster 575 has been so popular that we’ve sold 10 since we introduced her in Autumn last year.

A custom Oyster 575 with bow extension and counter transom.

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Oyster 625-01, the first Oyster to feature the Seascape windows.

With a larger master cabin, more modern interior, improved heads layout

Oyster 625 hull no. 11 takes to the water late this year and we’ve developed

forward and the ‘Seascape’ windows, this yacht is so much of an uplift on

a rather special forward layout for her Australian owner. Providing a large

the original Oyster 575 that one existing Oyster 575 owner has ordered the

‘VIP guest double with en-suite’ forward, a smaller double cabin to starboard

new model! We’re also building one of these new Oyster 575s with a bow

and a day heads to port (see layout below) this version has already attracted

extension and a counter-transom.

another owner to use the same layout.

We’ve just sold the 14th Oyster 625 just 2 years since the first one took to the

The addition of the ‘Seascape’ windows, a cleaner aft deck and bow

water. Developed as a yacht to be sailed short-handed by just family and

extensions has lifted the Oyster 655 to become the Oyster 665, and has also

friends – but with the option to have a crew cabin if required – the owners of

helped an Oyster 56 owner to specify his new Oyster 725. »

these yachts have each brought individual touches to their boats.

Interior layout for 625-11 with two double cabins forward.

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The new SuperShoal draught version of the Oyster 575.

Product update continued The recent tank testing we undertook to explore and further understand keel and rudder options led to other design ideas. Shallow draft centreboard options have been built on a number of Oyster yachts over the past decade and with our increased knowledge and willingness to use twin rudders across any model in the range, we can now provide very balanced hull shapes, good upwind performance from the deeper draft with the centreboard down and opportunities for exploring shallower bays with the board up.

The twin-rudder arrangement was first incorporated into an Oyster 82 to complement a centreboard shoal draft design for a simple cruising logic.

A rudder deeper than a raised centreboard is clearly unwise so, for example, the new SuperShoal draught version of the Oyster 575 gives a diminutive 5ft 5in (1.65m) board up and 12ft 6in (3.82m) board down.

Twin-rudder designs have been subsequently refined for the new Oyster 885 with tank testing expressly commissioned by Oyster at the renowned Wolfson Unit, undertaken by Rob Humphreys who has already many years’ experience of twin rudders on his own drawn Open 60s, Volvo 70s and a variety of production cruisers. No one, though, had ever scientifically tank tested twin rudders for anything other than extreme wide-transom race boats designed mainly for their downwind performance, and the testing produced interesting results. Oyster was the first ever to do it.

A neat centreboard system, with the bronze blade swinging backward and up via a button-operated hydraulic ram and Kevlar line into the lead stub keel, encapsulates the entire foil externally beneath the hull, with zero intrusion into bilge or accommodation space. So often in other builders’ boats, both swinging and lifting boards invade and divide interiors. In Oyster’s case, keeping everything external also brings the added advantage of a lower centre of gravity, which adds righting moment to offset the small increase in overall weight.

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Rob Humphreys tank testing the Oyster 885 at the Southampton University Wolfson Unit.

Section view through convertible cabins.

Cabin laid out in twin – single configuration.

Lower saloon converted to additional twin guest cabin.

Interior layout for Oyster 885-03 showing flexible accommodation.

We’ve enjoyed a bigger challenge with the new 80 footers. As part of raising

lifting the performance. The fourth Oyster 885 has a significantly different

the level of service we can offer from our Southampton shipyard, and

structure and layout and is being built with a very special ‘raised saloon’

building on its fantastic history of building and refitting a wide range of

lifting the coach roof more than a foot higher in the process. This features

custom and classic yachts over the past 30 years, we’ve said ‘yes’ to a much

much larger windows increasing the light and sense of space in the single

broader range of ideas to customise the new Oyster 825s and 885s.

level saloon and bringing the level of the saloon close to the cockpit level, generating a closer connection between on-deck and inside space – very

The first Oyster 885 Lush was developed for Formula 1 supremo Eddie Jordan

exciting! This ‘raised saloon’ coach-roof is transferable onto the Oyster 825

and within months of first hitting the water with its four-guest cabin layout,

and we are in deep discussions with an Oyster 54 owner about building

the yacht joined the Oyster World Rally and is currently passing through the

the first Oyster 825RS version for him. »

Pacific en route to Australia. The interior layouts of the second and third Oyster 885s developed to include sliding panels that open up the fourth guest cabin, providing flexible accommodation. Both feature carbon rigging,

The Oyster 885 Raised saloon featuring a superstructure just over 300mm higher than the Deck Saloon version.

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Concept for the Oyster 115.

Product update continued The first three Oyster 825 Deck Saloons are also all different, with varying cabin layouts, an extended aft deck, a counter transom, galley forward on two models and galley aft on another. Our willingness to customise these boats is producing some very exciting yachts.

Overall we’ve focused our newly branded yard, Oyster Yachts Wroxham, on lifting the game on the Oyster 475 to Oyster 725, personalising, restyling and offering a variety of keel, rig and rudder options. In Southampton, the team is responding to a broader challenge of greater customisation for the larger Oyster 825 and Oyster 885. This split of product focus across our two yards is working well and the Southampton team are working on an exciting extension of this: a new Oyster 110-115 footer for an existing Oyster Owner who wants a very special yacht. Having learnt from building two Oyster 100s and one Oyster 125 in Turkey with the Koc Group, we hope that this special project will be on the water within three years.

Interior layout options for the Oyster 825DS, showing option with extended deck and counter transom.

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The cu rrent O ys te r fl e e t

OYSTER 475

OYSTER 725

OYSTER 545

OYSTER 825

OYSTER 575

OYSTER 885

OYSTER 625

OYSTER 100

OYSTER 665

OYSTER 125

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O Y S T ER

SUPERYACHTS O y s t e r h a s n o w c o m p l e t e d t h r e e s u p e r ya c h t s f r o m t h e j o i n t v e n t u r e e s ta b l i s h e d i n 2 0 0 7 w i t h t h e K o รง G r o u p i n T u r k e y. A l l t h r e e ya c h t s a r e n o w b e i n g s e e n o n t h e s u p e r ya c h t c i r c u i t and are receiving admiring comments proving this extension of the business of the Oyster Group has been delivered well text by David Tydeman

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left » Oyster 100 Penelope in the Bay of Palma.

b elo w » The stunning lower saloon of Oyster 100 Penelope .

r i gh t » Oyster 100 Sarafin at the Dubois Cup; Oyster 125 Twilight ; Oyster 885 Karibu at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta.

The first Oyster 100 by Dubois,

Sarafin, has now completed

nearly 15,000 miles following her launch in spring 2012. She turned heads in the Caribbean, delivering good results in the St Barths Bucket and the Boat International Loro Piana event in Virgin Gorda in March, before moving fast across the Atlantic in time to take part in the Boat International Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta in Sardinia and the Dubois Cup in Palma in June.

It was exciting to see the new Oyster 885-02 Karibu lining up against Sarafin in Sardinia and the results were close. Certainly, whilst we’ve previously described only the Oyster 100 and 125 as ‘Oyster superyachts’ it is quite clear that the Oyster 885 (and the Oyster 825) both earn this accolade and can successfully compete in these superyacht events. owner’s drawing room in his English country house. Penelope is currently Sarafin will visit the Oyster yard in Southampton in late summer for some

being marketed for charter through Oyster Charter and is also for sale

upgrade work prior to heading off for the Caribbean again and thence out

(reluctantly, her owner’s lack of time due to business pressures) through

to the Pacific in 2014 and on to Sydney, home port of her Australian

Oyster Brokerage.

owner. It will be great to see her in UK waters this summer.

If you are an interested buyer, please contact either Jamie Collins in the The second Oyster 100 to take to the water was handed over to her British

Oyster Palma office t: +34 971 287 474 e: jamie.collins@oysteryachts.com

owner late last year. Penelope is now turning heads in Palma, Mallorca.

or Murray Aitken in the UK t: +44 (0)1473 695 005

She has a beautifully styled interior and a grey hull specified to match the

e: murray.aitken@oysteryachts.com

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We hope to see Penelope at the Oyster Regatta Palma in early October, and with the Oyster 885’s Karibu and Clare also attending, this should make the racing a great spectacle!

Last but by no means least, the third Oyster superyacht, the Oyster 125 Flybridge by Dubois Twilight was handed over to her well-known UK owner in May 2013 and he quickly took her to Sardinia for her debut at the Dubois Cup. In June, Twilight headed off into the eastern Mediterranean where she will be based for the rest of the summer, before appearing at the Monaco Yacht Show in September, as a joint central listing through Oyster Brokerage and Dubois. We understand Twilight will head off to the Caribbean in the autumn. Twilight is for sale due to changes in the owner’s plans, any interested buyer should contact Murray Aitken for further information.

Without any current orders for the Oyster 100 and 125, the RMK Marine yard in Turkey is of course a little quiet right now, however, with both Penelope and Twilight available for trials, we are now able to show off the full potential of these fine superyachts. The earliest delivery for Oyster 100-03 and Oyster 125-02 is 2016. Please contact us for further details.

Meanwhile, we are pleased to report sales of five of the ‘smaller’ Oyster superyachts, the Oyster 885, and three of the Oyster 825. The delivery for these yachts is 2015.

summer 2013

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19

O y s t e r M a r i n e w a s f o u n d e d i n 1 9 7 3 a n d w e d e c i d e d t o c r e at e a s p e c i a l e v e n t t o m a r k o u r 4 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r y. T h e O y s t e r Wo r l d R a l ly e m b o d i e s t h e t r u e v a l u e s o f O y s t e r ; q u a l i t y, c om f o r t a n d p e r f o r m a n c e . No ya c h t m a n u f a c t u r e r h a s e v e r u n d e r ta k e n a r o u n d -t h e -w o r l d r a l ly b e f o r e a n d t o d o s o s u c c e s s f u l ly r e q u i r e d a n e n o r mo u s a mo u n t o f p l a n n i n g b y l o u ay h a b i b

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OYSTER news

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Marquesas Islands

Tahiti

Panama Canal

Galapagos Islands

Antigua

oyster world rally

update

summer 2013

OYSTER news

21

T w o y e a r s b e f o r e t h e s t a r t o f t h e w o r l d r a l l y , our dedicated team put in a massive amount of research, experience and effort to produce a sound plan. A manual dedicated to the Oyster World Rally route was also written by the support team and published in-house for the use of the participants.

Oyster owners and their guests have embarked on a spectacular adventure and as we approach the halfway stage in the Oyster World

january2013 N ELSO N ’ s d o c k y a r d , a n t ig u a

Rally, the feedback from the participants is extremely positive. The stories,

»

pictures and videos that we have received from the fleet have been truly

There was some tension on the dock before the start, when a vicious

awe-inspiring.

squall ripped through Nelson’s Dockyard. Nevertheless, undeterred, the Oyster fleet cast off lines and headed out to the starting area. The first ever

Responding to other Oyster owners’ huge interest, we have decided to

Oyster World Rally was set in motion with a blast of cannon fire from Fort

launch a second world rally starting in January 2016, and we have already

Charlotte, Antigua. Conditions at the start were nothing short of glorious:

received 70 expressions of interest in attending.

with 20 knots of warm trade winds and brilliant sunshine. The magnificent Oyster fleet was a spectacular sight as they started the 27,000-mile adventure of a lifetime.

A total of 28 examples of the Oyster range were on the start line of the Oyster World Rally. Each had their own story to tell of the preparation and emotions at the start of this fantastic voyage. Eddie Jordan of Formula One fame, sailing Oyster 885 Lush with his wife Marie, was thrilled to start the Oyster World Rally. “This is going to be a fantastic experience. I have more air miles than you could imagine but to sail around the world is going to be the biggest adventure of them all. It is full of unknowns but that is all part of the attraction and I am just so elated to be part of the whole thing.”

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summer 2013

The Oyster World Rally rendezvous for the Panama Canal transit was held at Shelter Bay Marina. The beautiful World Heritage Site of the nearby Fort San Lorenzo, with its stunning and strategic views over the entrance to the Chagres River and Caribbean Sea, provided the perfect setting for the Oyster World Rally Panama party. Oyster owners, their guests and

February2013 p a n a m a c a n a l , c e n t r a l a m e r ic a

crews enjoyed drinks in the fort, followed by a delicious lunch, with

»

The Oyster fleet enjoyed over a month’s cruising in the Leeward Islands

ceviche, and traditional Panamanian slow-cooked whole roast hog.

The Panamanian authorities kindly granted special permission for the use of the site which is normally off limits for such events.

of the Caribbean and the remote islands along the coastline of South America, before meeting up for a rendezvous to navigate through the

Oyster World Rally Project Manager Debbie Johnson, Oyster Technical

Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean. Paul and Sue Fletcher said they had

Support Manager Eddie Scougall and the Oyster Customer Support

dreamt for 25 years of casting off and sailing around the world. Paul and

Department provided unparalleled support to the Oyster fleet for the

Sue invested a significant amount of effort into researching their ideal

duration of the world rally. Debbie reported that the complex task of

yacht for the task. So Dreams Come True is a very apt name for their

organising so many yachts through the Panama Canal went extremely well:

Oyster 56. Paul described their wonderful experience in the San Blas Islands that lie off the north coast of Panama and are home to the

“We had been planning the rally for two years and the keystone to the

indigenous Kuna indians. “The San Blas Islands are called the hidden

whole event was getting the fleet through the Panama Canal safely and in

gems of the Caribbean and they easily lived up to their reputation”

good time. It took four days to transit the Oyster fleet. Thanks to our

smiled Paul. “The islands are stunningly beautiful, with so many superb

agents, Associated Yacht Services and the outstanding cooperation of the

anchorages and the Kuna people are very friendly. Probably the standout

Panama Canal Authority, it all went very smoothly. We had planned for

memory from San Blas was meeting up with two other yachts on the rally:

delays and unexpected problems, but actually everything went so well

Babe and Wolfhound. We went to a shanty restaurant and had a terrific

that we were two days ahead of schedule. The Panama Canal staff were

lunch followed by a game of beach cricket. I will never forget that view –

very efficient and courteous; getting the fleet through to the Pacific ran

it was just fantastic.”

like clockwork.” »

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arch2013 m

g a l a p a g o s i s l a n d s , p a ci f ic o c e a n

»

Following a 900-mile passage from Panama, the Oyster fleet regrouped in the magical Galapagos Islands. Situated 550 miles to the west of Ecuador, the archipelago of 19 islands is a melting pot of avian, terrestrial and marine species, such as the world’s only marine iguana, the giant tortoise and many species of birds, which inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection.

“Arriving in the Galapagos immediately feels like being in another world, so far from our normal experiences, and a real life adventure,” Debbie Johnson enthused. “The Galapagos have a unique ecosystem with an incredible abundance and diversity of wildlife Rays jump out of the water and sea lions come to greet you. None of the animals seem to be worried by humans. One of the most unusual species of shark in the Galapagos is the hammerhead and just about everyone who has been diving has seen them. Most of the Oyster crews enjoyed secluded dives, however we put a call around on the VHF to see who would like to come on a group dive and 27 people from nine different boats came along, including Amelie, Babe, Chinook, Pandemonium, Pearl of Persia, Quester, Satika and Yantina. One of the many benefits of travelling with the Oyster World

The Morgan family from Crazy Daisy were snorkelling and when a penguin

Rally is that you are in the company of like-minded people.”

came over to Bob Morgan and literally pecked on his dive mask, then a whole colony arrived. “They are really inquisitive and just wanted to play.

Lukas Schiesser sailing with his family on the Swiss Oyster 54 In Flagranti

A truly remarkable experience!”

spoke of fulfilling his ambition to dive with hammerhead sharks. “The Galapagos are one of the few places in the world where these amazing

Although the Oyster fleet is often spread out over a wide area, Ian Davis

creatures can be seen in abundance, often swimming in huge groups.

owner of Oyster 56 Yantina, operates the daily SSB radio net when the

In my opinion, this phenomenon makes these islands the most amazing

fleet is on passage, which ensures that help or advice is always on hand if

place on earth. It is unlikely you will see them unless you scuba-dive, as

necessary. In port, the VHF takes over as primary means of communication.

they tend to swim below 30 metres or more. I saw entire schools of hammerheads, as many as 50 swimming around – that was quite impressive.

Oyster 53 Amelie, reporting a problem with their watermaker to Customer

Every single dive was an awesome experience and unique in itself.”

Care Manager Eddie Scougall, highlighted the value of the radio net and the assistance within the fleet. “After going on board and assessing the problem, it was clear that a new part (not on board) was required,” confirmed Eddie.“ We put out an ‘all ships’ on VHF to the fleet and within a few seconds, Oyster 655, Sotto Vento replied to say that they had the spare and the problem was solved. With a 3,000+ mile trip to the Marquesas coming up, not having a watermaker would have been a great inconvenience. Ironically, Sotto Vento later developed a problem with one of their heads and once again we were on the radio. Oyster 56, Sulana instantly responded with an offer of parts for the repair. The fleet is really helping each other out and there is a great community spirit which is so vital in remote locations.”

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april2013 m a r q u e s a s i s l a n d s , f r e nc h p o l y n e s i a

»

After more than 3,000 miles at sea, the beauty of The Marquesas Islands and

“There are no restaurants, hotels, shops or really anything besides a few

the warmth of their people were almost overwhelming. The Oyster World

locals playing in the water and enjoying a game of volleyball!” smiled Joe.

Rally Fleet were treated to a memorable arrival in Nuku Hiva, organised in

“Once ashore, we ran into the crews from Pearl of Persia, Chinook,

their honour by the people of the Taiohaie and Taipivai valleys.

In Flagranti and Purusha. They were taking a hike up to a waterfall, so I joined them. After about 40 minutes, we broke through the thick

After more than 3,000 miles at sea, the beauty of The Marquesas Islands and the warmth of their people were almost overwhelming

rainforest to find a picturesque waterfall, cascading down 200ft into a rock pool. We all jumped in and enjoyed the refreshing water. Oyster has arranged a welcome party and we are all looking forward to hearing the stories from the past few weeks as everyone recounts their most memorable moments, good and bad, that happened during the sail across the largest stretch of the Pacific.”

The fleet was greeted ashore with the traditional Haka followed by a fruit tasting event provided afternoon refreshment of local mango,

First Mate on Oyster 885 Lush, Audrey Jameson describes the trip and the

pamplemousse, papaya and guava, accompanied by delicious dried

scenery in the remote South Pacific:

banana, tapioca cake and banana bread, all washed down with refreshing homemade lemonade.

“After leaving the Galapagos and sailing 3,400 miles and nearly 15 days at sea, we arrived in French Polynesia. This Pacific crossing certainly was

Stalls were set out and the locals demonstrated their skills and invited

a great adventure and the amazing thing is there’s still so much more to

Oyster World Rally participants to turn their hand to some of the local arts

this ocean. When you initially look at a map of the Pacific, you just see a

and traditions, such as woodcarving, jewellery-making and even bareback

massive ocean and then looking closer you notice a load of tiny dots.

horse riding. In the evening, the ‘Marquesan oven’ (a hole in the ground

Well, we’re on one of these dots now and will be sailing between these

heated by rocks and covered in banana leaves) was opened and a feast of

dots for the next 4 months until we reach Australia in August!

local specialities of wild pig, wild goat, roast chicken and baked breadfruit were accompanied by traditional dishes from the sea, including fish in

There are roughly 20,000 islands in the Pacific, most of which are in this

coconut milk, crab with lime, octopus and grilled fish.

south-west region. Needless to say we’ll make a good stab at exploring these islands, but 20,000 of them… well you’d need to be here for a

The Marquesas Islands group is one of the most remote in the world, the

whole lifetime to get around the lot and even then it wouldn’t be an easy

nearest continental land mass being the west coast of South America, some

task. Wow! We are going to have some fun: discovering awesome

3,600 miles away. There are only around 9,000 people living on 6 of the

anchorages and villages, meeting the islanders, getting to know their culture

15 islands. Joe Torcivia is 25 years old and comes from New Jersey, USA.

and geography and finally disappearing west over the horizon!” »

He is sailing on Michael Yokell’s Oyster 56, Quester. Joe describes the arrival on Fatu Hiva, one of the least populated islands in the Marquesas chain:

summer 2013

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may2013 t a h i t i , f r e nc h p o l y n e s i a

»

Celebrating its 10th edition, The Tahiti Pearl Regatta is the most famous

The race back to Raiatea was a light-air affair. After the racing programme

regatta in French Polynesia and, bolstered by eleven Oyster yachts, it had

was completed, the Oyster class was won by German-owned Oyster 56,

a record number of entries. Each year, Oyster Yachts organise regattas

Mariela. The Swiss Oyster 575 Satika, was second and the Oyster 655,

exclusively for Oyster owners and their guests and the lure of joining the

Proteus was third.

fun in French Polynesia proved attractive to a number of Oyster owners, enabling a unique Oyster Class. The Oyster contingent included:

Speaking after the regatta, the owner of Oyster 82 Pandemonium said:

Amelie, Babe, Mariela, Pandemonium, Proteus, Purusha, Satika, Sotto

“We are very pleased and proud to represent the Oyster family here in

Vento, Spent, Yantina and Wolfhound.

French Polynesia. Racing in a remote location can cause issues, especially if by pushing the boat, things get broken. However, Oysters are well-

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta started from the beautiful South Pacific island of

engineered and thanks to Debbie and Eddie from Oyster, we have had

Raiatea. Situated between Bora Bora and Tahiti, Raiatea is known as the

‘on location’ customer service throughout the world rally.

‘sacred island’, the cultural heart of all Polynesia. The island has a fascinating history accompanied by legend and myth, as well as the

The Oyster World Rally started on 6th January 2013 in Antigua. At the time

Polynesian Triangle’s most significant archaeological sites. Competitors

of writing, they have travelled well in excess of 7,000 miles to French

enjoyed four days of racing and festivities including a night parade at

Polynesia, Tonga and then on to Fiji and Vanuatu, after which the fleet will

Uturoa harbour with a Polynesian show, with traditional songs and dancing.

head for Queensland, Western Australia.

The race to Huahine Island was one of the most memorable. The lush tropical island is arguably the most picturesque in all of French Polynesia.

For full reports, photos and videos and to track the Oyster World Rally fleet,

Steep mountains rising above secluded bays with breathtaking emerald

visit www.oysterworldrally.com.

green water and stunning sandy coves make the island one of the most sought-after locations in the South Pacific.

For more information on the Oyster World Rally 2016, please contact Jacqui Kotze, e:jacqui.kotze@oysteryachts.com t: +44 (0)1473 688 888

With 20 knots of breeze, the race was lively, giving a spectacular spinnaker finale. The Oyster 82, Pandemonium took line honours in the monohull class, completing the 14-mile race in two hours but after time correction, the class winner was Oyster 655, Proteus.

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owner profile: paul fletcher

Oyster 56

» Dr ea m s Co m e True

Fo r 2 5 y e a r s , Pa u l a n d S u e F l e t c h e r h a v e d r e a m e d o f c a s t i n g o f f t h e i r l i n e s a n d s a i l i n g a r o u n d t h e w o r l d .

D r e a m s c om e T r u e i s a v e r y a p t n a m e f o r t h e i r O y s t e r 5 6 , w h i c h l e f t A n t i g u a o n 6 t h J a n u a r y a s pa r t o f t h e O y s t e r Wo r l d R a l ly. O v e r t h e n e x t 1 4 mo n t h s , Pa u l a n d S u e , w i t h t h e h e l p o f t h e i r f o u r c h i l d r e n , h o p e t o fulfil their cherished ambition b y lo uay h a b i b

Paul Fletcher spoke to Louay Habib on the eve of his departure from

“We already had the name Dreams Come True, which was obviously what

Antigua on the Oyster World Rally.

the boat was all about and we put it all together. It’s been a tough and challenging year. I still have a business. I’m not old enough yet to say

“For years, Sue and I have visited the London Boat Show and every year

‘Right, I can retire’. I’ve got good people in the office. Obviously I’m still

we made a point of visiting the Oyster stand. We were always made very

very much connected through the Internet. We have Wi-Fi while in port

welcome. Even though it was just a dream, we would sit at the back of the

and when we’re at sea we have a satellite system. It’s mainly emails that

boat on display and imagine what it would be like to sail off into the

I need, as I still need to do business online.

sunset” smiled Paul.

“All four of our children will be sailing with us at some stage or another “30 years ago, we very nearly did sail around the world, as we had found

and they all bring something different to the cause. Markus is our oldest

a steel yacht designed by Bruce Roberts. But it never happened, and in

and doing his PhD, so he will be concentrating on that until the summer

hindsight it would have been a tough experience. Back then, navigation

and then joining us. Tim and Sarah will probably be with us the whole way

was still in the dark ages and it was a daunting task just to find your way

round. Philip is our youngest and taking his GCSEs this summer so he will

across the oceans. Also the yacht would require a huge amount of time

come and join us when his exams are over.

and money to maintain and it and would have had virtually no resale value.

So years passed by and we raised our family and our sailing plans were put

“All in all, we have moved heaven and earth to make our dream become

on hold. The dream of sailing around the world was just that: a dream.

a reality. We will still be in contact and at the end of the day, life goes on, you’re just living on a boat. You’ve got to do these things before you get

“We had been receiving news from Oyster over the years and when we

too old.

saw the advertisement for the Oyster World Rally, we decided it was now or never. In recent years, we had got back into sailing, including an

“Oyster have been extremely helpful. If there have ever been any

Atlantic crossing and cruising in the Caribbean. When the announcement

problems, we can just ring them. We’re so impressed with their customer

for the Oyster World Rally was made, we started trying to find a boat for

service. At the beginning of the projec,t I was always checking prices

our budget, but it was never the right budget for the right kind of boat.

elsewhere, but Oyster never rip you off, they’ve always been reasonable.

Also when we first did the ARC, 10-12 years ago, Oyster were the only

“In the end, we found a great Oyster 56, it was way above our batting

company who were there, supporting their boats before the start.

order, we just somehow managed, with a little bit of magic, to make it

We were very impressed with that.

happen. Right up until the 11th hour and although it was almost not going to happen but we managed to do the deal. We bought Dreams Come True

“Even 25 years ago, when we looked at an Oyster and there was no way

almost a year to the day before the start of the Oyster World Rally, so it

that we could afford one, they weren’t condescending. Some companies

has been a steep learning curve for us.

wouldn’t even talk to us but Oyster never judge a book by its cover.

