Oyster Spring 2017 // Issue79

SPRING 2017 // ISSUE 79

OYSTER WORLD RALLY

NEW BOAT REPORTS

OYSTER REGATTAS

OYSTER OWNERS

The circumnavigation adventure has begun

Test sail review of the Oyster 675 and read about the new Oyster 565 and 595

Fun, friendship, family and social racing at our regattas

Inspiring stories from our owners’ voyages

// CONTENTS

// NEWS 03 04 06

Foreword Oyster News New Arrivals

// EVENTS 08 22 42 43 53 103

Events Programme Oyster World Rally 2017-19: Time to Dream Royal Southern Oyster Week Oyster Regatta Palma 2016 Oyster Regatta Bermuda 2018 Our Regatta Partners

// OWNERS’ STORIES 19 32 36 39 57 61

Oyster 745: Graycious Oyster 885: Firebird Oyster 575: Angels’ Share Oyster 53: Aretha Oyster 625: Bubbles Oyster 53: Amelie

// FLEET 09 12 14 16 67 88

In Build: The Oyster 565 and Oyster 595 In Build: The Oyster 885 Reflections on Designing a New Model In Build: The Oyster 118 New Yacht Review: The Oyster 675 Fleet Review Southampton Yacht Services: Altair

// BROKERAGE 91

Brokerage Listings

// CHARTER 64

Charter Listings

// CONTACT 104

Contact Us

FRONT COVER Five of the twenty-nine yachts in the Oyster World Rally fleet, San Blas Islands, March 2017 Photo: Oscar Jackson, S/Y Sophistikate INSIDE FRONT COVER Photo: Mike Jones, Waterline Media THIS PAGE Oyster World Rally 2017-19 Start, January 2017 Photo: Tim Wright, photoaction.com EDITOR Kate Porteous, Marketing & Communications Manager CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Eleanor Briggs Louay Habib Mike Jones Mike Owen Sue Pelling 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: marketing@oysteryachts.com The Oyster magazine is published by Oyster Marine Limited with design by Sarah Gange and Interstate Creative Partners.

The publication is for promotional purposes 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.

// WELCOME

issue 79 Welcome to the spring ‘17 edition of our Oyster magazine – published a few months earlier this year and we hope that we can get back to more than one edition per year. We have always relied on you generating stories of your great adventures and the extensive use of social media is now giving us access to far more editorial content than before.

The second Oyster World Rally started successfully in January and I am struck by the differences in communication from this fleet versus the last World Rally. The front cover picture was taken by the drone carried on board Oyster 575 Sophistikate. It was taken in the San Blas Islands and posted on Instagram. The Oyster World Rally fleet is broadcasting much more this time – directly blogging, tweeting, Facebook posting, instagramming and vlogging on YouTube. Whilst it does help us with content for producing magazines, the irony strikes me – we used to go sailing to ‘get away from it all’ – yet now it seems we need to stay connected and you need to have a degree in social communication technology rather than a sextant!

Developing and building the yachts for you to enjoy your adventures is also a technology evolution challenge, slower and perhaps less obvious, yet the ‘G6’ (6th generation) range of seven yachts from the new Oyster 565 to the 118 we now offer, have many hidden depths of technological development. The obvious ones are the flush decks and twin

David Tydeman on Oyster 675-01. Photo by Richard Pohle

rudders – the less obvious are the hydrodynamic and hull developments from Humphreys Yacht Design which allow very different interior layouts. The increased sophistication of

and lighter yachts are mostly about blasting downwind…” Rob, his

the engineering systems and furniture construction also minimises the necessary space

team and Oyster remain very confident that we make the right choices

for machinery. The hull laminations use more uni-directional fibre reinforcement and

in design.

we are working with Lloyds Register, helping them apply their predominantly larger shipbuilding rules to our type of composite hulls.

I love all the stories in this edition, cruising to Alaska is now added to my ‘bucket list’ and to close my welcome – a challenge – we think

Whilst other yacht builders seem to be chasing lighter and lighter displacements or faster

Amelie’s story of 55 continuous days at sea is an Oyster record – does

assembly methods of production, we’ve deliberately focused on retaining an ‘Oyster

anyone have something to better this?

DNA’ of medium displacement hulls. We’ve invested in precision cutting equipment in our joinery shops to increase the accuracy and consistency and in 3D modelling design

I wish you safe sailing and conclude with a message from Safiya –

systems. However we have, in parallel, invested in processes for putting it all together

Oyster 575 on the World Rally right now – in answer to why are they

inside the yacht in a way that helps minimise noise and vibration to bring you the most

doing it “…to have a gap year before the children…”

peaceful environment we can build.

Carpe diem.

Choice is important, and as one of our design team recently said to me “…you don’t buy a Range Rover if you want to go on track days at Silverstone…” and I quote Rob Humphreys “…It’s hard to define something as luxurious if it’s not supremely comfortable too …and comfort in a boat is very largely about motion with minimum accelerations that can create motion sickness. In lighter yachts, gyrations and accelerations are higher and you also have the ‘echo box effect’ on the interior to deal with from the carbon structure. You have to compensate for the lighter displacement with deeper draft and a deep lead bulb creating a pendulum effect – both underway and at anchor. And people often forget that upwind the speed differential is not much

David Tydeman, CEO Oyster Group

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 3

OYSTER NEWS ROUND THE ISLAND IN A LASER CHALLENGE On Saturday 16th July 2016 Oyster’s Junior Naval Architect, Joe Macgregor, successfully sailed a laser dinghy around the Isle of Wight in aid of the Ocean Youth Trust (OYT) South. He did it in a time of 10 hours and 45 minutes and raised over £750.

Joe has been a volunteer with the OYT South for a couple of years

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF OYSTER USA

and has seen first hand the fantastic work they do with young people. This was an amazing adventure, something that the OYT South provides for hundreds of young people every year, many

Oyster sold its first yacht to American owners just over 30 years ago. Business activity

of whom are disadvantaged or vulnerable in some way. A voyage

grew steadily over the next 10 years to a level that led to the Oyster USA office opening in

with the OYT South is not just about learning to sail but about

Newport, Rhode Island in 1993. Now 20 years later and with two of the original USA staff

developing qualities that matter in everyday life. If you would like

still working for Oyster – Molly Marston and Will White – it was an occasion to celebrate!

to support the OYT South you can do so at www.justgiving.com/

A dozen Oyster owners and guests gathered on 29th July 2016 at the splendid New York

RTI4OYTSOUTH. To find out more about the OYT South please

Yacht Club Harbor Court clubhouse for an evening of good company, fine wines and great

go to www.oytsouth.org/charity.asp

food. Oyster CEO David Tydeman put the question to the attendees over dinner to guess which state has the most Oyster owners within the ~150 yachts sold in to the USA and Canada over the past three decades. Quick to guess correctly were two new joiners of the Oyster family – Mitch Reeves and Rich Morano – who have both recently bought Oyster 62s through Brokerage … ‘Texas’ – (their home state) was their quick and proud retort!

OYSTER ON BBC COAST In the summer of 2016, Neil Oliver and the crew of BBC Coast came down to Southampton to film on board Oyster 825 Reina in their episode about the heart of England’s South Coast. The show aired in the UK on 30th October and is available to buy on the BBC website: www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/ products/66869

OYSTER 675 WINS SAILING TODAY AWARD The Sailing Today magazine award winners were announced on Friday 16th September 2016 at the Southampton Boat Show with the Oyster 675 winning the Luxury Cruiser category. Editor, Sam Fortescue, said: “Oyster’s new 675 is the latest in the British builder’s ‘coupé’ range, bridging the smaller short-handed yachts and the bigger crewed boats. She is a beautifully balanced yacht with 2016

WINNER

elegant sweeping lines that conceal a huge amount of interior volume. With twin rudders and options for a carbon rig, she should be a joy to sail as well. Luxury has never been so robust, or so capable of crossing oceans. The 675 has the hallmarks of a mini Superyacht, and our readers made her the landslide winner in her category.” Read Sam’s review of the 675 on page 16.

4 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

REGATTA WINNING OYSTERS Oyster Lightwave 48, Scarlet Oyster, was the winner of the highly competitive CSA1 class in the 37th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2017. Oyster 745 Graycious won the St. Petersburg to Habana 2017 race in spring 2017. Congratulations to the owners and crew.

Read more about Oyster 745, Graycious, on page 19.

OYSTER WROXHAM NEW BUILDS The Oyster Wroxham yard team will be the very capable experts responsible for building Oyster’s two latest models, the 565 and 595. With the news that the first Oyster 595 has been sold – an extended transom and centreboard chosen, we look forward to sharing progress of her build with you. To find out more about these two new models see page 9.

WHERE TO MOOR? The recently relaunched Oyster 435 First Oboe, owned by mega-yacht captain Richard Bridge found a resourceful way of solving his berthing issue in Barcelona. He berthed his Oyster at the stern of the vessel he commands!

A ‘REAL WORLDLY STORY’ NEED CREW?

Two books have been published over the past 12 months written by Oyster owners about their sailing adventures.

Our Oyster Crew agency is currently in build and further details on

‘Tara, the terrier who sailed around the world’ is the exciting and touching story of

this exciting new project will be available on our website soon.

a Jack Russell who had at least nine lives – and many more adventures – with her owners, Rosemary and Robert Forrester, as they sailed around the world on Oyster 435 Deusa. Available to buy: www.tara-book.com ‘Journal of a Voyaging Frog’ by David Caukill documents their circumnavigation on board the Oyster 575, Serendipity as participants in the first Oyster World Rally 2013-14.

Featuring wonderful stories captured on their blog, you can read more by visiting: www.blog.mailasail.com/serendipity Thank you to Serendipity’s owners for saying ‘Real Worldly Story’ is an anagram of “Oyster World Rally”!

BERMUDA CALLING We are delighted to announce that Oyster Yachts have signed an agreement with the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) to bring one of our world famous regattas to Bermuda in 2018. The Oyster Bermuda Regatta will take place 7th-12th May 2018. Find out more on page 53.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 5

NEW ARRIVALS

RECENTLY LAUNCHED OYSTERS INFLAGRANTI

TO: RUEDI BRUNNHOFER

OYSTER OYSTER 575 625

Oyster 575-36, handed over in July 2016 to Ruedi Brunnhofer. This is Ruedi’s second Oyster, having had an Oyster 54 previously in which he circumnavigated in our inaugural World Rally 2013-14. You can read more about his story in last year’s Oyster magazine, issue 78.

SURYA

TO: JAC AND RENATA JANSSEN

OYSTER 575

Oyster 575-37 handed over to her new owners Jac and Renata Janssen in June 2016.

Jac and Renata originally had an Oyster 545 on order but then decided to upgrade to the Oyster 575 with an extended transom.

Jac and Renata previously owned an Oyster 54 and before that many other yachts.

They have used their experience to customise their Oyster 575 exactly as they want it. There are very few options on the interior, engineering and rig that have not been modified in some way to fulfil their requirements and they are very happy with the result.

Surya is based in Lagos with the current plan of crossing the Atlantic in late 2017.

BOARDING PASS IV

TO: BILL MUNRO AND SUSAN HARRIS

OYSTER 625 625 OYSTER

Oyster 625-17, Boarding Pass IV handed over to her new owners Bill Munro and Susan Harris in October 2016. Bill and Susan are well known to Oyster having previously owned an Oyster 54, then an Oyster 575 and through regularly attending the Oyster Regattas.

The plan after this Caribbean winter is to head to the East Coast of the US, then do another season in the Caribbean followed by an Oyster Regatta in 2018.

6 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

BABIANA

TO: PELAGOS YACHTS MALTA 9

The yacht's name derives from the name of a tiny flower Babiana Noctiflora, unique to the Paardeberg Mountain in the Western Cape of South Africa, a name happily shared with a delicious white wine from the region.

Babiana was well received at Southampton and Düsseldorf Boat Shows and will be based in Palma. She is a striking yacht with her flag blue hull and light oak interior. The owners plan

OYSTER 675

The first-in-class Oyster 675, Babiana, handed over to European owners in March 2017.

to take short cruises in the Western Med this year and are hoping to have time to compete in various regattas including the Middle Sea Race.

HORA

TO: HGS MARINE

in August 2016. The yacht is named after the owner's favourite place in Greece, which represents fun and relaxation.

The owners are very keen sailors and previously owned an Oyster 56. The handover sail was in first class conditions allowing the owners the opportunity to see exactly what she is capable of.

ENSO

OYSTER 725

The handover of Oyster 725-02, Hora, to representatives of HGS Marine took place

TO: ENSO SAILING LTD

November 2016.

The crew were later joined by the owners in the Canaries in preparation for the first transatlantic crossing on their way to the start of the Oyster World Rally in Antigua this January. The Oyster World Rally fleet are well underway on their circumnavigation and at the time of going to print are currently transiting the Panama Canal.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 7

OYSTER 825

Oyster 825-06, Enso, was handed over to the representatives of Enso Sailing Ltd in

EVENTS PROGRAMME APRIL 2017 // A NNAPOLIS SPRING SAILBOAT SHOW 28TH – 30TH APRIL 2017

// SOUTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 15TH – 24TH SEPTEMBER 2017

// PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW 28TH APRIL – 2ND MAY 2017

// OYSTER REGATTA PALMA 26TH – 30TH SEPTEMBER 2017

MAY 2017 // OYSTER BROKERAGE SHOW 12TH – 14TH MAY 2017

// LORO PIANA SUPERYACHT REGATTA SARDINIA 30TH MAY – 3RD JUNE 2017

JUNE 2017 // LONDON ON-WATER SHOW 8TH – 11TH JUNE 2017

// THE SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA 21ST – 24TH JUNE 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 // CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL 12TH – 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017

// N EWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 14TH – 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017

// NEWPORT BROKERAGE SHOW 14TH – 17TH SEPTEMBER 2017

8 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

MARCH 2018

SEPTEMBER 2017 CONTINUED

// LORO PIANA CARIBBEAN SUPERYACHT REGATTA 9TH – 12TH MARCH 2018

FUTURE REGATTAS: MAY 2018

OCTOBER 2017

// OYSTER REGATTA BERMUDA 7TH – 12TH MAY 2018

// U NITED STATES SAILBOAT SHOW, ANNAPOLIS 5TH – 9TH OCTOBER 2017

NOVEMBER 2017 // ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS (ARC+ VIA CAPE VERDE) 5TH NOVEMBER – 5TH DECEMBER 2017

// ARC 19TH NOVEMBER – 15TH DECEMBER 2017

JANUARY 2018 // BOOT DÜSSELDORF 20TH – 28TH JANUARY 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

SEPTEMBER 2018

// OYSTER REGATTA MEDITERRANEAN DATE AND LOCATION TBC

APRIL 2019 // OYSTER REGATTA ANTIGUA – OYSTER WORLD RALLY FINISH DATE TBC

2020 ROYAL CORK YACHT CLUB In summer 2020 we will be creating a cruise in company and an Oyster Regatta within the 300-year-old celebration in Cork of the oldest yacht

// T HE SUPERYACHT CHALLENGE, ANTIGUA 1ST – 4TH FEBRUARY 2018

club in the world – the Royal Cork Yacht Club.

For more information about these events, // STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI 15TH – 19TH FEBRUARY 2018

please contact +44 (0) 23 8083 1010 email info@oysteryachts.com or visit www.oysteryachts.com

IN BUILD: THE OYSTER 565 AND OYSTER 595 In 2011 Oyster announced the Oyster 885, following extensive research and development of the project to build the Oyster 100 and 125. Observing that the LY2/3 code requirements meant the Oyster 100 had only five cabins for the owner and crew – the Oyster and Humphreys Yacht Design team took on the challenge to comply with regulations, but more efficiently. The new Oyster 565 and 595 came from this work.

WORDS BY DAVID TYDEMAN

Oyster 595

Oyster 565

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 9

The Oyster 885 had to deliver a great deal – Superyacht equipment, levels

skilfully combining the learning from the larger yachts, these

of furnishings, bunk lengths, headroom and all of this in a hull just below

two new yachts also include many features refined with the 101

the LY3 code rule length. Extensive tank-testing followed, a blade jib and

Oyster yachts that have circumnavigated (or are in the process of

roller boom configuration developed and the hull shape and appendages

circumnavigating – 29 set sail on the Oyster World Rally on the

were refined. Recognising from this that the ‘6th Generation – G6’

15th January 2017). Oyster believes that no other yacht builder has

of Oyster concepts had been conceived – the company and Humphreys

the combination of large numbers of its yachts circumnavigating

Yacht Design went quietly about redesigning the whole fleet.

with just the owners and friends on board and more than 35 ‘Superyachts’ built over 24 metres – the majority of whom traded

The Oyster 825 followed, then the Oyster 745, more tank-testing and then

up from the previous ‘baby-Superyachts’ below 60ft – for example

the Oyster 118 and most recently, the Oyster 675.

from the Oyster 56, launched in 1998 and of which 75 were built.