They realise that it takes a lot of years to be able to pay the sort of money

“Well, I was competent enough as a sailor to know that I could pull it all

that these boats are worth, but Dreams Come True will be a home for

together and Oyster have been so supportive but, out on a world tour,

our family the next year or so, and she will still have a great value after

you have to be able to look after yourself.

all those miles, so we think it is a fantastic investment.”

summer 2013

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and counting T h e r e ’ s a n o l d g a g a b o u t h o w s tat i s t i c s s h o w b i r t h d ay s a r e g o o d f o r y o u : t h o s e w i t h t h e m o s t l i v e t h e l o n g e s t. N o s u r p r i s e t h e n t h at at O y s t e r , w i t h l o n g e v i t y i n - b u i lt, t h e r e ’ s a s t r o n g s e n s e o f ‘ b r i n g i t o n ! ’ F o r t y y e a r s , 1 , 4 0 0 b o at s a n d m i l l i o n s o f m i l e s a r t i c u l at e n o t j u s t f i n e f i g u r e w o r k b u t a pedigree well proven. And with evidence of this in every new launch, there’s a n i n n at e e n t h u s i a s m t o k e e p o n d o i n g w h at ’ s BEEN DONE , BU T e v e n b e tt e r te x t b y m i k e o w e n

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1973 UFO Holman & Pye

The creator of arguably the world’s most prolific, luxury, performance blue-water cruisers, Oyster Yachts has in four decades grown from local endeavour to industry leader, with a global footprint grounded in unrivalled levels of service and support as much as in the design and building of exquisite yachts, each tailored to owner requirements to an unusual degree. Oyster knows there’s more to owning a boat than taking delivery; that it’s about lifestyle and opportunity, matching aspirations and that’s how to make a clientele faithful.

As yachting sage Bob Fisher reported during Oyster’s 25th anniversary: “One of Oyster’s secrets is that a remarkable amount of its business is from former customers; five of them have been back three times. So, on the one side of the equation is a host of satisfied customers and on the other a healthy balance sheet that should see Oyster in business 25 years on.”

Quite right, except there are now clients on their fourth and fifth Oysters!

Director Murray Aitken, 27 years with the firm, explains with a simple expression Oyster’s attraction and market differential: “Design, quality, strength of construction and, of course, service”. A seemingly unassuming yet demanding maxim that has driven the success of Oyster Yachts from the Holman & Pye-designed UFO 34 built by Landamores in England’s East Anglia, right through to today, with early, regional partnerships remaining at the core of the business. »

l e ft » One of Oyster’s first brochures promoting the UFO34.

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1978 Oyster 37 Holman & Pye

r i gh t » Two early Holman & Pye designed Oyster 56’s.

1978 Oyster 26 Holman & Pye

1979 Oyster 39 Holman & Pye

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1980 Oyster 41 Stephen Jones

1980 Oyster 46 Holman & Pye

Today owning – rather than originally contracting out – its boat building yards in Wroxham and Southampton for the core semi-custom range spanning 48ft (14.5m) to 89ft (27m), Oyster has also famously extended into top level, customised superyacht construction with the Oyster 100 and 125 (30m and 37m). Quite a step, it must be said, from that line of UFO cruiser-racers, from the same designers Holman & Pye, that preceded the first Oyster-branded yacht, the Oyster 37, in 1978. This pacey design continued the UFO theme so prevalent at the time, also suitable for the then popular DIY home completion market. But it also showed flashes of future attention to detail. As John Driscoll reported in ‘First Oyster’s out of its shell’ in Yachting World, this newcomer was “available at almost any stage from bare mouldings. She had few frills, the emphasis on her being a good sea boat but showing integral bow fairleads and moulded lifebuoy bins on the stern deck.” Both neat and novel touches.

Proving racing was a good way to promote cruising boats, Oyster founder Richard Matthews was out on his own 37, one of his many Oystercatchers, regularly scratching the record books which he continued to do with so many future models that sold well in both racing and cruising versions.

Cruising fast, after all, is a lot more fun than cruising slow, he would say.

It also just makes sense to get round that headland before the tide turns, or back to port before the depression sweeps in.

Oyster’s current long-standing design partner Rob Humphreys, on board since 1997 after Don Pye’s retirement, would agree: “In a cruising boat it’s important to have performance. Apart from anything, it’s about safety.

If your electrics or machinery go down and you need to get off a lee shore in a gale, you have to be able to go upwind.”

He’s right and his long history in extreme race designs such as Volvo 70s, Open 60s and the like, as well as his many cruising boats, ensures a good balance. »

right

(top) »

Two of Oyster’s most prolific designers: Don Pye and Rob Humphreys.

right

( bottom ) »

The Oyster 37 at the London International Boat Show, 1978.

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1981 Oyster 43 Stephen Jones

1983 Oyster SJ35 Stephen Jones

to p »

m i d d le »

bottom »

The first load of woodware to the Landamores Yard, Wroxham.

An Oyster 82 in one of the purpose built halls at OYS (capable of taking yachts up to 40 metres).

The Oyster 125-01 and 100-02 in the Oyster hangar at RMK Marine, Turkey.

The Builders’ Tale The East Anglian corner of England where Oyster is based has a centuries-old tradition of shipbuilding. Proud of that heritage, Oyster has always drawn on local skills for virtually every aspect of design and build.

Landamores, on the edge of the Norfolk Broads in Wroxham, provided in 1973 the very first boat to nascent Oyster Marine, and in all but name still builds every yacht up to the Oyster 725, the Oyster building division of Landamores having just recently been directly acquired to become Oyster Yachts Wroxham (OYW).

All key personnel and the decades of experience remain in-house and on the job with uninterrupted production in a purpose-built modern facility with seven bays and ample land space for much planned extension.

In 1983, as the order book filled and capacity dictated, Windboats, another renowned Wroxham yard, was also contracted to satisfy Oyster’s strengthening market, and continued to deliver world class craftsmanship in beautifully constructed yachts. It is only the recent drawing in-house of the shipyard side of the business that now sees this relationship change to providing local extra capacity only if required by OYW. With an eye to the burgeoning south coast business, Oyster established an office in Southampton’s Shamrock Quay in 1984 and entered a refit and then a new building arrangement with local world-famed classic yacht restorers Southampton Yacht Services (SYS). Their traditional customised yacht building skills matched Oyster’s evolution handsomely well. Building from mid-size to now all the larger Oysters up to the 89ft (27m) 885, SYS has over time been acquired by Oyster.

The dedicated Oyster division is renamed Oyster Yachts Southampton (OYS) while classic yacht work continues under the SYS brand, as a part of the Oyster Group.

All three yards receive hull and major component mouldings from another East Anglian specialist, Bridgeland Mouldings who, like all the preferred contractors, have increased their physical scale in line with the evolution of Oyster’s lengthening fleet.

A special venture with a fourth yard, RMK Marine in Istanbul, Turkey, was entered into in 2007 to begin the development of the custom-built Oyster 100 and 125 with the world’s largest single vacuum-infused hull construction in a specially built hall and enormous autoclave oven.

In 2002, to serve the increasing Pacific client base and strip transportation costs, Oyster contracted with New Zealand yard McDell. Their focus was on the 49 and 53, and also Oyster’s retro-modern motor launch, the LD43. When the initial currency exchange benefits reversed, the relationship ceased in 2010.

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1984 Oyster 435 Holman & Pye

1985 Oyster 406 Holman & Pye

1986 Oyster LW48 Carl Schumacher

le ft » The first Rob Humphrey’s designed Oyster 56.

be low » An early advert for the Oyster Mariner 35.

Rob has since designed 14 Oysters but his first in 1997 was the 56, an instant

with the Oyster 39. In this boat, an innovative raised centre cockpit and

hit. By the time hull number one launched, 14 had sold off-plan. This size

large stateroom aft improved the practicalities, and the comfort level

bracket, this whole part of the market had virtually become Oyster’s own.

soared with a new bias swinging clearly toward the owner. The smaller

No other semi-custom builder achieved such numbers, and the Oyster 56

Mariner 35 followed, and still with such a spacious aft cabin, owners started

went on to sell 75. This on top of Don Pye’s earlier 1988-

to suggest a second heads. Selfish, un-seamanlike?

designed 53 which, with the then modern addition of

No, just sensible good innovation; and certainly easier

moulded bathing platform, morphed to the 55. When first

to accommodate than in the likes of the range-sharing

launched, it was mooted that five or six sold would keep

Stephen Jones-designed SJ41 one-tonner!

everyone happy. The Holman & Pye-designed 53/55 went on to sell 50 boats. Happy was an understatement.

While the raised central cockpit arrangement had impressed, some felt a slight sense of exposure on deck

The fact that Rob Humphrey’s Oyster 56 topped these

and enclosure in the deep saloon below. Holman & Pye’s

sales ten years later, too, is not just in continuation of

inspired solution the next year created a stir and paved

Oyster owning the market but also due to the

the way for the future. The Oyster 46 with ‘deck saloon’

combination of his swift lines and the introduction of a

was born. Panoramic windows gave great views from

fourth, midships cabin that could double as workshop or

within and significantly improved ventilation for warmer

store. With this, the Oyster 56 became a true liveaboard, and despite a

climes. The raised floor enabled increased machinery space beneath and

25-tonne displacement her rig and sail handling systems made her easily

suitably sized cruising tanks, too, plus a lower centre of gravity for

managed by a couple. The competition had no answer.

enhanced stability. The cockpit was roomy yet protected. A huge success, the deck saloon had entered both the vernacular and cruising family’s heart.

It had been the same when Oyster’s first market game-changer hit back in 1979 with the shift of emphasis to include pure cruisers, beginning

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It was here to stay, and it has, now in its fifth generation with a sleek and very distinctive eyebrow styling. »

1986 Oyster 53/55 Holman & Pye

Oyster Yachts Wroxham Wroxham is where it all started, the boat building that is, down by the waterside in the old family-run Landamores boat yard. When delivering Oyster’s first boat, they were already two generations and 50 years old. Originally building boats for private hire on the Norfolk Broads, the operation later turned to own builds and building to commission. The relationship with Oyster hatched in 1973 transformed the business in perfect symbiosis. Works Director Kevin Webster, 30+ years in the business, says: “Then, Oyster couldn’t build boats but could sell them. We could build but couldn’t sell!”

In a steady expansion first involving lean-tos and progressively higher rafters in the main shed as the boats grew and grew, a new ‘cathedral’ hall was built with five building bays and sufficient headroom to build with keel on. Boat size grew to 62, 68 and then 80ft (18-24m) which quite literally stretched the construction hall and brought the small Broads town to a halt as the huge moulding and then fine finished product was manoeuvred inch by inch in and finally out for transporting to Ipswich HQ for commissioning.

1987 Oyster LW395 One Design Carl Schumacher

In 2006, with the support of the Oyster team, Managing Director Anthony Landamore bit a new bullet. It was time for new purpose-built premises of adequate scale with overhead gantries so boats could be built keel-on and deck-off for ease of engineering and joiner work. Computerised cutting equipment (CNC) for timber, Perspex, aluminium and even Avonite was bought in, which, with astonishing accuracy, speed and repeatability, changed working patterns and eased assembly. Combined with already implemented lean techniques, this meant, for example, a construction time for a 625 reduced from 40 to 30 weeks with assured, consistent high standards.

Nowadays, seven bays are constantly filled to meet the busy order book and plans for a further two bays are in hand.

In late 2011, Anthony Landamore offered Oyster to take over this division, to enable him to semi-retire and to refocus on the family’s long-standing general Norfolk Broads build and repair yard services back down by the water. Solely owned now, Oyster Yachts Wroxham became part of the Oyster Group in early 2012, with a further 45 staff hired, taking the total to around 110.

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1989 Oyster 68/70 Holman & Pye

Oyster Yachts Southampton Established in 1980, SYS started where Camper & Nicholson left off with its demise.

A client’s yacht was waiting unfinished and SYS, led by former C&N Production Manager Piers Wilson and business partners, took it on and then took off like lightning with a long list of classic refits and aluminium new builds following. It was the astonishing full restoration of the 133ft (33m) Fife schooner Altair through 1985/86 that stamped the SYS name at the head of the list for bespoke craftsmanship in everything from heavy engineering to the finest cabinetry.

In the late 1980s, SYS was delivered bare mouldings of an Oyster 55 for private completion. The process called for contact with Oyster who, not long before, had opened a brokerage office alongside SYS in Shamrock Quay. A marriage formed and more Oyster completions came to SYS. Then fire struck in 1988. All boats in the shed were lost. Incredibly, the business was back up in two days. Vospers offered temporary premises. Retired workers donated their tools. Staff set to sorting, others headed to the one remaining boat fortunately off site.

A short-term hall was erected and the business revived but bogged down in an insurance quagmire, eventually needed financial assistance. Oyster stepped in for equity, and a new five bay, open span hall at neighbouring Saxon Wharf followed with full facilities to build to 90ft (27m), so now just accommodating the Oyster 885.

A longer hall built specifically to fit the J-Class Velsheda during her extensive refit is now used for refit and one-off work, recently including everything from refitting a Victorian steam launch to furnishing IPAC Leopard with a new lightweight-cored cruising interior and re-engineering Mari Cha’s propulsion system. Among other projects on the water, two mighty 40m Denship motor yachts have been fully fitted from virtual bare shells.

SYS was an early adopter of both CNC cutting technologies and 3D modelling software and, with the yard’s long experience in the refined big boat arena, it is natural for them to work on the larger Oysters, currently models 825 and 885.

With Oyster acquiring the complete business in 2003, and retaining the 150 strong team, the business is now renamed Oyster Yachts Southampton to run in parallel with the newly acquired Oyster Yachts Wroxham, with SYS continuing classic restorations under the original brand but as part of the Oyster Group.

abo ve » The custom and refit hall at Oyster Yachts Southampton.

righ t » Former OYS Production Manager Piers Wilson presenting award to Ian Diamond at the Mylene Class Regatta 2009.

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The proving ground for Oyster owners has, of course, long been in the distant passagemaking they bought their boat for and in sailing the many miles they have. Indeed, circumnavigations for the families and friends of the 42 recorded world circlings far exceed a million miles

1992 Oyster 80 Holman & Pye

1994 Oyster 485 Holman & Pye

1995 Oyster 45/47 Holman & Pye

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1995 Oyster 61 Holman & Pye

1997 Oyster 42 Holman & Pye

The company’s deep sea credentials were also reinforced by that early Oyster 39 amidst events in the disastrous Fastnet Race of 1979.

As Bernard Hayman, then Yachting World editor and one of the joint RYA/RORC working party responsible for the Fastnet Race Report, commented: “To remind those with very short memories, the rescue operation, which undoubtedly saved many lives, was initiated and coordinated in its early and most important stages by two vessels, the Dutch frigate Overijssel and the auxiliary yacht Morningtown.”

Morningtown was an Oyster 39. She was also the official radio relay vessel for the race and out at sea suffered the worst. While others crashed out, her role and ability to endure became crucial. Bernard went on to quote a search and rescue Nimrod pilot who said of Morningtown: “The wind on the surface by this time was 70 knots… the yacht Morningtown gave the Nimrod clear and concise information on where she had seen dinghies and survivors. She kept a continuous radio watch throughout the early hours and her action led to the rescue of about 20 survivors as well as saving the RAF and the Royal Navy many hours of vital search time.”

Morningtown, with owner Rodney Hill and crew, was back on station for the 1981 Fastnet. From later writings, the sidebar panel, to the right, from later writings refers directly to how Morningtown’s survival clearly helped bring peace of mind to Oyster 46 Exactement en route from Newport, Rhode Island, to Bermuda, also in stormy seas.

Newport has for a long while been home to many Oysters and 2001, when the firm won its second prestigious Queen’s Award for Export, proved perfect timing to open a permanent base in New E n g l a n d . Ot h e r i n t e r n a t i o n a l o f f i c e s i n c l u d e a l s o Hamburg and now Palma de Mallorca, handling everything from sales and service to refit

10

04

in the distant passage-making they bought their boat for and in sailing

Oyster 39 Severance at the Oyster Regatta BVI, 2004.

the many miles they have. Indeed, circumnavigations for the families

r i gh t »

and friends of the 42 recorded world circlings far exceed a million miles.

Oyster 46-01 Exactement.

The proving ground for many Oyster owners has, of course, long been

And that’s before we include the 28 boats sailing Oyster’s own World

L 975

above»

Rally in flow (and Fiji) at time of writing. That will bring the total closer to an astonishing two million miles around the world. »

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102 4

0

100

8

1008 1012

96

1999 Oyster 56 Rob Humphreys

1999 Oyster 53 Rob Humphreys

Peace of mind “Although there were small craft warnings in effect, as we left Newport the extended forecast was not bad and smooth sailing seemed to be in store.

Crossing the Gulf Stream promised to be rough, that we expected; but the rest of it, no one could have predicted. For nearly seven days straight, we encountered the roughest seas and the strongest wind I have ever seen in my life. This, however, did not surprise me as much as hearing Ian say the same thing. It was a tremendous thrill. It would have been terribly frightening as well had we not been aboard such a sturdy, seaworthy boat.

988

“One evening during the worst of it, I told Ian that when we got back I would write to you, to compliment you on the quality of Exactement and Morningtown. At the time I had grave doubts about whether a less seaworthy ship would have held together. While we were waiting for the storms to clear so we could leave Newport, I read Fastnet Force 10. During our trip, I was comforted by the thought that during the Fastnet disaster, one of the few yachts to undertake rescue operations throughout the storm was Morningtown, an Oyster 39. For me, Exactement made what would have been a terrifying seven days an exciting and enjoyable seven days of sailing.”

997

64

100

Fastnet Cowes

4

Courtesy of Thomas H. Moody, Oyster 46-01 Exactement crewman on passage Newport – Bermuda.

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2001 Oyster 49 Rob Humphreys

2001 Oyster 62 Rob Humphreys

left » Oyster Customer Support Manager hard at work prior to the ARC start.

m i d d le » The 2011 ARC fleet leaving Las Palmas.

r i gh t » The annual Oyster Brokerage Saxon Wharf Show.

Also, alone, the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), with a total of 300 Oysters having sailed the event, accounts for a snip under another million miles in just one direction, two if you count the return. And of all entrants Oyster has the longest, strongest single brand presence. Within this accolade, the Oyster 56 specifically has been the most frequently entered boat type in the ARC’s entire 25-year history. More than 50 have sailed the rally.

You need only to read the personal stories in any issue of this magazine to see how Oyster enables new adventures and discoveries safely, securely, in abundant comfort and with unusually high levels of backup and support from the boat’s builder.

Oyster owners are, for example, the envy of the ARC fleet, as each year in the days before the start in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a specialist team of five Oyster Customer Service engineers swarm across every Oyster, new and old, no matter the age, providing a free-of-charge, comprehensive health check, servicing engine beds, stern glands, electrics, electronics, winches and deck gear, refrigeration, a/c, pumps and more to send everyone on their way better prepared.

The same is happening right now in the World Rally, a support team arriving in advance of the fleet in 25 distant ports. That’s quite some commitment to serve… unmatched by any other builder. »

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2002 Oyster 66 Rob Humphreys

2004 Oyster 82 Rob Humphreys

Oyster Brokerage Spearheaded by Mabel Blacklaws from her new Shamrock Quay office in Southampton way back in 1984, the benefits of consolidating Oyster Brokerage as an in-house service became abundantly clear. Who better to advise on the sale or purchase of a pre-owned boat than those who built her, know her history and hold a fully detailed archive to support any query?

As well as a focal point for buyers, such a service also makes it straightforward for owners to elect to sell, simplifying decision processes and being confident in advice given. Oyster Brokerage is also able, of course, to introduce new prospects who perhaps thought to buy new but decided to go for bigger pre-owned or to bridge the building and wait time of a new boat.

Oyster Brokerage is now represented in the UK, Palma and Newport, Rhode Island, and as far afield as Australia, Russia, Germany, Italy and other territories. This combined with a large number of cooperating international brokers gives a truly international service.

It’s a highly proactive service, staffed by specialist brokers with long specific experience, who have to date brokered more than 620 deals.

Indeed, the team is involved in 95 per cent of all Oyster deck saloon transactions, the majority involving buyers and sellers dealing directly with Oyster Brokerage. Also, many yachts change hands multiple times through Oyster Brokerage. Oyster 485, hull number ten, for example, now called Sea Pearl, has had five owners since new, with each change of ownership brokered by Oyster Brokerage.

Interesting figures…

• 56 x Oyster 55 transactions (total of 48 built) • 44 x Oyster 485 transactions (total of 35 built) • 83 x Oyster 435 transactions (total of 67 built) • 41 (and still counting) x Oyster 56 transactions (75 built) And with a ready network, things can move really quickly. Oyster 46 Callisto on its way to Ipswich from the west coast of Scotland in summer 2011 was listed for sale that same week. En route, she made a brief stop in Weymouth for a client visit, and the sale completed one week later. Callisto never made it to Ipswich! An Oyster 82 also famously sold within two weeks of listing.

And now, despite the economic downturn, Oyster Brokerage continues to be busy with a lot of activity, current deals include Oyster 62, 66, 45, 56, plus two LD 43 power launches, and many more to follow.

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2005 Oyster 46 Rob Humphreys

2005 Oyster 72 Rob Humphreys

2007 Oyster 655 Rob Humphreys

left » Oyster 54 Juno at the Oyster Palma Regatta 2011.

r i ght » The Hemispheric, venue for the prize-giving party at the Oyster Regatta Valencia 2010.

The Oyster Trafalgar Regatta, Cadiz 2005.

The Oyster Regatta fleet, New Zealand, 2003.

The Customer Service and Support team, headed in Ipswich head-

For inclusiveness, each year events are held in the Mediterranean

quarters by Sarah Harmer, who herself sailed away for a couple of years

(Palma de Mallorca, Porto Cervo) and in the Caribbean (Antigua, BVI

aboard an Oyster, daily sources and sends parts and spares all over the

and Grenada). There’s often a UK regatta, too, hosted by the Royal Yacht

world from nearby to afar, from furlers and winch parts to coat hooks and

Squadron in Cowes, and occasional special celebratory events take place,

replacement oven doors. True, location can be a challenge but

in Auckland and Valencia for example, both around the America’s Cup,

remoteness rarely precludes the service. An owner once was hailed on

with special access and inclusion a part of the privilege. Then of course

deck from a lonely island shore to see an indigenous-paddled dugout

there’s the next Oyster World Rally announced for 2016. An incredible

breaching waves to bring his engine part. Sometimes it’s just advice, in a

70 expressions of interest have already been made, several on boats

timely manner. The watermaker for one owner crossing the Atlantic failed.

ordered especially and now awaiting build. Not bad… and certainly a

He had urgent need and called for help by satphone. The team hastily

sign of how strong the Oyster family bond can be.

rang the supplier, discussed the fault, and within ten minutes, mid-ocean, the owner was back in his hot shower!

But again it’s not just about newly built boats, as all owners are included.

As Simon Timms of Oyster 53 Nutcracker acknowledged: “You used the

Beyond service and support, there’s also the social side that’s quite

expression that we have ‘joined the Oyster family’ which, to the uninitiated,

unmatched. It’s all part of that lifestyle connection. Each year around the

sounds like a bit of marketing speak. In fact, it has turned out to be pretty

world, Oyster hosts its own series of dedicated dinners and regattas, open

near the mark in describing our experience of ownership of a boat which left

to all owners. 31 regattas have taken place to date. They’re fun, they’re

your hands some time ago.” After a hotly contested and great fun regatta,

popular and quite unique. The first was in 2001 in Antigua, where almost

Simon took second in class at the Oyster Regatta Cowes last year, accepting

40 Oysters monopolised the quay in English Harbour for a spectacle as

his trophy in the hallowed Royal Yacht Squadron. That produced a warm

heart-warming as the racing was eye-opening! The sharing of experiences,

feeling, too!

the joy in pushing the boats to their limits and learning just how well each can perform, and the evening whirl of fun and unpretentious partying with

It’s great to see the fleet stretching itself at these regattas where there’s no

good food and music, all simply showed how strong and important the

doubt they are sailed more energetically than at other times. But it’s the

bond was between everyone.

underlying ease of sailing as well as top design and quality of finish and

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fitting that so often plays a part in the purchasing decision. »

Oyster Regattas have become legend and an important piece of the completed lifestyle jigsaw for so many Oyster owners.

have seemed mad not to continue. Social history was in the making! Over time, some owners have declared the regattas not just an exciting part of Oyster’s all inclusive lifestyle approach but fundamental to their buying decision. No other sailing brand runs such events or provides like-minded owners with such a regular opportunity to gather around the world.

Annually staged on both sides of the Atlantic, and on occasion Pacific, they draw every level of sailor and boat in the range for a few days jostling on the course and afterwards joshing at the bar and parties. It’s the chance to relax among folk with a common interest, share experiences, explore new opportunities and perhaps have a look aboard another boat or two for ideas. It’s also the chance to power up and see just how well your Oyster sails – especially when set against others.

And there have been some pretty extraordinary venues. In 2003 on the far side of the Pacific, a fleet of 14 Oysters gathered in Auckland, New Zealand, to coincide with the first America’s Cup away from the States. More than half of the fleet had actually voyaged halfway round the world to get there and the spectacle, as they sailed under Auckland Bridge, from which an Oyster flag was flying, remains unmatched.

Oysters may essentially be cruising boats but lift their skirts they can and particularly when pressed by the proximity of another which, for some reason, you’d rather see behind than in front! As Neptune once said: “One man sails, two men race!”

At the Oyster Cadiz Regatta, in 2005, the Oyster fleet of almost 30 joined the Battle of Trafalgar bicentennial ceremony, sailing out together to the actual battle location. On a flat calm sea, in the company of warships from France, Spain, the USA and Britain’s TS Lord Nelson, prayers were read over the radio and each Oyster floated a wreath. There were tears in the eyes and lumps in the throats, and the occasion will be remembered forever.

Regattas and special events

Taking place in the late season in Palma, most usually, for Mediterranean boats, and for the Caribbean fleet variously Antigua, BVI and Grenada, fleets frequently exceed 30 Oysters of all sizes. For UK boats, last year again saw a Cowes regatta hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron. The weather was frightful but the sailing phenomenal and the smiles were as good as sunshine.

The first regatta, staged entirely by Oyster staff, with races and trophies sponsored by key preferred suppliers, was in Antigua in 2001. It proved so popular that 31 have now taken place. That first one attracted a fleet of almost 40, occupying virtually the entire dock in English Harbour. It was such a sensation that it would

Five years later, in 2010, with the Auld Mug shifted to Valencia, a fleet this time of 40 Oysters gathered for a superbly raced and partied regatta finishing just the day before the America’s Cup racing started, and further privileged, this was the only outside fleet allowed to tie up in the exclusive contenders’ marina. That’s hard to beat… but the events do just get better and better. Next comes Palma and then the exciting celebrations in Antigua combining the 33rd Regatta with the completion of the Oyster World Rally. 50 yachts are expected so book early, and there’s already interest from another 70 owners to sail the 2016 World Rally.

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2008 Oyster 54 Rob Humphreys

2010 Oyster 575 Rob Humphreys

Customer Service & Support The relationship between an Oyster owner and their builder is for life, with the offer of service and support always open. The detail of every Oyster built is kept on record and every day the Customer Service & Support team helps owners all around the world with issues however big, however small, on boats however old and regardless of whether first or pre-owned.

No Oyster falls outside the remit, and that is very reassuring. With the complexity of yacht construction and fitting, and of course increasingly so, it can be difficult for owners to identify particular problems and component parts, particularly when away cruising. With every boat’s details close to hand, the dedicated team can quickly answer queries, source parts and deliver solutions.

It’s considered such a vital service that more staff are actually employed in this department than sales. Based in Ipswich and supported in the field by the international offices in Newport, Rhode Island, Palma de Mallorca and Hamburg, response time is fast.

Head of Department Sarah Harmer says: “Our team is the mediator between the yards and the suppliers to get the answer as quick as we can if we don’t have it ourselves. We don’t charge for our time unless the problem begins to call, for example, for design time. We help source and deliver parts, and deal with customs. We also help beyond the handover of a new boat. Although that itself is a two to three-day process, there’s a lot to take in. We help afterwards and will arrange a service support visit to go through systems, service and maintenance again.”

The brief is broad and that’s what makes it so valuable, and requests can go beyond the expected, where to find stainless steel clothes pegs not being the most bizarre… but we won’t go there!

“No other builder offers this level of ongoing support,” says Sarah. “Really, we’re a one-stop shop and we’ll always go above and beyond our clients’ expectations. The Customer Support team then also provides the hands-on technical support we’ve become renowned for, not just in our regattas but for the ARC also. We support that every year, sending out a full team for ten days before the start and we tie in key suppliers like Raymarine as well. Oyster owners there are the envy of the fleet as they get a full, free health check. No one else gets this level of backup.”

Currently part of the team is out travelling ahead of the 28 Oyster World Rally entrants, on hand in advance at each of the 25 landfalls the fleet works its way toward. But even before the fleet embarked, the team had prepared for each boat an individually tailored list of recommended service routines and parts for world voyaging. And then of course there were the seminars run

by Oyster staff and appropriate outside expert resources.

With the new base in Palma where 50 to 60 Oysters may pass by in summer the team is now also able to offer full local support from top technical issues to ordering from the newly strengthened merchandise list, personalising Oyster gifts for guests.

So one minute it’s a gasket kit for a Lavac loo in Falmouth, the next it’s a pallet of furling gear to Fiji… with all manner of everything in between. You have to feel for the closest located Mastervolt agent sent to check an installation on an Oyster anchored off Easter Island, or do you?

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above» The beautiful American light oak and walnut interior of the new Oyster 725-01.

r i gh t » The first Oyster 80 out of the shed.

2011 Oyster 100 Dubois

2011 Oyster 625 Rob Humphreys

2011 Oyster 885 Rob Humphreys

Oyster systems have always been well engineered and specced to help with load and management, but without crew, boat size was limited until the push button revolution which Oyster took one step further with the 1998 launch of the Oyster 68.

Britain’s Admiral’s Cup veteran and now high profile classic sail racer Graham Walker was one of the first to come on board and buy. Sail Magazine from the USA reported: “Although Oyster has been known for years for its high quality cruising boats, it’s gotten a lot of attention recently because of the design philosophy behind its new 68-footer.

The concept was to include as many big-boat features as possible, but to make them as convenient as the systems found on a smaller boat.”

Roger Marshall of Yachting Magazine, also from the States, extended the take on quality and considered the safety and simplicity of actual ship’s management: “Below, the first thing that struck my eye was the fine quality of the joinery work. Having been aboard yachts billed as superbly constructed but with joints that you can put a thumbnail in, I look for good joinery work. It tells you a lot about the people who build the boat.

Boats do work and move, and poor joinery moves even more, until finally the joints simply come apart. On Prudence [Graham Walker’s boat] every joint I inspected was tight, even after 7000 miles of sailing. “ He continued: “Another example: under the cabin sole, rather than seven or eight holes for sea water intakes, Oyster has solved the problem by installing two large-diameter through-hulls and leading both intakes to a large manifold. All sea water intakes for generator, main engine, sea water pressure system and WCs are taken off this manifold.” Integrity and plain ease of servicing has always been part of the Oyster story.

So has growth. With the explosion of technology on board, bigger had become more practical and possible. The 80ft barrier broke in 1993.

Adrian Morgan of Boat International wrote of Oyster’s largest yet: “…their most impressive yacht to date, the Oyster 80 Free Spirit of Herm is a world class vessel in every respect, to rival the work of the great Dutch builders.

Priced at around £2 million, for a British company to bring out such an ambitious vessel speaks volumes for its confidence in the future.”

Ambitious, successful and well sailed is how we describe Free Spirit of Herm.

In the year of her launch, she sailed the ARC, crossing the line first. A great achievement, even more remarkably so for having diverted en route to attempt a tow, then stand by and ultimately rescue the two crew from a sinking yacht that had been adrift for ten days. A more eventful crossing, perhaps, than most others’ that year. »

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2011 Oyster 725 Rob Humphreys

2013 Oyster 125 Dubois

The Oyster Regatta Antigua fleet, 2009, Nelson’s Dockyard.

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To be launched Oyster 825 Rob Humphreys

To be launched Oyster 475 Rob Humphreys

To be launched Oyster 545 Rob Humphreys

In the intervening years, an 82 and now 825 have followed and the scope has lengthened to 125ft (37m), full MCA coding, even top Lloyds certification and €16 million. But crossing the 80ft (24m) threshold was particularly significant as generally this is the size where for the first time full social separation aboard can be achieved with a closing of the privacy door between the guest area aft and self-contained crew quarters and galley forward. This physical division is often used as the defining line for the superyacht as one word.

As one word or two, there’s no doubt that Oyster builds nothing but ‘super yachts’. From the semi-custom, series-built Oyster 475 to 885 and the fully custom-built 100 and 125, 10 models currently fill the line. It’s been quite a journey: continuous, exciting, honestly rewarding and still ongoing with generally a rolling two-new-model development programme.

Working unusually closely with owners as it does, Oyster has in four decades created a truly individual position in the yachting world as a builder of highly capable performance blue-water cruisers in a unique semi-custom building process that allows every owner to express their own personality and aspirations.

It’s not just about fabrics, finishes and equipment, as it tends to be with other constructors. For Oyster, it’s always been a bigger offer. Here cabin plans, deck layout, keel configurations and even hull shape can be modified to match individual requirements. It has long been that way. Back in 1984, the new 435’s brochure even included a sheet of tracing paper over the layout drawing for owners to complete themselves. The implication was clear and the uptake phenomenal. More than 70 boats sold.

Through the specification and build processes, each owner is given their own personal project manager who, with particular model knowledge, will help facilitate the appropriate fit, finish and build. So differently, too, to other yards, the project manager also encourages regular visits and involvement with the build team so that the boat and its workings are gradually learned long before the carefully assisted eventual handover.

And when it comes to sell, upgrade or charter, Oyster’s specialist teams can help there, too. Who better than those who built the boat and archived every detail to advise and enable the next moves, particularly with so many staff themselves experienced professional crew and long distance cruising sailors.

Forty years? It’s just the beginning. Step aboard.

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Oyster News A s O y s t e r ya c h t s h a v e e v o lv e d o v e r t h e y e a r s , s o has our in-house maga zine. From a single-colour, f o u r - pa g e l e a f l e t i n t h e 1 9 8 0 s t o t h e f u l l - c o l o u r , t h i c k g l o s s y m a g a z i n e i t i s t o d ay. T h e f a b u l o u s c o n t e n t i s l a r g e ly t h a n k s t o a r t i c l e s s u p p l i e d b y our intrepid Oyster owners. If you have a story to tell or anything you would like to share with our readers please do get in touch

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10 Years of Oyster Yacht Charter if looking to charter an Oyster

who better to talk to than

All the yachts are available in most yachting hotspots, and some in more

those who know them like no other, familiar with their history and every

tucked-away places, and their owners and professional crews are known to

nuance. For owners seeking charter management, this assures a

the team. This means good matching of expectations.

knowledgeable and supported service. For charterers, it provides the same with the benefits of selecting from a verified fleet under the guidance of

As the business has grown, so too has international interest, bringing a

specialist brokers experienced in matching expectations with delivery.

balance between fluctuating markets and charter spend. There’s also an interesting new trend emerging: tandem charters, where friends charter

Headed by Molly Marston who set up Oyster

crafts alongside each other to cruise together with, naturally, the odd

Yacht Charter ten years ago, the division has grown

bit of racing each other as well.

exponentially. Molly herself came off charter boats to work with Oyster in 1996, then helping

Oyster Charter provides not only the opportunity for guests to sample

set up the Newport office. Now with an expert

high-end holidaying in the comfort and manner synonymous with the brand,

understanding of both fields, charter and Oyster,

but also the opportunity for purchasers to pre-sample as part of the decision

she and her team are well placed to advise on

process. Commissioning owners have also been known to charter the same

both sides of charter, for guest and owner.

model of boats to improve their familiarity with them before the handover of their own new build.

There is no other specialised single-brand charter business at this level of sailing, which means a fantastic wide choice of boats and locations for

The reasons to charter are many, so please read on for testimonials from

guests and a specifically experienced management team for owners.

Oyster owners on the current charter fleet.

50

OYSTER news

summer 2013

The Good, The Bad and The Beautiful… says one Oyster 72 owner The Bad… or, at least, not so good I first chartered an Oyster in 2004 – before the Oyster Charter programme started. Oyster found me a shortlist of yachts that they thought might be available to charter. Then I was on my own to contact the owners directly.

Oh, it’s so different and better now!

Working my way through the list, I made some interesting discoveries: • Most of the owners had started their relationship with Oyster by

chartering, to see if they could interest their wives and family to take

up such luxury sailing.

• Others had chartered to get an extended sea trial before placing an order and to give themselves a clearer idea of how to customize their yacht.

• Many owners were not chartering their yachts because of the

administration problems often associated with chartering.

I was guilty of the first two motives so felt immediately at home talking

Once bitten by the Oyster bug, there was no going back and a year later my order for a 56 was on the books

to these owners. I concluded a deal. It was months later, as I waited in

The Good

the departure lounge in Barbados with our family group, that I realised I

Merely ordering an Oyster is no reason to stop chartering. After all,

had no contract and no idea whether there would be a yacht or a crew

build times are substantial so there is plenty of sailing to be done

to meet us in St Vincent. We were in luck. The following morning, I stood

before delivery. There is also the issue of deciding on the options.

on the foredeck of the Oyster and instructed my bank to make the

What better way than to review them on real boats? Better yet, why not

charter payment! A nerve-wracking 24 hours brought to a happy ending.

quiz the crew mercilessly about what should and should not be added?

Once bitten by the Oyster bug, there was no going back and a year later my order for a 56 was on the books.

The arrival of the Oyster Charter service in 2005 meant that I no longer had to worry about such non-trivial issues as whether the boat or the crew existed. Even better there were now knowledgeable people who could talk in detail about the construction of the yacht, the crew and the sailing locations.

The Beautiful My first Magrathea was an Oyster 56 delivered in May 2007, followed by the 72 Magrathea in November 2009.

(The Oyster bug is not easily shaken off ). Both have been immediately and continuously marketed through the Oyster Charter service. Now on the other side of the fence, I do not have to worry about all the contractual and payment issues.

Much more significantly, Magrathea is marketed with full knowledge of my own plans for her use. Prospective customers are matched with the way we like the boat and the crew to be used. Over the last six years, we have had all the charters we have wanted without a single bad experience. It is a testament to the effectiveness and efficiency of the service.

summer 2013

OYSTER news

51

We charter in both the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. There are more historical sites in the Med to visit than can be seen in a lifetime. Possibly the highlight of our sailing experiences for my wife was taking the yacht down the Giudecca Canal in Venice. Another experience not to be missed was, as we sailed to Stromboli at dusk, using the ash and lava shooting 100 feet into the air for navigation, then drifting, listening to the hiss as the lava flowed down the side of the volcano and ran into the sea. By contrast, that may only be matched by taking the dinghy 100m into a Soviet-era cave built for hiding submarines in Viz, Croatia.

With the 575 launched in 2010, replacing the bestselling 56 in the fleet, we have chartered to a number of people who have then purchased a 575.

One person came aboard and then informed Oyster he would take a 575 equipped in exactly the same way! How does one get a better compliment?

A happy 575 owner sings the praises of Oyster charters

Through the Oyster Regattas and social occasions we have met a great number of very nice friends, and with our crew of two Yachtmasters, we know the boat is getting the best professional care. There is no doubt that the 575 provides the opportunity for an incredible number of

The oceans fascinate me, and has for as long as I can remember, and

charter experiences.

using only wind and sails to cross them ties us into the first explorers.

The path of the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) is very close to the route

Any time I am on the water, I am reminded of the words to Christopher

of Christopher Columbus.

Cross’s ‘Sailing’…

Covering 70 per cent of the planet’s surface, the oceans offer each of

chartered our first one.

Well, it’s not far down to paradise, at least it’s not for mE, And if the wind is right you can sail away and find tranquillity, Oh, the canvas can do miracles, just you wait and see, Believe me...

Sailing takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be, Just a dream and the wind to carry me...

From the start, it was apparent that this yacht was a cut above any other

For further information on Oyster Yacht Charter, please contact

us one last chance to experience the freedom of going anywhere our boat can take us. With these thoughts in mind, I began to charter a sailboat, always with a captain. After several years of chartering, looking at Oysters at the London Boat Show and at St Katharine Docks, we

we had chartered. From the quality of the workmanship to the design of the cup holders, I had never seen anything like this Oyster. Both the

Molly Marston e: molly.marston@oysteryachts.com or visit www.oystercharter.com

balance of the boat and the smoothness of sailing were also far superior to those of other boats we had chartered.

t he oy st er y ac ht c har t er f l eet

When we had a small problem with a valve in the watermaker, I could not

Yacht Name

Model

Location Summer 2012

Location Winter 2012-13

Penelope

Oyster 100

6

n/a

Caribbean

Clare

Oyster 885

6

n/a

Caribbean

Raven

Oyster 82

6

Greece/Turkey

Caribbean

Oofle Dust

Oyster 82

6

n/a

Caribbean

exact fix. I was convinced that I could charter different yachts for many

Ravenous

Oyster 82

6

Newport RI, USA

Caribbean

more years and not find a better one. As a result, after studying the interior

Sarita

Oyster 82

6

Corsica/Sardinia, Italy

Caribbean

layouts. I purchased an Oyster 575.

TillyMint

Oyster 82

6

Greece / Turkey

n/a

6

Corsica/Sardinia

Marquesas & Bora Bora in May

believe the captain phoned Oyster and spoke to someone in Customer Support who understood the problem straight away (a grain of sand stuck in the valve) and knew the layout of the yacht well enough to describe the

Spirit of Phantom Oyster 725

I have decided to offer her for charter as I think her layout is ideal and she is the right size for a crew of two to handle, not so large or expensive to run that charter fees become prohibitive.

52

OYSTER news

summer 2013

Guest

Bill and Me

Oyster 72

6

Corsica/Sardinia, Italy

Caribbean

Magrathea

Oyster 72

6

Croatia

Caribbean

Koluka

Oyster 72

6

Croatia

Caribbean

Kealoha 8

Oyster 72

6

Croatia

n/a

Acheron

Oyster 655

6 South of France

Caribbean

Neki

Oyster 655

6

Newport RI, USA

Caribbean

Lady Mariposa

Oyster 625

6

Croatia

Caribbean

Tiger

Oyster 625

6

Corsica & Sardinia

n/a

Vamos

Oyster 625

6

n/a

Caribbean

Delicia

Oyster 625

6

n/a

Caribbean

Enzo

Oyster 62

4

Newport & Maine, US

Caribbean

Sea Eagle

Oyster 61

6

Croatia

Caribbean

On Liberty

Oyster 575

4

Ionian & Croatia

Caribbean

Boarding Pass

Oyster 575

4

Corsica & Sardinia

n/a

Amanzi

Oyster 56

4

Corsica & Sardinia

n/a

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Laluna management and rental programme available.

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12 meters berth is included in the price of the Villas, at Camper & Nicholsons Marina, with an opportunity to upgrade to a larger berth. The Marina is located just 10 minutes away from Laluna, or 5 minutes by boat.

The Estate has a Development Master Plan approved with a very attractive government incentive package.

The owner pays zero tax on the purchase of the villa, with Economic Citizenship program available.

Sunday Times included Laluna in the list of the ‘100 Best Hotels in the World’.

For further information, visit www.laluna.com or email Bernardo Bertucci, bb@laluna.com

O Y S T ER RE G A T T A

grenada 2013

T h e 3 2 n d e d i t i o n o f t h e O y s t e r R e g atta t o o k p l a c e i n t h e b e a u t i f u l w at e r s s u r r o u n d i n g t h e C a r i b b e a n i s l a n d o f G r e n a d a . T h i s w a s t h e s e c o n d o c c a s i o n t h at ‘ T h e S p i c e I s l a n d ’ h a d b e e n c h o s e n a s a l o c at i o n f o r t h e O y s t e r f l e e t a n d i n c l u d e d a f i v e - d ay e x t r a v a g a n z a o f w o n d e r f u l s a i l i n g a n d e x c l u s i v e pa r t i e s f o r O y s t e r owners and their guests t e x t b y lo uay h a b i b

54

OYSTER news

»

P HOTO S b y m i k e j o n e s

summer 2013

H o s t e d b y C a m p e r & N i cho l s o n s Po r t Lo u i s Ma r i n a ,

Oyster 82 Mathilda Sound was sailed by Hilton and Louise Nathanson,

the Oyster fleet rendezvous in St George’s Harbour was a tremendous

who had never raced before and for their debut, Hilton and Louise were

success. Strong trade winds provided some scintillating sailing and the

joined by their two sons, Oliver and Tate, and accompanied by Oyster’s

exclusive parties for Oyster owners and their guests at some of Grenada’s

Klaas Meertens and his son, Damian. Hilton steered all day but gave the

best waterside resorts were extremely well received.

honour of crossing the finish line to Damian Meertens. Oliver Nathanson caddied on the mainsheet, whilst Tate was in charge of furling the

The opening night of the regatta was a spectacular occasion. The Oyster

headsails. With three crew aged 12 or under, Mathilda Sound was a

family enjoyed a traditional Grenadian welcome at Mount Cinnamon’s

youthful affair but all three youngsters concentrated dutifully on their tasks.

Beach Cabana on Grand Anse Beach. After an electrifying performance by the Tivoli Drummers, Oyster CEO David Tydeman introduced the guests

“That was a totally different experience to cruising but we all absolutely

of honour for the opening night: the Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon.

loved it,” smiled Hilton. “You learn so much from pushing the boat and it

Nickolas Steele and the Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Culture,

was great to see all the family getting involved. We didn’t have the best

01

start but had a great battle with Bill and Me in the early part of the race.

The Hon. Alexandra Otway-Noel.

We managed to get past and hold them off past Point Salines, which was so exciting. We were touching 12 knots of boat speed with Bill and Me just behind us for over half an hour but eventually they played the conditions better than us to get back in front. I have to say Louise and I have really caught the racing bug but we know how we can improve next time.”

Day01:

r ac e o n e – s p o n s o r e d b y d o l p h i n s a i l s

»

Racing at the Oyster Regatta Grenada got off to a fantastic start with an

In Class 2, the Oyster 56 Sarabi expertly sailed by Harvey & Sue Death won the race but it was far from easy. Chris Glossop’s Oyster 575 Dreamer of Hamble was less than a minute behind in second and Oyster 575 Sophistikate sailed by Richard & Angela Parkinson was third.

adrenalin pumping passage race from Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina to Le Phare Bleu on the rocky south coast of Grenada.

Jon Sturmer from Dolphin Sails was racing aboard Sophistikate for the race. Jon has been sailing for 30 years racing dinghies and regularly

20 knots of warm trade winds, gusting close to 25 knots in bullets of

competes in local and international regattas on a variety of boats.

pressure, set pulses racing for the downwind start before the Oyster fleet

“That was very exciting. Sophistikate is very well sailed and Richard on the

turned upwind to race around to the south of the island. There were close

helm was asking all the right questions about how to improve their

encounters throughout the Oyster fleet and a fabulous day’s racing was

performance. The battle with Dreamer of Hamble was great. We managed

complete, as the wind abated to 12 knots for the last downwind leg to

to keep ahead of them for the early part of the race but the pressure was

Le Phare Bleu, creating a nail-biting finish.

on throughout and Dreamer managed the last mark rounding just a bit better than us to sneak through. I have to say that racing at Oyster Regattas

In Class 1, Michael Hahn’s American Oyster 655 Matawai was the victor,

really improves the standard of the owners’ sailing and for me it is a

but only just. After over two and a half hours’ racing, Matawai took the

practical insight into how our products are working and it’s invaluable to

win on corrected time by only 3 seconds from Oyster 82 Starry Night of

sail with customers and talk to them about solutions and ideas.”

the Caribbean. Roberto Bisiani’s Italian Oyster 72 Bill and Me was third.

After racing, Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a night moored at Michael Hahn and his crew were elated when they heard about the win.

Le Phare Bleu, one of Grenada’s finest seafront resorts, tucked away in

“This is the first race I have won at an Oyster Regatta” cheered Michael.

Petit Calivigny Bay, on the fissured south coast. The Oyster family enjoyed

“We have come very close many times, so to win by such a small margin is

cocktails on board vintage Swedish lighthouse vessel, Västra Banken

a pleasure. The crew’s work today was the big reason for our success, as

accompanied by a floating steel band, which really got the party started

everybody concentrated and kept to the plan. What a great way to start

before a fine buffet at Le Phare Bleu’s airy al fresco restaurant. After dinner,

the regatta!”

the Oyster entourage pulled back the tables to enjoy dancing into the night with music by local soft rock and reggae band, D Unit. »

summer 2013

OYSTER news

55

t h i s pa ge  Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean; Cocktail party aboard the lightship at Le Phare Bleu; Harvey, Sue and Alice Death, owners of Oyster 56 Sarabi; The Tivoli Drummers, Mount Cinnamon; Oyster 82 Rivendell leading the Class 1 fleet; Mike Hahn’s Oyster 655 Matawai ; Party and dancing at La Luna resort.

56

OYSTER news

summer 2013

02

03 Day03:

r ac e th r e e – s p o n s o r e d b y l e w m a r

After a lay day relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Grenada, the Oyster fleet returned to racing action with a tactical course just outside Camper

Day02:

r ac e t w o – s p o n s o r e d b y p e l ago s yacht s

»

& Nicholsons Port Louis Marina. The proximity of the coastline provided a

»

shifty, gusting racetrack and there were thrills and spills throughout the day.

In Class 1, Michael Hahn’s Oyster 655 Matawai was over eager and, under

Blessed with fabulous sailing conditions, clear blue skies and 15 to 20

race rules, had to roll up their sails and watch the fleet get away. However,

knots of south-easterly breeze, the Oyster fleet enjoyed a sublime reach

Matawai made a fantastic recovery to be the second boat to reach the top

back to Grenada’s capital, St George’s. The Oyster fleet was a magnificent

mark. Oyster 82 Rivendell was the first to risk a spinnaker on a tight angle

sight, gliding elegantly downwind with colourful spinnakers reflected in

and the ploy paid off as Rivendell became the leading boat on the water.

the crystal blue Caribbean water.

Starry Night of the Caribbean showed great boat speed to take the lead In Class 1, Oyster 82, Starry Night of the Caribbean romped home, winning

and extend on the fleet and Rivendell stayed clear of trouble to remain

by over 14 minutes. The magnificent yacht did have a secret weapon:

second on the water. Meanwhile, Matawai and Ravenous II had an epic

10-year-old Sasha Tydeman who is quite a whiz at maths and the crew

duel. The battle royal in Class 1 was too close to call, as even after time

roundly applauded her for her excellent time keeping which led to a great

correction Starry Night and Matawai could not be separated and both

start. Roberto Bisiani’s Oyster 72 Bill and Me sailed well to take second

yachts were awarded first place. Rivendell took third.

with Oyster 82 Rivendell taking third by a whisker, just seven seconds behind after time correction.

In Class 2, Chris Glossop’s Oyster 575 Dreamer of Hamble was the last yacht to cross the start line but took their second win of the regatta.

In Class 2, Chris Glossop’s Oyster 575, Dreamer of Hamble dominated the

The team on Dreamer are all members or supporters of Ballyholme YC

class winning by over 14 minutes on corrected time. In second place

in Northern Ireland. “Not the best start!” laughed Chris. “But the team

Harvey & Sue Death’s Oyster 56, Sarabi added a second place to their

sailed well, and we have done many miles together over the years, which

points tally and Paul Bateman‘s Oyster 56, Stardust of Burnham was third.

makes a big difference. We have enjoyed a great battle with Sarabi and loved having dinner with them the other evening but we hope to cap off

Race sponsor, Pelagos Yachts are represented by Declan O’Sullivan who

a great regatta in style.”

was sailing with Ray & Birgitte Charmak’s Oyster 53, Out of India for the regatta. “I am delighted to be here,” said Declan. “And not just from a

During the early part of the race, Richard & Angela Parkinson’s Oyster 575

business point of view, Oyster Regattas are great fun and the people are

Sophistikate staged a dramatic recovery. Sophistikate managed to get

special; real characters and entertaining to be with. I have sailed with

tangled up in a fishing net but quick action by Roger Cerrato from Lewmar

Ray & Birgitte before and it is just fantastic to see them again and enjoy

limited the time lost to keep Sophistikate third overall in class.

sailing in one of the world’s finest locations.”

“It was just one of those things” said Roger after racing. “I managed to cut After racing, Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a cocktail reception

us free. I am here to give support to Lewmar customers at the regatta but it

at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina hosted by the Marine &

is really beneficial to go out sailing with our valued clients and help them

Yachting Association of Grenada, followed by a fabulous night at La Luna

in any way I can. Even if it means getting a bit wet in the process!”

Resort. Tucked away near Morne Rouge Bay, the award-winning designer resort has been the secret hideaway of the rich and famous for over a

The penultimate venue for the Oyster family’s social programme was the

decade. Oyster owners and their guests enjoyed a fabulous cocktail party

unique tropical Aquarium Restaurant. The impressive waterside eatery is

and supper with an Italian flavour, echoing the owners’ Calabrian roots.

famous for seafood and local fish dishes. The Oyster fleet enjoyed superb appetisers followed by a seafood barbeque, all served by friendly staff in a delightful atmosphere. The Aquarium is considered as one of Grenada’s favourite restaurants and the al fresco seafront location with its striking sculptures is magical! »

summer 2013

OYSTER news

57

04 Day04:

r ac e f o u r – s p o n s o r e d b y r ay m a r i n e a n d e x h i b i t i o n p u r s u i t r ac e

»

The last day of racing at the Oyster Regatta Grenada was once again blessed with lively trade wind conditions. 20 knots of breeze, gusting at times to 25 knots, provided lively conditions for the magnificent Oyster fleet.