Completing the ‘G6’ fleet, Oyster is delighted to announce the two new models – the Oyster 565 and the Oyster 595. Aimed very much at the family sailor, and

Oyster 745

Photo: Mike Jones, Waterline Media

Oyster 565

10 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Oyster 595

Oyster 675

Photo: Chris Taylor

Oyster 565 Typical Layout 1

Matthew Sheahan, Sailing journalist, said, “The launch of Oyster’s G6 fleet was a big step forward bringing Superyacht thinking into a new size range of bluewater cruisers. The 885 and 825 proved to be popular from the start, paving the way for the 745. This moved the company towards their next big design challenge, tackling the sub sixty-foot market, territory that split opinion among owners. Some were happy to run their boats themselves, while others would want to cater for a professional crew. Yet both would want the space, performance and diversity that had made the bigger sisterships so popular. While these were the underlying issues that inspired plans for the new 565 and 595, the new approach can be seen in many ways in layout and available options for the new boats. The provision for a forward owners’ cabin is a first in the Oyster

Oyster 595 Typical Layout 1

range. A dinghy garage in the stern section is another. But there is a long list of refinements that have now worked their way down from the larger boats including; a bowsprit, twin rudders, flush decks, improved form stability and full width chain plates. And then there’s the bold call to announce two new designs at the same time. Design details and a fresh approach that marks a new chapter in the development of their fleet.”

STYLE, FUNCTION, VERSATILITY AND YEARS OF HERITAGE. The new Oyster 565 and 595 (and also the bigger sister, the Oyster 675) – offer very flexible accommodation – Master Cabin aft or forward, dinghies on davits or in a dinghy garage, huge versatility Dinghy Garage

of sail lockers, lazarette storage, different cabin combinations from two to five, sleeping anything from two couples to ten on charter, Oyster reinvents the wheel for luxury yachts below 60ft.

Which other yacht offers you headroom and bunk lengths usually found on 80-100ft yachts, or a customer service operation based on proven support of hundreds of yachts currently cruising far and wide..?

To find out more about the new models, please call +44 (0) 23 8083 1010, email info@oysteryachts.com or visit www.oysteryachts.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 11

IN BUILD: THE OYSTER 885 REFLECTIONS ON DESIGNING A NEW MODEL In 2010 Rob Humphreys and I sat down with the drawings for the

moulds – one with a taller superstructure and one more conventional

Oyster 100 and Oyster 125 in front of us and compared them with

– and as we go to print, the third taller ‘Raised Deck’ version is

the classic Oyster 82 and Rob's 1998 drawings for his version of an

being commissioned and the fifth more conventional Deck Saloon

Oyster 100. It was very clear that the Large Yacht Code for MCA

version is just starting fit-out.

compliant yachts had a huge impact once the designs crept over the 24m MCA threshold. With more than 65% of the yachts we've built

All of the Oyster 885s are different and it’s been fantastic to work

over 80ft having been sold to owners trading up from below 65ft,

with the owners in producing these highly customised yachts. From

it was clear that if you had enjoyed having four cabins in your Oyster

a classic flag blue painted hull to grey gel with orange cove lines and

56 or 575, you might be rather frustrated to find that in buying a coded

standard white gel, colours have not been the only variations. The

Oyster 100 you had only three cabins for yourself and you'd paid for

interiors have also been very special with variations in wood from

berthing for four crew in comfort in their code-regulated cabins .

Edwardian style dark mahogany with white painted oak to lime washed teak and maple with walnut inlays. Layouts have been very varied. For one, we enlarged the lazarette, moving the master cabin

WORDS BY DAVID TYDEMAN // PHOTOS BY CARLO BARONCINI,

forward and to create a huge sail locker up front, the yacht ended up

MIKE JONES & MARTÍNEZ STUDIO

with just four cabins and three heads. Three others were six cabins, six heads. Two have taller masts with carbon rigging and one

The Oyster 885 was born from this review. Humphreys Yacht Design

– Guardian Angel, 885-04 – has a fixed 2m bowsprit for flying

and Oyster set out to offer flexible accommodation of up to six cabins

asymmetrics and code zeros –and has been racing successfully in

and six heads, four for you and two for crew, in a hull that was 20mm

RORC and Superyacht events.

shorter than the 24m MCA threshold. We chose to make two deck

12 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Firebird 885-07, tuned up for racing with carbon sails and pro-crew,

The first Oyster 885 was proudly displayed at the Southampton Boat

can also ‘detune’ for some amazing cruising. A ski-yachting

Show in 2012 and then sailed straight to Antigua for the first Oyster

programme for sailing in to the Norwegian Fjords and ski-touring

World Rally, completing over 30,000 miles in the following 15

across glaciers whilst the yacht pops round the coast to collect the

months without a hiccup or call to Oyster After Sales.

team after their adventure ashore. Ski-racks and heating systems complement the air-conditioning used in the warmer climates. The

Oyster 885-08 (still in build) will be proudly on display five years

versatility of use of Firebird takes some serious commitment by the

later at the Southampton Boat Show 2017. This is a very special yacht

owner and crew and a ‘precision planning’ approach to both specifying

built for the owner as a base to enjoy watching the Tokyo Rugby Sevens

the yacht, operating and maintaining her. Read more on page 32.

and then the Tokyo 2020 Olympics – amongst many other things of course!

THE FIRST OYSTER 885 WAS PROUDLY DISPLAYED AT THE SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW IN 2012 AND THEN SAILED STRAIGHT TO ANTIGUA FOR THE FIRST OYSTER WORLD RALLY, COMPLETING OVER 30,000 MILES IN THE NEXT 15 MONTHS WITHOUT A HICCUP OR CALL TO OYSTER AFTER SALES.

This first Lower Saloon version of the 885 also has the Raised Deck superstructure providing huge 2.4m internal headroom. Her saloon is the most spectacular we’ve built in an Oyster 885; longer, taller, wider than any of her sisterships. She is also a five cabin, five heads yacht with two crew and one Guest Cabin forward of the saloon and just two cabins aft. One is very versatile with movable furniture to allow a comfortable double berth or a twin cabin, also with a pullman and hammock so it can turn in to a bunk room for four. The other aft cabin is the most spectacular Master Suite we’ve ever built – just over 50m 2 of volume (that’s roughly half the total interior volume of an Oyster 575) a private small sitting room adjacent to the king size

It’s been fantastic to be involved with this diversity of choice and

master bed – this is a cabin to seriously relax in!

ambition and we are very proud that the design of Oyster 885 has proved so versatile and reliable.

The Oyster 885 is an amazing yacht, each one different, each owner driven by different dreams and ambitions and I hope we’ve given you just a small sample of how we have enjoyed offering highly customised yachts in a ‘standard moulded hull’.

See the latest Lower Saloon Oyster 885 at Southampton International Boat Show, 15th-24th September 2017.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 13

IN BUILD: THE OYSTER 118 The idea for the Oyster 118 started on a flight to Grenada in April 2013. By chance, I sat next to an Oyster owner heading out to take part in the Oyster Regatta. We chatted about the Oyster 100 and 125 being built in Turkey at the time and how these yachts compared with the Oyster 72, 82, 825 and 885 being built in the UK. Almost exactly two years later I signed the contract for 118-01 and then 18 months later we signed the contract to build 118-02 for another existing Oyster owner.

WORDS BY DAVID TYDEMAN // PHOTOS BY MIKE JONES, WATERLINE MEDIA

14 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

to draw ‘a large 885 at about 110ft’. This was the minimum length we all felt could provide enough cabins and saloon space. Of course, as the Grenada flight conversation was refined during 2013 and 2014, extra requirements crept in, the length stretched a little to 115ft and we started to talk about the exciting development plans for the ‘Oyster 115’. Finally, as we refined the size of the cockpit, where this then placed the steering pedestals and in turn, where the pedestals meant the winch platforms had to go on the aft deck, it became clear that another three feet was needed to provide a decent aft deck and lazarette – and the Oyster 118 was born!

With 700m3 of interior volume below the bulwark line (that’s ~2.5 times the 300m3 Lower Saloon

of the Oyster 885 and nearly ten times the 74m3 of the Oyster 475), the Oyster 118 is a magnificent vessel. Hull number one arrived in the Southampton shipyard at the end of October 2016. It was a very eventful move involving huge cranes and barges to get the 26 tonnes of moulded hull from HMS Daedalus near Portsmouth 15 miles around the Solent to our Saxon Wharf facility. With barely a breath of wind and millpond like water, the first hull looked very purposeful in the autumn mist.

The first 118 has a five cabin layout aft, a cinema/kids room and three crew cabins forward and she is delightfully different from 118-02 whose owner has chosen to have just three cabins aft. The Master Suite of 118-02 is 90m3 – about the same as the total

Master Suite

internal volume of an Oyster 545! We’ll watch with keen interest how the owners of these yachts refine and develop their interiors during the next three years that it will take to complete the fit-out for both.

With two of these fantastic yachts now in the order book we have

We’re making great progress building the furniture for 118-01 and a full-scale mock up

started to look at expanding our Southampton facilities to be able to

of the engine room is helping the systems team plan the pipework routings and access to

build a third overlapped with number two so we can offer an earlier

essential equipment down to millimetre precision. On track for completion of fit-out of

handover date. If successful, number four could then overlap number

118-01 in early 2018, we look forward to her sail trials that summer. She will be a fantastic

three and so on.

sight in the Solent – her mast height is 52 metres above the waterline and the area of the mainsail and spinnaker is equivalent to seven tennis courts – she will be easy to spot!

For both clients, it was important to them that the yachts would be built in the UK by the Oyster team. The Oyster 100 and 125 didn’t fit

We’re starting to mould the hull of 118-02 as we go to print and she will start fit-out

the bill because they were outsourced to our partnership with RMK

early in 2018 for a handover in spring 2020.

in Turkey. We discussed with RMK whether they could mould a 100 or 125 and ship it to the UK for fit-out, but eventually concluded that

These are exciting times for Oyster and remembering that two thirds of the clients

a new design with Rob Humphreys was needed. (Sadly we have to

for the yachts we’ve built above 80ft have traded up from below 65ft, it was a

report that the project with RMK has been disbanded and the tooling

delight to be able to announce our commitment to the smaller yacht market for

for the 100 and 125 is being cut-up and scrapped).

Oyster with the new Oyster 565 and 595.

At first, the Oyster 118 was a little smaller – starting with a minimum requirement of four cabins for the owner and guests and

For further details about the Oyster 118, please call +44 (0) 23 8083 1010,

three cabins for the certified crew of six – I asked Rob Humphreys

email info@oysteryachts.com or visit www.oysteryachts.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 15

NEW YACHT REVIEW THE OYSTER 675

MINI SUPERYACHT The day after hull number one hit the water, Sailing Today editor Sam Fortescue was invited aboard Oyster’s award-winning new 675 on the Suffolk coast. Over the course of a day’s testing, he discovered an instant bluewater classic that sets a new standard in cruising luxury without departing from the brand’s DNA.

WORDS BY SAM FORTESCUE, EDITOR, SAILING TODAY // PHOTOS BY TOBY ESSEX

If you went to the 2016 Southampton Boat Show, you might have seen three sets of spreaders climbing above the other masts in the marina. Towering more than 100ft above the waterline, Oyster’s new 675 was the owner of that awe-inspiring rig.

The contrast was even greater as I arrived for a test sail at Fox’s Marina in Ipswich, where most other boats are shoal draft East Coast waders.

Just getting out of the berth was quite a feat. It involved pulling the boat off the pontoon with the engine, then spinning her in her own length using bow and stern thrusters, and weaving her through the criss-cross of pontoons to find the narrow 10m-wide channel through drying mud banks and out into the River Orwell. As much as this boat is capable of crossing oceans in comfort, she is also agile and easy to handle.

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FROM THE PONTOON THERE IS NO MISTAKING THE PEDIGREE OF THIS BOAT: SHE HAS THE OYSTER EYEBROW CONNECTING THE DECK SALOON TO THE COCKPIT COAMING, AND THE CLASSIC RETROUSSÉ STER N

BOWSPRIT Moulded in, this has trickled down from the larger boats and gives a strong platform for reaching sails and ground tackle

HELMING Twin helms are connected with steering rods to carbonreinforced spade rudders

AFT DECK Offers a comfy perch under way for dolphin spotting, and a lot of locker stowage

TRANSOM Drop-down hydraulic bathing platform is available on both classic and extended transom boats

HULL LIGHTS Light pours into the saloon via these elegant windows, and there is the option for more astern

PASSERELLE In another Superyacht turn, this emerges from the port side on smooth hydraulics

At 69’ 1” from pushpit to bowsprit, the boat is in the middle of Oyster’s range, which

Then, from the upper portside of the transom, a hydraulic

now runs from 47ft to 118ft. And she is comfortably the largest boat we’ve ever tested

Besenzoni passerelle can be deployed. A GRP panel drops down

in Sailing Today magazine.

and the passerelle extends in three segments. Controls allow the walkway to be rotated left and right and angled up or down, while

Built at Oyster’s Norfolk yard, alongside the smaller production boats, she comes

a remote control bleeper gives you access to all these options from

from the pen of the legendary Rob Humphreys, whose association with the brand

the pontoon. It’s a gimmick, sure, but a neat one.

now accounts for every single boat in today’s line-up. Oyster CEO David Tydeman refers to the 675 as part of the ‘coupé range’ – between the smaller family boats and

One more point. The hull is a laminate of GRP, Kevlar for impact

the larger crewed boats.

resistance below the waterline, and carbon fibre for stiffness and light weight. Above the waterline, vacuum infusion is used, with

In this respect, she sits alongside the Oyster 745, and that means that a number of big

carbon fibre chainplates to transfer the loads from the V1/D1

boat features have trickled down – like underwater lights (controlled from the helm

shrouds to the hull. The twin spade rudders are similarly built of

pedestal), retractable hydraulic passerelle and instrument pods on either side of the

GRP and carbon for stiffness.

companionway. From the first moments aboard, this feels like a mini superyacht.

LUXURIOUS LIVING But first things first. From the pontoon there is no mistaking the pedigree of

If you’re looking at a boat of this size, you’re on the cusp of

this boat: she has the Oyster eyebrow connecting the deck saloon to the cockpit

wanting a skipper/crew. The standard four-or five-cabin layout

coaming, and the classic retroussé stern (although an extended transom version is

options certainly allow this, with twin bunks right forward in a

also available adding 4ft on deck). Coming aboard, you cross the stout bulwarks

design that has been honed on the smaller 625.

onto wide side decks and there is an impressive acreage of teak deck behind the twin helming positions. The port helm is the master, with key sail furling controls, but

But Oyster is keen to underline its ‘can do’ attitude, and says that

both seats conceal locker space ideal for fishing gear.

almost anything can be achieved to fulfil a customer’s wishes.

So in that sense, the layouts offer a guide only. Oyster thinks

Up at the bow, Oyster has introduced another feature from its larger yachts: the

the most popular option will see the Owners’ Cabin positioned aft

moulded-in bowsprit. It subtly alters the classic Oyster silhouette, offering a huge

across the whole beam of the boat. And it’s easy to see why. With

platform for launching two anchors, and with two very sturdy tack points for Code

(optional) vertical hull lights and ensuite shower room, this creates

0 or downwind sails.

a fantastic space. However, it would be worth asking for beefed up sound insulation here as on our trip the engine room fan allowed a

The Lewmar V6 windlass delivers chain (12mm) into a corner of the anchor locker,

bit of noise to escape under way.

leaving space for a smartly mounted kedge and other ground-tackle paraphernalia.

Behind that is a large, separate sail locker accessed through a deck hatch.

Though Oyster would probably counsel against it for comfort in a seaway, the Owners’ Suite can also be positioned forward

And let’s not forget the hydraulically-controlled transom which fold out into a large

with two double cabins aft either side of a deep dinghy garage

bathing platform with steps down from the aft deck. Bright stainless steel work

(in the extended transom version). The heart of the boat’s

can then be fitted to provide a bathing ladder and two vertical posts at the corner

accommodation, its saloon, is set with a very well-equipped galley

of the platform that keep stern lines from snagging underneath – a clever idea.

behind the companionway to port, and a deep chart table or >>

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 17

desk to starboard. The saloon table is to starboard too, with a table that can be

the cockpit can manage 135lt/min. The back of every locker can be

extended with numerous fold-up leaves, and there’s a sofa to port, where a 32in

very simply removed to access whatever ducting or trunking lies

flatscreen TV can fold out of the bulkhead.

behind – a neat feature that is belied by the solidity of the joinery on the outside.

I WOULD UNHESITATINGLY CROSS OCEANS IN THE 675, AND EXPECT TO DO SO IN CONSIDER ABLE COMFORT.

Given the complexity of the boat’s systems, a generator is a necessary encumbrance to keep batteries topped up and to run power-hungry equipment such as aircon or watermakers. The standard spec is for a 9.5kW Onan four-cylinder diesel, but it wouldn’t be up to tropical aircon, so an upgrade is recommended

Finish, as you’d expect from Oyster, is excellent – no misaligned joints or untreated

for that. Alan Harmer said that more customers were asking for

surfaces here. The options are pretty much endless. Our test boat had limed white

solar panels and even tow gens to charge batteries and reduce the

oak joinery with horizontal grain to create the impression of even more space, with

recommended four hour daily generator burn time. There is also

walnut underfoot. But if you wanted faux crocodile skin headlining and patio-effect

increasing interest in speccing lithium-ion batteries instead of the

lino on the sole, I get the sense that the good artisans at Oyster would scratch their

600Ah 24V gel cells.

heads, then set about figuring out how to make it work. The limit is your imagination.

There are plenty of useful flourishes about the galley and saloon, including a Nespresso

SAM’S VERDICT

machine that folds out of a cabinet, a one-drawer dishwasher, a full height fridge-

A boat of this size is a very serious investment, and you want to

freezer and a drinks fridge in the saloon table. Stowage and storage is abundant.

know that you don’t have to think about every tiny detail yourself.

Oyster’s long years of building bluewater blockbusters means

BEHIND THE SCENES

exactly that – their designers and technicians have sweated all the

On a boat of this size, engineering becomes a key part of keeping your cruise

small stuff for you. Every decision has been weighed up carefully to

going, and Oyster understands this. There is a full-height door into the engine

deliver a boat that is, above all, safe, solid and seamanlike.

compartment under the companionway, with additional access through heavily soundproofed doors in the aft cabin and the galley. Basic maintenance should be

There are some new features on board for a family Oyster – the

straightforward, then, with dual Racor fuel filters readily accessible and capable of

huge fold-down bathing platform and moulded-in bowsprit, for

keeping the engine and generator going while a filter is changed. Alarms also warn

example. But don’t be fooled; she is still every inch an Oyster. I

of the presence of water in the fuel.

would unhesitatingly cross oceans in the 675, and expect to do so in considerable comfort. Yes, there are handholds where you want them

The electrics behind the chart table instruments are all immaculately labelled and

and lee-cloths, fail-safes on key pumps and filters and an array of rig

organised for easy troubleshooting, and under the saloon sole the water handling

possibilities. But really, the biggest decisions a buyer will have to make

systems are all beautifully laid out for access. Alan showed me the twin raw water

are about rig, finish and layout – do you want the extra cabin or would

manifolds, which combine intakes for fewer through-hull fittings. One services the

you rather a workshop space, for instance? Standard rig or upgrade to

engine, while the other supplies on-board refrigeration, but can be switched over

inmast furling or carbon spars?

with the turn of a seacock if one intake gets blocked – handy for keeping the engine going in an emergency. The watermaker also lives down here, along with two freshwater tanks totalling 1,550lt.

For more information and reviews, visit Sailing Today Magazine www.sailingtoday.co.uk

There is not ready access to keel bolts, which is a shame, but all the bilges are limbered so that they drain into the central well in the keel stub, which is emptied using a 50lt/minute automatic pump. An emergency manual pump operated from

18 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

// OWNER STORY

A NOBLE WIN FOR GRAYCIOUS

JOHN NOBLE OYSTER 745 // GRAYCIOUS There is, of course, the standard Oyster 745 cruising yacht but the great thing about Oyster is you can customise your yacht to suit your needs, be it cruising, racing or both!

John Noble and his super-tuned team on his new Oyster 745 – Graycious – has notched up more success on the racecourse in the boat’s first year than most would dream of in a lifetime. Following the team’s most recent success with an overall win of the St. Petersburg to Habana Race, Noble explained the reasoning behind his choice of Oyster, and why he went for the ‘racier’ option.

John Noble (53) and his family took delivery of their new Oyster 745 – Graycious – in June 2016. Noble, who is a partner in the leading Disaster Recovery Contractor in the US, naturally has a lot of business commitments but following the launch last year, he did manage to spend some time initially in the Mediterranean, including cruising around the Balearic Islands of Mallorca and Ibiza before heading to the Oyster Regatta in Palma in October.

INTERVIEWED BY SUE PELLING // PHOTOS BY MARTÍNEZ STUDIO & MIKE JONES, WATERLINE MEDIA

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 19

What initially attracted you to the Oyster brand?

I first saw an Oyster at the Miami Boat show in 2005. I thought the

What made you decide to upgrade from your Oyster 655 to a brand-new Oyster 745?

boat was head and shoulders above the other yachts there for quality,

We ended up using our boat with crew and love it. We wanted the extra space to

construction and appeal.

accommodate the crew.

As a keen racing sailor and former ARC competitor in your previous Oyster 655, how do you find the Oyster Regattas?

I have done two Oyster Regattas. Palma this year and BVI in 2012. My

Your 655 was in-mast furling, seeing your new 745 at the Palma Regatta – what made you want to change to a racy-looking, carbonfibre-rigged boat with black carbon winches. Why did you decide to have her fully-specced?

family sailed the BVI with me and I really enjoyed the racing with them.

We bought the other boat when the kids were young and we did not want crew, so the ease

We did well and it was a great bonding experience for us.

of sail handling was preferred. My kids are older now, we have crew, and I wanted the higher performance for sailing.

Tell me about your family sailing background?

old. He immediately wanted to become a sailor and started reading

Can you highlight some of the key enhancements you chose over the standard 745 such as your funky North 3di sails and beautiful light maple interior joinery? Why did you choose the extended transom version?

magazines and renting sailboats for the day. Eventually, he bought

We wanted a racier boat and the racier look. We just sailed the St. Petersburg to Habana

his own Catalina 27 that he trailered to the water. He set three goals

Cuba race and could not be happier with our sail package. The North Sails rocked.

for his sailing career. They were:

I wanted the extended transom for the additional deck space and lazarette space.

My father moved our family from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (a steel producing industrial town) to Miami Florida when I was five years

1.

Spend the night at anchor on a sailboat.

2.

Open a drawbridge in a sailboat.

3.

Sail out of sight of land and return.

What was the reason behind your choice of cabin layout?

We have the standard cabin layout but made the starboard mid cabin a video game/TV room for kids. We previously had this in the saloon and it was a distraction during the evenings. They don’t play a lot of video games when home but when on vacation we allow it as a luxury. This gives them their own space.

What do you like most about your yacht?

He has been a sailboat owner for over 50 years and exceeded those very

Graycious was the best-looking yacht on the dock prior to the Habana race. She was the

modest goals. He has allowed us to sail his Morgan 41 Out Islander (S/Y

most luxurious in terms of amenities. Then she proved to be fast in the race. Not a bad

Nobility) since our high school days. I served in the Army and after my

combination.

service I took his boat from the St. Petersburg FL to the BVI and returned.

The trip took three months and I was 27 years old. At that time, it was the

How many full-time professional crew members do you have onboard?

trip of my life. I have wanted my own boat ever since those days in 1991.

We have two full-time crew. The other six in the 10-strong crew during the race had various levels of amateur racing experience.

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Having raced her at Palma, and just completed/won 1st in class, and 1st overall in the St. Petersburg, Florida to Habana Cuba Race, how would you describe her performance both ‘round the cans’ and offshore?

We have found that Graycious is best in weather 10 knots and above.

We had a range of wind speed and angles and 10-20 knots was her sweet spot. She rode relatively flat even in high wind off the nose. Crew slept well when off shift due to the aircon running while under way. I love how we specced the boat.

What was your St. Petersburg to Habana Race highlight?

The destination was great and part of the appeal. The fact that it was last run in 1958 was interesting. The fact that Graycious is on the trophy as the inaugural winner was priceless.

What percentage of the time were you on the helm during that race?

I drove the boat at the start and then we handed off for each shift.

When possible we used the autopilot offshore.

What/where next for Team Graycious?

Graycious is going to do the Caribbean – Florida – New England route this year. We will be in Florida until June then we’ll be heading north.

We are still discussing plans as our crew is leaving for a land job after six years with us. We are looking for new US-based crew. I would like to do some more ocean races like we just finished. Newport to Bermuda is on our dream list and the Oyster Regatta in Bermuda next year.

What are your favourite cruising grounds?

I want to explore the Eastern Caribbean a bit more and the Western Caribbean. We also want to spend time in Maine when we can.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 21

TIME TO DREAM 2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY An impressive fleet of 29 Oyster yachts are taking part in the second edition of the Oyster World Rally, which started from Antigua on Sunday 15th January 2017. 14 different examples of the magnificent Oyster fleet, with owners flying the flags of 10 different countries, are experiencing the adventure of a lifetime.

The fully-supported 27,000 mile circumnavigation, takes in some of the most beautiful regions of the world. The 2017-19 edition has been extended from 15 to 27 months and comprises four connecting stages. Participants are looking forward to lengthier, more relaxed exploration of the Pacific and Asian islands, while also discovering more of New Zealand and Australia.

Prior to the start, Oyster Yachts and their partners provided bespoke training sessions and informative seminars at Antigua Yacht Club, as well as organising fabulous social gatherings at the spiritual home of the Oyster World Rally; Antigua, West Indies.

WORDS BY LOUAY HABIB // PHOTOS BY TIM WRIGHT, PHOTOACTION.COM & OYSTER WORLD RALLY PARTICIPANTS

22 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2017-2019

The first social gathering in Antigua for the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally was held in the magical surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour. The Oyster family was invited to join Antigua Distillery on the lawn of the Copper and Lumber Hotel to enjoy complimentary ‘Dark & Stormy’ rum cocktails.

The atmosphere was relaxed, laid back and the event was very well attended.

SEVENSTAR WEATHER ADVICE One of the most important aspects of sailing safely around the world is understanding the weather, and wherever possible, avoiding unfavourable conditions. Oyster World Rally shipping partner, Sevenstar Yacht Transport, dispatched four-time Volvo Ocean Race navigator, Wouter Verbraak, to Antigua to deliver a special weather briefing. Wouter explained,

“The Oyster World Rally Team have been very clever in the planned route and the additional assistance during the circumnavigation. The vast majority of the route is timed to coincide with stable trade winds, and when that has not been possible, specialist weather routing from Chris Tibbs is available to all of the yachts.

This strategy and implementation of the route is very professional.”

FOX’S RAISING THE STANDARD Fox’s Rigging, a longstanding partner of Oyster Yachts, is an appointed Service Partner for the Oyster World Rally. The experienced team from Fox’s was in Antigua prior to the start, and will be on hand at key stopovers, providing complimentary rig inspections and advice around the world.

“All Oyster World Rally boats received rig inspections before the start.” commented Fox’s Senior Rigger, John Spear. “Our plan is to re-inspect in the Marquesas, New Zealand and Cape Town. However, if any boat needs a rigger, we can provide a service inbetween those times.

Fox’s have rigged 95% of Oysters from the very first ones to the modern range and Oyster owners trust our service. We know the boats very well.”

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 23

OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2017-2019

OYSTER // THE PERFECT BLUEWATER CRUISING YACHT The vast majority of the Oyster yachts taking part in the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally are in the 50-60ft range and are crewed by families and friends. The most popular model is the Oyster 575, with seven examples of the yacht taking part.

Harvey & Sue Death decided to upgrade their Oyster 56 to a new Oyster 575 for the Oyster World Rally. Safiya is the 35th Oyster 575 produced by Oyster.

“We decided to take part in the Oyster World Rally to have a gap year before our children!” laughed Harvey & Sue Death. “We had just sold our business when we heard about the rally and it was an opportunity not to be missed. We had our previous Oyster for ten years which we enjoyed with the family growing up, so to upgrade to an Oyster 575 was a natural progression, as Oysters are the unparalleled bluewater cruising yacht.”

One of the smallest yachts taking part in the Oyster World Rally is Liisa and Ken Bacco’s Oyster 475 Altair. Ken commented,

“While we will have family and guests on board, Altair is a perfect size for us to sail the yacht without additional help. Over the years, when we spotted an Oyster, our joint reaction was always “dream boat”. The Oyster is a sleek, beautiful offshore yacht. We are not racers, we are cruisers. Over the years we have done research on so many boats, but we always came back to Oyster.

The fact that we could start from scratch with Oyster for the build process and specify every minute detail was a definite advantage.”

Hugh & Janice Bishop and Debbie & Andy Davis are participating in Oyster 655 Meteorite. The two couples have owned various boats together since 1999, and have always dreamed that one day they would get the chance to sail round the world. Having followed the first Oyster World Rally with avid interest, the 2017-19 rally coincided with all four friends being at a stage in their lives to take two years off work and fulfil the dream.

“The rally provides an amazing opportunity to share in an adventure with a group of likeminded people with similar motivations and interests. Being in a group provides some level of comfort in numbers, an opportunity to create a community and have a load of fun. Having an organisation like Oyster providing training, support and general organisation takes another layer of hassle away and helps make sure we can optimise our time, taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to do what very few people do but lots talk about – sail round the world. The organisation of the rally has been first class. Our fellow rally participants seem a great bunch of people and I have no doubt we will make some lifelong friends during our two-year adventure.”

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SOUL OF THE SEAS Jacek and Dobra Reschke left their native Poland in 1987 to sail around the world, eventually settling in America. Nearly 30 years to the day, the Polish couple started their second circumnavigation in their Oyster 56, Shanties, purchased from Oyster Brokerage.

“Whilst we considered many other boats, once we had visited Oyster and looked at the craftsmanship, there was only going to be one outcome.” commented Jacek. “It would have taken us many years to plan this adventure on our own. However, the Oyster World Rally takes care of so much of the logistics, we can just concentrate on maintaining our boat and enjoy our second circumnavigation, this time in more comfort and at leisure.”

The couple called upon King Neptune to rename their yacht Shanties. The ritual involved offering champagne to the gods of the north, south and east and west winds. The Oyster family gathered around and cheered as the champagne flowed around the boat, there was a huge round of applause as the christening came to a conclusion.

Eddie Scougall provided Technical Support for the first Oyster World Rally and is part of the highly experienced Oyster team assisting the participants for the second edition.

“ I truly believe that these boats have a soul, and if you look after them, they look after you.” commented Eddie. “It is great to see that this Oyster, like so many others, will be going on another great voyage.”

SEA MERCY SAIL WITH A GREATER PURPOSE Sea Mercy facilitates health care to remote island nations and during the Oyster World Rally participants will be providing an invaluable charitable service to remote communities, within Sea Mercy’s ‘Give Sight Programme’. Oyster owners and their crew have been trained and stocked with hundreds of pairs of glasses, and also equipped with packs of solar lamps, for reading and providing light in homes and schools without electricity.

“Sea Mercy tries to empower sailors to do more and give something that will really change lives.” commented Sea Mercy USA President, Richard Hackett. “Eye care in these remote areas it is not easily available. By giving someone their sight, they can thread a fish hook, read a Bible, or see the words on a blackboard at school. Providing glasses for people who need them, really does make a difference.”

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 25

OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2017-2019

SKIPPERS’ BRIEFING AND ROYAL NAVAL TOT BLESSING The Oyster World Rally Skippers’ Briefing was held in the Copper and Lumber Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard. Sarah Harmer, Oyster World Rally Event Manager, highlighted Oyster’s aim of delivering the highest level of service and support for all Oyster owners.

“For the rally fleet the level of service and support is no different from that given to all Oyster owners. We deliver this via a dedicated team who provide an exceptional level of practical advice, assistance and research to take a lot of the work out of planning a circumnavigation. To date we have provided a series of pre-rally seminars and we have produced a thousand page Oyster World Rally Guide of well researched and up to date information, on practical issues and information for each destination to be visited.