Class 2 was away first with Oyster 53 Out of India sailed by Ray & Birgitte Charmak judging the line to perfection to cross first. Class leader, Oyster 575 Dreamer of Hamble also got away well at the favoured pin end and stayed out of bad air to take up the lead that was never really compromised. Taking line honours and the win for the third occasion, the Dreamer crew raised their hands when crossing the line to celebrate victory in Class 2 overall. Sophistikate held out to claim second in the race by just 12 seconds from Sarabi.

Harvey, Sue and Alice Death come from Cambridgeshire in the UK and although Harvey loves motor racing, he had virtually never raced prior to owning Sarabi. “We didn’t commission Sarabi to race. Next week Sue’s family are arriving and we will be cruising around Grenada and the Grenadines but I am competitive and I have really enjoyed the regatta, especially as the strong winds have definitely taught us a few things about how to manage the boat. All credit to Chris (Glossop) and Dreamer of Hamble. The boat has been so fast and a lot of that is down to the racing experience of his team.”

An identical course was set for Class 1 for the last scoring race of the regatta, which proved to be the most competitive in the four race series.

Oyster 82 Rivendell skippered by Benjamin Jackson sailed a superb race to take the gun with Oyster 82, Starry Night of the Caribbean crossing in second place less than a minute later. Bill Dockser’s Oyster 82 Ravenous II was third over the line. However, after time correction, Starry Night was

“Starts are incredibly important but also tinged with risk and it has been delightful to see that, although this has been an incredibly competitive regatta, the competitors have acted in a safe and courteous way throughout”

awarded the win and effectively the class title.

An exhibition pursuit race was held to finish off the on-the-water action, with each yacht given their own start based on their performance during the regatta. It was incredibly close with 11 yachts finishing the two-hour race within two minutes of each other. Joe and Cathey Leitch racingOyster 575 On Liberty held their nerve to win. John McTigue’s Oyster 56 Blue Dreams was second and Roberto Bisiani’s Oyster 72 Bill and Me was third.

After racing, Oyster Regatta sponsor Pantaenius represented by John McCurdy obe awarded the best starters of the day a celebratory bottle of champagne. John had done so every day at the Oyster Regatta. “Starts are incredibly important but also tinged with risk and it has been delightful to see that, although this has been an incredibly competitive regatta, the competitors have acted in a safe and courteous way throughout.”

58

OYSTER news

summer 2013

The Victory Bar and Restaurant at the Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina was the venue for the final party. Delicious canapés and cocktails by the pool with fire dancers lighting up the ensemble opened the evening, followed by the final prize-giving ceremony. The guest of honour was Senator Brenda Hood who was joined by Nikoyan Roberts from the Grenada Board of Tourism.

“It is a pleasure for me to be here and I would like to thank everyone

Results: The Oyster Regatta Trophy Class 1 1st

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts

2nd

Matawai

655

Michael Hahn

appreciate that you have chosen our beautiful marina as your venue.

3rd

Rivendell

82

Benjamin Jackson (skipper)

I hope you have all enjoyed your second visit to Grenada and that you

4th

Bill and Me

72

Roberto Bisiani

will come back again. We understand the importance of yachting to

Class 2

for participating in the Oyster Regatta,” commented Senator Hood.

“The regatta brings a lot of revenue to Grenada and the people really

Grenada and the trickle-down effect that your regatta will have to promote sailing here.”

David Tydeman opened the proceedings and was assisted by Oyster shareholder Klaas Meertens: “A warm thank you to Grenada for giving

1st

Dreamer of Hamble

575

Chris Glossop

2nd

Sarabi

56

Harvey & Sue Death

3rd

Sophistikate

575

Richard & Angela Parkinson

4th

Blue Dreams

56

John McTigue

Oyster such fantastic support and friendship in organising and hosting the regatta but the biggest thank you of all must go to the Oyster owners.

For full results from the Oyster Regatta Grenada, visit the Events section of

Without them, we couldn’t have a regatta at all and we know that the

www.oysteryachts.com

Oyster regatta programme is incredibly popular.”

The awards ceremony was followed by a sumptuous taster menu accompanied by fine wine and was well received by the Oyster family.

A terrific firework display lit up the marina to conclude a wonderful regatta.

summer 2013

OYSTER news

59

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Oyster 46

Âť S ea Ro ver

It’s funny how whims can influence your cruising route!

W e w e r e i n Ni u e , a r e m o t e i s l a n d i n t h e S o u t h Pa c i f i c O c e a n consisting of the largest raised coral reef in the world s i t t i n g at o p a n e x t i n c t v o l c a n o . A l m o s t b y a c c i d e n t, w e l e a r n t t h at n e a r b y S a m o a , t h e f i r s t o f t h e Pa c i f i c n at i o n s t o g a i n i n d e p e n d e n c e a s a s tat e , w a s p u l l i n g o u t a l l the stops to mark its 50th anniversary a week after we a r r i v e d . I t w a s b i l l e d a s a f i v e - d ay pa r t y a n d w i t h S a m o a j u s t 3 8 0 m i l e s f r o m Ni u e , w e j u d g e d i t r u d e t o m i s s ! t e x t a n d P H O T O S b y m i k e a n d d e v a l a r o b i n so n

Whims and a

r o ya l w e d d i n g summer 2013

OYSTER news

61

Unlike many cultures we’ve come across in the Pacific, samoa has survived the arrival of Europeans and their traditions are deeply embedded within society

So it was time to move on again,

but not before being

As is so often the case, we were seduced by the way of life and the

enthralled by the ladies’ cricket tournament on the village green. Now,

friendly people who were clearly proud of their country. Away from the

banish instantly the ‘stands the clock at ten-to-three’ thoughts of languid

celebrations, we explored the main island of Upolu and visited novelist

games and gentle strokes through the cover; this is cricket, but not as

Robert Louis Stevenson’s home at Vailima, where he and his wife

we know it! Firstly there are up to 25 players on each team, then there are

Fanny lived for the last few years of his life. He was buried nearby on

two batsmen… at each end of the wicket, and what’s more the batsmen

Mount Vaea. Climbing to the spot, it was easy to see why he chose its

don’t run – they each have runners i.e. eight people in at any one time.

quiet beauty. On his grave, the epitaph Stevenson penned ended:

The game is fast and furious with three sided bats and it’s called ‘Kilikiki’.

‘Home is the sailor home from the sea and the hunter home from the hill’.

We sailed into the Samoan capital Apia at the same time as two

We spent a couple of evenings with two local men, Joseph and Vision,

Antipodean warships, also there for the celebrations, and were guided by

who gave us fascinating insights into the Fa’a Samoa (the Samoan Way).

the marina skiff into the small, shallow marina that appeared to have been

Unlike many cultures we’ve come across in the Pacific, Samoa has

dredged in a less than methodical way. There are only around 180,000

survived the arrival of Europeans and their traditions are deeply

people living in Samoa (many having migrated, notably to New Zealand)

embedded within society. The system of chiefs or Matai within the

and it did seem like everyone was out to parade or perform! Tribes from

villages still controls the way life is lived, which community projects are

all over Samoa were represented by their chiefs, who wore full traditional

undertaken, fines for transgressing local laws and rules and the general

costume and headdress, making a splendid and colourful sight. As with

running of the village. These leaders, as many as a couple of hundred in a

any occasion in Samoa (and many of the other Pacific islands we have

village of around 1,200, are elected locally. Each family has a vote and is

visited) the ritual of giving and receiving presents is very important;

represented by a Matai in the village council or Fono. The Samoan Way

something that predates the arrival of Europeans in this part of the world.

instils great respect for the elderly (at the expense of the young, it seems)

These ceremonies were no different with lavish gifts of whole pigs,

and a culture of giving and sharing which appears to inhibit personal

beautifully woven mats and printed tapa cloth being presented to the

saving, private enterprise and the country’s economic development.

head of state and honoured guests; all accompanied by dancing and

Unlike other small Pacific countries we’ve visited, the traditional culture

singing by groups of up to two hundred people.

survives even in urban areas, and is strengthened by the fact that you can only stand for parliament if you are a Matai.

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left » 50th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations, Samoa; Graveyard in Mount Vaea.

b elo w » Typical Samoan church, Upolu.

As with so much of the South Pacific, the other underpinning facet of life is the church, enshrined in the constitution to the extent that the memorial to independence states that ‘Samoa is founded on God’.

Unlike the UK, the congregation literally pays from their weekly income for anything and everything relating to the church: the pastor, his house, his food and travel – often abroad to expensive locations for church shindigs, along with the usual church repairs and the construction of new churches and buildings. These collections are usually publically recorded, showing how much each family has donated. Together with mandatory tithes, this can often add up to over 30 per cent of a family’s income, which is amazing in a country dependent on foreign aid and remittances from relatives abroad.

Churches in Samoa are not humble buildings but are commonly grandiose with not one, but several per village. We often found them to be obscenely extravagant, due to the local villagers taking great – almost competitive – pride in them.

We went to church one Sunday, for the singing it must be said. The occasion was full of surprises: their printed prayer list included two players in the Samoan rugby team because their families were members of the congregation (even though the order of service said the team selection was controversial!); they remembered one of their missionaries working in Bradford, England; and finally, when the woman next to us went forward to lead the prayers, walking barefoot to the front of the church wearing a prim cotton dress. So far, as traditional as we had expected, but in the pew, she had left behind her high heels and Blackberry and, after returning to her seat, checked her emails perhaps expecting God’s reply to have already pinged in! »

home is the sailor home from the sea and the hunter home from the hill

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left a n d b elo w » Mike and Devala Robinson, Pulemelei Mound; Typical Somoan tatau.

A relaxed 79-mile overnight sail from Apia carried us to the western end of Samoa’s largest island, Savai’i. Our only problem was slowing Sea Rover down to allow the sun to come up before we approached the lagoon at Asau. Just as well, it was slightly nerve-racking identifying the pass, as this was one of those rare occasions when we found information from the

With our visas about to expire, it was the time to leave Samoa. Our next

usually invaluable Admiralty Sailing Directions to be wrong. The mark one

stop was the most northerly islands of Tonga, 172 miles south, south-west

human eyeball was good, as were waypoints from Noonsite which we

in conditions so perfect we were again having to slow Sea Rover down,

were slow to trust. We anchored off a small hotel where yachties were

fearful we would approach the pass into Niuatoputapu too early. Inside

welcome and enjoyed chatting to the owner Sale and his friendly staff.

the beautiful lagoon are three villages recovering from the tsunami that

Sale had the extensive Samoan tatau (tattoo) called a ‘Pe’a’ done a few

killed nine and devastated many homes in 2009. Everywhere there is

years ago, a painful process taking several days which he recalls as though

evidence of aid from the more developed world.

it were just yesterday. It is a rite of passage and an expression of cultural pride and we were told that the greatest shame for a Samoan man is to

Here we encountered a dilemma. Other yachties had given us the name

start and not complete his ‘Pe’a’.

of one of the families ashore who had lost a lot in the tsunami and had since been rebuilding their lives. The couple were known for welcoming

Like the Marquesas in French Polynesia, Samoa is very lush, green and

yachties, making it easy to pass on gifts to be shared amongst the villagers

fertile, courtesy of all that volcanic soil. You could put a stick in the

affected. But we were not the only boat left wondering how widely the

ground and it would grow... and that includes the vines planted by the

gifts were distributed and whether we should have made more effort to

GIs in the Second World War which acted as fast-growing camouflage to

find other ways into the villages ashore and to other families.

hide their planes from the Japanese. The vines are still fast growing and will choke anything and everything if left alone for five minutes, so work in the gardens and plantations for the subsistence crops that everyone grows is made even harder. This is exemplified by the way that Pulemelei, the largest and oldest stone structure in Polynesia, is hidden by such dense vine growth that you can hardly make out the pyramid under it.

Excavations show that this natural basalt stone pyramid, about twelve metres high, was probably constructed sometime between 1100 and 1400 AD. Even though so little of what its purpose is known, it seems such a shame that this one structure is being left to fall into further decay when so little architecture predating European contact remains.

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A relaxed 79-mile overnight sail from Apia carried us to the western end of Samoa’s largest island, Savai’i. Our only problem was slowing Sea Rover down to allow the sun to come up before we approached the lagoon at Asau.

Another whim altered our plans after we heard that a royal wedding would be taking place the following week on Tongatapu, nearly 400 miles away at the southern end of this island chain. The route down the west of Tonga’s territorial waters is littered with volcanos, shoals and other dangers like Fonua Fo’ou island which has risen from the depths and sunk again several times since first charted two centuries ago. We sailed south bemused by advice gleaned from the Admiralty Sailing Directions: ‘Should a submarine volcanic explosion occur near your boat, close all seacocks’. Unwritten of course, pumice floating up into the engine and generator might be the least of our problems! As it was, our seacocks were undisturbed and the prevailing south easterlies had just enough east in them for us to sail in delightful conditions for all bar four hours, one night when the wind died. When we arrived, three days before the wedding, little did we expect to be joining the event. »

right » A relaxed sunset sail on Oyster 46, Sea Rover.

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the whole experience felt a little surreal but we were assured that tongan culture welcomes strangers. It’s a thought which eases the incongruity of gate crashing a royal wedding on yet another whim!

We had a real problem trying to find out the order of events for the

When the royal couple arrived at the reception, a Tongan woman from

big day as tourist information in Tonga leaves much to be desired –

the bride’s family fell down on the ground by their car. It was explained to

disappointing in a country desperate for the revenue tourists bring.

us that it was a sign of deference and she was expecting the new princess,

As we were wandering across a large area beside the palace, where the

Sinaitakala, to step onto her as she left the car. The prostrate woman was

army were deployed raising a marquee for the wedding feasts, we met a

gently moved away. We then made our way into the reception, sitting

guy in a smart 4x4 who had a list and it quickly became evident he knew

with the choir from the wedding service, who had sung so well you would

exactly what was happening, when and where. In response to Mike

happily have paid to hear them.

asking him if he knew the family, he said: “Yes, I’m the bride’s brother”!

Not only that but, as we saw on the day, he was giving her away.

In keeping with tradition, the following Sunday the couple went to church and this was followed by yet another feast in the marquee. This time, when

On to the day itself (again with no security to stop us), we wandered up

we asked an organiser if it was okay for us to be there, we were shown to

to the church and waited at the gates. When the bride arrived, we simply

a table and seated with some Tongans. This is how we met Vika, who had

followed her in at a discreet distance of course, and once inside we were

worked with the new princess’s mother, accompanying her to England

approached by someone not to remonstrate with gate crashers but to

when she went there to study in the 1970s. So there we were surrounded

apologise there wasn’t a seat for us…

by tables laden with the best that Tongan cuisine can offer: ota ika (a delicious raw fish and coconut milk dish that you find under different

It got even better. Following the service we just went with the flow of

names across the Pacific), roast suckling pig, octopus salad, clams, lobsters,

the crowds down to the field where the marquee was now up and

various salads and fresh fruits. Despite this array of food, we were struck

decorated. Mike was waiting to get photos of the couple after the official

by the amount of starchy taro root (to our English palate stodgy and

ones had been taken and a security guard approached him, not to eject

almost tasteless) that the locals ate, almost in preference to the protein.

him but to say: “After you have taken your photos, you must enjoy our Tongan food”. Mike tried to explain we hadn’t actually received an

The whole experience felt a little surreal but we were assured that Tongan

invitation but the guard insisted we would be welcome.

culture welcomes strangers. It’s a thought which eases the incongruity of gate crashing a royal wedding on yet another whim!

You can see more of Mike and Devala’s photographs and follow the Robinsons’ journey at www.searover.co.uk

left » The wedding couple depart the celebrations; A Tongan woman throws herself in front of the bride.

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O Y S T ER RE G A T T A

cowes 2012

D e s p i t e t h e t e r r i b l e w e at h e r , n o o n e c a n d e n y t h at S u m m e r 2 0 1 2 g a v e E n g l a n d ’ s s o u t h c o a s t a u n i q u e s e a s o n o f n o n - s t o p t r e at s . B i g C l a s s , J C l a s s , 8 - M e t r e s , P e n d e n n i s a n d S u p e r ya c h t C u p s , t h e O ly m p i c s : t h e a c t i o n a n d s p l e n d o u r j u s t r a n a n d r a n w i t h , b a n g i n t h e m i dd l e , t h e r e a l s ta n d o u t e v e n t w h i c h w a s , o f c o u r s e … t h e O y s t e r R e g at ta C o w e s , h o s t e d s o m a g n i f i c e n t ly b y t h e R o ya l Ya c h t S q u a d r o n text by mike owen

»

P H OTO S b y m i k e j o n e s

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01

Day01:

F o r t h e fo u r d ay s ’ r a c i n g

and great evening events that are so

much a part of the Oyster legend, the 20-boat fleet exhibited all sizes and ages from the 30-year-old Stephen Jones designed Oyster 41, Prince de

let racing commence…

»

In both Classes 1 and 2, the lead boats slugged it out on day one with

Petarcq, to Oyster 42 hull no.1 Sundancer of Chichester to the custom

good tactics closing gaps that waterline length at times failed to stretch

Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean. Each day they raced well under

as all enjoyed this Dolphin Sails sponsored race.

Oyster’s own handicapping system that proved itself with the eventual winners in both classes left open to the very last race.

While the fleet flagship, Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean, romped home to a polished first on both water and corrected, with circuit star Campbell Field guest-captaining and top charts-man Rodney Barton aboard, the real star was perhaps Andrew and Ann Walters’ Oyster 56 Asante coming in just a tickle later. Sailing a blinder, too, Charles and Nicky Manby’s elegant, brand new Oyster 575 Isis followed just one minute behind. Not bad at all, she’d only sailed 50 miles before this first race.

Richard Smith, owner of Oyster 655 Sotto Vento, fourth after Isis and a veteran of 15 Oyster regattas, was remarkably sailing in tides for the first time and in conditions far removed from his family’s usual Caribbean and Med. “It’s not sunshine, is it?” he laughed, “but the wind’s been great.

We don’t often get it like this in the other regattas. Today we just did too many things too late and too many too soon!” All handy practice, though, for the 2013 Oyster World Rally Richard and Sotto Vento are now enjoying.

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Class 2 saw battle, too, with two Oyster 53s, Clifford and Sally Sturt’s

The day rounded off on a distinctly Caribbean note, including a tropical

Spirit of Epsilon and Simon Timm’s Nutcracker, rattling not just each other

rainstorm, with Oyster crews heading indoors to the Haven’s cavernous

but Bert Janssen’s flush-decked one-tonner Oyster SJ41 Prince de Petarcq.

event centre to join the Panerai Classics Regatta fleet for a colourful

It was only in the final stages of the two-and-a-half-hour, 16-mile course that the pack split over tactical decisions. As Epsilon owner Clifford Sturt explained: “Nutcracker was leading along the north channel so we had to do something and as Nutcracker continued west, we decided to go east of Bramble Bank and then get close inshore to the island… and it worked!”

First corrected was theirs.

Another to seek the island shore, but even earlier, was Oyster 435 Parton with first-time racers David and Linda Pedley sneaking up the fleet to

02

barbecue and frantic dancing!

Day02: d ay of t h e t e m p e s t

»

In a 20-knot-and-rising westerly, the fleet hurtled away for the second

finish fourth. “We cruise with our children mostly,” said David who’d

day’s race sponsored by Lewmar, chasing a course woven through the

ordered his first ever pole practice that morning, “but based in Port Solent

eastern end of the Solent to finish off Portsmouth’s Spit Sand Fort. It was

we spend a lot of time out here, we never thought though we’d be just

a challenging race through rolling squalls topping 35 knots with double

three minutes behind the winner; it could easily have been the other way

density rain, seemingly sharpened hail, thunder and lightning. An English

round!” Yes, but actually their start was rather good, too.

summer’s day so perfectly described on Oyster 56 Asante as ‘The Tempest’!

Another that Parton sneaked through was the aft cockpit Oyster 42

Brendan McNutt aboard his Oyster 56 Perusha underscored this:

Sundancer sailed smartly by owners John Nelson and Phillip Riesco, who

“Personally, this is what we’re here for, to test things for the World Rally.”

despite the shortest waterline length in class, held the middle well until the

Although the day cost him a couple of halyards and a mainsheet winch,

bigger winds of the final beat laid her lower on the breeze. An excellent

it was better this happened here rather than ‘out there’, especially with

sail, though, in a superbly kept boat, 14 years old but looking as new.

Oyster technical crew on tap. »

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03

Day03: go i n g o v e r b oa r d

The results were close with, after three hours’ racing, five boats within

»

The next morning, with sunshine warming the cockpit for that waking

five minutes on corrected time and only 14 minutes between all ten

coffee, the wind although still in the east was very light and, contemplating

Oysters in Class 2, Nick and Dee Flower’s 45, Kite Runner, taking first,

the mostly upwind course back to Cowes, the fleet ghosted around the

Aidan Millerick’s 46 Astraeus da Luz, second, Peter Morris’s 49 Tenens

Squadron’s committee boat pondering whether to go inshore around

Spirit third, and Simon Timm’s 53 Nutcracker, fourth.

Gillkicker, or out into the channel perhaps, for more breeze.

Nick Flower described his team’s race on Kite Runner, his first keel

Class 2 saw its tied-on-points leaders lock horns at the start with

boat bought just three years ago, as: “All good… just wet!” Mid course,

Bert Janssen’s Oyster SJ41 Prince de Petarcq squeezing Simon Timm’s

just short of the gybe mark, he reported seeing tea being served in the

Oyster 53 Nutcracker away from the line and under the committee boat,

gale-blown cockpit of Peter Martin’s Oyster 45 Little Morton, which

forcing a turn. The two then parted, testing theories. Petarcq scurried right

Peter always sails with his now 84-year-old mother Elisa on board.

to the island shore. Nutcracker hiked left and out for more wind in the just

Clearly this day’s ‘Tempest’ was no exception.

mobile tide… and the wind was there, building to five, six and then a few more knots. The Morris family’s Oyster 49 Tenens Spirit went left, too, but

In Class 1, 19 minutes separated the fleet and there was a real teeth-bared

then rolled back inshore while Nutcracker stayed out, pulled away and led

duel out front between Oyster 82 Starry Night and Oyster 655 Sotto Vento

around first mark only to be outpointed by Prince de Petarcq who then

after Starry Night, unhappy with depth, tacked early out of the mainland

opened a gap as the rain set in again.

shore back to Norris, losing to tide and then being headed leaving Sotto Vento to hold on, enjoy the lift and pull a lead out after the bank.

Nutcracker needed to beat Prince de Petarcq on the water to win Class

But Starry Night crossed the line a tight ten seconds ahead as a 28-knot

and, with 17 knots apparent, stayed out for boat speed, hugging the banks.

squall came through, with the pair boldly hanging on to their spinnakers.

But on the final dog-leg back to Cowes, the higher pointing Petarcq took a

A brave call – approaching the fort, they were fast running out of water!

lift and lee-bowed the tide the whole way into Prince Consort, taking line honours and first on corrected. Nutcracker came in a good second with

But on corrected, it was Charles and Nicky Manby’s brand new Oyster 575

Tenens Spirit third and John Nelson’s and Phillip Riesco’s Oyster 42

Isis first, Andrew and Ann Walters’ Oyster 56 Asante second, Sotto Vento

Sundancer fourth.

third, and Starry Night fourth.

How did the Belgians on Prince de Petarcq, with no local knowledge, Aboard the fifth-placed Oyster 56 Dreams Come True, owners Paul and

fare so well? Owner Bert Janssen said: “Where we sail, we have a lot of

Sue Fletcher were joined by fellow Dragon sailors Gavia Wilkinson-Cox

sandbanks, too, and when tide and wind are against you, you stay by the

and Mark Hart. “Three differences between Dragons and Oysters?”

bank, it’s easy… but we race a lot and we have a very good boat, and it

quipped Gavia, sipping champagne once alongside in Haslar. “Hot coffee

is very different to the other Oysters here.”

thrust in your hand on arrival, hot soup downwind and clothes in the tumble drier as soon as you’re docked!”

For Paul and Sue, this was only the third time their sails had been up since buying Dreams, formerly Clare, in readiness for the World Rally.

“It’s like Christmas,” said Sue. “Every time I come on board, I discover something new.”

Given the weather of the day, it could have been Christmas! But, hey, with everyone showered and tumble-dried back into party spirits, the sun finally shone through for a ride across the harbour to the splendid HMS Warrior for an evening of fine food and wine with shanties, bawdy wenches and dancing the hornpipe for which the grog seemed to help!

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left » The Oyster 82 Starry Night crossing tacks with the 82 Bare Necessities ; The owners and crew of Oyster 575 Isis aboard HMS Warrior.

left be low » The Oyster Class 1 fleet at the start line off the RYS.

With Class 1 starting 20 minutes after Class 2, the bigger Oysters reviewed

The race on corrected was won with a great recovery from an earlier

the smaller fleet’s tactics and again there was a divide. Richard Smith on

stalled Sundancer of Chichester, John Nelson’s and Phillip Reisco’s

Oyster 655 Sotto Vento got a cracking start coming in from the port end to

Oyster 42, playing a flanker on the final beat hitting distance from shore

get pole position going inshore, but left it later than others to tack back

just right for best tide and wind to win not just the race but, turning

out and virtually parked.

overall results upside down, a well-earned podium place.

Oyster 82 Starry Night then led the procession with newly arrived

Class 1 also had a cracking start with the two Oyster 82s in a starboard

Anthony Galley’s Oyster 82 Bare Necessities joining the fleet after

tussle right on the line and gun, and then a stunning pull away by Anthony

returning from the Pendennis Cup. But without the sailing rock stars of

Galley’s Bare Necessities rounding the windward mark a full 80 seconds

Starry Night aboard, Bare Necessities followed in the leader’s wake, with

ahead. Wardrobe choice was bang on and there was a buzz aboard.

behind her Andrew and Ann Walters’ Oyster 56 Asante and Charles

This was only the third week’s racing in Bare Necessities’ entire eight years.

and Nicky Manby’s Isis, the main contenders. The result: Asante first

By mark three on the reach though, tables turned and Starry Night, with

corrected, Isis second, Starry Night third, Bare Necessities fourth.

race honed crew, romped away to finish five minutes ahead.