“The support team travel ahead of the fleet to ensure every thing is in place for the fleet’s arrival. The team cover every contingency from bureaucratic issues, to repairs and maintenance, part supplies, safe moorings, local attractions, and of course the perfect party venue.

The level of service and support we offer our Oyster World Rally fleet enables everyone to optimise their time, to concentrate on their adventures and to realise their dreams.”

After the Skippers’ Briefing, the Oyster World Rally participants were invited to ‘take the tot’ and well over 100 sailors took the opportunity. The Royal Naval Tot Club of Antigua & Barbuda is celebrating its 25th anniversary, the charitable group fund many projects, including the renovation of the hiking path leading to Fort Charlotte, where hundreds of onlookers cheered the start of the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally. Tot Club Rum Bosun, Peter

READY FOR A FANTASTIC ADVENTURE 150 Oyster owners, family and crew, attended the Oyster World Rally Start Party at the Copper and Lumber Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua. Cocktails and canapés were served, followed by dinner under the stars. David Tydeman, Chief Executive Officer of Oyster Yachts, welcomed the Oyster family to the party.

“You all have amazing and varied backgrounds and different reasons for deciding to sail around the world. When you return in two years time, we anticipate that over 100 Oysters will have made that journey since the company started, which says so much about why people decide to sail an Oyster. We feel very privileged to have been able to organise the rally, you are part of a very special group of people, you have all committed the time and resources to sail around the world, and we are looking forward to your stories. Most of all we hope that you will have a great and safe adventure, we will be following you with great interest over the next two years.”

Bovey, toasted the fleet.

Antigua’s top musical act, Itchy Feet featuring Asher Otto, played a vibrant set on

“There are Wood Ships and there are Good Ships and there are ships that go to sea but the Best Ships are Friendships and may they always be and the Queen, God Bless Her.”

26 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

the main stage after dinner. The dance floor soon came alive, and the party lasted well into the night.

AROUND THE WORLD IN AN OYSTER The magnificent fleet participating in the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally bid farewell to Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua. In a jubilant mood, with a steel band playing, the Oyster yachts slipped their moorings to head out on their great adventure. High above the iconic cliffs, known as the Pillars of Hercules, a single blast of cannon fire signalled the start of the circumnavigation.

Sidney Harrison, a remarkable character from Virginia USA, the owner of Oyster 66 Elise, beautifully sums up why he is taking part in the Oyster World Rally.

“I have always been fascinated by the people throughout history that have plied the worlds oceans. It has been my dream for years to circumnavigate the globe. After studying the yacht market, the decision was easy. I wanted an Oyster. I carried a picture in my wallet for 15 years as a reminder of my goal. Time passed quickly, but when one starts to feel time slipping away, it was time to live the dream.

Travelling with other Oyster owners through the World Rally was the fulfilment of the dream. It’s time for my Bucket List – Let’s go sailing!!”

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 27

OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2017-2019

FINISH ANTIGUA GRENADA

ASCENSION ISLAND SALVADOR

BALI

ST HELENA MAURITIUS

COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

REUNION DURBAN CAPE TOWN

STAGE ONE //

STAGE TWO //

FIRST PASSAGE JANUARY – OCTOBER 2017 / ~9000 NM

THE ANTIPODEAN CRUISE NOVEMBER 2017 – APRIL 2018

The Oyster World Rally sees the fleet explore the Caribbean islands

Essentially a holding pattern during the New Zealand and Australian

between Antigua and Panama, including the wonderful Lesser Antilles

summer months waiting for the weather patterns to change The Royal

of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and the San Blas Islands of Panama.

New Zealand Yacht Squadron and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia

The Oyster yachts regroup to navigate the Panama Canal. The Oyster

have both expressed their enthusiasm to welcome the fleet during the

fleet is expected to arrive in the Marquesas Islands at the beginning of

‘Down Under’ summer months. The fleet will have broad options from

the dry season, to enjoy a full six months exploring thousands of islands

extensive cruising around New Zealand and Australia, an opportunity

in the Central Pacific. The prevailing south easterly wind provides

to lay their yacht up with guardienage services and fly home for a while

a perfect sailing angle to explore destinations to the west including

or to go exploring overland.

Tuamotos, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Tonga and Fiji.

28 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

START ANTIGUA

PANAMA CANAL

VANUATU

DARWIN CAIRNS

BORA BORA

FIJI

MARQUESAS ISLANDS

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

TAHITI

HAMILTON ISLAND

TONGA

MACKAY

AUCKLAND

STAGE THREE //

STAGE FOUR //

THE ASIAN CRUISE APRIL – AUGUST 2018 / ~3800 NM

THE PASSAGE HOME SEPTEMBER 2018 – EARLY APRIL 2019 / ~12,000 NM

Starting from Auckland, the Oyster World Rally will sail to Vanuatu.

The final stage includes two major oceanic segments, crossing both the

Mackay and Cairns shape the projected route along Queensland’s

Indian and Atlantic Ocean. From Bali the fleet will take in Cocos Keeling,

Pacific shoreline, the gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef.

Mauritius and Reunion Island before making landfall in continental

Darwin is then the planned eastward port of call in the Northern

Africa and potentially the trickiest passage of the rally – rounding South

Territory and the gateway to Kakadu, Australia’s largest National Park.

Africa’s Cape of Good Hope famed for big seas. The reward for rounding the cape will be Christmas in Cape Town. Weather conditions will be

The final destination for this Asian Rally Rendezvous is planned for

taken into account for the Atlantic Crossing, there is a choice of routes

Bali in September 2018. The unique flexibility of the Oyster World

either via the world’s most remote oceanic locations, St Helena and

Rally allows participants to explore where and how they want, sailing

Ascension Island, before sailing directly to the Caribbean, or heading

more of Australia or heading north to Asia, cruising through beautiful

from St Helena to vibrant Salvador, Brazil then onward to the Caribbean.

Indonesian islands, before regrouping in Bali.

Grenada will offer participants a warm welcome, and the Leeward Islands beyond offer myriad experiences before the Oyster World Rally arrives at its final destination, Antigua. The final Rendezvous will be a marvellous celebration of a wonderful event, at the exact location where the Oyster World Rally started, 27 months before.

Oyster cordially invites all owners to join us for the Antigua Regatta in 2019 to mark the close of the circumnavigation for the rally participants.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 29

2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY

MARCH 2017 // A PARTY IN PANAMA

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NEXT STOP // GALAPAGOS

With special thanks to:

The third edition of the Oyster World Rally will start in January 2021, for further details visit: www.oysterworldrally.com or contact worldrally2017@oysteryachts.com to register your interest.

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FIRE AND ICE Escaping off the beaten track is a fairly obvious reason for sailing in the first place, and doing so in style and luxury is simply the Oyster way, but Oyster 885-07 and her owner Andrey Yakunin have even more ambitious plans than most.

WORDS & PHOTOS BY MIKE JONES

From the very beginning, Firebird was conceived to be able to accommodate the owner and his family who enjoy every minute of their time onboard together, whether that is cruising with friends or pushing the performance boundaries at the Mediterranean Superyacht regattas. The comprehensive and high-end specification also satisfies the stringent demands of charter guests, be it in the Mediterranean, Caribbean or even the Arctic, with every eventuality and creature comfort catered for. With one of the family’s great passions being off-piste skiing, a passion that has taken them all over the world, it was inevitable that they would combine two of their great loves. Now with Firebird’s first season under their belt, they have gone in search of adventure inside the Arctic Circle, to the very north of Norway, ski touring in the famous Lyngen Alps and surrounding islands, a far cry from the crowded slopes and lifts of Europe’s major resorts.

No small undertaking, especially for what most would call a ‘bluewater’ cruising yacht, the waters in the Arctic may be clear, but they are very, very cold, and the weather sometimes quite unpredictable. The owner and the crew have gone to great lengths to prepare themselves and their yacht for her maiden Arctic voyage, even calling upon independent surveyors, to satisfy themselves that Firebird would be capable and worthy of the task. Passing with flying colours, a sure testament to her build, only a few small tweaks were required, along with several special customisations. It seems that no detail has been overlooked, with boot heaters installed in the lazarette, ski racks fitted in the sail locker, and on the foredeck she sports a new rugged tender suited to beach landings with groups of skiers and their cumbersome boots, each cabin is even stocked with several pairs of insulated slippers to keep any chills at bay.

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// OWNER STORY

Having already chartered a local yacht last year as part of a

key to everyone’s enjoyment and piece of mind, and Andrey

location scout for their extended trip in March and April this

and his family have been skiing with renowned mountain

year, everyone, yacht, crew and owner are all more than well

guide Brian Farquharson for a number of years. He really

prepared for the conditions. From Andrey’s point of view there

knows his stuff, working closely with the captain to plan routes

is no doubt that the choice of the 885 Raised Saloon variant

and itineraries through the Fjords, tailoring each day to the

was the right one, as it lends itself spectacularly to the scenery,

group as required, his knowledge is remarkably encyclopedic,

making breakfast or afternoon tea quite an occasion with an

even if his pronunciation leaves a little to be desired!

inescapable panoramic view of the landscape around you.

Offering something of a luxury ‘ski chalet’ experience at The skiing itself is both diverse and thrilling, with routes and

sea, the set-up is impeccable, and what could be better than

mountains to suit everyone from the armchair adventurer to the

a chalet that delivers you to a different mountain everyday?

extreme enthusiast. The sense of achievement borne from scaling

The scenery is overwhelmingly breathtaking, in the Fjords of

an Arctic peak, whilst your yacht is in clear view anchored in the

Northern Norway, there are amazing views at every point of

Fjord below, is nothing short of an awe-inspiring and exhilarating

the compass, the water is ice cold and crystal clear, and the

experience. The skiing on the way back down is, quite simply,

locals extremely welcoming. Few ski-accessible chalets are

the icing on the cake, which incidentally is what will be waiting

able to claim a potential view of the Northern Lights, but it is

onboard for the intrepid and well-exercised skiers upon their

certainly on the cards whilst onboard, especially being so far

return. Some of the descents are the skiing equivalent of an infinity

away from any light pollution whatsoever. Any yacht in this

pool, with a seemingly never-ending ridge of lovely fluffy and

beautiful landscape makes a great sight, but Firebird with her

fresh powder snow dropping away into the sea. Mind-blowing.

mid grey topsides and orange accents under full sail, surrounded

Picking an experienced guide who knows the local mountains is

by snow covered mountains is truly a wondrous spectacle. >>

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The cruising grounds here are second to none, with peaks rising right out of the sea, quite a unique offering and a real contrast to the shallow, sandy anchorages of the Caribbean, northern Norway offers an entirely different proposition. Sheltered bays nestled in the Fjords, fishing village piers are more par for the course, and predictably the local salmon is as good as it gets. The salmon is something that Chef/ Stewardess Mel puts to great use in her menus which are aimed to satisfy both your tastebuds and to fuel you for another day of Arctic exploration, be that by ski or sail.

Firebird is set-up to accommodate seven guests across four cabins (the office/snug converts to a comfortable large single cabin) in exceptional comfort. Onboard you will find that the crew takes immense pride in their work, presenting the yacht in immaculate condition at all times, whilst doing everything in their power to enhance the experience for everyone onboard.

Firebird is available for ‘Ski and Sail’ charters in spring 2018 in northern Norway, starting from Tromsø, and itineraries can be tailored to suit all levels of skier. Please contact Molly Marston from Oyster Charter for booking enquiries or visit www.firebird-yachting.com for more information.

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WELL DISTILLED

NICK & ALISON BLAZQUEZ OYSTER 575 // ANGELS’ SHARE With roots in the Scottish Western Isles, sailing a Corribee with his father, it wasn’t particularly surprising that Nick Blazquez spent a 30-year career working in the distillery industry for Diageo – the world’s biggest whisky producer. Before he left Diageo in 2016, he was running businesses around the world, which gave him and his family plenty of opportunity to explore new cruising grounds.

This experience, together with their early days cruising the west coast of Scotland, proved the perfect base for Nick Blazquez and his wife Alison to start their sailing adventures before progressing ‘up the ladder’ to ultimately owning a brand new Oyster 575.

WORDS BY SUE PELLING // PHOTOS BY TIM BISHOP, TIM@TIMBISMEDIA.COM

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// OWNER STORY Nick also had a bit of a dinghy racing background in 505s, Enterprises

Martinez Studio

Martinez Studio

and Lasers, so when the time came to purchase their first family yacht, he and Alison felt they were in a good position to make a prudent choice and opted for a secondhand Oyster 485.

Commenting on choosing Oyster as a brand, Nick said that build quality was very high on their list of requirements: “As well as the all round build quality, it didn’t take long to work out the design had plenty of input from sailors. This appealed to me a lot. We were also after a cruising boat rather than an all-out racer, so that kind of suited what we were doing at that time.”

Nick and Alison have three grown up children and as a family

technical team who were on call throughout. Their input was particularly useful given

they have a varied appetite for ‘more demanding’ sailing.

the fact we were also using the event as preparation for the forthcoming A RC, which

Consequently they didn’t want a yacht that was too flighty. Nick

started the week after the regatta finished. Couldn’t have been better timing.”

added: “I didn’t want to cause Alison or the kids any concerns.

I wanted a boat that would inspire confidence; both the design

Just before setting off for the ARC, Nick reported: “We’ve had a thorough check from

and build of Oyster reinforced that.”

the Oyster team who are totally fantastic. The rig check identified a split anemometer and cracked TV aerial at the very top of the mast. More importantly we saw that one

Having enjoyed many happy years cruising and holidaying in the

of our spreaders needed attending to as some of the attaching bolts had come loose.

485, Nick and Alison arrived at a natural stage in their lives for a

Beyond that the team went through every system of the boat – from fuel, to electrics,

new project. After 30 years in the whisky industry, and with the

engine, generator, steering, gas and more. I can’t thank them enough.”

prospect of a bit more time on the horizon for Nick, an Oyster 575 was the obvious choice.

ARC DE TRIOMPHE Nick sailed the ARC with a five-strong, male team including his friend Tim Bishop

Chatting about why they chose the 575 in particular, Nick said the

and three relatively new acquaintances Louis Neocleous, Simon Jackson and Taz

boat fitted their requirements exactly: “We wanted a boat with more

Bernard. Even though all the crew were very experienced, he included one professional,

space but a size Alison, myself and the kids could handle without

Taz. “As much as I was confident in all of the crew, my experience of longer voyages as

having a permanent crew. They were the key objectives.”

skipper was such that I knew I would benefit from having a professional onboard so I could switch off on my ‘off watch’. It worked extremely well, Taz was a great

“The kids aged 28, 26 and 24 all live away from home but they still

partner and I learnt a lot from him.”

come on holiday with us. An Oyster acts as a bit of a family magnet, which I think is a lovely thing. They can pop on and pop off and with

As a team, they gelled well and really enjoyed the experience. The team also provided

friends wherever we are.”

one of the most enjoyable blogs from the boat, which gave a good human interest take on the race, all the way from Las Palmas to St. Lucia.

Angels’ Share was built at Oyster’s Wroxham yard in 2014. Naturally this was an immensely exciting time for the Blazquez family. So

Nick, commenting on the most memorable occasion, said: “Swimming in the middle

passionate about their boat in build Nick and Alison were regular

of the Atlantic off the yacht in mirror-like conditions was well up there among my

visitors to the yard. Although they knew exactly what to expect

favourites and I will never forget it. It was a great experience.” >>

as far as quality goes, they were keen to have an input on specific requirements. The layout, for example, was key: “We went for the standard layout with a workshop configuration rather than a double bunk in the starboard cabin aft of the chart table. This provides more storage for charts, cushions and such like, particularly on longer voyages. We also asked Oyster to design and install rounded edge of the navigation table upright, rather than the standard sharp edge – which my Feng Shui friends would have definitely vetoed.”

When the boat was completed in 2015, Nick sailed her from the UK to Corsica where he and the family enjoyed a holiday together. They then sailed her to Palma and spent the early part of 2016 cruising the Balearics before heading to Croatia in July/August 2016.