At the evening’s cocktail party hosted by watch makers Panerai,

Behind the front breakaways, with just staysail for the first beat, Charles

David Tydeman awarded the Raymarine prizes for the day making special

and Nicky Manby’s new Oyster 575 Isis was taken out by Andrew and

mention of Paul Fletcher of Oyster 56 Dreams Come True who went one

Ann Walters’ Oyster 56 Asante, which went on to third over Isis’ fourth.

step further than most… straight overboard, when in a tack a genoa sheet

For perspective, in just this single regatta, this just-out-of-the-box,

flipped him over the rail. Paul was uninjured and his crew quick in

distinctive, grey-liveried Oyster 575 actually doubled its mileage under

recovery, and clearly with no edge lost. While Paul was in the water,

sail since new! Conversely, Andrew has sailed Asante more than 20,000

Brendan McNutt’s Oyster 56 Purusha diverted to assist. Their reward?

miles, and questioned his own sail choice, too: “Our mistake was going

The Dreams team defeated Purusha by two seconds on the line, but

all the way round with a reef then shaking it out only towards the end of

04

conceded when corrected!

All week, the course was well set and liked, as too was the mood

Day04: the final chase

the downwind leg, and then regretting that back on the beat.”

»

of the whole regatta, described variously as “gentle people’s racing”, “a terrific way to let the boat go… and these boats really do go” to “a great mix of social and sailing” and “simple, special, which is why we choose Oyster!”

What a great final day! With no clear overall winners in either class,

And for that little extra, there was, of course, the prize-giving dinner in

everything hung on this last, Pelagos Yachts sponsored race, with the

the Squadron’s fine pavilion overlooking a perfect panorama made

discard being the final decider. So in a 25-knot WSW on a westbound start

even more special that night by the sail past of Cunard’s three Queens:

line, Class 2 punched a powerful beat close into the beach, the first three

Mary II, Victoria and Elizabeth. »

then tacking out onto port. But a fourth came down on starboard quickly putting them all about again back toward the shore. Tension was up. This was Oyster sailing dinghy-fashion which carried on right to the finish with Aidan Millerick’s Oyster 46 Astraeus da Luz first across the line, followed swiftly by Simon Timm’s Oyster 53 Nutcracker and Bert Janssen’s Oyster SJ41 Prince de Petarcq.

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Results: The Oyster Regatta Trophy Class 1

That takes some beating… and of course those who did the actual beating on the water gladly picked up their prizes and fine trophies. “It was all about this last day,” said Oyster CEO David Tydeman, “and Class 1 has

1st

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts

2nd

Asante

56

Andrew and Ann Walters

3rd

Isis

575

Charles and Nicky Manby

4th

Sotto Vento

655

Richard Smith

Class 2 1st

Prince de Petarcq

SJ41

Bert Janssen

2nd

Sundancer of Chichester

42

John Nelson and Phillip Riesco

3rd

Nutcracker

53

Simon Timm

Nicky Manby’s Isis, and fourth Richard Smith’s Sotto Vento.

4th

Astraeus da Luz

56

Aidan Millerick

“And in Class 2,” David Tydeman continued, “it’s been very, very close,

For full results from the Oyster Regatta Cowes, visit the Events section of

with a real shuffling of places two, three and four in the last race.”

www.oysteryachts.com

been keenly fought with just 1.75 points separating the first three boats overall. Starry Night needed to win this race to take first overall… and she did.” Second was Andrew and Ann Walters’ Asante, third Charles and

Indeed, the first four were all within 2.25 points, with Bert Janssen’s Prince de Petarcq first, John Nelson’s and Phillip Riesco’s Sundancer of Chichester second, Simon Timm’s Nutcracker third, and Aidan Millerick’s Astraeus da Luz fourth.

So, despite the challenging weather, these were four days truly great racing in a world-class setting enjoyed by a wonderful range of competitors, from novice to Grand Prix and pre-teen to octogenarian, and it was spot on handicapping. Not many events can offer all that!

c lo c kwi s e » The Oyster Regatta Class trophies; Oyster 82 Starry Night , winners of the Class 1 Oyster Regatta trophy; The Starry Night crew celebrating their Class win; Oyster SJ41 Prince de Petarcq , winners of the Class 1 Oyster Regatta trophy.

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oyster

575 update

T h e O y s t e r 5 7 5 h a s r e a l ly d o n e r at h e r w e l l s i n c e h e r l a u n c h i n 2 0 1 0 , a n d i t l oo k s l i k e s h e ’ s o n h e r w ay to a n e v e n b r i g h t e r f u t u r e . W i t h a r o u n d 3 0 s o l d , t h e l a s t f o u r o f t h e s e a l l w i t h i n j u s t o n e m o n t h , h e r n e w ly r e v a m p e d i n t e r i o r , big vertical Seascape hull windows and new option of SuperShoal centreboard a n d t w i n r u d d e r c o n f i g u r at i o n a r e c r e at i n g q u i t e a s t i r by mike owen

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W h e n l a u n c h e d a l l e y e s w e r e o n t h e 5 7 5 , as she had a tough

Beyond this airiness, the entire saloon area is actually physically more

act to follow. She was, after all, replacing the Oyster 56, the most popular

open with the navigation workstation to starboard of the companionway

Oyster ever, with 75 built. But with her larger interior, twin helms and

now raised, from a previous step-down, up to the same floor level as the

sweet new fast cruising lines from Rob Humphreys, the new Oyster 575

saloon. This seamlessness brings a new sense of expanse and inclusion.

continued the core themes on which the 56 had found such success.

It’s the same too for the big trademark Oyster corridor galley, whose access is now open wider between the portside seating and companionway

So here was a new performance-enhanced and technically upgraded

steps, which, now incorporate risers, providing even more secure footing

four-cabin, two-head, owner-driven but good for charter, ocean girdler,

and also a neat, concealed wet gear storage area within.

perfectly set for short handling by family and friends. With pace and comforts just right, power systems for sail and rig to make light of loads,

The joinery, as always finely crafted, has been completely restyled for the

and a pace that eats sea miles, she instantly proved a worthy and

range, with a more angular theme adding, again, to the impression of space.

welcome successor.

The Oyster team is not one to sit still, though. Once made, developments in the larger were seen to be practical in the mid-fleet too, and borrowing from the triple award-winning Oyster 625 and Superyacht of the Year finalist Oyster 100, the externally most evident of these introductions on the 575 are the three vertical windows set in the hull’s central section.

Flooding the saloon with even more natural daylight than the opening and venting wrap-around deck saloon windows already bring, it’s not just about daylight brightness. It’s about views, and the outlook now, when seated around the saloon and wide, eight-place dining arrangement, is simply quite extraordinary.

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In the bow, the double guest cabin, extended a little further forward, has

Other additions and model amends include the introduction of flush

also been further opened out and now has its own link door to the heads.

deck hatches and frameless hull ports which on the Oyster 575, in

Aft the owner’s suite has ample headroom and the slight shifting forward

conjunction with the seascape on offer, present a more seamless and

of the entry door may be marginal, but the extra elbow room it creates is

contemporary styling.

extraordinary and the balance of space is now closer to big-yacht standard than ever before. Very impressive.

The whole boat feels comfortably but not excessively modern and, again, with the readily offered opportunity to personalise, the feel

For her size, this really is a big boat. The design principle, as with all

does change from boat to boat. It’s no exaggeration to say that each

Oysters, is clever. She has a big hull, a broad and deep bilge with a fairly

Oyster 575 can be made individual. Achieving Oyster levels of quality,

full aft section and rounded forefoot for easy motion, and a powerful but

finish and personalisation takes substantially more man-hours than

balanced rig made more manageable not just by appropriate planning and

for a typical same-size European production boat. This ensures the end

hardware, but by keeping infrastructural weight low in the boat with integral

result is a bespoke yacht with a capability of taking you around the

tanks and battery bank deep in that bilge, not raised under seats and beds

world in comfort and confidence, as proved by the 28 participants in

as in lighter, shallower, modern boats that often forego the sea sense and

the first Oyster World Rally. »

practicality that Oyster retains and achieves without denting performance.

That’s a key facet of any Oyster: swift but safe, with stowage for every resource a distance cruiser needs, from pantry to bunkering, with power management systems incorporating batteries, inverters and generators powerful enough to drive the increasing technology aboard. In the case of the 575, this will include multiple navigation and communication systems, climate control, domestic scale fridge, freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and watermaker, and externally, cockpit-table drinks fridge, powered winches, hydraulic furlers, windlass, bow and stern thrusters and an array of sailing instrumentation. All of this is easily handled and ingeniously installed with clear, well-labelled working

Additions and model amends include the introduction of flush deck hatches and frameless hull ports which on the 575, in conjunction with the Seascape on offer, present a more seamless and contemporary styling

pathways for inspection and maintenance, an Oyster trademark again.

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Within this framework, there is good opportunity to create many discreet differences. In one Oyster 575, the interior is snow-white oak; in another it’s warm rose teak: each one for its own climate. One for a modernist, the other for a traditionalist. One has a customised knife block and wine rack, the other a cleverly and exquisitely integrated coffee maker. One has a carbon rig, the other an alloy one. Some boats even have a third heads and shower. The options are virtually endless and at the buyer’s behest.

But whatever the specification and fitting, the Oyster 575 promises extremely high levels of satisfaction, both underway and at rest.

The combination of Rob Humphreys, design and Oyster Yachts Wroxham construction has produced a very capable performance cruiser and the option of underwater configuration even broadens her cruising capabilities.

With the readily offered opportunity to personalise, the feel does change from boat to boat. It’s no exaggeration to say that each 575 can be made individual.

Significantly, she both performs admirably well in fickle winds – an inherent part of cruising – whipping along under her suit of Dolphin sails, or in light winds, motor sailing with the extra drive of the 150hp Volvo Penta unit giving an easy nine knots to get you home quickly if need be.

The choice is yours… and there’s no compromise.

oy s te r 57 5 d im e nsio ns Length overall – (including pwwulpit)

17.89m

58’ 8” 57’ 6”

Length of hull

17.53m

Length of waterline

15.72m

51’ 7”

Beam

5m

16’ 5” 8’ 10”

Draft – HPB keel (Standard)

2.70m

Draft – HPB keel (Shoal)

2.06m

6’ 9”

Draft – centreboard – board up (SuperShoal)

1.65m

5’ 5”

Draft – centreboard – board down (SuperShoal)

3.82m

12’ 6”

Displacement – HPB keel (Standard)

27,250kgs

60,076 lbs

Standard rig and spar type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Available rig options

In-mast furling, cutter gear, nonoverlapping and double headsail rigs

Typical engine

Volvo Penta D3-150 110kW (150hp)

Tanks – fuel

1,300 litres, 285 Imp gals, 342 US gals

Tanks – water

950 litres, 208 Imp gals, 250 US gals

Sail Area (150% foretriangle)

194.78sq m

(2,097sq ft)

Air draft

25m

(82’ 0”)

Sail area/displacement ratio

21.7

Displacement/length waterline ratio

174

Alternative work bench and lockers in lieu of twin berths.

le ft » Oyster 575 Standard layout.

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Oyster 72

Âť Katharsis II

T h e Oys t e r 7 2 K atharsis II h a s b e e n m y h o m e f o r t h e l a s t t h r e e y e a r s . D u r i n g t h i s t i m e , s h e h a s c r o s s e d va r i o u s wat e r s , l o g g i n g 4 5 , 0 0 0 n a u t i c a l m i l e s . W e r a c e d to g e t h e r a c r o s s t h e At l a n t i c , c o m p l e t e d t h e l o n g v o ya g e a r o u n d C a p e Ho r n f r o m t h e Pa c i f i c to t h e At l a n t i c O c e a n , d i s c o v e r e d f i o r d s i n Pata g o n i a a n d r e a c h e d t h e A n ta r c t i c .

K at h a r s i s II m e t t h e c h a l l e n g e b e a u t i f u l ly i n a l l o f t h e s e d i f f i c u lt c i r c u m s ta n c e s t e x t a n d P H O T O S b y m a r i u s z k op e r

th r ough the N orth-west P assage

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It was a magical feeling to be surrounded by these towering walls of ice glittering with all shades of snow white and icy blue The goal that I set for myself,

my crew, and Katharsis II

in 2012 was to complete the North-West Passage from east to west.

Since 1906, with the first crossing of the Passage by Roald Amundsen, only 65 sailboats have successfully completed the crossing. I am proud to add Oyster and my name to that list.

We found refuge behind a cliff near the port entry, thus avoiding direct contact with the swirling ice. Although we avoided any collisions, we

Arctic ice tends to be less threatening than it was a dozen or so years ago,

were completely blocked in by a white mass of ice. The next day, the ice

as global warming is diminishing the permanent ice cap. Navigation is

began to leave the harbour. This made it possible for the 100m clipper

facilitated due to the highly accurate forecasts published by the Canadian

Adventure to leave Ilulissat. However we had moored behind the ship and

Ice Service. Nevertheless, the ice in the Arctic has not yet completely

were still trapped in ice. We had only four ice poles to protect our hull

disappeared and so a voyage through the daunting North-West Passage

against the pressure of the ice, which was put into motion by one of the

was very dramatic last year, thanks to the large concentration of ice in the

ship’s propellers. We experienced several direct hits, but were otherwise

Eastern Arctic.

left unscathed. The next day we were also able to leave the port of Ilulissat.

I l u l i s s a t in D i s k o B a y , G r e e n l a nd

B a f f in B a y

We had our first Arctic experience in Greenland towards the end of July.

There is usually a large ice massif in the central part of Baffin Bay in July.

We sailed to the port of Ilulissat in Disko Bay in calm and sunny weather.

Because of this, a detour is required. However, the melting of ice this year

In order to reach the harbour, we had to successfully manoeuvre

made it possible to sail directly towards the Canadian Arctic. On the other

Katharsis II through a field of massive icebergs. I had never seen so many

hand, the Eastern Arctic is usually free of ice in July, but this year the

icebergs in one place before. They break, or calve, from the most

passage from Pond Inlet to Lancaster Sound was completely blocked in

productive glacier in the world – Sermeq Kujalleq. It was a magical feeling

early August. Lancaster Sound itself, especially in the southern part, was

to be surrounded by these towering walls of ice glittering with all shades

also filled with ice. The pack ice began to flow out of the sound into Baffin

of snow white and icy blue.

Bay in the form of a long belt. We encountered its edge with two nautical mile accuracy on 4th August, and thus confirmed the quality of the

During our short stay in the port, the weather deteriorated. Rain and

Canadian ice charts. The pack ice was very impresive. We could hear the

strong winds started to blow from the land and changed the face of the

frightening sound of the ice bobbing in the swell. It certainly did not

bay. After just a few hours, ice floe and growlers began to fill up the harbour. Due to their size and number, it seemed that the safest thing to do was to leave the port. So we left, but unfortunately, the situation outside was deteriorating as well. The strong wind created currents, setting the ice in motion. We watched as streams of growlers moved in opposite directions. These conditions, combined with the growing fog, forced us to return to the safety of the harbour.

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encourage us to enter inside. »

left Âť Mauriusz Koper at the helm of Oyster 72 Katharsis II.

right Âť Katharsis II in front of a glacier in Erighedsfjord.

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katharsis II north-west passage 2012 Victoria Island

Devon Island

Baffin Island

= Actual route = Planned route

Sailing close to the shore, due to the absence of wind and surge, we were able to break through to clear water, after ten long hours of negotiating the ice

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L a n c a s t e r S o u nd

B e l l o t S t r a i t a nd F o r t R o s s

We passed by Pond Inlet and sailed directly into the northern part of

We continued our journey south. I decided to go through Peel Sound

Lancaster Sound. Entry into the Canadian channels marks the beginning

because there was no ice forecast issued for Prince Regent Inlet at the

of the North-West Passage. In the middle of Devon Island’s south coast

time. On the way to Somerset’s west coast, we met a huge (about 10 km2 )

we encountered our first pack ice, which could not be detoured. After

ice island, which had calved from the Peterman Glacier in Greenland.

several hours of manoeuvring through the maze, the newly downloaded

It was more an attraction for us rather than an obstacle. It was easy to

ice chart confirmed that we were in pack ice with an ice concentration of

imagine that if the currents and winds had shifted it into one of the narrow

7/10, which extended well into Maxwell Inlet. We expected to be in drift

passages, one would have been totally blocked. The ice island seemed to

ice with an ice concentration of 3/10, as indicated by the previous day’s

be completely intact. It was carved with canyons filled with icy rivers.

forecast. Sailing close to the shore, due to the absence of wind and surge,

We couldn’t resist the temptation to explore it a bit. It left a great

we were able to break through to clear water, after ten long hours of

impression on my crew.

negotiating the ice.

Being well ahead of our schedule, I decided to visit Fort Ross on the east On the evening of 6th August we anchored in Erebus and Terror Bay,

side of Somerset. To get there, we had to cross Bellot Strait. This narrow,

between the islands of Devon and Beechey. Here, John Franklin’s

18-mile-long pass is tricky because of its strong currents which can cause a

tragic expedition spent their first winter of 1845 in this Martian-looking

rapid change of ice conditions. We encountered a clear entry, but exit on

environment. It was one of the most tragic Arctic expeditions. None

the eastern side looked like a flowing mountain stream filled with ice.

of the 129 participants survived.

We faced 6 knots of current there. Fortunately, there was a narrow, ice-free path through the mainstream. We suffered only one direct hit by a large ice floe. It was turned into fast motion by the current and with side wind picked up to 25 knots, we couldn’t avoid it. There was no damage to the boat as the ice only licked our port hull. We passed the strait, but the drama was still unfolding. The entrance to Fort Ross was blocked by several miles of long, thick rings of ice floe. I was hoping the ice wouldn’t have filled up the strait on the way back to Peel Sound. We broke through the barrier of ice at last and dropped an anchor in the bay, which housed the remains of a Hudson’s Bay Company outpost closed in the 1940s. One of the buildings still serves as a self-service shelter. I filled in the guest book as the first yacht visiting Fort Ross in 2012. We met several polar bears, one of whom even tried to board the boat, tempted by the smell of freshly cooked lobster pasta. Nothing worked to discourage him, so I had to use our rifle to make a shot in the air. The way back was much easier despite strong head winds, which fortunately dispersed the ice, so the east entrance to Bellot Strait was clear this time. Shortly afterwards we found out that Katharsis II

was the first vessel ever passing Bellot Strait twice during a single voyage. »

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The situation began to look serious.

We were manoeuvring with a minimum speed looking for ice-free channels

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left » Katharsis II surrounded by pack ice.

right » Sailing through floating ice in the Victoria Strait.

Victoria Strait At this point, I had another decision to make: which side of King William Island should we choose on the way to Queen Maud Gulf? Amundsen and the vast majority of sailors chose the long way around, a clockwise

The situation began to look serious. We were manoeuvring with a

one. Despite numerous shallows in James Ross Strait, a clear passage can

minimum speed looking for ice-free channels. Observing much more

usually be found nearby the mainland. This time, strong winds were

ice around us than there should have been according to the ice chart,

blowing from the west for several days and completely blocked the strait

I changed our preferred sailing direction towards King William Island.

with solid pack ice. I decided to stop and wait for a new ice forecast in

Visibility deteriorated due to darkness and snowfall before midnight.

Paisley Bay. It was the same place which gave shelter to Henry Larsen’s

The temperature dropped to zero. At that point, I wanted to find a rest

expedition on St Roch in the winter of 1941. He completed the North-

for the crew and planned to anchor to a large ice floe. Everybody looked

West Passage as the second after Amundsen and was the first one to sail

exhausted. Then one of the crew sitting up at the first spreader saw a

an eastbound route.

looser ice field abeam. It was a huge relief for all of us, even though we still had a few dozen miles to the exit from the drift ice. I decided to

Prospects for a quick change in ice condition were slim, and I suggested

continue our passage. It was not until the next day in the afternoon that

we sail south through Victoria Strait. This was a shorter route, but also a

we passed the last thick pack ice at the Royal Geographical Society Islands

harder one, thanks to the movement of pack ice from M’Clintock Channel

and we were ice free. We sailed through ice for 120 nautical miles. It was

in the direction of King William Island. In case of any problems, it would

Tuesday 14th August and we could finally hoist our sails to cross the open

be hard to find shelter, as the western shore of the island was completely

waters of Queen Maud Gulf. The sun was hanging low above the horizon,

covered with ice. There was a several-mile-wide gap, filled with floating

lightening up single growlers floating on the sea, and lifting up our spirits. »

ice with concentration of 3/10 between the two expanses of pack ice: one was resting against the island with coverage of more than 9/10 and the other was floating down from M’Clintock with a coverage of 7/10.

I decided to find this gap and to sail through it. As it turned out, it was a

Visibility deteriorated due to darkness and snowfall before midnight. the Temperature dropped to zero.

much more difficult task than I thought. The transition between the floating ice, with smaller filling of ice and the closed pack may be quite smooth. Taking into account the latest ice chart, my preferred sailing direction was towards the border of pack ice running down from M’Clintock.

Unbeknown to us, we were sucked into it.

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We all felt a great wave of emotions washing over us, as we had finally achieved the difficult and strenuous task of completing the North-West Passage. It was a once in a lifetime experience

B e a u f o r t S e a , C h u k c h i s e a a nd B e r in g S t r a i t Cambridge Bay was the only visited settlement during the North-West Passage and marked the halfway point on the route. From there we were supposed to see water only, as even Point Barrow in the Chukchi Sea entrance was free of ice. According to Amundsen, the Bering Strait, which was still 1,400 miles ahead, marks the end of the North-West Passage.

We experienced almost all possible conditions on this part of our route.

We sailed into the wind, sometimes very strong. We ran with the wind, even managed to hoist our spinnaker in the Beaufort Sea. We struggled with strong contrary currents approaching Point Barrow. Twice we had to hide from storms, once in the Chukchi Sea, and the second time in the Bering Sea, to avoid the 11B wind in our nose. After two consecutive low systems with head winds in the Chukchi Sea we entered the Bering Strait, running in a storm with winds over 45 knots. I will never forget the freak, square waves generated in these shallow, murky waters.

We could afford only a short but meaningful celebration due to the continuation of the storm. I was fully aware this was not the end of our

We passed Fairway Rock, located in the Bering Strait, on 3oth August,

expedition. There were still 2,400 nautical miles ahead of us, including

25 days after we entered the Canadian Arctic. We all felt a great wave of

the Bering Sea (dangerous and extremely stormy at this time of the year)

emotions washing over us, as we had finally achieved the difficult and

and the whimsical North Pacific, on our way to Vancouver.

strenuous task of completing the North-West Passage. It was a once in a lifetime experience for all of us. Because of this enthralling voyage, we were able to learn and better understand the unique and powerful behaviours of the unknown and dangerous Arctic ice. We also had the privilege of beholding the astounding and mysterious beauty of the Arctic and its wildlife.

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To view more images of Katharsis II on her travels, visit www.katharsis2.com

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owner profile Alan Parker cbe

Oyster 54

Âť Oyste r R e ach

A l a n Pa r k e r h a s h a d a g l i t t e r i n g b u s i n e s s c a r e e r a n d , a s pa r t o f h i s r e t i r e m e n t p l a n n i n g h e h a s , commissioned Oyster 54, Oyster Reach, which was launched in 2009 and named after the Whitbread pub n e x t t o t h e O y s t e r h e a d q u a r t e r s i n Ip s w i c h te x t b y L o u ay H a b i b

Âť

P H O T O S b y n i c o m a rt i n e z

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“ I s t a r t e d s ai l i n g a t t h e a g e o f 1 1 a n d a b s o l u t e l y l o v e d i t b e c a u s e i t s u i t e d m y r e s t l e s s s pi r i t . I n e e d n e w h o r i z o n s a n d c h a l l e n g e s , a n d e v e r y d a y I s ai l Oyster Reach is an adventure

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left » Oyster 54 Oyster Reach at the Oyster Regatta Palma, 2012.

bottom

( le ft to righ t) »

Alan and his daughter Nicola accepting the Class 2 trophy at the Oyster Regatta Palma, 2011.

I don’t think you get a sense of achievement of any great height unless

Father and son aboard Oyster Reach at the Oyster Regatta Palma 2012.

you are prepared to dedicate yourself to whatever the task may be. One

Alan in his business role as Chairman of Mothercare plc.

Olympics, it takes years of dedication to produce results. Similarly, you

of the problems with this instant fame on popular talent shows is that kids think it is normal to be an overnight success. But as we saw with last year’s don’t become a successful businessman overnight. You have to develop a career and work your way up, take a few knocks and learn from the experience. I think that dedication and focus are very important to success.

Sailing is one of the last areas where you can truly test yourself, in terms of your response to whatever nature throws at you. When you are

Alan Parker was Chief Executive Officer of Whitbread plc

competing against others, you have the added edge of your own planning, equipment and judgement. It is very important for the team to come

from 2004 and retired from this position in 2010 after 18 years of service

together and get a sense of commitment to each other, especially respect

to the company. During his tenure as CEO, he created the UK’s largest

and understanding.

hospitality company Premier Inn and developed the global Costa coffee brand. In 2011, Alan was appointed Chairman of Mothercare plc and in

Winning a race gives a great sense of achievement. However, that

2012 Chairman of Darty plc. He is also a non-executive Director of

achievement is not just created on that day. It takes a long time to create

Burger King Worldwide Inc. Alan is Chairman and President of the British

the yacht you desire and careful planning to equip it correctly with the

Hospitality Association, Chairman and Governor at West Buckland School

right team and gear. Without those things in place, you are not going to

and Visting Professor at Surrey University.

achieve the yacht you set out to or the results that you hope for.

There are many shared values between sailing and business, as Alan Parker

Just like in business, when sailing I always try to keep steady, take the

explained during the Oyster Regatta Palma in 2012.

pressure and remain in control. When things don’t go according to plan, I don’t panic but stay cool, calm and collected. Whatever happens, there

“I started sailing at the age of 11 and absolutely loved it because it suited

is always an option and if you think things through and keep a sense of

my restless spirit. I need new horizons and challenges, and every day I sail

resolve, you will get through the rough situation. Having the right boat

Oyster Reach is an adventure.

and the right crew are what matters. It is no good finding that out when you are in a tight spot: that is not bad luck; that is bad planning.

Apart from entrepreneurially founded companies, in today’s large corporate organisation, the commander and control hierarchy are long

I am often asked what is the secret to doing well in business and I like to

gone. It is a much flatter consensus and value-driven organisation that is

quote Napoleon who said: “Give me lucky generals every time.” You make

in fashion. Leadership, a sense of purpose and teamwork are absolutely

your own luck by being in the right place and the right time but you have

critical. The team needs to share the same values and work towards

to be able to seize an opportunity to really achieve a great performance.

common goals. These are the key ingredients for a lasting and strong organisation and that goes for sailing as well as business.

Before my wife and I ordered Oyster Reach, we researched the market very thoroughly. We looked at what the options were and Oyster Reach

Preparation is a vital discipline: time spent in planning is seldom wasted.

was not just the most suitable yacht but we liked the people at Oyster,

To maximise performance, you have to prepare thoroughly and not just

who really did make the difference. Not only the Oyster staff inspired us

one plan, but also work out alternative scenarios. When you are sailing or

with confidence but also just as importantly, they were nice, genuine

in business, after your first contact with the environment, the competitor

people, which made a big difference. When you decide to commission a

or the market, your plans have to be adjusted or changed. Know what you

yacht, you put a lot of faith in people; not just with money but because

are going to do, know what you are trying to achieve, but be very flexible.

they are also creating your dream. With Oyster Reach, we have been to

You should adjust your sails according to the wind.

some breathtaking places that would have been totally inaccessible by any other means; we have had some magnificent adventures and are planning for many more.“ Oyster Reach is entered for the ARC 2013

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O Y S T ER RE G A T T A

palma 2012

W i t h a n av e r a g e w i n d s p e e d o f o v e r 2 0 k n o t s a n d a t o p g u s t o f c l o s e t o 4 0 , t h e O y s t e r R e g at ta Pa l m a w a s a l i v e ly a f f a i r . T h e B ay o f Pa l m a w a s n o p l a c e f o r ya c h t s u n a b l e t o h a n d l e t h e b i g b r e e z e a n d l u m p y s e a s , B UT O y s t e r ya c h t s a r e b u i lt t o c r u i s e t h e w o r l d ’ s o c e a n s a n d a l l c a m e t h r o u g h w i t h f ly i n g c o l o u r s t e x t b y lo uay h a b i b

»

P HOTO S b y n i c o m a r t i n e z

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The exclusive Real Club Nautico

was once again the host for

the regatta and the setting for the skippers’ briefing. Oyster Group CEO David Tydeman welcomed all of the competitors and forecast a sprightly

01 Day01:

r a c e to p u e r to and r at x – s p on s o r e d b y l e w m a r

event both on and off the water: ‘It looks as if we are going to have plenty

»

of wind and it is essential to realise that whilst there are many highly

Even light rain and gusty conditions could not dampen the spirits of the

experienced sailors racing, we also have some teams with little racing

competitors for the first race at the Oyster Regatta Palma, a 20-mile

experience, some of whom are racing for the first time. We could see

coastal race finishing at the enchanting natural haven of Puerto Andratx.

some very windy conditions and we urge you all to make safety your top priority. Oyster Yachts have substantial facilities in Palma and we will be

With great efficiency, the Oyster armada left Real Club Nautico to make

delighted to help you in any way we can. The Oyster team have organised

their way to the starting area. Race officer and Oyster Group CEO

some wonderful parties at some fantastic locations and we hope that

David Tydeman set a windward start for both classes in the Bay of Palma.

everybody has a really enjoyable regatta.”

The breeze freshened shortly after the start to fully tune up the impressive Oyster fleet; the grey skies were persistent and the fresh wind remained,

An impressive fleet of 26 Oyster Yachts, flying the flags of Germany,

providing challenging and exciting sailing conditions.

the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Brazil, Spain and the United Kingdom gathered at the Real Club Nautico for the latest

In Class 2, Jesús Gasca’s Oyster 46, Sine Die showed tremendous boat

Oyster Regatta, the 30th event in the Oyster Regatta series and the

speed to lead the fleet, but a problem with the spinnaker prevented the

eighth to be held in Palma. Oyster Yachts have a strong presence in

Basque team from winning the race. With Sine Die reduced to sailing with

Palma with two separate offices dedicated to sales, brokerage and charter

their headsail, Gerd and Annemarie Köhlmoos’ German Oyster 54

and also customer service and support. In all, 38 Oyster yachts were

Sarabande and Igor Lazurenko’s Russian Oyster 54 Light Lana took up the

receiving world-class attention in Palma, a fundamental part of Oyster

running. The two yachts enjoyed a thrilling battle, swapping at least five

Yachts’ philosophy.

gybes before making a dash for the finish. Sarabande crossed the line just 11 seconds ahead on corrected time to win the race with Light Lana

Fabulous social events are a key feature of every Oyster Regatta and after

second and Sine Die third.

the skippers’ briefing, the Real Club Nautico was a fitting venue for a welcome cocktail party and barbecue supper on their impressive terrace,

In Class 1, Alberto Vignatelli’s Italian Oyster 72 AlbertOne3 took line

flanked by the magnificent Oyster fleet.

honours and victory on corrected time. Mark and Sarah Driver’s British Oyster 66 Goodwinds were less than a minute behind after time correction and Maxim Kudryashov’s brand new Oyster 625 Guardian Angel put in an outstanding performance taking third in their race debut.

Alan Parker’s Oyster 54 Oyster Reach put in a good start and looked to be in the running but a gybe went wrong for Oyster Reach and by the time the spinnaker was freed, the fleet and any chances of a win had sailed away. “It’s always an adventure. You never really know what is going to happen when you set off. That’s part of the charm of it,” smiled Alan Parker.

“We know what went wrong and we have learnt from the mistake but we remained calm, which is very important. The result was not what we hoped for but we had a great day sailing and we look forward to a tremendous evening.”

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The entrance to Puerto Andratx affords stunning views of the cliffs along

In Class 1, Maria Cristina Rapisardi’s powerful Italian Oyster 72

the south-west tip of Mallorca and the natural harbour is home to Club de

Billy Budd was a force to be reckoned with, relishing the lively conditions

Vela Andratx. The Oyster family enjoyed the hospitality of the yacht club

with expert boat handling to take line honours, just ahead of Oyster 82

pool and bar before being escorted by private coach into the mountains

Starry Night of the Caribbean. However, after time correction, Maxim

for dinner at the Bodegas Santa Catarina.

Kudryashov’s Russian Oyster 625 Guardian Angel won the race with Billy Budd second and Heinrich Schulte’s German Oyster 655 Anabasis

Set in the rugged mountain region of the Sierra de Tramuntana, the

claiming third.

vineyard is one of Mallorca’s hidden gems. Bodegas Santa Catarina produces award-winning wines in a magical setting that has been a

In Class 2, Gerd and Annemarie Köhlmoos’ Oyster 54 Sarabande put in

centre for wine production for many centuries. The Oyster family was

a stellar performance, winning line honours and the race after time

treated to a refreshing Prensal Blanc on arrival, followed by a fresh and

correction by a handsome margin. Eric Alfredson’s Oyster 53 Lisanne was

lively Rosado and a complex rich Tinto made from 100% Cabernet

second. Igor Lazurenko’s Oyster 54 Light Lana showed great tenacity after

Sauvignon. A traditional paella was prepared and served inside the

damaging their headsail system. The crew continued to race and were

majestic stone-vaulted wine store. A magnificent setting and a rare treat,

rewarded with a third place by just 19 seconds on corrected time from

02

Jesús Gasca’s Oyster 46 Sine Die.

laid on especially for Oyster owners and their guests.

Gerd Köhlmoos was delighted to win his second race at the regatta, but was quick to explain that it was a team effort: “Probably the best move we made today was going inshore to find flatter water inside the bay but we had a big problem when our genoa sheet snapped, although the crew

Day02:

r a c e to b ay o f p a l m a – s p on s o r e d b y r ay m a r i n e

acted quickly to limit the loss. I love to sail with my family and friends and

»

we have become an excellent team because we have sailed together for so many years. It was a very exciting race today and very memorable.”

The second day of racing at the Oyster Regatta Palma was a passage race

John and Odette Maxwell’s British Oyster 54 Om Shanti racing in Class 2

back to Real Club Nautico. The race will be long remembered for some

managed a credible sixth for the race. John’s sons Ian and James were on

spectacular sailing conditions with a solid 15 knots of breeze building to

board, as well as Odette’s 18-year-old grandson, Raph Marshall-Naef.

near gale force conditions.

“That was pretty feisty today,” beamed John, having helmed Om Shanti Many yachts were quick to reef in the lively seas but it was a bumpy

non-stop for over three hours. “It was thoroughly enjoyable and very

rollercoaster ride. With the wind gusting close to 40 knots, there was

educational, especially with regard to reducing sail to balance the boat.

scarcely another vessel in sight, but the majestic Oyster fleet was an

Today was a great day of perfect heavy weather upwind sailing. Apart from

amazing spectacle, powering through the surf. Only two yachts retired

the fridge door flying open and sending the lunch all over the galley,

with minor sail damage, testament to the build quality and robust nature

I think we coped pretty well!” »

of the Oyster marque.

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03 Day03:

oy s t e r r e gatta p a l m a – s p on s o r e d b y do l p h i n s a i l s

»

The final day of racing at the Oyster Regatta Palma was blessed with glorious sunshine in the Bay of Palma. 20 knots of breeze and considerable swell provided sparkling conditions for the Oyster fleet.

With three days of racing concluded, the Oyster fleet moored up and

Two dozen Oysters enjoyed a magnificent day’s racing with a points

prepared for the final prize-giving ceremony and an evening of festivities

scoring, windward – leeward race and an exhibition pursuit race,

at one of Mallorca’s most exclusive resorts, Cap Rocat.

which gave the competitors a thrilling end to racing.

Set on a clifftop location in 88 acres of parkland, the former military fort In Class 1, Thomas and Esther Meseck’s Swiss Oyster 575 Satika had a

offers unmatched views across the city and bay beyond. As dusk fell, the

cracking start but on the first beat, the power of the larger Oyster yachts

bright lights of Palma lit up a magical backdrop to a fabulous evening.

came to the fore. Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean took up an early

250 Oyster owners and their guests gathered in the picturesque terrace

lead and did not relinquish it, taking the gun and the victory on corrected

to enjoy delicious canapés and champagne to await the final results.

time from Alberto Vignatelli’s Oyster 72 AlbertOne3. Maxim Kudryashov’s Oyster 625 Guardian Angel was third by just 13 seconds on corrected time.

Class 2 was won by Gerd and Annemarie Köhlmoos’ Oyster 54 Sarabande.

Gerd spoke fondly about the event: “I love to sail with my wife, daughter

In Class 2, the Oyster 54 Sarabande continued to dominate the class,

and good friends, none of us being professional sailors, although my

winning their third race in succession to finish with a perfect score line.

daughter has just started sailing in the Dragon Class, which is a very

In the last scoring race of the series, the Oyster 54 Light Lana held on to

competitive part of our sport. Most of the team sail on a lake near

a slender lead to take second place from Rudolf Kägi’s Oyster 56 Magic

Hamburg, so this week’s lively weather has been something of a novelty

Spirit, which was just a boat length behind Light Lana but ended the

for us. This is the third time that we have won the event and obviously we

points scoring series in style, claiming third.

are delighted to do so, but we have really enjoyed the company of the other owners and their friends. There is such a wide variety of people

Racing at the Oyster Regatta Palma ended with a pursuit race, which was

from all over the world and it is very interesting to meet them and share

a non-scoring exhibition race with a staggered start designed to create a

stories with each other.”

thrilling finish. It all went according to plan. The impressive Oyster fleet engaged in a gigantic game of ‘cat and mouse’ with the larger yachts

Igor Lazurenko’s Oyster 54 Light Lana was second overall in Class 2 and

aiming to make up the distance on the fleet in front of them. Only ten

there was a tremendous battle for third place with Eric Alfredson’s

minutes separated the entire fleet after two hours of racing.

Oyster 54 Lisanne just edging out Jesús Gasca’s Oyster 46 Sine Die and Rudolf Kägi’s Oyster 56, Magic Spirit. The concours d’élégance for Class 2,

Lars Johansson’s Swedish Oyster 54 Enjoy Life produced their best result

sponsored by Pelagos Yachts, was awarded to Light Lana and Magic Spirit.

of the regatta to claim fifth. Enjoy Life is aptly named: although Lars had never been to an Oyster Regatta before, his all Swedish crew thoroughly

In Class 1, Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean and Oyster 72

enjoyed the experience and absolutely loved racing with old friends on

AlbertOne3 scored exactly the same points tying for second place.

his new yacht. “Enjoy Life has a shallow keel and a crow’s nest, which is

However, Starry Night had a better result in the last race to secure second

really useful for getting into beautiful bays but not ideal for going upwind

place overall. AlbertOne3 claimed third with Maria Cristina Rapisardi’s

in a gale!” laughed Lars. “It has been great fun at the regatta and I really

Italian Oyster 62 Billy Budd fourth. The Concours d’Elégance for Class 1,

appreciate the hard work that the Oyster team have put into making it

sponsored by Pelagos Yachts, was awarded to Billy Budd and Dario

such as a success. I would like to say a very big thank you to all of them.”

Galvao’s Oyster 655 Rocas.

»

The pursuit race saw three British Oysters claim the top three positions.

Andrew and Sabrina Eddy’s Oyster 485 Gaia was victorious. Alan Parker’s Oyster 54 Oyster Reach was second and a cracking start from Stephen and Alison Yeo’s Oyster 45 YoHoHo of Sark was rewarded with a bottle of champagne and third place. YoHoHo was probably one of the most travelled yachts competing, having been sailed around the world by Stephen and Alison over the past few years.

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The impressive Oyster fleet engaged in a gigantic game of ‘cat and mouse’ with the larger yachts aiming to make up the distance on the fleet in front of them

clockwise Âť Oyster 485 Gaia ; Oyster 625 Guardian Angel ; Owners and crew of Oyster 54, Lisanne , RCNP; Oyster 54, Sarabande ; Owners and crew of Oyster 56, Olanta , Cap Rocat.

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The winner of Class 1 was Maxim Kudryashov’s Oyster 625 Guardian Angel. The brand new Oyster 625 had been designed to give increased performance and handling and Guardian Angel’s success is a testimony

Results: The Oyster Regatta Trophy Class 1 1st

Guardian Angel

Oyster 625 in its maiden regatta: “I love to sail in strong winds and it is

2nd

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts

fantastic to power through the waves in Guardian Angel. We had a few

3rd

AlbertOne3

72

Alberto Vignatelli

problems because we were still getting used to her but the crew work was

4th

Bill and Me

72

Roberto Bisiani

to that. Maxim was delighted to take his first ever win with his new

excellent and I was so proud to win this regatta.”

Maxim Kudryashov accepted the winner’s trophy from Oyster Group CEO David Tydeman and during dinner, Maxim visited each table in turn, thanking every Oyster owner for making the event such a special occasion.

Dinner was served in Cap Rocat’s gourmet restaurant, La Fortaleza.

The menu was divine, the setting intoxicating and the evening came to a close with a highly accomplished soul and jazz quartet electrifying the atmosphere. Virtually the entire Oyster family hit the dance floor, even after three days of hard racing.

In truth, it had been a regatta of unseasonal harsh weather but that is something that the Oyster family thrive on. All Oyster owners share a common love of exploration and new experiences. The Oyster name is known throughout the world as a marque of adventure and almost every Oyster competing at the regatta has crossed one of the world’s great oceans.

rig ht » Maxim Kudryashov, Oyster 625 Guardian Angel , winner of the Class 1 trophy; Pre-dinner cocktail party at Cap Rocat; Stunning prizegiving setting, Cap Rocat; The Kohlmoos family, Oyster 54 Sarabande , winners of Class 2 trophy; Owners and crew of Oyster 485 Gaia .

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625

Maxim Kudryashov

Class 2 1st

Sarabande

54

Gerd and Annemarie Köhlmoos

2nd

Light Lana

54

Igor Lazurenko

3rd

Lisanne

53

Eric Alfredson

4th

Sine Die

46

Jésus Gasca

For full results from the Oyster Regatta Palma, visit the Events section of www.oysteryachts.com

Part of the Quintessentially Group

www.quintessentially.com / +44 (0)845 269 8580

farewell to the familiar Oyster 435

Âť T a mo u r e

O u r m u c h l o v e d O y s t e r 4 3 5 Ta m o u r e h a s b e e n o u r p e r m a n e n t a n d o n ly h o m e f o r the last 20 years t e x t a n d P H O T O S b y m i s t y m c i n t osh

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F o r a w o m a n n o t f o n d o f c h a n g e , 2010 was a challenging

Growing concerned, Peter called him and received a reply we’d never

year! We had transited the Panama Canal on our Oyster 435 Tamoure

heard before (to be read with a Chinese accent): “Cannot change

in 1999 and spent ten happy years in and around the South Pacific,

course. The pilot is in the toilet… pilot in toilet!” Ten minutes later we

returning to Gulf Harbour, New Zealand, for seven southern summers

were feeling a bit like needing the toilet ourselves, so close was he to

(which included getting married!), and Mooloolaba, Queensland, for

our position. We called again, and received the same reply from an

three. Those who know us well thought we’d never leave but we always

impatient Chinaman: “Wait, wait. Pilot in toilet… Pilot in toilet!” This is

said we’d stay for a maximum of ten years. So in March 2010, we bade

better in the telling than in the writing, but eventually the pilot finished

farewell to New Zealand and set off on the next stage of our adventure,

his business and the ship altered course to clear us safely.

starting with a 1300-mile ‘hop’ across the Tasman Sea to Bundaberg from where we began the long march up the coast and round to

Most days, the weather was kind to us and we had great downwind

Darwin. Australia is a very big country! We didn’t sail every single day,

sailing, with Tamoure recording speeds as never before. She’d had a

but it still took 66 of them to cover 2000 miles.

big refit in New Zealand in 2009 and we could almost hear her saying: “Mum, Dad – this is what I’m good at!” as we regularly tore along at

This was a trip which I (as navigator, and generally an anxious person!)

8 knots. That’s fast for us! Our philosophy (not 100 per cent successful,

was apprehensive about, but contrary to expectations, it wasn’t

as we were to experience once closer to the squall-ridden Equator) is to

unpleasant at all. The route, on paper and electronically, looks nerve-

avoid stressful situations whenever possible. “Stress will find you

wracking, winding through reef-strewn shallows, constantly dodging big

anyway,” proclaims the skipper, “no point in seeking it out.” With this in

ships, but the reality wasn’t so bad. Channels are well marked and ships

mind, we sailed more overnight than strictly necessary and avoided

well behaved, though we did have one amusing experience, on a day

possible shortcuts, bypassing both the Escape River and the Gugari Rip.

when the log recorded: ‘Hideous, awful, ghastly day! 100 per cent

Surely there’s a hint in those names!

cloud cover + squalls. Sailing ‘blind’ amongst reefs + shipping lane.’

A 60 to 70-mile sail for us is the tricky one. Much as we hate late Unable to hold our course for long, we gybed and gybed and gybed

afternoon departures, we’d rather sail overnight and arrive in the

again, relying on our new chart plotter to tell us when to do so. This is

morning with good visibility and time in hand, than have the anxiety

something we never do – put all our eggs in one electronic basket!

of not reaching our destination before dark. Reefs and shallows abound

But the reason for not being able to lay the course initially has been the

off the Australian coast and loss of sleep is a small price to pay for peace

source of much laughter ever since. Coming in from the outer shipping

of mind and safety of vessel. The annual trek to Darwin is tough on boats

channel on a NW course was a very large ship, heading straight for us

and crews, many of whom underestimate the stresses of downwind

instead of altering course to keep to starboard, as we expected.

sailing and have much to fix on arrival. We are very cautious; but maybe that’s why we’re still ‘out there’ and motivated after 20 years! »

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The further north we travelled, the bigger the seas seemed to get, sometimes a bit too big for comfort, but tamoure behaved superbly

The further north we travelled, the bigger the seas seemed to get,

With the top end of Australia conquered, we still had a long way to go

sometimes a bit too big for comfort, but Tamoure behaved superbly,

to Darwin. Our next challenge was the shallow Gulf of Carpentaria, also

rewarding us for all our labour during our time in New Zealand,

known as the Gulf of Maytag, after the washing machine company. This is

including seven long months in the boat yard, during which time we

the bit of Australia that looks as if someone’s taken a bite out of it, 350

returned briefly to the UK, after an absence of 15 years.

usually unpleasant miles, a distance we’d normally take three days to cover, but we had good wind – a tad too good sometimes – and we flew along.

I’m not sure whether to admit this or not, but we sailed the whole way

It was awful – but it was fabulous, as only yachties would understand.

to Darwin without touching our pole! With just two of us on board, we are a bit scared of it. We’ve had wind on the nose for ten years so lack in

Finally to Darwin and three weeks of shop-till-you-drop, then we were

the confidence that comes with regular usage. Practising in harbour isn’t

off to Indonesia with Sail Indonesia 2010, which would be better named

quite the same as wrestling the beast on a rolling foredeck. Our mainsail,

Motor Indonesia since that was what most of us did most of the time.

often well reefed, was all we needed, and sometimes we’d raise the

All cruisers claim not to be rally people (ourselves included) but we

mizzen as well and use it as a second downwind sail. There were days

joined, like others, to ease our path through the bureaucracy for which

when we went faster than we’d ever gone before, with Tamoure flying

the country is famous. Thanks to the number of islands and choice of

along – all without the worry of a pole.

anchorages, we never saw more than four to six boats at any one time, except in Bali where the fleet came together to activate the final month

One day, to our horror, we were overtaken by a single hander. Now, we

on our visas.

never race, but no one likes to be overtaken and I could tell Tamoure and the skipper had come to some agreement: whatever it took, we would

Our three months cruising through Indonesia exceeded all expectations:

WIN this non-race. She flew! The darling: she wouldn’t give in. We had

fabulous scenery; smoking volcanoes; Komodo dragons. After the

everything up – main, mizzen, the lot. That was the day we discovered we

‘sameness’ of the South Pacific (one pretty little palm-tree-fringed bay

could use the mizzen for extra speed downwind. It was superb!

looks very much like the next after ten years!) it was wonderful to find no two islands the same. Haggling is expected in daily markets and I

Cape York, at the very top of Australia, was a bleak, barren, empty place,

became quite good at it. Most of us were apprehensive about this – funny

and for hours we had adverse current, before pulling in to Possession

how the men were always somewhere else at haggling moments, but the

Island, named by Captain Cook as the place where he took possession

main thing was not to take it too seriously. Sometimes it worked;

of the land for Britain. Unfortunately we couldn’t get the anchor to set.

sometimes it didn’t.

The surface appeared to be sand over coral, and despite trying in several different places, the anchor just skipped over the rocky bottom without

Having been enthralled by our first two months in the country, we

taking hold. Weary, tired and ready to stop though we were, Possession

expected to hate Bali, but fell totally in love. We thought we’d find

Island wasn’t going to be the place. Luckily I had prepared an alternative

tourism of the worst kind, being hassled by touts, ripped off and

about three miles round the corner in a very shallow, sheltered spot,

overcharged wherever we went, but actually it wasn’t too bad – and

reached by threading our way round reefs, tiny islands and various

we are tourists after all. On our first venture ashore, three delightful

obstacles. The wind was 30 knots right on the nose, the current was

local ladies approached us: “Welcome to Bali! Is this your first time?

against us, and we chugged along miserably at under 3 knots, me all the

What is your name?” Boy, oh boy, these women knew how to weaken

while squeaking: “It’s very shallow!” to which the skipper would reply:

one’s resolve! “Misty, do you need laundry? Vegetables? Come and

“Of course. It’s shoaling – get used to it!” (I’m writing this from Thailand where sometimes 6 metres is ‘deep’… I guess I’ve got used to it). Finally the anchor was down. A weary Peter came back into the cockpit from the bow to be asked: “Is it holding?” “Don’t know and I don’t give a damn!”

Very unskipperly – and definitely a first!

100 O Y S T E R n e w s

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look at my dresses, I give you special price…” »

c lo c k w i s e Âť Crater lakes, Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Sorting chillies, hot work!

Young Indonesian girl.

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101

aboveÂť Balinese water temples.

rightÂť Balinese lady preparing her offerings.

102 O Y S T E R n e w s

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Our time in Bali was very special and seemed to mark the end of something, but it was nowhere near the end: we still had 1,000 miles to go to Singapore Bali is a Hindu island in the middle of a vast Muslim country, and very

Our time in Bali was very special and seemed to mark the end of

different from the rest of Indonesia. Everywhere you look, there are

something, but it was nowhere near the end: we still had 1,000 miles to

temples adorned with fabulous carved statues, frequently depicting

go to Singapore. We left after ten days with heavy hearts, and pushed on

the struggle between good and evil. Hindus are very much into this and

towards the Equator, crossing into the northern hemisphere on 10/10/10.

are fond of appeasing the gods, in the hope that good will triumph.

A good omen, and nice, after so many years, to be back where winter

On the streets, you will see little offerings, nestled inside a basket of

comes in January, not halfway through July!

woven leaves. There might be some flowers, a few grains of rice, some incense burning. Peter once saw an offering topped with a Ritz biscuit!

A week later, we crossed the Singapore Straits. We loved Singapore –

They are forever lighting things and having celebrations and cleansings –

although take money if you visit! There is a lot of World War II history

and if it helps smooth the day’s path, why not? It’s such a gentle way of

which was of great interest to us, having only recently read Noel Barber’s

life; it appeals to me a lot.

‘Sinister Twilight, the Fall of Singapore.’ It was my birthday two days after we arrived, so of course had to have a ‘Sling’ in the Long Bar of the Raffles

The highlight of Bali, however, was the music and dancing, absolutely

Hotel. Alas, an overrated and overpriced experience! And the Long Bar

stunning! The nightly performances alone were worth the rally entry fee.

is much smarter than expected, so throwing your peanut shells on the

We would never have come across such fabulous entertainment on our

floor – in the time-honoured tradition – didn’t seem right.

own – front row seats, on the beach, night after night, to a standard of the kind you might expect in a theatre or top-class hotel. The costumes were

Our next challenge was the Malacca Strait, some 450 miles of heavy

beautiful, layer upon layer of gorgeous coloured fabric, with intricate

traffic – commercial and fishing craft of all shapes and sizes. Night sailing

headdresses and accessories. They must have been hot – but you never

is not recommended, and no wonder! It’s hard enough by day to avoid

saw even a bead of sweat!

the nets, pots, fish traps and debris of the sort that could do serious damage to your undersides. Much fishing traffic was either not lit at all, or

Each performance told a story, none of which we understood except

lit in a rather unconventional way. We sailed by day as much as we could,

the finale, which was a ‘lesson’ in the dangers of polluting the ocean.

and risked a couple of overnights only when we weren’t happy with

A strangely incongruous tale in a country which appears to have no policy

possible anchoring spots. The waters in the Strait are shallow, so in theory

at all and a very slack approach to waste disposal. This was Indonesia’s

you could pull over and anchor anywhere, but protection from swell plus

biggest let-down – pile upon pile of festering rubbish, visible everywhere,

traffic plus the endless swarm of fishing boats, tugs and their tows meant

usually being worked over by scavenging dogs or cattle.

that in practice you’d want to find some shelter.

Tamoure had been brilliant. We prepared her well, we sailed cautiously and she responded by taking good care of us.

This leg was undoubtedly the most stressful. It’s not good when you settle down at happy hour each evening and wait to be struck by lightning!

This became the pattern: hot humid days; cloud build-up around 16.00 and then crash, bang, fizz – just as you were thinking about the evening meal. It was heart-in-mouth stuff: would we or wouldn’t we get struck tonight? We both found ourselves on the ‘thunder & lightning diet’, since nothing kills the appetite more than the evening’s visual display.