Having signed up for their first ever Oyster Regatta, it was then time to head back for to Palma in October 2016. A delighted Nick, reporting from the Oyster Palma Regatta said: “I can’t think of a nicer place to be during my six month ‘gap year’. We really enjoyed the regatta and were very impressed with the input from the Oyster

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 37

“But the most amazing thing to have experienced during our trip was the friendly banter we had with our fellow Oyster sailors, Eric Alfredson and the Swedish team on Lisanne, an Oyster 575. We basically continued where we left off at the Oyster Regatta in Palma where we enjoyed lots of fun and friendly rivalry all the way.

“We also chose the same northerly route on the A RC so every morning we’d radio each other and find out each other’s positions, ensure that all was ok and then try to give each other misleading information about the weather, our sail plans and intentions. So that has to be an absolute highlight.

“On one occasion in the middle of the Atlantic we were really close to Lisanne and as we overtook her we started playing – through very loud cockpit speakers – some classic A BBA songs. It was totally mad but wonderful. We had music blaring out in the middle of the Atlantic strutting our stuff to Dancing Queen and other classics – a magical moment. Basically, we couldn’t have asked for better company.”

In true Oyster ‘family’ style, the fun continued when they arrived in St. Lucia, and rounded off an exceptional event. Nick concluded: “They (Team Lisanne) hosted us on board their boat with Swedish Christmas lunch which, unsurprisingly included Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, herring and beet salad, pickled herring, ham and washed down with plenty of Schnapps and songs. It was a fantastic end to a thoroughly enjoyable voyage. We were actually kind of sad we weren’t joining them on the Oyster World Rally; maybe next time!”

WHAT’S IN A NAME? Angels’ Share is the name given to the proportion of Scotch whisky that evaporates from the oak casks during the three-year maturing process. Depending on the conditions it is possible to lose between two and three percent a year.

Nick, chatting about why they chose the name, said: “Actually it was Alison’s idea.

We were on one of our drives home from a yard visit in Wroxham and during a discussion about potential names she just came up with it. It couldn’t have been more perfect, particularly the analogy to the evaporation of cash, which links up well with yacht ownership!”

ROCK ’N’ ROLL To ensure the whisky tradition is upheld onboard Angels’ Share, Nick and Alison have one very special piece of ‘essential’ equipment – the Angels’ Share gimbaled whisky bottle. This stunning piece of glassware, based on the bottle from John Walker & Sons Odyssey (a rare Triple Malt) has a specially designed solid silver label engraved with her name on it. Apparently, when Johnnie Walker launched his whisky in the 1800s he gave captains bottles of whisky in these gimbaled bottles so they wouldn’t fall over.

Nick says he believes it is a magic bottle: “It seems to ‘evaporate’ quickly but somehow refills itself!”

To read the Angels’ Share blog, visit www.angelssharearc.wordpress.com

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CIRCLING THE GLOBE

CASPAR CRAVEN OYSTER 53 // ARETHA Caspar and Nichola Craven and their three young children set sail in their Oyster 53 on their circumnavigation in 2014. Having now completed their adventure, Caspar reflects on how they did it and tells us some of their fondest memories from their voyage of a lifetime.

It was the 13th June 2009. Picture a family summer’s picnic underneath some apple trees in a leafy Kent garden. Both conversation and prosecco were flowing as the children played happily in the garden. We were living the lives of typical suburban dwellers in Surrey and working in London. I was 37. My wife Nichola was 38 and our two children, Bluebell and Columbus, were four and two years old. My brother-in-law told us about a family who sailed around the world and then went on to say how crazy it was. Nichola and I looked at each other and were totally caught by the idea. What an amazing idea. And there the seed was planted.

WORDS & PHOTOS BY CASPAR CRAVEN

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to last a lifetime. I’ll share one of my favourite highlights which features in my upcoming book, ‘Where the Magic Happens’.

09 16 SOUTH 114 07 EAST - LOMBOK TO CHRISTMAS ISLAND 06:10. The light has just come up over the Indian Ocean – it’s a slightly misty morning and the deck is damp from a heavy dew. The sea all around is a glass and absolutely windless and flat calm. The genoa and staysail are both furled and the mainsail is centred and gently straining against the sheet as we motor forwards at six knots.

Fast forward and it was now the 20th August 2014. At 6am in the morning we slipped

We’re en route to Christmas Island having weighed anchor from

the mooring lines of Aretha, our Oyster 53 from Universal Marina in Hamble and

Gili Gede in Lombok at 8am yesterday morning. Due North of

set off on the first day of our circumnavigation.

us is the Indonesian island of Java, due South of us is the West coast of Australia. From this point it’s roughly 4,700 miles until

It was the culmination of perhaps the most intense five years of our lives. When we had

we make landfall in South Africa. Before that we have stops in

the idea of sailing around the world, it was laughable. In fact that’s what most people

Christmas Island, Cocos and Keeling, Mauritius and Réunion.

did. We didn’t have the money, Nichola couldn’t sail and whenever she’d been on a boat, she’d been seasick. We had two young children (soon to become three) and would

Columbus and Willow join me in the saloon. Willow is placated for

have to tackle homeschooling, becoming medical experts as well as familiar with

now with a box of raisins – Columbus is wrapped in a blanket

everything needed to run an ocean-going yacht.

snoozing. I am on borrowed time for writing.

What we did have was time. We gave ourselves a deadline and five years

The next leg of our journey continued yesterday with a fabulous race

to transform our lives. The idea of sailing around the world became a

restart. The race line was marked by Ray, the marina manager on his

burning vision – written on the kitchen wall beneath a map of the world

yacht and an Indonesian skiff at the other end.

with our route marked on it. We had much to do to make it happen.

Leaving the anchorage, we motored out from the anchorage past the

VERY EARLY ON, WE’D M ADE THE CHOICE THAT WE WERE GOING TO BUY AN OYSTER .

WITH OUR THREE CHILDREN, WE M ADE SAFET Y OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORIT Y.

pearl farms and quickly had sails up in the light ten knots of wind.

Columbus was on the genoa winches, Nichola on the mainsail, Bluebell on the iPhone timer, to count down our timings on the five and ten minute calls to race start and spotting yachts underneath the genoa.

For the first time, it felt like we had a crack racing crew on board –

In that time we changed our fortunes by rapidly growing three separate businesses (one

the team working marvellously and we had pure concentration. We

of which we sold whilst in the middle of the Pacific). Right up until ten weeks before

crossed the line fully powered up albeit near the back out of the way

our departure date, we still didn’t have a boat. For that reason most people didn’t believe

of too many other boats and began working our way through the

we were actually going to sail around the world!

back markers. We rounded the headland and Aretha heeled as the breeze filled in and we powered up to nine knots over the ground.

Very early on, we’d made the choice that we were going to buy an Oyster. With our three children, we made safety our number one priority. We wanted the best ocean going yacht

"Hike Hike Hike." Bluebell, Columbus and Nichola were quickly

we could find and the best support network, as we knew we were climbing a steep learning

on the side of Aretha, legs hanging over the side as they sat on the

curve with how to fix things when they broke. We spent three years tracking the market

rail to get the weight in the right place.

and what Oysters were available. We looked at plenty and the sales guys got to know us pretty well! After a three-year search we finally closed the deal to buy Aretha with her beautiful blue hull, our home for the coming years. She instantly became part of the family.

Our choice of an Oyster was reinforced as the right one many times over in the following two years. From the army of red shirts helping us to prepare Aretha in Las Palmas for the start of the ARC to the ever present Eddie Scougall and his team whenever stuff broke, to Sam shipping parts all over the world for us. They were literally the sixth member of our team. Not only that, Aretha gave us peace of mind as she was rock solid in the heaviest and roughest of seas.

Over the next two years until we completed our circumnavigation sailing Aretha to San Francisco, we went on to share magical life-changing experiences with our children, to face death-threatening situations and to survive, and making friendships

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The sun shone, the skies were clear and we were flying. Past Luna Quest, past Hugur

presented all five of us with our own package – wrapped in newspaper,

and Allegro, squeeze up on the wind and we dodged to windward around Chat Eau

tied with string and packed with beautiful cowrie shells and coral

Bleu and stealing their wind we shot past them. Bluebell and Columbus by now were

they’d collected. It was very touching and besides the smiles and

calling the gusts on the water and letting me know where the other boats were.

the memories, it was a fantastic keepsake to remind us of this time.

We responded afterwards and Bluebell presented the local children

With three knots of current underneath us in the channel between Lombok and Bali

with colouring books and pens that we had brought for them.

we were popped out in the Indian Ocean like a champagne cork from a bottle as we headed South.

After this, they brought chairs for us all so we all faced the group.

Nervously, the older three got up to speak. Oscar first sharing his

Past the rough water at the South of the Island where the wind on tide piled up large

journey from Australia to Lombok, Bluebell with stories of the

waves which bathed the entire decks of Aretha (and the crew on the rail). As we

Galapagos and the islands we visited across the Pacific and finished

rounded the corner of Bali, we could see the five yachts ahead of us suddenly slowing

by a ten minute talk from Columbus on animals, islands and

up as we closed rapidly on them and we were half a mile from them. We changed

volcanos. It’s no wonder he has picked up the nickname, the ‘Walking

course and headed due South avoiding the worst of the current and managed to jump

Wikipedia’! The children spoke a sentence at a time and Abraham

up a number of places on the fleet as we sailed around them.

translated for the children. Willow, easily distracted, was soon off running around and finding toys to play with. The older three

We’d just experienced some magical times in Lombok. Over drinks in the local bar I

fully engaged, articulate, interested and growing in confidence.

ended up talking to local landowner Abu and his friend Abraham. Abraham is an educated

Proud is an understatement of how I felt to see our two – worldly,

man and the local teacher. Spotting an opportunity, I asked how often he ran the school.

knowledgeable and ready and willing to share what they had learnt.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday between 4pm and 5pm under the Tamarind Tree at Abu’s house was the answer. The curriculum – English, Good Manners and Good

School finished with the local children singing us five local songs –

Conduct. Venturing forth I enquired if could I bring our children to the school tomorrow

‘I’m Happy’ (that was the translation) was one and they sang with

(today being the Friday). He was only too happy to oblige and it was agreed – we’d take

volume and conviction. Truly heartwarming. They walked us

our three together with 14-year old Oscar from Chat Eau Bleu the following afternoon.

afterwards to our dinghy and stopped for photos on the way. Visitors seldom come here and I believe we were the first to visit the local

Most of the day was spent shopping and provisioning for the next leg at the local

school. Abraham said that our presence was enough to show their

town of Mataram some two hours drive away. We arrived back just in time to

children different ideas, manners and knowledge.

dinghy down to the Tamarind tree for 4pm where we found Abraham. They were eagerly expecting our arrival. There was a white board nailed to the tree and next

So, our time in Lombok came to an end, and we waved goodbye to the

to that Abraham’s desk and a chair. An orange tarpaulin covered the ground and

many good friends we have made here – Abu came by boat to visit

seated were 16 children – aged between 7 and 18. They all had name badges –

us on departure day to say goodbye and it is somewhere we’d love to

handwritten on white stickers and wore big quizzical smiles. Some eight adults

revisit. In Columbus’ words, “I’m really going to miss it here –

were in attendance too – perhaps curious to see who these foreigners were.

I’ve enjoyed it so much.”

Abraham asked each of the local children to step forward and introduce themselves

So, here we are back at sea, the breeze has filled in whilst I’ve been

in English – “Hello, my name is..” and to shake all our hands. Much smiling and

typing on deck and the children are below decks writing their

laughter accompanied this as Willow not quite sure what to make of it all hid behind

journals and doing maths.

my legs. It was then our turn and I asked our crew to introduce themselves, to say their ages and where they were from.

Team Aretha in the Indian Ocean, Out.

I suggested to Abraham that the children might like it if our children would like to tell some stories and share some of things we’d met and seen on our travels. He welcomed

Caspar speaks around the world on teamwork, leadership and how to make

this and indicated he had a presentation to make first. The children had collected

things happen. For more information go to www.casparcraven.com.

shells and wanted to present them to us. All of us were called forward and a local child

His book, ‘Where the Magic Happens’ will be launched in early 2018.

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Royal Southern Oyster Week Repeating the success of the last Royal Southern Oyster Week in 2010, a fleet of nine Oyster yachts in two classes enjoyed five days of great racing on the South Coast, 4th-8th July 2016. The Oysters assembled at the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s new Prince Philip Yacht Haven on 4th July. Commodore, Chris Mansfield, welcomed them all and commented on what a fine sight they were lined up outside the Club while the competitors set to the serious social side of the week with the Oyster Welcome Party.

WORDS BY COLIN HALL // PHOTOS BY OWNERS & CREW OF YOHOHO

Vortec Marine sponsored the two races on Tuesday, interspersed with a lunch stop in Osborne Bay. Wednesday opened with a surprise visit from David Tydeman on the magnificent Oyster 825, Reina. Racing was sponsored by Stella Maris Yachts and Dolphin Sails and, with a planned passage to Yarmouth and no wind, CRO Graham Nixon shortened course and moved the start line to Beaulieu. Having finished at the George Hotel buoy off Yarmouth, fittingly dinner was at The George after the day prizes were awarded by Chris Gillingham of Stella Maris at the Royal Solent YC. Overall, positions were very close with three separate winners in each of the three races in each Class.

Thursday’s race was predominantly downwind and down tide to Cowes with some windward work in the Eastern Solent on the way and some close racing. As requested by the ladies, the fleet moored up in Cowes in good time to dress for the prize-giving and dinner on the platform at the Royal Yacht Squadron, with the day’s prizes presented by James Kellett of Pelagos Yachts. At this stage just one point separated each of the big boats, with a tie in Class 2, but a discard would kick-in on Race 5 back to Hamble. A multi-leg course around the Central Solent was set and the wind built to 25 knots as the day wore on. Back at the Southern, David Tydeman and ViceCommodore, Karen Henderson-Williams, awarded the day prizes at the champagne reception sponsored by Oyster.

Overall and even after discards, the places were only a point apart in Class 1, won by Great Bear V, while a tie break was still necessary to place YoHoHo ahead of Mythos in Class 2.

OVERALL RESULTS Class 1 Great Bear V Infiniti of Cowes Sotto Vento

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Class 2 YoHoHo Mythos Maverick Degree of Latitude Little Morten Adastra

OYSTER REGATTA PALMA 2016 RECORD ENTRY AT OYSTER’S 38TH REGATTA. A record entry of 43 boats and a total of 350 competitors at the Oyster Regatta Palma 2016, 4th-8th October, created a big sensation around town.

This stunning gathering of world class Oyster yachts that range from 45ft100ft took centre stage at the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP) for this unique, five-day annual event.

Now in its 12th year, Palma is naturally a popular choice of regatta location for Oyster crews, but there is no doubt that Oyster’s unique model that combines both club/ family racers and professional race teams in what is affectionately known as the ‘Oyster family’, is the key to the event’s success.

If the festival spirit atmosphere at the Skippers’ Briefing and opening cocktail party in the sumptuous setting at the RCNP is anything to go by, this the Oyster Regatta Palma 2016 was going to be one to remember. Hundreds of guests enjoyed fine Oyster hospitality and there was a distinct air of excitement as teams of all abilities chatted about the prospects of their first day of racing.

While the likes of professional teams such as Firebird – on the sparkling new Oyster 885-07 (MLT) sailed by Team Firebird Ocean Limited are keen to see how they perform in Class 1 after their recent second place at the Superyacht Cup, Hans Kampers Mareka of Holland – Oyster 49PH-33 (NED) said he was happy just to take part.

Kampers, who is sailing with his daughter Renne, plus their sailing Flatcoat Retriever – Ruby – hopes at least to win the Hot Dog prize! Kampers commented: “Ruby won it three years ago, so she is going for it again this year. She loves racing, and feels particularly safe with her doggie lifejacket.”

WORDS BY SUE PELLING // PHOTOS BY MARTÍNEZ STUDIO

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RACE DAY ONE // RACE ONE // SPONSORED BY RAYMARINE SPARKLING OPENER AT OYSTER’S 38TH RECORD BREAKING REGATTA.

crucial first stages of the race. However, in the overall standings on corrected time, it was Guardian Angel (RUS) sailed by Maxim

The opening day of racing got off to a good start in light but tactically testing conditions.

Kudryashov and team on their super-tuned Oyster 885-04 whose

The Bay of Palma provided the perfect playground for the 43-strong fleet of Oysters

impressive teamwork, gave them the edge. In the testing conditions

gathered for this annual regatta at RCNP.

they were able to beat Eddie Jordan’s Lush – Oyster 885-01 skippered by Tim Beebe (IRE) by just 30 seconds on corrected time.