Finally, at the end of November, we reached Langkawi, Malaysia, having covered 6000 miles in 250 days. Tamoure had been brilliant. We prepared her well, we sailed cautiously and she responded by taking good care of us. She’s not the oldest Oyster in the fleet, and certainly not the fastest but I’m fairly certain she’s probably been one of the Oysters in longest ownership. All being well, we hope to cross our outward track in 2014, making it a 21-year circumnavigation – a record for any Oyster, I am sure, and a special moment for our much-loved Oyster 435.

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O Y S T E R n e w s 103

oyster

885 REVIEW

While Oyster 885 number one circles the globe in the inaugural Oyster W o r l d R a l ly, w e j o i n e d 8 8 5 - 0 2 K a r i b u o n pa s s a g e f r o m Pa l m a , M a l l o r c a , t o Po r t o C e r v o , S a r d i n i a , f o r a hands-on review of this new r a n g e -t o p p i n g f l a g s h i p text by mike owen

Âť

P H OTO S b y m i k e j o n e s & i n g r i d a b e r y

104 O Y S T E R n e w s

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A S SU N R I SE F L A RE D B E H I N D T H E S P I RES

of Palma’s emblematic

To achieve the complete balance the owner sought, customisation was

cathedral, Oyster 885 Karibu’s slipping lines forsook the marina, heading

quite extensive. Beyond the standard fitted captive winch for stylish single

for the Cabrera Straights off the south-eastern tip of the island, then ENE

point mainsheet, a second concealed captive was specified for main

for Sardinia’s crown. Fuelled, watered and with a pantry well stocked for

halyard hauling and simplified quick reefing from the safety of the cockpit.

a much longer voyage, our landfall was just 340 miles distant equivalent

Then the towering, four-spreader, white-painted Hall carbon spar was

only to moments away for an Oyster. But every mile was to be enjoyed.

given higher spec discontinuous CSR (carbon standing rigging) with titanium ends in place of a conventional stainless rod. A first for Oyster,

First launched last autumn, the new flagship Oyster 885 slides in beneath

this takes a tonne out of the rig for a lighter, stiffer and higher winded

the custom-built 100 and 125, but ahead of her next series-built sibling,

boat. Captives and carbon together make the owner’s perfect recipe, and

the new 825, due to launch later this year. With the fifth 885 already in the

to increase independence, the twin generators were upgraded to

construction hall in such short time, the benefits of Oyster’s serial building

equal-size 27kW units. The list goes on.

methodology become very clear: the inherent cost savings of shared tools and shortened build time; the inclusion of proven, reliable mechanical,

Making a smooth and quiet eight knots at a gentle 1150rpm of the

electrical and electronic packages; yet still the ability to customise

330hp Cummins that are virtually inaudible on deck and hardly louder

extensively for discreet differences between every new launching.

below, we motor-sailed out to Point Salinas on the island tip with half the blade jib unfurled. Two effortless minutes once around the point to button-hydraulic-hoist the fully battened main and set the full headsail,

First launched just last Autumn the new flagship Oyster 885 slides in beneath the custom built 100 and 125.

and Karibu smartly accelerated to nine then ten knots in little more wind on a gentle reach.

From the twin helm stations with their tactile carbon wheels and

Each reflects the owners’ preferences. Here, hull colours, wood grain,

replicated ship’s management and nav systems – B&G on Karibu,

finishes and furnishings are not the core of change; they’re just the icing

Raymarine as standard – controls are all to hand and all-round visibility

on the cake. Transom platform and boarding arrangements differ, cabin

excellent, even with the full-form spray hood up which, in Oyster big boat

plans alter. At the owner’s request, 885-04 even sees the introduction of

fashion, disappears forward into an enclosed garage when not required.

a new, higher raised deck saloon, requiring not just new moulding and

There’s also a big bimini cockpit shade set on two stout stainless pram

detailing but significant re-engineering of the ship’s systems.

frames which add to the impressive array of sturdy, well-placed handholds all around the cockpit and deck areas.

Based on extensive private – but no charter – use, Karibu’s customisation fits her owner’s aspirations like a glove. He comes to Oyster having had

The cockpit itself is long with generous separate guest area forward

two Swans previously and wanting more distance-cruising comforts and

and seating for maybe ten or eleven around a central foldout table with

amenities but with still a performance orientation for occasional racing.

convenient drinks cooler below and a walk-through aft between the

(Our delivery to Porto Cervo, as an example, was for the Loro Piana

helm stations. On Karibu, drop-in pedestal seats were added for a

Superyacht Regatta, in which they notched fourth in class: not bad for a

perfect prop or perch on longer watches, though of course auto pilot

first challenge so soon after launch.)

usually prevails. »

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O Y S T E R n e w s 105

all around it’s an uncluttered approach but sensibly not minimalist. It’s BOTH A PRACTICAL AND aesthetic solution that works FOR THE DEEP SEA

106 O Y S T E R n e w s

summer 2013

All around it’s an uncluttered approach but sensibly not minimalist.

It’s both a practical and aesthetic solution that works for the deep sea.

First to catch the eye is the uninterrupted lengths of invisibly butt-joined teak planking, creating a visual highway from stem to stern and increasing the perception of length. Hatches are all completely flush; fuel and water fillers and pop-up cleats are designed not into the deck but into the chunky, square-topped outboard capping. Above the plumb bow, keeping the foredeck clear of ground tackle, the composite extension for code sails incorporates impressive stainless steel engineering for anchor handling, with the windlass concealed in an easily accessed, shelved locker next to the deep chain – 100m for the 66kg CQR anchor – all this again in stainless steel. And really handy for quick, easy working of warps when docking, a neat rise-and-fall capstan pops up out of the planking.

Keeping the deck-stowed 4.2m jet tender low, there’s a neat well set into the foredeck that, once the tender’s launched overside by the handy spinnaker pole lifting system, doubles as a cushioned lounge pit.

Aft of the twin helm stations, is the Oyster-trademarked cavernous, man-high lazarette for warps, fenders, compressor and all, and the wide open deck space is more than big enough for quoits as well as sunloungers!

Additionally the pushpit has integral, big permanent corner wraparound seating for two or three in each quarter, to curl into when underway or at anchor, sharing – in the dry – the fun of swimmers enjoying the hydraulically lowered transom bathing and tender-berthing platform. And the clever stuff here is not just the ‘toys-for-boys’ automatic-folding and unfolding of the access steps and hull-colour-coded handrail, but the platform ram pushing up, not down, absorbing the rising swell to prevent the jarring and noisy slamming of less rigid systems. The hydraulic gangplank, garaged in the transom has matching auto handrails as well; lovely attention to detail.

From the very first principles, the 885 has proved an innovation. Yes, she draws on past experiences, including the lessons learnt from the upgrading of the 100 and 125, but there’s more to the 885 than meets the eye that first explores the grand hull lines, with six huge windows to each side.

By virtue of size and the 75-tonne displacement, she’s stable and

Beneath the waterline, her hull form is completely new. She’s the first

movement around deck is easy. Still, from purpose-designed to the

Oyster, indeed the first of any builder’s distance cruising yachts,

easy reach of standing rigging or sturdy high guard rails, handholds are

scientifically tank tested and optimised for twin rudder configuration.

plentiful, and especially good through the guest cockpit and the accommodation where the whole length of the boat can be walked

The result is very pleasing. Weather helm is much reduced compared

without letting go. This is the most unusual in a boat with this beam,

with conventional central rudder, tracking up and across wind is excellent,

and a good sign of Oyster’s ‘living’ design.

and close hauled the 885 can sail higher than might be expected.

Karibu’s experienced Oyster skipper Eric Sweetser, who through ten

Stepping down and through to the saloon, entry is via a magnificent,

years has captained a 56, 72 and 82, reported her sailing higher than all

motor-driven, side-sliding radiused glass affair. Labelling it as hatch or

these, even to 25° apparent in a good breeze on the 3,500-mile shake-

companionway would be an insult to this piece of visual art-cum-

down from Ipswich to Palma. She’s responsive, steady and also hand

engineering. Heavy though this is, a light-touch button on the handle

steers within a good margin downwind, taking quartering seas well.

activates the electric drive and if power did ever go down, it can still be opened. Oyster always looks to counter failure, often with doubled-up

The 885’s new hull form with wider stern and increased form stability,

systems and, where possible, the same shared parts for in-built

means the rig can go further forward for a bigger main and smaller

redundancy and swap over.

headsail, inherently giving more power off-wind under white sails, while also simplifying and speeding the handling and tacking already made

The general arrangement below decks is ultimately flexible but the

easier by the big, high-spec Lewmar power winches. A nice touch to this

starting point takes full advantage of the 80+ft (24+m) threshold that

is that, as the sheets lead back to the self-tailers, they run under the deck,

creates the right proportions to completely separate crew and guest

concealed. It looks good and also reduces the risk of foot-tripping sheets.

quarters when privacy’s needed. And for both there is plenty of room. »

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O Y S T E R n e w s 107

Forward, working back from the bow, there’s a full-standing-height sail

Stand in a cabin underway and nothing vibrates. Drawers, cupboards all

locker accessed either from deck or from the watertight bulkhead door

close firm. No shakes, no movement, no noise. There’s not actual silence

which comes back into the crew’s accommodation – with a double and a

of course, there’s humming and some pulsing, but it’s warm, not intrusive.

twin bunk cabin plan, each with en-suite – then the crew’s mess leading back to a good long galley with plenty of work areas, cupboards, drawers

For more protection, peek inside the bare hull during construction and

and under-floor storage. Karibu’s chef Rochelle has big motor yacht

you’ll see a really stout structural grid structure of full-length stringers

experience and described the galley here as bigger than many its shape

and frames dappled with carbon laminates laid into weight-bearing

naturally creating good personal wedging points, which means better

areas assuring rigidity. You will also see fully integrated tanks, flexibly

food more often in choppy waters. And that’s a good thing.

mounted pipe runs and conduits with soft apertures, used when breaching bulkheads and linings. With the computer-guided CNC

Down a couple of steps aft in the galley, a big-ship’s watertight bulkhead

cutting techniques, exact tight positioning of component parts, so no

door gives walk-in access to a very neat, well placed and spaced out

rattles, no creaking is guaranteed. All are fitted with absolute precision,

engine and machinery room. Everything is in sight, as clean as a whistle,

and the great thing with CNC is that it’s all on file so all repeatable.

securely fixed and easily reached for simple maintenance. A good

Damage a part, and an exact copy comes down the line.

example is the run of manifolds along the foot of the forward bulkhead, which are all above floor level, so there is no need to dig down deep

So what does the guest accommodation look like? That’s down to you.

or under the sole. Everything has elbow room and eye space around.

There is a base plan of central split level saloon, with cabinet-concealed

Also, immediately by the door, there’s a full-standing-height area with

bar and hi-lo surround sound TV to port, raised seating with push button,

a workbench with, again, like the galley, good wedging to improve

hydraulic hi-lo coffee/dining tabling for ten to starboard and at perfect

workability underway. Air temperature in this space is also very good,

height for the all-round windows. Aft of the saloon down steps is the

a spin-off benefit from the forced-air ventilation system that flushes the

guest corridor leading first to twin or double guest suites port and

accommodation air space six times hourly.

starboard, and then a fine, full beam owner’s suite aft.

Oyster’s just getting better and better at these things and particularly

Flooded in natural light, each cabin here enjoys the benefit of huge

noise and vibration control. The boat is so silent. Even under motor,

Seascape hull windows. With the substantial hull scantlings and that

in the engine room, levels are really low. Conversation is perfectly

full-on sound insulation you may not hear the sea, but you certainly see it,

possible, which is extraordinary in a vessel this size. Additionally, all

creaming across the giant glazing, always thrilling and as powerful a pull

pumps and motors have been kept in this space, which allows the guest

as logs in a burning fire.

accommodation to be isolated in a protected cocoon.

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summer 2013

All cabins have their own A/C and A/V systems, varying from boat to boat, from movie and sound servers, storing thousands of films and albums to individual cabin systems. In the spacious ‘magazine-home-from-home’ en-suites, trim varies from smooth Avonite to white Italian marble.

Oyster 885 Standard Interior Layout.

Mood-control LED-based systems lead the way, with touch switching

Oyster 885 Optional Interior Layout.

and dimming with red light swap-out for night vision. Kick recesses, steps, stairs and headliners conceal ambient lighting.

At the foot of the saloon steps down to port, before turning right through the privacy door to galley and crew quarters, there’s a convenient,

oy ster 885 dim ensions

comfortable and secure nav station with spacious chart table and plenty of panelling and shelving all round for books and multiple repeaters,

Length overall – (including pulpit)

27.08m

88’ 10”

monitors and comms equipment. And just in front of this is a fourth cabin

Length of hull

26.06m

85’ 6”

space. On hull two Karibu this is a guest cabin with en-suite. On hull three

Length waterline

24.18m

79’ 4”

Clare, it’s a completely open plan, lower-deck day saloon and TV room

Beam

6.33m

that converts with slide-out bulkheads into a twin berth cabin.

Draft – HPB keel (Standard)

3.5m

Draft – HPB keel (Shoal)

TBC

TBC

But of course, it’s about the sailing and boat handling as well. On passage,

Draft – centreboard – board up (SuperShoal)

TBC

TBC

the wind ran through the west to north and back, for the main part in 10 to

Draft – centreboard – board down (SuperShoal)

TBC

TBC

20 plus knots, so mostly reaching but a beat through night one. The first

Displacement – HPB keel (Standard)

74,000kgs

163,142 lbs

reef went in around 17 knots, when she made a comfortable nine knots

Standard rig and spar type

Masthead sloop with fully battened main

numbers back to the helm through the gloom. That second captive winch

Available rig options

In-mast furling

made it all so easy: first, second reef, take it in, shake it out. So simple.

Typical engine

Cummins QSL 9.0 246kW (330hp)

Tanks – fuel

3,500 litres, 770 Imp gals, 924 US gals

Anchoring in the dark just short of the final run into Porto Cervo, the

Tanks – water

2,000 litres, 440 Imp gals, 528 US gals

wind filled in to 30 plus knots. The hook held tight and the next morning,

Sail area (150% foretriangle)

448.03sq m (4,823sq ft)

in slamming gusts of 38 knots, with the benefit of the fine trolling

Air draft

37.60m

touching ten and a point or two, the mast instrumentation beaming big

20’ 9”

11’ 6”

(123’ 3”)

speed control and 60hp to the thrusters, we neatly backed into our slot.

Calm, controlled and most assured. That’s the Oyster way.

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O Y S T E R n e w s 109

JP, Bill and Me a Project Manager at Oyster Yachts is a position envied by many. Everyone i n v o l v e d w i t h t h e O y s t e r b u i l d ING p r o c e s s i s f u l l y a w a r e o f t h e p r i v i l e g e a n d we all aim at meeting, if not exceeding, our owners’ expectations T E X T B Y: J E A N - P I E R R R E C A R D I N , O Y S T E R P R O J E C T M A N A G E R

Having worked almost 14 years for Oyster,

both in project

crossing last November, I couldn’t believe my luck and seized the opportunity

management and sales, I not only found myself in the unusual position of

with both hands. I suppose I saw this as crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s

not only selling the Oyster 72 Bill and Me to her owner, but also of project

of what had been a very enjoyable project from the word go.

managing her build!

it should, but Bill and Me performed marvellously. The crossing provided

All Oyster project managers have worked at sea at some stage of their life,

I knew I would be right in the line of fire if something didn’t perform as

which is a prerequisite for the job. The busy production schedule, however,

all on board with an unforgettable experience, and me in particular with a

does not allow us to do as many sea miles as we would like on Oyster Yachts.

wealth of feedback which I could share with the Oyster team and feed

It felt like I was sharing Bill and Me with her owner from the initial

straight back into production.

concept discussions, through the entire construction, all the way to her

final handover. So when they offered me a place on board for the Atlantic

about my trip as much as I enjoyed sailing the boat!

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That is what true product testing is all about. I hope you enjoy reading

Friday 23 November

avocado, which he gratefully devours. During the

and off he goes over the side! Chris controls the

The first night at sea is always a strange one.

afternoon deck round, Sally finds a squid under

‘rate of immersion’ by operating the deck-

Having worked through the day, we are all a little

the RIB on the foredeck. We’ll have to see if it

mounted electric halyard winch, while Bill and Me

tired, but the excitement provides enough energy

works better, at the end of the fishing line, than

powers up at 10 knots. The whole exercise is

to make it through the first watches.

the €20 bait we have at the moment!

hilarious and there is something surreal about

doing this hundreds of miles away from land.

A perfect ENE carries us gently down the

I ended my night watch 30 minutes early, from

eastern side of Gran Canara and when the

sheer exhaustion… That’s a lesson! No matter

morning sun rises above Bill and Me, there is no

how perfect the weather is during daytime, it is

We rolled the Yankee up to the second reef mark

longer any land in sight – the journey has started!

important to get your rest when you’re off watch,

and reduced the mainsail by half. Thanks to the

or fatigue comes back at you with a vengeance

full hydraulic sail handling system on Bill and Me,

on your night watch.

this doesn’t take more than two minutes and is all

After a delicious lunch, we take advantage of

an ideal 12 knots to hoist the cruising chute on starboard. The main sail is rolled away, the Yankee

Sunday 25 November

is boomed out to port side, the preventer lines

Mid afternoon brings a change of weather.

done from the safety of the cockpit. Only long distance ocean sailing can really make you

are in place: the deck is safe.

The ARC is starting today and looking at the

appreciate the superiority of a fully power-

We share a joke or two, enjoy a good book,

GRIB file, they’ll have their hands full at the start

assisted cutter rig.

relax to soft music rolling into the cockpit, and

with a predicted 30 knots from the north. I’m glad

quench our thirsts with fresh water with ice from

we left a couple of days earlier.

ten hours. Always the same scenario: the wind

the ice-maker. 2,700 miles to go… Yes please!

We gibed early morning and stowed the

increases to 25+ knots in half a minute, followed

spinnaker pole back along the mast. We are now

by a few minutes of rain, then a calm which leaves

steering 250 degrees, pushed along by a NNW

you bobbing around in a swell with insufficient

The sun rises from our portside aft quarter and the

force 4 and we are regularly topping the 10-knot

wind to support the sails. The result is a lot of

morning deck round has revealed that we have a

mark. Nobody’s complaining!

canvas-flogging and boom-banging… but also a

guest on board – ‘Il Grillo’ (Italian for ‘cricket’).

How he got here is a mystery. He does get a treat

some spinnaker halyard flying. So we strap him in

in the shape of a small piece of apple and

the boson chair to the port side spinnaker halyard

Saturday 24 November

Olly mentions it would be a good time for

From 16.00, we get six squalls in the following

bright, shiny clean boat! »

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111

Monday 26 November

Friday 30 November

Mid morning, we swap the Yankee for the cruising

The strenuous night is followed by a bright sunny

chute on port side and roll the mainsail away.

Another day of perfect blue sky, deep blue water

morning, surfing down deep blue Atlantic rollers.

We use two main configurations of sails while

and little white steam clouds… We are getting a

There is so much comfort and beauty in the

going downwind. One is with the cruising chute

bit concerned about our speed, or rather the lack

rhythm of the ocean.

on one side and the Yankee poled out on the

of it! Our daily average to date is exactly 7 knots.

other side. This is our preferred daytime set-up.

We have a fast boat and we can change sail

the galley worktop by our dedicated professional

The other one is with the Yankee poled out to one

configurations easily, but we cannot produce

crew. When I say breakfast, one ought to mention

side, the mainsail boomed out on the opposite

wind out of a hat!

that this includes daily baked fresh bread, fresh

side and the inner staysail rolled out on the same

yoghurt from the on-board yoghurt machine and

side as the mainsail, catching that airflow that

about ten days of travel, but only six beers per

fresh fruit; in fact everything is always so fresh that

spills out of the Yankee.

head for the rest of the journey… So the situation

I wonder if there isn’t a secret helicopter service

is getting serious! Also, the GRIB file downloaded

bringing all these goodies during the night.

their preventers, downhauls and guys to secure

this morning shows a tropical system with winds

What a way to start each new day!

everything in place. Safety first!

in excess of 35 knots developing north-west of

As if by magic, the daily breakfast is laid out on

Tuesday 27 November

The boom and spinnaker poles always have

Thursday 29 November

A quick calculation reveals that we still have

our position. It is a few hundred miles away, but we will closely monitor it.

The wind disappeared shortly after midnight,

Unpleasant rollers throughout the night made it

forcing us to use the engine with some mainsail

difficult for us to get any decent sleep. There is a

and sea. ‘Angry Birds’ on the boats’ iPad seems to

to escape the brutal rolling caused by the heavy

large wind hole a couple of hundred miles ahead

have taken possession of a few of us!

remaining swell. After ten minutes of being tossed

and north of our course, which seems to affect

around in our bunks, we all find each other in

the regular airflow in our position.

the main saloon, which seems to be the only

relatively calm area of the boat.

cause failure of the spectra line, attaching the

rum for everyone, the first being for Neptune of

outhaul line to the outhaul car. Our skipper

course. Today’s theme is ‘Pirates and Wenches’

and the first part of the day is another succession

Gareth brought the boom back midships and

and with the proper make-up and fancy dress,

of showers.

reconnected the outhaul. All was done in less

we do look the business!

than 30 minutes.

decide to go for a mid ocean swim, which is an

The morning delivers another stunning sunrise

Wednesday 28 November

The constant flogging of sails has managed to

Tonight at 23.00, it will be exactly a week

The rest of the day we enjoy perfect blue sky

Saturday 1 December The halfway point is marked by a good shot of

Soon after lunch, we roll the sails away and

A perfect trade-wind day starts with missing what

since we left Las Palmas. To celebrate this, happy

amazing experience. Oliver is sure he saw a very

would have been a large-sized dorado. We repair

hour is followed by quiz night. Chris and I agree

large shadow passing right under us and shows us

the tackle quickly and within 15 minutes we land

on the fact that Desi compiling the questions

his ‘Transformer’ skill by instantly changing from a

another beautiful dorado of about 6lbs. Another

and the skipper ending up in the winning team

swimmer to a bird – he is back on deck in less

follows an hour later, so the lunch menu is

is a little fishy!

than two seconds! All in all it was a great fun day,

changed to ‘Fresh Catch of the Day!’

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which ends by a perfect dinner in the cockpit.

On-board routine Life on board a professionally crewed yacht is perfectly orchestrated and it is that discipline which adds to the enjoyment of all. Life revolves pretty much around the chart table and the galley area, and the latter is where daily information can be found.

• A laminated sheet shows the watches. This is adapted daily, taking into account the day rotation and time zone change.

• Every day, a new ‘Mother’ is chosen. ‘Mother’ looks after lunch, dinner and general daily chores such as hoovering and washing dishes.

• All evening meals have been prepared before departure, vacuum packed and frozen. This not only saves time, but also reduces the quantity and volume of ingredients that need stowing in the fridges.

• The ships log is updated hourly.

• Desi and Sally are studying astronavigation.

Aside from an excellent nautical exercise, we know that in the event of a navigation systems failure, we will still find our way to our destination. It is laborious and a good reminder of why GPS was invented!

• Everyday at around 18.00 ship’s time is happy hour. A beer and a snack bring us together in the cockpit and it’s a moment of fun all around.

• Dinner is invariably around 20.00 and very civilized around the main saloon table.

Sunday 2 December

Saturday 8 December

A couple of early morning squalls bring some

We experience perfect downwind sailing in 20

heavy but refreshing rain. They quickly

knots of true wind, with the main and Yankee

dissipate to make space for the usual amazingly

goose winged. We all realise this is our last day

blue sky, dotted with white steam-headed

at sea and we treat it as a very special one.

trade wind clouds.

land! Our skipper Gareth shows his experience

Around midday, we spot a 150’ motor yacht

The bet is on as to what time we will see

to starboard, about eight miles away. Our first

by spotting the contours of Antigua almost to

sight of another yacht in ten days! We have a

the minute of his prediction. Of course, we all

short radio chat with the captain, who tells us

totally disagree with him and spend the next

that he too is heading for Antigua. An hour later,

hour explaining to him how solid some clouds

he has disappeared behind the horizon.

formations can appear to be in these regions,

Wednesday 5 December

but he holds ground: it is Antigua!

We all agree to grant him the Land in Sight

We have had three consecutive days of magic

award, provided he cracks a bottle of bubbly

sailing. Sun, deep blue seas, wind averaging

open, which he does. We drop the anchor in

20 knots always from the right stern quarter,

Falmouth Harbour at around 22.00. With hugs,

occasional rain squalls that keep the boat clean

kisses and handshakes all round, we pop the

and shiny, daily happy hour followed by

cork(s) and go to bed…

gourmet food every evening… I wonder if we

really have to stop in Antigua!

familiar noises of the last 16 days are no longer

Thursday 6 December

Bill and Me is not rolling anymore and the

soothing us to sleep. Tomorrow, we’ll walk on terra firma again!

This is a fabulous day sailing on following blue seas. The night however proves rather painful as the rolling seas keep throwing us

The Oyster 72, Bill and Me is available for charter

from the hull joinery to the lee screen and back.

through Oyster Yacht Charter, for further

The rolling does not present a problem, but the

information visit www.oystercharter.com

constant acceleration and deceleration strain all our muscles. Trade wind sailing can be tiring at times!

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o y s t e r b r o k e r a g e a u t u m n BOAT s h o w 13 – 22 September 2013, 09.30 – 17.30 daily Don’t miss the annual Oyster Brokerage Autumn Boat Show held at

Oyster Brokerage Autumn Boat Show

Oyster Yachts Southampton, running at the same time as the PSP

Oyster Yachts Southampton, Saxon Wharf, Lower Brook Street,

Southampton Boat Show. The show is a fantastic opportunity to view a

Southampton, SO14 5QF.

large number of pre-owned Oyster yachts on the water at your leisure.

13 – 22 September 2013, 09.30 – 17.30 daily.

Our experienced team will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you there.

Appointments are not necessary, but if you prefer to schedule your visit or would like further information, please contact us.

You can also view our new yachts at the PSP Southampton Show on berths M338 and M340.

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brokerage A v a i l a b l e v i a o u r UK O f f i c e

2004 OYSTER 82 » Bare Necessities

2 0 0 0 O yster 6 6 » A n n a C a y

Immaculately maintained, regardless of cost, by the same crew who oversaw her build. A truly striking yacht, with metallic blue hull and pearlescent mast.

Exceeding MCA code O charter requirements, she also boasts the most comprehensive inventory seen on an Oyster 82.