This record fleet of Oysters fought it out under the bright Mediterranean sun. Thanks to David Tydeman’s course-setting expertise in the light, tricky conditions, all four

Commenting on his win Kudryashov from St. Petersburg, said: “It was

classes completed a short, but enjoyable first of a four-race/three-to-count series.

a difficult race and tough and we made mistakes but tomorrow we will fix that. We could be faster but we actually had a great sail and

Tydeman (Oyster Group CEO – Event Chairman/Race Officer) managed to run the

thoroughly enjoyed it. We have only practiced beforehand for a few

four-class sequence under the Oyster Observed Performance System (aka OOPS)

days so we need a bit of time to get up to speed.”

successfully in the 5-8 knots breeze, although the sea breeze did drop off earlier than expected. Tydeman commenting on the day, said: “It was quite a complicated one. I set

Rory and Susie McGrath sailing Dalliance – Oyster 62-15 (GBR)

a far too ambitious course in the sense I was expecting the sea breeze to come in much

sailed well throughout the race and, after a good tactical move up the

stronger but it didn’t. This meant the fleet was going about two thirds of the speed

final beat, were able to win Class 3 by an impressive four minutes on

that I assumed so, that combined with dying breeze at around 16:30 we shortened the

corrected time over Richard Smith’s Sotto Vento – Oyster 655-

course significantly but at least got a race in, so I am pleased with the first day.”

07 (GBR). Commenting on his first race win Rory McGrath said: “We chose the inshore route on the last beat where there was

In the light breeze with winds reaching no more than 11 knots throughout the day,

more breeze, out to the right. That was where I believe we won

there were some exciting starts with plenty of barging in at the committee boat end

the race. The crew worked well, we kept our eyes out the boat

of the line. Starry Night team – Oyster 82-14 (GBR) in Class 1 – was one of few to

but most of all we had a bit of luck, and lots of fun, of course.”

demonstrate a perfect port start, on the biased line, and was able to inch ahead in the

44 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Racing was extremely close in Class 3 with just a couple of minutes between the top five boats on corrected time. The star of the show in class however, after their amazing comeback having sailed the wrong course was Eric and Ann Alfredson and team on Lisanne – Oyster 575-29 (SWE). This west coast of Sweden-based team, who are in Palma sailing with a couple of close friends, was delighted to have started the regatta on such an interesting note. Eric Alfredson said: “We led the race but then on the second leg we went to the wrong mark, so we were last. Then on the downwind leg we managed to overtake the other boats in the class and sail into the lead once again. It was all down to good teamwork and, I believe we gained extra speed from goose-winging our kite. That allowed us to sail straight to the mark rather than gybing all the way down the run.”

In second place in Class 3 was the well-sailed Oyster 575-15 (GBR) Calliope – owned and skippered by Charles Manby from Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

Hugh Johnson and team Nikitoo II – Oyster 54-19 (GBR) made an excellent start in Class 4 so it wasn’t particularly surprising to find them winning their class by well over five minutes on corrected time. Ostra – Oyster 53-23 (GBR) Ritchie Gatt and team finished second from Peter Blackmore’s Pied Piper – Oyster 49-12A (GBR).

Raymarine were the proud sponsors of Race Day One of the Regatta and the ‘First Over the Line’ prizes were presented by Pantaenius.

The prize for the youngest team member in the fleet, who sailed an exceptional first race went to seven-year-old Olivia Hales sailing with her family on her grandfather’s boat Capella of London. Olivia is one of David Hales’ four grandchildren and was happy to win this coveted prize. “I love sailing and love helping out. My main jobs are tidying up the ropes and loading the winches, and sometimes I have a go at helming. I think sailing is great for young children mostly because it is fun.”

There was certainly no shortage of fun at last night’s grand cocktail party and glitzy banquet at the historic Son Termes finca, which rounded off a glorious first day at the Oyster Regatta. This is a historic finca founded by Oliver de Termes, knight of King James I in the 13th century. It is now a popular venue for Majorcan culture and fine cuisine. >>

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 45

RACE DAY TWO // RACE TWO // SPONSORED BY LEWMAR CONDITIONS FAIL TO DAMPEN OYSTER FAMILY’S SPIRITS. Thunder, lightning, sun, rain, flat calm, winds up to 20kts, and extreme wind shifts

and we seemed to solve the whole thing and were less than a minute

seemed the perfect recipe for a disastrous day on the water. Thankfully, however, it

from winning Class 1 overall. So actually it was a really good day.”

wasn’t to be. Instead, the race committee, led by David Tydeman, once again managed to defy nature and pull off yet another successful day at the Oyster Palma Regatta (Race

In Class 2 Vladimir Baksheev and team on Lady Mariposa –

Day Two) sponsored by Lewmar. Even the threat of rain at the dockside cocktail party

Oyster 625-05 (RUS) demonstrated some extremely impressive

after racing at RCNP, failed to dampen the spirits of the 350 competitors who had more

boat speed today, and managed to beat David and Joanne Furby’s

than a few tales to tell after a testing day on the water.

Oyster 625-06 (GBR) Vamos by nearly four minutes on corrected time. Baksheev enjoying the festival atmosphere at the dockside

One of the most notable stories of the day was the heroic antics that took place aboard

cocktail party after racing, said: “We are delighted to win the

Andrey Yakunin’s stylish Oyster 885-07 (MLT) Firebird in Class 1. The team made up

class. The teamwork was really good and happy we chose the

of a total of seven nationalities thought their day had ended early when their hydraulics

correct sails for the conditions. The gennaker was a really good

failed. Instead they managed to sail the yacht ‘manually’ and finish second to Maxim

option and we were changing gears all the time to account for

Kudryashov’s impressively sailed Guardian Angel – Oyster 885-04 (RUS). After two

the shifty conditions. I think that’s what won us the race.”

races Guardian Angel leads Class 1 in the four-race, three-to-count series.

A third for Richard Smith’s Sotto Vento – Oyster 655-07 (GBR) is Jesper Bank, calling tactics on Firebird commented, “Although the hydraulics issue was

enough for this Oyster Regatta-regular to retain the overnight leading

a minor technical issue it turned out to be a really great team experience because we

position in class by just 0.25pts from Lady Mariposa.

seemed to solve all the issues of sailing a heavy boat like that with our bare hands.

When it happened we thought we’d see how we get on and see if we can make the next

Elsewhere in Class 2, the Swedes aboard Henrik Nyman’s

manoeuvre, then see if we could get the jib out, then see if we could sheet on the main,

Oyster 625-09 (SWE) Delicia managed to retain their fun

46 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

spirit despite losing their early advantage after a cracking start and first beat.

Retired mechanical engineer, Ritchie Gatt from Sussex in the UK

They also suffered gear failure when the electric winches stopped working, and

on Ostra – Oyster 53-23 (GBR) – is also sailing with family but

like many yesterday, they suffered in the large shifts and holes in the Bay.

has a couple of permanent crew in preparation for the forthcoming

Although they gained a bit back on the last run, they had to settle for sixth.

ARC. With a second, and first place in Class 4 on day two, Team Ostra are now one point ahead of Hugh Johnson and his team

Nyman commented: “Our winches failing took us down a bit, but we sorted it and

on Oyster 54-19 (GBR) – Nikitoo II. Praising his crew after

had a really fun day. We had a good start and flew off the start line and were able

yesterday’s win, Gatt said: “The key to our win today was a very

maintain speed as well as pointing well. One of the best bits of the race was the

good start, we were pointing well and had good speed. The most

last few 100 metres to the finish when, in the holey wind, we managed to coax

important thing in today’s tricky conditions, however, was teamwork

Delicia all the way down the run by using the asymmetric spinnaker as a Code

particularly during kite hoists and drops. We are now looking

Zero. Although naturally it is good to do well, what is important is enjoying the

forward to the next race when things should start to hot up.”

time spent on the water with friends. That is something we never fail on.”

On the progress of the event so far, after two days, Tydeman said: Fellow Swedish sailors Eric and Ann Alfredson and their good friends on Lisanne –

“I am absolutely delighted that despite the incredibly tricky conditions,

Oyster 575-29 (SWE), continued their winning ways in Class 3 yesterday and now

we’ve managed to complete two good days of racing. The positive vibe

lead their class with two days to go. They started well, had a good beat and led at

throughout the record-breaking 43-strong fleet is tremendous.

the windward mark. Although their race was shortened after one round, Alfredson

I am particularly delighted that Oyster’s ethos of promoting Corinthian

confessed he thought the decision to shorten was a good one. “Although at the time

sailors as well as professionals, is as strong today as it has ever been.” >>

we would have liked a second round, I think it was a good move to shorten. Two hours in those conditions was more than enough. The team is sailing well and I think they are getting better by the minute, which is why we are doing so well.”

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 47

RACE DAY THREE // RACE THREE // SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS WINNERS BEGIN TO EMERGE AFTER A GLORIOUS DAY ON THE WATER. Conditions on the third day produced some of the best racing seen so far this week. In scorching sunshine and generally more consistent, steady winds, which ranged from 7-10 knots, the 37 teams had an enjoyable challenging race, which put tactical racing skills to the test once again on the Bay of Palma.

Racing was close in most of the four classes; in some cases just over a minute separating boats on corrected time including Class 1 where Maxim Kudryashov’s Guardian Angel, Oyster 885-04 (RUS), beat Eddie Jordan’s Lush, Oyster 885-01 (IRE), by just eight seconds on corrected time in a three hour race.

Slightly further down the fleet in fifth place today, but equally competitive was John Noble’s brand-new, American-flagged Graycious, Oyster 745-03 (USA) who beat her sistership Satori by just 13 seconds. Although Noble was sadly not on board due to work commitments back in the USA, the team headed by Rob Spets the skipper, said they are really enjoying the useful time learning about the boat.

“We took delivery of this new boat in July so we are loving it. It is a lot more fun to sail than the old generation boat we previously had. We have funky sails and it is just a little more responsive, and best of all in lumpy seas she just hammers through the waves.

“Although it looks racy with its carbon rigging and black winches, we didn’t go crazy because it is still a cruising boat. We wanted a Superyacht but without all the super-crazy systems. We’ve kept it simple.

“It is disappointing that John the owner who normally helms is not here.

Without him we have lost one of our good guys, so we are trying to do our best. The regatta has been a lot of fun so far with challenging conditions in the bay but one of the best parts of the Oyster Regattas is being out there and meeting happy people that are attracted to this unique regatta.”

One of the two boats to take advantage of the port-biased line was Tiger – Oyster 625-04 (MLT) sailed by Simon Pillar and team. This team executed a perfect port tack start, took the early favoured right-hand side of the course, and pulled out just enough of a lead to win her class by just seven seconds on corrected time from Lady Mariposa – Oyster 625-05 (RUS).

Commenting on Tiger’s impressive piece of sailing, Pillar said: “We knew it was going to be close and we are delighted, particularly because at 12:30 there was no wind. I think I put our win down to making all the right tactical decisions at all the key points. The port tack gave us clear air, and then we initially headed up the right-hand side of the course, which paid handsomely and was definitely the way to go. We continued for a good while and tacked back at the exact right time when we saw the others being lifted under the cliffs. The benefit of going out on that port tack meant we only put in two tacks to get to the windward mark.” >>

48 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 49

RACE DAY FOUR // RACE FOUR // SPONSORED BY PELAGOS YACHTS STUNNING CONDITIONS MARK THE END OF A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL REGATTA. the last downwind leg without spinnaker, which meant Firebird Participants were treated to spectacular conditions on the final day. Although winds

beat them by seven seconds. This last minute place change put

reached no more than 11 knots throughout the day, it was more consistent than it had

Firebird ahead of Eddie Jordan’s Lush – Oyster 885-01 (IRE) in

been all week, and the 37 teams competing were treated to exciting racing that resulted

the overall standings, while Guardian Angel took the overall win.

in some extremely close finishes in the overall standings.

The grand awards ceremony at the El Nuevo Pueblo Español – Palacio de The huge, record-breaking fleet of Oysters ranging from 46ft family yachts to sparkling

Congresos, one of Palma’s landmark 20th century Spanish architectural

new professionally-led 885s, powering downwind towards the leeward mark under

buildings, gave crews, guests and VIPs a chance to enjoy the final lavish

spinnaker, was a sight to behold and the perfect end to what has been, arguably, the most

evening of Oyster hospitality and share their regatta experiences.

successful regatta to date.

Vladimir Baksheev and his team on Lady Mariposa – Oyster 625-05 One of the closest finishes was in Class 1 between Firebird – Oyster 885-07 (MLT)

(RUS), received plenty of applause for their impressive performance

– Firebird Ocean Limited and Maxim Kudryashov’s Guardian Angel – Oyster 885-

in Class 2 this week, which included two firsts and a second place.

04 (RUS). The team on Guardian Angel however, had their work cut out to retain

Their final race win was enough to clinch the top spot overall from

a top position in the final race after they ripped their spinnaker. They had to sail

Richard Smith’s British Sotto Vento – Oyster 655-07 (GBR).

50 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Racing in this 10-strong class yesterday was extremely close with Cascina Int Ltd’s iSNL – Oyster 655-11 (FIN) only one point ahead of David and Joanna Furby’s Vamos – Oyster 625-06 (GBR) in third place.

The Swedish husband and wife team – Eric and Ann Alfredson, and friends Lars and Birgitta on Lisanne – Oyster 575-29 (SWE), in Class 3 were always in contention this week with their three firsts and a second.

Commenting on the regatta, Alfredson said: “We are really happy about our win, this is the first time in our new boat. We had good crew work and the ambience on board was fantastic. I think that helped a lot. As far as tuning the boat goes, we haven’t done anything, it is just a standard model.”

Another really well sailed boat was Ostra – Oyster 53-23 (GBR) crewed by Ritchie Gatt and friends in Class 4. This team, who are using the regatta to ‘iron out any creases’ before the start of the ARC next month managed to keep the ever-threatening Peter Blackmore and team on Pied Piper – Oyster 49-12A (GBR) at bay. Although Team Pied Piper won the final race from Hugh Johnson on Nikitoo II – Oyster 54-19 (GBR), by just over a minute, Ostra sneaked ahead on the overall scoreboard by 1.25pts.

In his rounding up of the event, David Tydeman said the regatta has beaten all expectations: “It really has been one of the best regattas to date and we seemed to have achieved what we set out to do, in terms of attracting not only a large fleet but also a diverse fleet. From newcomers to sailing, those who’ve never raced before to a selection of professional teams, this regatta has never been more accessible and we hope to welcome even more new Oyster owners to our next regatta.”

The next Oyster Regatta Palma runs 26th-30th September 2017.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 51

OVERALL RESULTS

PALMA 2016

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Guardian Angel

885-04

Maxim Kudryashov

2 nd

Firebird

885-07

Firebird Ocean Limited

3 rd

Lush

885-01

Tim Beebe

4 th

Starry Night

82-14

Starry Yachts

5 th

Graycious

745-03

John Noble

6 th

Satori

745-01

Serida Trading

7 th

Maegan

825-03

Marja de Pundert

8 th

Bare Necessities

82-01

Bare Necessities Ltd / Matt Newing

9 th

Clare

885-03

Sir Frank Chapman

10 th

Mathilda Sound

82-15

Mathilda Sound

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

2

1 st

Lady Mariposa

625-05

Vladimir Baksheev

2 nd

Sotto Vento

665-07

Richard Smith

3 rd

Vamos

625-06

David & Joanne Furby

4 th

Tiger

625-04

Simon Pillar

5

iSNL

655-11

Cascina Int Ltd

6 th

Dalliance

62-15

Rory & Susie McGrath

7 th

Rock Oyster

655-13

John Marshall

8th

Delicia

625-09

Henrik Nyman

9 th

Black Lion

625-03

Edgar Rumble

10 th

Flying Spirit

625-07

Rudolf Kägi

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

3

1 st

Lisanne

575-29

Eric & Ann Alfredson

2 nd

Angels' Share

575-31

Nick Blazquez

3 rd

Calliope

575-15

Charles Manby

4 th

Asante

56-56

Andrew Walters

5 th

Safiya

575-35

Harvey Death

6 th

Oyster Blew

56-23

David Barlow

7 th

Capella of London

575-32

David & Susan Hales

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

4

1 st

Ostra

53-53

Ritchie Gatt

2 nd

Pied Piper

49-12a

Peter Blackmore

3 rd

Nikitoo II

54-19

Hugh Johnson

4 th

Sara Blue V

54-11

Charles Bilson

5 th

Distraction

53-50

Simon Charles Tysoe

6 th

Solway Mist

46-08

Christian Pizarro

7 th

Venture

53-48

Nigel Betts

8 th

Iridescent

54-14

Andrew Fowles

9 th

Mareka of Holland

49PH-33

Hans Kamper

10 th

Nutcracker

53-18

Simon Timm

th

View the full day-by-day results on our website: www.oysteryachts.com/oyster-regatta-palma-2016

52 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

CLASS 1 WINNERS, GUARDIAN ANGEL

CLASS 2 WINNERS, LADY MARIPOSA

CLASS 3 WINNERS, LISANNE

CLASS 4 WINNERS, OSTRA

OYSTER REGATTA BERMUDA 2018

DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES: 7th-12th MAY 2018 The 41st Oyster Regatta will be welcomed to Bermuda by the island’s Tourism Authority whose Chief Executive has committed his team to giving the fleet a wonderful combination of glorious sailing and fine dining on this historic island. Also welcomed by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, we have mapped out a programme that will offer four days of Corinthian racing around three different parts of the island. May is the best month of year we’re told; sunshine and sailing winds but without the humidity of June and July, later in the summer.

was where it all started around 500 years ago and the prize-giving

Starting in the capital city of Hamilton with racing in the Great Sound, the event will

Give yourselves time to enjoy this visit. The island will make us very

include private parties in art galleries, amazing forts, the landmark Commissioner’s

welcome and sponsorship has been secured to ensure this will be a

House and the historic Naval Dockyard. Race three will take the fleet around to St.

very memorable event in the history of Oyster Regattas.

party – after a final race off the spectacular South-Eastern coastline – will be inside the St. George’s World Heritage Centre.

Around 750nm due north from the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda is only a little left of track for those yachts en route from a Caribbean season to the Mediterranean and just a little right of track for those heading to the Eastern Seaboard USA.

George at the Eastern end of the island. ‘St. George’s Towne’, as it was once known,

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 53

RACE ONE //

RACE TWO //

ZONE 1 // ROUND THE BUOYS IN THE GREAT SOUND

ZONE 1 // ALSO ROUND THE BUOYS IN THE GREAT SOUND

Where the 2017 America’s Cup is being held, anything that is an

Yachts leave their berths at the RBYC and end the day in new berthing

obstruction in the Great Sound is clearly marked.

at the Naval Dockyard. A chance to walk around the historic dockyard and an evening party in the amazing ‘Commissioner’s House’. The

Yachts leave their berths at the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club (RBYC) and

government at the time was so frustrated by money being sent across

return there at the end of the day’s racing. The evening event will be

for various investments ‘going astray’ that the Commissioner’s House

looking down across the Sound from the heights of Fort Hamilton.

was built completely in England in wrought iron and sent as a kit of parts to be assembled in Bermuda.

54 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

RACING ZONES

ZONE 2

ZONE 1

ZONE 3

RACE THREE //

RACE FOUR //

ZONE 2 // YACHTS HEAD THROUGH THE NARROWS ALONG NORTH SHORE TO ZONE 2 - ‘MURRAYS ANCHORAGE’

ZONE 3 // THE RACE WILL START AND FINISH JUST OFF THE ST. GEORGE’S HARBOUR ENTRANCE

We’ll set some marks to complement the channel’s marks and enjoy

After a lay-day for yachts to enjoy St. George’s, its 500-year history and

a great day where the J-Class yachts will be racing during the 2017

the surrounding beautiful scenery and golf courses, race four, weather-

America’s Cup.

permitting, will start and finish just off the harbour entrance. The course will be set in Zone 3 taking in the spectacular coastline and racing where

At the end of the day, yachts continue clockwise around the island to

the Superyacht Regatta of the 2017 America’s Cup event is being held.

St. George’s followed by some more fine dining in the Tempest Restaurant.

Locations of racing and events may be subject to change. For the latest information about the Oyster Regatta Bermuda 2018, visit the events page on www.oysteryachts.com.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 55

www.astonmartin.com/DB11 Ofcial government fuel consumption gures in litres/100km (mpg) for the Aston Martin DB11: urban 16.6 (17); extra urban 8.5 (33.2); combined 11.4 (24.8). CO2 emissions 265 g/km. The mpg/fuel economy gures quoted are sourced from ofcial regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not reect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load and driving style.

// OWNER STORY

THE FULL CIRCLE BUBBLES AND WAVES

KARIN & LEO NAGTEGAAL OYSTER 625 // BUBBLES There are many ways to sail the world and Leo Nagtegaal is enjoying an especially delightful extended circumnavigation, having begun in 2013 on Oyster 56 Duchess and now sailing aboard Oyster 625 Bubbles, commissioned for collection en route. As the following extract from Leo’s Alaskan blog illustrates, he and partner Karin thoroughly enjoy the wild side of bluewater cruising.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN // PHOTOS BY KARIN & LEO NAGTEGAAL

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 57

“As we entered Glacier Bay National Park I called in by VHF and was given instructions to remain 1nm out off the coast so as not to disturb

months there we never saw another yacht. The people are so friendly. On our way back to Singapore we will definitely spend another six months there. It is so beautiful, and enormous.”

feeding whales, and then to report to the Rangers’ Station for briefing, after which we anchored in North Finger Bay and set the prawn trap

Leo, Karin and Indonesian crew Zubair struck out west and south with the fleet. “When

and crab trap. Visiting the park is not only for the glaciers and natural

I bought Duchess I was pretty green and inexperienced,” says Leo. “Sailing with friends

beauty, it is for the wildlife. That evening we were lucky. We saw three

you never have the responsibility, there is always someone looking over your shoulder.

wolves. First one and later two, walking nervously, as it seemed, along

So, sailing around Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, that helped me a lot. But I had never

the edge of the forest, looking for prey, I assume. The next morning

made an ocean crossing. The Oyster World Rally was my introduction, it was an excellent

we lifted the traps. No luck with the crab trap but 18 prawns in the

way, sailing as a group of experienced people. Some very experienced, some less so.”

other. Mostly smaller ones and not enough for a meal, but together with previous catches they will do. We pulled anchor and motored further into

The pre-event seminars had helped. “They were good, I learned a lot, really gave me

Glacier Bay…” Leo Nagtegaal – Bubbles, Oyster 625-12, 30th July 2016.

the confidence to start on this voyage,” says Leo. “And by the time we were in Antigua, celebrating the end of the rally, I was confident that I could do the rest on my own.”

Commitment to business had long barred Leo from yacht ownership until,

The rest being a long, slow circumnavigation taking more years than have yet passed.

divesting from his global enterprise in 2008, new opportunities opened.

Though still CEO, now, after having enjoyed just others’ boats, there was,

Leo arrived at Oyster for his voyaging via a neighbour. “A yacht owner much taken by

as Leo says, light at the end of the tunnel. He commissioned Oyster 56

Oyster, he always passed on the copies of the Oyster magazine he received and it’s from this

Duchess which, completed in 2009, was shipped home to Singapore from

I bought my first yacht! I’ve never looked back. I enjoy the boat so much, the quality, and

where sailing Malaysia was enjoyed until taking full retirement in 2012.

the after sales is excellent. These people, Sarah Harmer and her whole team, supporting

Then began a year of preparation to join the Oyster World Rally in Bali,

owners so well right out in the field. It is a very strong reason to buy an Oyster.”

with five months alone cruising the idyllic waters of Indonesia before that.

And even a second one, en route, as Leo explains, “The 56 is a beautiful boat, a very good “It is an absolutely beautiful country,” enthuses Leo, “yet so poorly

ocean going yacht, very steady, strong, safe and seaworthy but we thought, as we’d be

explored by the yachting community. You do see yachts from Australia

pretty much living aboard nine months of the year for the next five, six or seven years,

and New Zealand and the odd European, but not many. In our first three

we’d like just a little more space. So then we ordered the 625 and the rest is history!”

The new Bubbles was specified and in build even before Karin and Leo had set out for Indonesia, let alone crossed the Indian and Atlantic oceans to arrive in Antigua in March 2014. When the rally celebrations concluded, it was time to spin back east to England and Oyster’s Ipswich shipyard. There it was farewell Duchess, hello Bubbles, and quickly away on the new 625 for two months cruising Holland before heading to

58 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Spain, Portugal, Madeira, Las Palmas and then Suriname before a year in the Caribbean. Then the big new push came in January last year, 2016, with Leo and Karin transiting the Panama Canal.

“We cruised a while in Las Perlas and then sailed direct from Panama to Canada and up to Alaska to Glacier Bay. We really so enjoyed the west coast of Canada and Alaska. It is such spectacular scenery and such a beautiful sailing area, although I should say ‘boating’ as with all the Fjords you’re sailing in between mountains with the winds mostly straight on the bow or right behind. So you do a lot of motoring!”

With the scenery as it is and so much to see, the decision was made to stay north another year, over-wintering, in-water, in Victoria. “It was 5,600 miles sailing from Panama to Victoria in Canada. It’s almost five weeks at sea, and not the easiest conditions. You don’t do that a second time,” Leo says, half laughing. “This season we’re going further north.”

When first ordering the new build, Leo had not known they were headed for the Arctic and had focused specification on the tropics, later making only small changes along the way as the new cold climate destinations dawned. But as Leo says, “It’s not a problem at all for a ‘normal’ Oyster to go to Alaska. It’s not really cold at 60°N. We had times we could be in swimming gear all day. This time we go to Valdez and Anchorage, a little colder but still no problem.”

Then there’s the time when human hand reaches out to connect. Leo paints the picture well, “During the Oyster World Rally we were moored

In Leo’s tropical specification a hard-top bimini was fitted and this proved

off St Helena, we had done the touristy thing ashore and coming back

invaluable also in these high latitudes, with the roll-down side screens

to the boat in the water taxi we saw these huge fins. The taxi guy

providing shelter from wind and spray as well as sun and creating extra

said, ‘Oh, the whale sharks, they come for four/six weeks then go.

living space.

No-one knows where.’ They’re plankton feeders, the biggest fish in the

The advantage, though, Leo describes as huge. “Not counting the

snorkelling gear, held on to them and swam with them. They were so

100 and 125 this was the first Oyster to have a fixed bimini,” he says

gentle, I would almost say friendly. It was a really amazing experience.”

world, 16-18 metres. They were so close, we jumped in the water with

and explains, “I’ve sailed the tropics for years before with my bimini never coming down, so why not a fixed bimini, and with solar voltaic panels on top. We looked at how much power could be supplied this way and it was so much more than expected. With Duchess I had to run the generator twice a day for three hours plus. Now on Bubbles it’s just once every three days. That’s 84% less running time, fuel and noise. It’s absolutely one of the best decisions I made on Bubbles.”

The environment, managed and wild, figures highly in Leo’s and Karin’s exploits. And to be at the environment’s heart in the manner only bluewater cruising enables is acknowledged as a real and rare privilege, “One we enjoy every day,” says Leo, “we are living the dream, we see so

“THE 56 IS A BEAUTIFUL BOAT, A VERY GOOD OCEAN-GOING YACHT, VERY STEADY, STRONG, SAFE AND SEAWORTHY BUT WE THOUGHT, AS WE’D BE PRETTY MUCH LIVING ABOARD NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR FOR THE NEXT FIVE, SIX OR SEVEN YEARS, WE’D LIKE JUST A LITTLE MORE SPACE. SO THEN WE ORDERED THE 625 AND THE REST IS HISTORY!”

many things. We’ve seen grizzly bears with their cubs, and catching salmon, even a rare blue Glacier Bear close up, eagles fishing, whales

Four years in and only half way around, Leo and Karin look set for

breaching. This is unique here in the north. Here if we see a whale in the

many further wild adventures. This year more Alaska, next year French

distance we don’t even call it anymore as you would on an ocean crossing.

Polynesia and then on to New Zealand, and of course that second, long

You see so many every day. Surrounded by them sometimes. A couple

sojourn in Indonesia. Seems they have life mapped. Leo calls it his

of times too close. We stopped and watched from a distance but all of a

fourth career. Nice job!

sudden the whole pod moved toward then all around us. One almost hit but didn’t.”

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 59

SET SAIL WITH CONFIDENCE At Oyster, we believe in a lifetime of support worldwide, and work hard to provide the best customer service in our industry. Our aim is to provide a complete and comprehensive service to every Oyster yacht, regardless of its age or condition.

Our Oyster Service Centres have been established to provide additional support in key locations to all our Oyster owners.

Our experienced and professional team are proud to deliver a wide range of support services to assist with the following:

• Guardienage • Maintenance • Technical and Engineering Works • Refit Management • Anti-Fouling • Haul-out • Spares and Supplies • Berthing Arrangements

“We are joint owners of Oyster 655, Meteorite. We bought the boat in order primarily to participate in the Oyster World Rally 2017-19. Our key concern was to find an organisation that could help us prepare fully for long term cruising including fitting out the boat and crew training. We chose Oyster Service Centre, Palma, firstly for the convenience of the location and secondly for their knowledge and experience with Oysters.

Mark Durham leads a team of around 16 professional engineers, riggers, fitters, boat builders. What we got was expert advice that was right first time – rare in the boat world, but also seriously good professionals that do what they say they will do on time and to budget.

The operation is managed with professional diligence, and we were kept updated and informed all the way. We were often working to tight deadlines and never missed one. Specialist, proven suppliers were recommended when required, and in our experience were always excellent. The Service Centre team oversees the suppliers’ work, so ensuring all parties work well together.

As first time Oyster owners, who are going round the world without professional help, it was also important that we understood how to do a lot of the jobs ourselves. The Service Centre team in Palma have been wonderfully patient in helping us learn and achieve this. The proof is in the result: we sailed as first timers across the Atlantic in a boat almost 10 years old. Nothing broke, failed, snapped or wore loose. A testament to the superb OSC Palma crew; we can’t recommend them highly enough and feel ready and confident to start the Rally. When we return we will have no hesitation in putting Meteorite into their hands again.”

Hugh Bishop/Andy Davis – co-owners Oyster 655, Meteorite

S E R V I C E

C E N T R E

oysteryachts.com

UK, IPSWICH oli.brett@oysteryachts.com 60 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

USA, NEWPORT will.white@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA mark.durham@oysteryachts.com

UK, SOUTHAMPTON steve.colley@oysteryachts.com

// OWNER STORY

55 DAYS AT SEA. DESTINATION: ALASKA

STEPHEN & DEBBIE GRATTON OYSTER 53 // AMELIE Stephen and Debbie Gratton were set up by friends on a ‘Blind Date’ because of their love of sailing.

Debbie’s previous sailing experience included charter holidays in the Caribbean and Mediterranean and owning a 40-footer for sailing in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay. Stephen sailed dinghies from an early age before getting the cruising bug with a Cornish Crabber 24. Offshore, Stephen finished third in the 2005 OSTAR and the following year competed in the Sydney-Hobart on a chartered yacht with his son, Tom. Stephen retired his partnership in Ernst & Young in 2008 and his non-executive directorships in 2012 to move as a liveaboard, with Debbie, onto their Oyster 53, Amelie. This is what they have to say about life at sea.

WORDS & PHOTOS BY STEPHEN & DEBBIE GRATTON

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 61

It’s now ten years since we commissioned the building of our Oyster 53, Amelie.

We based our decision on Oyster’s reputation for after-care service and as a result of our sailing trial we were more than satisfied with the sailing performance and delighted by the accommodation that she would provide for us to live aboard.

We’ve not regretted our choice some 53,000nm later.

WE ALSO ENJOYED BEING PART OF THE OYSTER COMMUNITY, AND AS RESULT OF THE WORLD R ALLY HAVE BUILT LASTING FRIENDSHIPS. We took delivery of Amelie in Ipswich and having spent the spring and summer in the Channel Islands we then sailed her to the Canary Islands where she would stay for the next four years whilst we both finished off our careers in the UK. We had never really thought about a rally. When we heard that Oyster were organising the World Rally we decided that, the experience of being with like-minded owners and also testing some of places we would want to visit, we would sign up. In the 15 months we had 166 days at sea, 289 days in port visiting 16 countries and travelled 26,400nm. Our longest at sea being Cape Town to Salvador in 23 days. We were one of the two boats who sailed two-handed. What was gained from doing the rally? Firstly we had a lot of fun both at the Oyster organised parties but also in the impromptu parties between the boats. Thanks to Eddie Scougall, we also learnt a lot about maintaining and looking after Amelie in remote places which has been part of our learning curve in building confidence to do longer ocean passages. We also enjoyed being part of the Oyster community, and as result of the World Rally have built lasting friendships.