AnnaCay has cavernous internal volume with a split level saloon. Accommodation consists of ten berths in five cabins. Her hydraulic in-mast furling cutter rig offers her crew push-button sailing, making short-handed cruising a pleasure. £975,000 VAT paid | Lying: East Med

£1,850,000 ex VAT | Lying: UK South Coast

2007 OYSTER 655 » Acheron

2002 OYSTER 62 » Dorado

Beautiful Oyster 655 with American cherry interior joinery. Eight berths in four cabins afford her guests and crew sumptuous accommodation in all weathers.

Cutter rig with hydraulic in-mast furling. An easily handled yacht that has been skipper-maintained since new.

Original owner since new. Dorado has a stunning teak interior, fully equipped with all home comforts and a powerful in-mast furling push-button rig which is easily handled. Dorado has now returned to the UK and is available for viewing. £845,000 VAT paid | Lying: UK South Coast

£1,695.00 VAT paid | Lying: West Med

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2007 OYSTER 56 » Windflower

2 0 0 3 O yster 5 6 » M o a n a

Windflower has been exceptionally well maintained and is comprehensively equipped. Her rig plan enables short-handed sailing at the push of a button.

Interior finished in cherrywood with eight berths and all the home comforts.

One of the higher-specified Oyster 56s with a carbon GTI mast and numerous recent upgrades and extras. She is a fine example of the 56 which has been a great Oyster success story. Altogether a very well-specified and up-to-date yacht.

£775,000 VAT paid | Lying: UK South Coast

£595,000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster UK

1 9 9 9 O yster 5 6 » G w y l a n I V

2007 OYSTER 53 » Macado III

A fine example of the Oyster 56, with the alternative ‘B’ layout, which moves the guest cabins further aft and allows for a huge sail locker forward. Cherry joinery and seven berths in four cabins. Push-button hydraulic furling to her main and genoa.

Macado III is a stunning Oyster 53, lightly used and well cared for. She features light oak interior joinery with seven berths in four cabins and has all the comforts expected from a liveaboard ocean cruiser: electric in-mast furling, watermaker, air conditioning, etc.

£415,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster UK

€699,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster UK

2004 OYSTER 53 » Spirit of Epsilon

2002 OYSTER 53 » Fizz of Cowes

Superb example of the Oyster 53, extremely well maintained with high levels of equipment. Spirit of Epsilon is afloat and ready to go with a new owner. Low engine and generator hours and new upholstery. A very clean and tidy yacht.

Fizz of Cowes has been lovingly maintained by her owners who have enjoyed extensive cruising including the ARC Rally 2009 and ARC Europe 2010. She has benefited from an extensive refit in 2009 plus upgrades to the navigation systems, a new dive compressor, new generator, etc.

£475,000 VAT paid | Lying: UK South Coast

£425,000 VAT paid | Lying: Portugal

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brokerage

This Oyster HP53 benefits from recent upgrades including a new Perkins diesel main engine, new rolling reefing gears to genoa and staysail and new rigging, to name a few improvements that have taken place over the years. Owner looking to downsize. £173,000 VAT paid | Lying: West Med

2003 OYSTER 49 » Spirit of Mackenzie Very lightly used 49, with little more than delivery miles under the keel. Electric in-mast furling to the mainsail and electric primary winches make her easy to handle. Teak interior that sleeps six in three comfortable cabins, without recourse to the saloon.

A v a i l a b l e v i a o u r UK O f f i c e

1988 OYSTER HP53 » Oyster Cove

1999 OYSTER 485 » Siri Ros Gorgeous dark blue 485, with a sailor’s rig of fully battened main and furling genoa. She sleeps six in three cabins, excluding the saloon, and her interior is finished in teak for a traditional, comfortable feel.

Recently refitted, she is ready to go sailing. £299,000 VAT paid | Lying: West Med

£450,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster USA

Sistership

2003 OYSTER 47 » Moonshadow of London This Oyster 47 was built for the current owner with a round-the-world rally in mind. She is highly equipped, has been carefully maintained and is easily sailed by two people. The boat is a testament to careful owners. Now only for sale so they can start new adventures.

2006 OYSTER 46 » Sophistikate A

2 0 0 9 O yster 4 6 » H u l l 2 1

Only placed on the brokerage market because the owner has bought a larger Oyster, Sophistikate is a lovely family yacht. Specified for ease of handling with electric in-mast mainsail and genoa furling.

She sleeps six in three cabins and her interior joinery is in oak.

Beautiful, very lightly used Oyster 46, just 113 engine hours. Light oak interior with six berths in three cabins. Equipment includes electric in-mast furling sloop rig, generator, washing machine, air conditioning, electric winches, bow thruster, the list goes on.

£459,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster UK

£425,000 ex VAT | Lying: UK South Coast

1991 OYSTER 406 » Cooktown Orchid

OYSTER LD/OM43

£299,950 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster UK

1998 OYSTER 45 » Apparition Lovingly maintained example of this classic Oyster design. Easy to handle sloop rig with in-mast furling allows reefing from the cockpit. Below decks, she sleeps six in three cabins with two further seaberths possible in the saloon. Her teak joinery gives her a solid feel. £229,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster UK

The last Oyster 406 to be built. This yacht has been very lightly used, maintained regardless of cost and regularly upgraded. The perfect choice for couples and small families wishing to embark on a blue water cruising adventure.

An attractive, traditional profile enhances these high-tech jet-powered motor yachts. They offer superb high-speed seakeeping and effortless longdistance cruising, combined with an extremely shallow draft and excellent manoeuvrability.

One and two-cabin versions available.

£120,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster UK

£295,000 – £375,000 VAT paid

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117

Available via our Palma Office

brokerage

2005 OYSTER 72 » Spirit of Montpelier

2002 OYSTER 66 » Matelot Moon

The fastest Oyster ever launched, this is a very special Oyster 72 with a rare combination of searing pace and luxury. The owner is keen to move her on quickly and ready to negotiate. Bring offers if you are interested – you may be surprised!

Matelot Moon has been used for local sailing in Spain with one trip to the Canaries. She has been carefully maintained and has a pilothouse arrangement with massive volume below decks and splendid engine room access. She is easily sailed and great for passage making.

€1,500,000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster Palma

£850,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster Palma

2011 OYSTER 655 » Svetlana

2009 OYSTER 655 » Black Pearl

Svetlana is a stunning example of the Oyster 655. She combines a slippery hull with an easily handled hydraulic furling rig. She is comprehensively equipped for world cruising and has been built to comply with MCA Category 2, though has never been chartered.

Black Pearl is a beautiful Oyster 655 with maple interior joinery and light-brown Alcantara upholstery. Eight berths in four cabins ensure the highest levels of comfort and style. This particular example benefits from a hydraulic in-mast furling mainsail and cutter rig.

£1,850,000 VAT paid | Lying: West Med

£1,600,000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster Palma

2 0 0 3 O yster 5 6 » P e a r l F i s h e r Pearl Fisher will appeal to the yachtsman looking for superior comfort and performance, with her carbon spars and powerful sailplan. This is a very quick yacht indeed, whilst remaining manageable short handed, so ideal for long fast passages. £420,000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster Palma

2 0 0 3 O yster 5 6 » B i n m i n i a n d J Binmini & J is a much-loved example of the very popular Oyster 56. Finished in American white oak, the interior is in great condition and perfectly laid out to suit family cruising. Carbon rig and a high-performance keel allow for smooth, fast passage making. €690,000 VAT paid | Lying: Oyster Palma

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brokerage

2008 OYSTER 655 » Restless

2 0 0 4 O yster 6 2 » C a r p e D i e m

The 655 has been designed to cruise the world’s oceans in comfort and style with an emphasis on performance. This 655 is a powerful, responsive yacht, equally at home providing thrills on the racecourse or a comfortable long-distance cruising platform.

The Oyster 655, designed by Rob Humphreys, is a member of the new g5 generation of cutting-edge Oysters utilising carbon fibre and Kevlar to keep weight to a minimum. In terms of detail and finish, this Oyster 655 is difficult to fault.

This stunning Oyster 62 Carpe Diem has an American red cherry interior and sleeps eight in four cabins.

Inmast furling, Reckmann hydraulic headsail furling and built to MCA with water tight bulkheads.

£2,550,000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster USA

US$ 2,835.000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster USA

A v a i l a b l e v i a o u r USA O f f i c e

2008 OYSTER 655 » Matawai

US$ 1,500,000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster USA

Sistership

1 9 9 9 O yster 5 6 » M y s t i c P e a r l

2010 OYSTER 54 » Om Shanti

2007 OYSTER 46 » Thales

Mystic Pearl has been continually maintained by two captains since new. This is an offshore sailor’s yacht with a layout providing better berthing whilst underway, particularly going to weather, and allowing for a large sail locker forward. Mystic Pearl is for sale as her owners have purchased a larger Oyster.

This is currently the only Oyster 54 on the brokerage market, a practically new yacht that is fully equipped and ready to go. A fully battened mainsail enhances her performance under sail, whilst below decks she sleeps six in three cabins, all beautifully finished in light oak.

Thales is a fine example of the Oyster 46 that has seen very light seasonal use and excellent care.

With her modern Volvo electronic turbo diesel and saildrive, and upgraded sails, she is a great performer both under sail and power. A gorgeous teak interior featuring teak and holly sole.

US$ 725,000 ex VAT | Lying Oyster USA

US$ 1,200.000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster USA

US$ 695.000 ex VAT | Lying: Oyster USA

Uk | ipswich

Usa | rhode island

Spain | palma

Germany | hamburg

Italy

T: +44 (0)1473 695 100 E: brokerage@oysteryachts.com

T: +1 401 846 7400 E: newport@oysteryachts.com

T: +34 971 287 474 E: palma@oysteryachts.com

T: +49 40 644 008 80 E: yachten@oysteryachts.com

T: +39 348 5798738 E: italy@oysteryachts.com

This is just a selection of the yachts we have available.

Please visit our website for details of all our listings.

www.oysterbrokerage.com

summer 2013

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new arrivals

the first supershoal 575 sails free

O N B E H A L F O F O Y S T E R M A G A Z I N E , M I K E O W E N j oine d the re c ently la u n c he d H elen , the first O yster 5 7 5 with twin r u d d ers an d s u p ershoal c entreboar d , for a shake - d own c r u ise

Reaching along the town-speckled coast between Eastbourne and Dover on

You get to know what you dream of and I’ve dreamt of this for 10 years now.

England’s southern shore, Philip Scott happily conned Helen, his brand new

I’m lucky it’s come true.”

Oyster 575, between lobster pots and handy, touch screen waypoints. With the

Philip had considered the 625 but the 575 with the new twin rudders and

morning mist lifted up and a light breeze building to 20 knots, the day was

supershoal centreboard fitted his budget and felt right. Sailing in the USA,

good, as was the speed at seven-plus knots under well cut white sails. Precise

he had charted on occasion the Oyster 575 On Liberty so was familiar with

at the helm and tracking well with her twin rudder configuration, her motion

her set-up and function and ease of management when short-handed with

was gentle, quite belying the size of the following sea.

hydraulic furlers and power winches for all sails and sheets. He and Helen

Part of a mini shake-down, this was Helen’s first proper outing under sail since handover a month before. For Philip and his wife Helen, whom the yacht is named after, this passage under full sail was a welcome delight after three

particularly liked the well arranged four-cabin plan that suits their sometimes full complement of eight on board.

Then the customising began. This ia again a service and capability much

years’ of planning, the first Oyster 575 with the newly offered supershoal

admired by the Scotts whose long list extended the already generous tabling

centreboard and twin rudder configuration.

both above and below decks, increased stowage and introduced a third

Ducking inside Dover’s tall western sea wall and radioing the marina for

heads/shower room, a walkway between the midships cabin and owner’s suite

permission to berth, you could almost feel the ‘are-you-sure?’ face-pull after

aft, AV upgrades with a massive movie server, a bank of lithium iron batteries

reporting 59ft length and then a diminutive five-foot-five to the question of

for reduced generator usage, and externally, a teak capping rail and also

depth. Minutes later, we were enjoying just one of the benefits of the

engine controls to each of the wheel consoles.

supershoal configuration: a still, protected, outer basin berth without the hassle of locking in for deep water.

An ardent East Anglian, Philip Scott is well used to shallows, having sailed river

“We go in and out of a lot of locks and you really want to be on the near side,” Philip explains.

The additions were many and only after careful consideration, the order

and shoal-scattered waters all his life. Merlin Rockets and other dinghies on the

was placed in June 2011. Helen was then delivered on time and on budget in

Norfolk Broads came first as a lad, with his dad, then his own classic, reed-

March this year. “And absolutely as expected,” says Philip. “Fabulous.”

sweeping, bowsprited 31ft Broads cruiser. Helen is his second, the first being a 46 new-build he commissioned in 2006 and later sold through Oyster Brokerage.

“Back then we were looking at buying second hand but talking with an

To help with ongoing celebrations, his supershoal draft now means more time in the pub, too! Philip’s all-time favourite is the Banana Court Bar on Avarua in the Cook Islands, mid Pacific, visited long ago with a then avowed

Oyster project manager we realised that, with a new build, we’d get to know the

return now made possible. Closer to home, it’s the Ramsholt Arms up the

boat so much better.” A crucial differentiator as even then Philip knew this was a

River Deben he favours but, with the deeper keel of his 46, the limit was

training project for his next, bigger Oyster bound for more distant adventures.

one hour each side of high water. Now, with the new supershoal, there’s

Mind you, his 46 Eve was no stay-at-home: she journeyed twice down to the

plenty more time to enjoy that other kind of draught the pub serves so well.

Med and back and was, Philip thinks, the first Oyster sailed down solely to

“Yes, you want a boat to get to those bars and a few more in between!”

attend the Oyster Palma Regatta before turning and heading straight home.

laughs Philip.

Then came the deliberation over Eve’s replacement. She would be an

“I was delighted too,” he says, “that as we took delivery, Oyster announced

Oyster, that seemed undoubted. “We live in Norfolk, and the 46 was built by

the next World Rally in 2016, and that’s the focus now the project has been

Landamores in Wroxham. Supporting local business is important to us. Also,

delivered. After heading down to Palma for this year, which we’ll probably do

what you want is a very high quality, go-anywhere type boat, and Oysters are

non-stop to see how the crew feel about time at sea, we’ll do the ARC in ’14,

seriously well built to cross oceans. Even the 46 is many people’s dream for

then perhaps again the next year, and then, if we’ve prepared ourselves, the

crossing the Atlantic. Over the years I’ve been to around 45 or so boat shows.

World Rally.

120 O Y S T E R n e w s

summer 2013

more new arrivals Oyster 54 » Nikitoo II

54 575 Oyster 575 » Pamarzi

Nikitoo II is Hugh and Mariana’s first Oyster but their second Humphreys-

Roger and Lynn Allen-Muncey first made contact with Oyster back in 2004.

designed boat, their first being an Elan 34. And adding a touch of distinction

Since then, they have continued to charter a variety of yachts. Now almost ten

to their new boat, Nikitoo II features a most unusual piece of customisation:

years on, their son Charles has taken over the family business and allowed

an integral 120-litre rum tank with deck filler and distribution pump in the

Roger and Lynn to achieve their dream of owning an Oyster – the beautiful new

saloon – a definite first for the Oyster design team!

Oyster 575 Pamarzi.

Nikitoo II departed from Oyster’s Ipswich quayside in July last year en route

Pamarzi (the name comes from their grandchildren calling them Pa and

to Marmaris, Turkey with a crew of six. “She sailed like a dream,” Hugh recounted

Marzi) is the first of the restyled Oyster 575s to hit the water and she is a stunning

of his crossing the Aegean with a 35-knot Meltemi and two to three-metre

boat. Both Lynn and Roger wanted a modern, light and airy feel to the yacht and

waves which Nikitoo II gobbled up in a wet and wild but absolutely safe ride.

with her maple and off-white Alcantara interior they have achieved just that.

Nikitoo II’s first trip of 2013 is into the Black Sea, then to Malta, Crete and Cyprus before planning to go transatlantic, joining the ARC in 2014.

625

Oyster 625 » Lady Mariposa Handed over to Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd, Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa carries a sweetly poignant butterfly decal along with the dreaming water fairy image seen on the bow.

With a leaning to racing as well as more leisurely cruising, Lady Mariposa sports a powerful carbon rig with V-boom and D4 Spectra/Dyneema sails, while her fitting features very elegant interior and exterior soft furnishings, all technical and leisure mod cons, and all the toys.

54

Oyster 54 » Tom Tom

The sail handover took place in a typical February freezing north-easterly, which the owners qualified as just a ‘fresh breeze’!

Lady Mariposa will have a busy schedule between the UK’s south coast and

Recently handed over at Oyster’s US headquarters in Newport, Rhode Island,

Port Montenegro in the eastern Adriatic. Lady Mariposa is available for charter

Tom Tom sports a stunning grey hull with light maple interior joinery and

through Oyster Yacht Charter – www.oystercharter.com

eye-catching walnut soles. Cutter-rigged for offshore adventures, Tom Tom will ply the waters off the east coast of the US between Maine and the Caribbean, with new owners Chris and Nicky Thom at the helm.

In between voyages, Tom Tom will be berthed at their yacht club in Westport,

Connecticut. Having previously owned a Moody 46, they are an experienced yachting couple with many miles to their credit.

625

Oyster 625 » Tiger

625 Tiger has been handed over to representatives of Tiger Sailing Ltd.

The sail trials and handover of Oyster 625 Tiger took place on a cold but

sunny April day, where her well-balanced and fully power-assisted cutter rig showed once more how easy the 625 is to handle.

Humphreys Interior Design joined forces in decorating her contemporary American oak interior, which results in a refined and understated feel of class while at all time keeping the ‘maritime’ feel.

Named after HMS Tiger, her interior is adorned with exquisitely well chosen navy memorabilia.

Tiger is available to charter through Oyster Yacht Charter. Her panoply of toys will make her a ‘family charter’ favourite.

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725

Oyster 725 » Spirit of Phantom

The first Oyster 725 Spirit of Phantom was handed over to crew Brett and Deirdre Sleeth on behalf of YYJ Ltd.

This is YYJ’s second Oyster, having previously signed for an Oyster 575, and with her striking grey hull and full carbon black spars and North 3DL sails, she will make regular appearances at future Oyster regattas.

With a wealth of special design features, she premiered at the Southampton Boat Show 2012 and those who saw her will remember her refreshing, wide open saloon and galley where horizontal-grained American white oak joinery in a very linear style combined so well with white Avonite surfaces and matching white leather.

Spirit of Phantom has already crossed the Atlantic with the ARC and has since

885

Oyster 885 » Lush

The first of the Humphreys-drawn, twin-ruddered Oyster 885s, Lush was

been visiting the windward islands, from the Tobago Cays to the BVIs, before

handed over to the Jordan Family Trust in time to make her debut at the 2012

touching base in Florida. Spirit of Phantom is heading back to the Mediterranean

Southampton Boat Show where her sleek lines and pale grey and white livery

in time for September’s Oyster Regatta in Palma. Spirit of Phantom is available for

drew the crowds.

charter through Oyster Yacht Charter, www.oystercharter.com

The striking styling continues below deck where she has a limed-oak interior and fabric and furnishings chosen by interior designer Sallyanne Holmes.

“This is all very exciting,” Eddie said on handover, “because she’s a new boat not just for me… but for Oyster, too. And you have to think, was this the right decision? Within seconds, I knew it was. It’s fantastic!”

Although well known for his Formula One racing and motor yachting, Eddie has always sailed. Everything from Hobie Cats, he says, but he came to Oyster first buying a 655 in his lead up to joining the year-long Oyster World Rally.

“It’s a sort of dream, something you work towards, and you can’t do this in a motor boat! There are no boundaries: with this, it’s more a sense of freedom.”

Follow Lush’s travels at www.oysterworldrally.com

Oyster 82 » Raven

82

Raven was handed over to Raven Yachting LLP in 2012 after a detailed build programme which most unusually included four different interior designers for various aspects of her plan, and all contributing to a really lovely maple and walnut interior.

The handover sail proved a great day out and her

owner was really delighted with the light-wind sailing abilities of the 82, Raven notching up an impressive 8 knots in just the same of true wind. Not bad for a boat weighing close to 70 tonnes.

Raven cruised the Caribbean for the winter

before heading back to the Med this summer. You can charter Raven through Oyster Yacht Charter.

For details go to www.oystercharter.com

Oyster 885 » Karibu

Oyster 100 by Dubois » Penelope After seven days of final sail trials by the Oyster team and the six delivery crew,

The second Oyster 885 Karibu was handed over to Karibu Ltd early this season,

Penelope, the second Oyster 100 by Dubois, was handed over to her new

and with her name translating from Swahili to mean ‘welcome’, the colour

owner who first took the helm for an afternoon of perfect sailing in the Sea of

scheme clearly references the African continent with prominent shades of sand

Marmara with clear blue skies and 15 knots of breeze.

885

and burnt earth reflected in the unusual light bronze hull.

Below deck, she has a lovely limed-teak and white-painted panelled interior.

After handover, Karibu left for the Mediterranean where she showed her

She sails like a dream, as her sister ship Sarafin does, and recently received acclaim as a finalist at the prestigious World Superyacht Awards 2013.

Designed and constructed to the highest classification standards, Penelope

100

colours at the Loro Piana Regatta. She will feature at the Cannes Boat Show before

carries the specification and features of very much larger yachts with extensive

making her debut on the Oyster Regatta circuit at our Palma event in October.

attention paid to noise and vibration control, robustness and high levels of

For a full review of Karibu on passage from Palma to Porto Cervo, see page 91.

redundancy along with ease of maintenance, all adding to overall comfort but

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summer 2013

not impinging performance.

Departing Turkey bound for Palma, Penelope then appeared at the Palma Superyacht Brokerage and Charter Show and was much admired all round.

She will be based out of Palma for the summer and is offered for sale through Oyster Brokerage. For further information, visit www.oysterbrokerage.com

Oyster at the Autumn

show s We have an exciting line-up of Oyster yachts on show at this autumn’s boat shows and we have pleasure in inviting Oyster owners, customers and visitors to view some stunning examples of our range, from the Oyster 54 right up to the magnificent newly launched Oyster 125

by Dubois. Please see the calendar to the right for show dates and details of

Open Yards at Orust 23 – 25 August Oyster 46

HISWA In-Water Show 3 – 8 September Oyster 625

which Oyster models are appearing

Festival de la Plaisance, Cannes

at each show.

10 – 15 September

We can get extremely busy at these

Oyster 575 & 885

shows so operate an appointment system

Newport Boat Show

to allow as many visitors as possible to

12 – 15 September

view the yachts. We do try to ensure that everyone who wishes to get on board can

Southampton Boat Show

do so, but it is advisable to book a

13 – 22 September

boarding time ahead of your visit to the

Oyster 54 & 625

show so you won’t be disappointed.

To book your appointment, go to the

Oyster Brokerage Show, Saxon Wharf, Southampton

Events/Boat Show section of our website

13 – 22 September

www.oysteryachts.com and select ‘Boarding Pass Request’ for the show you

Monaco Yacht Show

are intending to visit. Alternatively,

25 – 28 September

contact our sales teams:

OYSTER 885, 100 & 125

UK/European Shows

Annapolis Sailboat Show

T: +44 (0)1473 695 005

10 – 14 October

E: sales@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER 54 & 575

US Shows

Hamburg Boat Show

T: +1 401 846 7400 E: newport@oysteryachts.com

26 October – 3 November OYSTER 575

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123

industry partners W e a r e g r at e f u l t o o u r m a r i n e i n d u s t r y s u p p l i e r s f o r n o t o n ly h e l p i n g u s t o b u i l d g r e at ya c h t s b u t a l s o f o r s u p p o r t i n g o u r e v e n t s a n d r e g at ta s

Bespoke quality sails and canvas

Leading sailboat and powerboat

International yacht consultants

work, UK manufactured.

hardware supplier for the leisure

specialising in yacht management.

Matthew Vincent

marine industry.

Declan O’Sullivan

T: +49 (0)41 013 849 27

T: +44 (0)1255 243 366

Roger Cerrato

T: +44 (0)1624 819 867

E: m.schuldt@reckmann.com

E: sails@dolphin-sails.com

T: +44 (0)23 9247 1841

E: dos@pelagosyachts.com

www.reckmann.com

www.dolphinsails.com

E: rcerrato@lewmar.com

www.pelagosyachts.com

Reefing systems and hydraulics Marcus Schuldt

www.lewmar.com

Performance masts, engineered

Optimal coverage for your yacht,

The world’s leading manufacturer of

Leading manufacturer of Reverse

to perfection

your assets and your paid crew.

recreational marine electronics

Osmosis Desalinators for over 30 years

T: +31 (0)52 729 1989

John McCurdy OBE

Andy Davies

Chris Bell

E: info@formula-marine.com

T: +44 (0)1752 223 656

T: +44 (0)23 9271 4700

T: +44 (0)1246 457900

www.formula-marine.com

E: info@pantaenius.co.uk

E: andy.davies@raymarine.com

E: sales@cathelco.com

www.pantaenius.co.uk

www.raymarine.com

www.cathelco.com

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OYSTER news

summer 2013

OYSTER YACHTS

Oyster Representatives

General Enquiries T: +44 (0)1473 688 888 E: enquiries@oysteryachts.com

Oyster Yachts Australia

Sales Enquiries T: +44 (0)1473 695 005 E: sales@oysteryachts.com Customer Service Enquiries T: +44 (0)1473 690 198 E: customerservice@oysteryachts.com OYSTER YACHTS GERMANY T: +49 40 644 008 80 E: yachten@oysteryachts.com

Michael Bell T: +61 (0)2 9997 7133 E: michael.bell@oysteryachts.com Oyster Yachts Russia Oscar Konyukhov T: +7 925 771 2991 E: oscar.konyukhov@oysteryachts.com Oyster Yachts Ukraine Alex Krykanyuk T: +38 (0)512 580 540 E: alex.krykanyuk@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER YACHTS ITALY T: +39 348 579 8738 E: italy@oysteryachts.com OYSTER YACHTS PALMA DE MALLORCA General Enquiries T: +34 971 287 474 E: palma@oysteryachts.com Customer Service Enquiries T: +34 971 717 145 E: palma@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER CUSTOM & REFIT T: +44 (0)23 8033 5266 E: Southampton@oysteryachts.com CLASSIC YACHT PROJECTS T: +44 (0)23 8033 6011 E: enquiry@southamptonyachtservices.com

OYSTER YACHTS USA T: +1 401 846 7400 E: newport@oysteryachts.com

www.oysteryachts.com

OYSTER charter

OYSTER brokerage

T: +1 401 846 7400

UK:

E: charter@oysteryachts.com

Palma: T: +34 677 429 116

www.oystercharter.com

USA: T: +1 401 846 7400

T: +44 (0)1473 695 100

E: brokerage@oysteryachts.com www.oysterbrokerage.com

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www.oysteryacht s.com