How do you follow a fantastic experience like the World Rally? We were certainly nervous about dropping out of the community and being on our own. We made some fantastic new friends, Clive and Ju, on Oyster 406, Sephina and Peter and Wendy who live in Grenada and decided to prolong our Caribbean sailing by visiting all the islands which thus far we’d missed. We also had a party to celebrate a special birthday for Stephen with nine Oyster World Rally boats represented at Ile Des Saintes which ended up spinning on for a month! We were enjoying our independence.

62 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Our master-plan had been to transit the Panama Canal and get back to the Marquesas where we’d only spent eight days on the Rally. Our very good friend Leo on Oyster 625, Bubbles was going to celebrate a special birthday in Victoria, BC and after some careful thought we decided to turn right out of the Canal and explore Alaska for the summer before joining him for his birthday. Panama to Canada is 6,000nm and if you want to sail it, you spend half the trip aiming at Hawaii. We got becalmed at the start and made little progress for the first week. The progress we’d made by motoring had left us shy of where we wanted to be with fuel supplies, but on day six Bubbles made a mid-ocean fuel delivery with two 60 litre diesel cans – that’s what you call friends. We battled the North Pacific Ocean with its weather systems, currents and falling temperatures, fixed boat issues as we went along, celebrated 1,000nm stages and enjoyed the majesty of sailing together. Before we knew it, 55 days had passed and we were checking into Sidney, BC. The lure of Alaska was the wilderness and the wildlife and we were not disappointed. The highlight of the six weeks was our trip to Glacier Bay with friends Peter and Wendy, and David from Oyster 575, Serendipity. Having acclimatised ourselves to the cold we experienced tidal glaciers calving, iceberg dodging and wildlife watching. During our northern adventure we’ve been bluff charged by a young male grizzly, seen a bald eagle swimming ashore with its salmon in tow too heavy to fly with, orcas hunting a harbor porpoise into the shallows, sea otters lounging on their backs clutching their stone tool, a humpback and calf bubble-net feeding right beside Amelie, catching a 30lb salmon on first fishing attempt and grizzly bears pulling salmon out of the streams.

Where next? Haida Gwaii this summer, then San Francisco and onto Hawaii for Christmas, followed by French Polynesia for who knows how long.

Read more on www.yachtamelie.org

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 63

WELCOME TO OYSTER CHARTER Oyster Charter is dedicated to matching client, yacht and crew solely aboard Oyster yachts, for the best of all tailored yacht holidays. Over the years Oyster Charter has organised many superb, bespoke charter holidays. With Oyster yachts spanning from 56 to 125ft (17-38m), we have an impressive fleet to offer the ultimate in flexibility to design the ideal Oyster Charter holiday for you. Whether you wish to cruise the Caribbean with friends, explore the most popular or secluded locations in the Mediterranean or enjoy the stunning east coast of America with your family, we have the right Oyster yacht and crew to meet your needs.

Oyster Charter Manager, Molly Marston established Oyster Charter over ten years ago and having served as crew afloat for ten years prior to that, Molly is well-equipped to create the perfect charter for you. Molly will advise on location, boat and most importantly, ideal crew for your personal tastes and lifestyle. We operate not just as a broker but with the full support of Oyster Yachts and our famed global customer care.

With Oyster Charter you’re not on your own, you’re with the best.

64 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

// CHARTER SUMMER FLEET

TWILIGHT // OYSTER 125 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 8

Summer: Italy, Sicily, Corsica, Sardinia, Palma and Croatia

PENELOPE // OYSTER 100 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 6

Summer: Palma, Corsica, Sardinia and Italy

FIREBIRD // OYSTER 885 Year Built: 2016 Guests: 6

DAMA DE NOCHE // OYSTER 82 Summer: Croatia and Ionians

Year Built: 2008 Guests: 6

Summer: Corsica, Sardinia, Italy and Sicily

CONTACT // MOLLY MARSTON For information on yachts available for charter in winter 2017/18 contact Molly: T: +1 401 846 7400 M: +1 401 225 1216 E: m olly.marston@oysteryachts.com OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 65

BARE NECESSITIES // OYSTER 82 Year Built: 2004 Guests: 6

MAGRATHEA // OYSTER 72 Summer: Croatia

LUSKENTYRE // OYSTER 72 Year Built: 2005 Guests: 6

Summer: US East Coast, Newport to Maine

HURRAH // OYSTER 665 Summer: Italy and Sicily

TIGER // OYSTER 625 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 4

Year Built: 2010 Guests: 6

Year Built: 2010 Guests: 6

Summer: Newport, US East Coast, Newport to Maine

AMANZI // OYSTER 56 Summer: Corsica, Sardinia and South of France

Year Built: 2009 Guests: 4

Summer: Corsica, Sardinia, Italy, Sicily and Palma

CONTACT // MOLLY MARSTON For information on yachts available for charter in winter 2017/18 contact Molly: T: +1 401 846 7400 M: +1 401 225 1216 E: m olly.marston@oysteryachts.com 66 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

the Oyster ‘G6’ Fleet First developed with the Oyster 885 hull in 2011, the ‘G6’ fleet now offers seven models from the new Oyster 565 and Oyster 595 to the Oyster 118.

The ‘G6’ fleet have all benefitted from Oyster’s experience in the Superyacht sector over 24m.

They have all been extensively tank-tested to refine hull shapes with twin rudders and simple yet powerful rig configurations.

They all feature powerful hulls, flush decks, sleek styling and flexibility in the interior design.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 67

OYSTER 565 FOR FAMILY AND SHORTHANDED SAILING WITH A SUPERYACHT FEEL

OYSTER 565: AN OVERVIEW The Oyster 565 is the entry level yacht for the ‘G6’ fleet of seven models up to the

DIMENSIONS

Flagship Oyster 118. Using the latest generation of Oyster hull shapes, developed

Length Overall – (Including Stemhead)

18.09m

59’ 3”

Length of Waterline

15.93m

52’ 3”

Oyster 56 and the Oyster 575, the new Oyster 565 provides the essential fourth cabin

Beam

5.10m

16’ 9”

which can be used as a utility space or for an extra bunk. A generous sail locker and

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

2.50m

8’ 2”

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

1.64m/3.79m

5’ 4”/ 12’ 5”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

25,570kg

56,370lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

27,587kg 60,818lb

with Humphreys Yacht Design, the Oyster 565 is designed for family sailing without professional crew. Developed from years of experience building ~120 versions of the

lazarette, headroom and bunk lengths to match the larger Oyster Superyachts, the 565 can be configured with many different cabin layouts – and for the first time in Oyster – can have the Master Cabin forward and a dinghy garage in the transom (as shown on page 71).

Standard Rig and Spar Type Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling mainsail and non-overlapping headsail.

Available Rig Options

68 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Removable inner storm jib stay, cutter and double headed rigs.

Oyster 565 Sail Plan

Oyster 565 Deck Plan

Oyster 565 Interior Layout

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 69

OYSTER 595 OPTIMISED FOR ISLAND HOPPING OR OCEAN PASSAGES ALIKE

OYSTER 595: AN OVERVIEW Designed to fit between the Oyster 565 and the Oyster 675 as part of a family of three

DIMENSIONS

yachts, the Oyster 595 is a voluminous sub-60 footer that can be handled by just two

Length Overall – (Including Stemhead)

19.26m

63’ 2”

Length of Waterline

16.75m

54’ 11”

aft. Spacious sail lockers and lazarette ensure that this yacht can comfortably cruise

Beam

5.36m

17’ 7”

long distances.

Draft – HPB Keel

2.68m

8’ 10”

Versatile, stylish and a modern hull shape – the perfect family yacht for

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

1.75m/4.04m

5’ 9”/13’ 3”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

30,807kg

67,918lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

33,324kg 73,467lb

people. With many layout options, (including a five cabin version) like its smaller and larger sisters, the Oyster 595 can have the Master Cabin forward and a dinghy garage

ocean adventures.

Standard Rig and Spar Type Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling mainsail and non-overlapping headsail.

Available Rig Options

70 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Removable inner storm jib stay, cutter and double headed rigs.

Dinghy Garage Option

Oyster 595 Sail Plan

Oyster 595 Deck Plan

Oyster 595 Interior Layout

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 71

OYSTER 675 STYLE, FUNCTION AND PASSIONATE PERFORMANCE

OYSTER 675: AN OVERVIEW Designed in line with her larger sleek sister, the Oyster 745, the first Oyster 675 is a

DIMENSIONS

very personal yacht. Significantly larger in volume than her predecessors – the Oyster

Length Overall – (Including Stemhead)

21.07m

69’ 1”

Length of Waterline

18.16m

59’ 7”

designed into this flexible hull form the diversity to focus on smooth cruising or regatta

Beam

5.65m

18’ 6”

results with a carbon rig and hi-tech sails.

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

2.95m

9’ 8”

With two spacious double guest en-suite cabins complementing the full beam Master

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

1.9m/4.48m

6’ 3’’/14’ 8’’

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

37,500kg 82,670lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

42,560kg 93,830lb

655 and 66 – the 675 allows the owners great scope to build a yacht to suit his or her private needs. Performance means different things to different owners, so we have

Cabin and a fourth cabin for crew (with options for en-suite facilities), the Oyster 675 brings together choices to detail the yacht for family, for occasional charter or for long-distance exploring and adventure, with professional help aboard. She is also available with an Owners’ Cabin forward layout.

As with the Oyster 745, there is a choice of rigs and an extended transom version, and with either the swinging centreboard or standard keel, comfortable performance is guaranteed, with reassuring, stable control from twin rudders. She is fast, comfortable and equally suited to long passages or ‘bit between the teeth’ day racing on the Oyster Regatta circuit.

72 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Standard Rig and Spar Type Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling mainsail and

removable inner storm stay.

Available Rig Options

Cutter rig, in-boom furling and double headsail rigs

Oyster 675 Sail Plan

Oyster 675 Deck Plan SAIL PLAN

675

Oyster 675 Interior Layout

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 73

OYSTER 745 ELEGANT, POWERFUL AND INDIVIDUAL

Extended Transom

OYSTER 745: AN OVERVIEW Denoting a sleek evolution of Oyster’s signature performance bluewater cruising yachts,

DIMENSIONS

the Oyster 745 is designed to fit between the ‘family and friends’ Oyster 475–675 and

Length Overall – (Including Stemhead)

22.74m

74’ 7”

Length of Waterline

20.07m

65’ 10”

format and brings a sense of the sailing coupé with her distinctive Deck Saloon, extended

Beam

5.91m

19’ 5”

in clean symmetry with a sheerline that points to power and adventure. The first three

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

3.10m

10’ 2”

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

2.1m/4.75m

6’ 10’’/15’ 7’’

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

52,600kg 115,960lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

57,000kg 125,660lb

the 825–885 with their separate crew quarters. Replacing the highly successful 72/725, of which an impressive 17 were built, the Oyster 745 introduces a new hull, twin rudder

745s are uniquely different – endorsing Oyster’s willingness to customise.

With a choice of rigs, the sail plan can be optimised for fully-crewed regatta speed or kept smaller for short-handed sailing; from carbon rigs and fully battened mainsails to cutter and joystick furling for friends and family sailing. The enabler behind this versatility is Oyster’s new twin-rudder hull configuration from naval architect Rob Humphreys; Oyster and Humphreys Yacht Design are the first ever to have so extensively researched and tank-tested this arrangement solely for performance cruisers.

Standard Rig and Spar Type Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling main Available Rig Options

The extended transom version (pictured above) further increases the practical nature of this latest Oyster design with increased lazarette space for all that essential cruising gear and a magnificent aft deck entertaining space. To suit all international sailing grounds, the Oyster 745 is also available in centreboard or standard keel version.

74 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig and double-headed rig

Extended Transom

Oyster 745 Sail Plan

Oyster 745 Deck Plan

Oyster 745 Interior Layout

Photos show the layout on 745-01

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 75

OYSTER 825 REFINED COMBINATION OF OWNER LUXURY AND CREW UTILITY FOR ‘SIX-STAR’ SERVICE

OYSTER 825: AN OVERVIEW Designed as a very spacious five cabin yacht which can be run with just two crew, this

DIMENSIONS

yacht is a stunning example of a ‘small Superyacht’, which can take her owners and up to

Length Overall – (Including Stemhead)

25.15m

82’ 6”

Length of Waterline

21.97m

72’ 1”

Beam

6.31m

20’ 8”

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

3.42m

11’ 3”

Draft – Shoal Keel (Optional)

2.65m

8’ 8’’

Featuring Oyster’s latest striking contemporary styling, the Oyster 825 is available with a

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

56,000kg 123,460lb

spacious lower saloon or with a raised saloon providing wonderful views out through the

Displacement – Shoal Keel (Optional)

58,205kg 128,320lb

Available Rig Options

In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig and double-headed rig

six guests to luxurious cruising waters and can also be the entry ticket to some fantastic exclusive Superyacht events in some of the best sailing rendezvous in the world.

With seven now sold and many wonderful stories to be recounted by their owners, this yacht is set to outperform her successor, the Oyster 82, of which 17 were built.

above-deck saloon windows. Optimising layout for guest privacy, she has a spacious three-cabin plan in the aft section, with expansive full beam Master Cabin and mirrored Guest Cabins either side of the central corridor, this way enabling, if required, dedicated, separate quarters and working area forward of the saloon for the professional crew to provide a ‘six-star’ service for the owner and guests. An option is just two crew and a fourth Guest Cabin.

A powerful yacht, the Oyster 825 will easily eat up to 250 miles per day on long passages without drawing breath and without disturbing you snuggled up with your favourite book.

76 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

SAIL PLAN

Oyster 825DS Interior Layout

DECK PLAN

825DS

INTERIOR LAYOUT

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

825DS

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced These without drawingswritten are forpermission. promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Oyster 825DS Deck Plan Oyster 825DS Sail Plan

825DS

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 77

OYSTER 885 DESIGNED FOR SAILING THE WORLD’S OCEANS IN GLORIOUS COMFORT

OYSTER 885: AN OVERVIEW The Oyster 885 is the perfect solution for those who wish to share the unmatched pleasure of

broad stern also delivers a high level of form stability and off-wind

cruising aboard such magnificent yachts with the potential to recover some of the investment

potential, helping rattle away the miles in any trade wind passage, her

involved by chartering. Oyster 885-01 took part in the first Oyster World Rally – 30,000

twin rudder configuration tracking true. For slick manoeuvring in

miles in the first 18 months following launch.

harbour she is fitted with both stern and bow thrusters. Detailing as always is individual and the Oyster custom team in Southampton

Designed by Humphreys Yacht Design and the Oyster Design team to the limit of the MCA

will build a very personal yacht for each client.

24m load line length watershed, the Oyster 885 provides room for six to ten guests in four luxurious cabins and has a separated crew area forward, from which a quiet and high quality

DIMENSIONS

of service can be delivered comfortably and efficiently away from your guests. With two

Length Overall – (Including Stemhead)

27.08m

88’ 10”

Length of Waterline

24.18m

79’ 4”

Beam

6.33m

20’ 9”

Draft – HPB Keel

3.50m

11’ 6”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

71,500kg

157,630lb

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig Options

In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig and double-headed rig

different deck moulds and three different approaches to the engine room layout, the eight Oyster 885s built to date have really proven Oyster’s willingness to customise and build very personal yachts.

Among the 885’s many attractions are her huge, ergonomically-designed, split cockpit – perfect for al fresco dining and relaxation on passage – and her spacious, open deck areas, extended by a large hydraulic bathing platform.

The hull of the Oyster 885 is balanced and powerful, and the fairly fine entry comfortably cleaves through a seaway, maintaining excellent VMG (velocity made good), while a relatively

78 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

885 SALOON VARIANTS

Oyster 885 Options

Standard Deck

Oyster 885DS Sail Plan SAIL PLAN

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Lower Saloon

Raised Deck

Deck Saloon

Raised Saloon

Oyster 885DS Deck Plan

885DS

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

DECK PLAN

885DS INTERIOR LAYOUT

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Oyster 885DS Interior Layout

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 79

885

OYSTER 118 THE FLAGSHIP FROM THE OYSTER/HUMPHREYS YACHT DESIGN PARTNERSHIP

Computer generated image

OYSTER 118: AN OVERVIEW A true Superyacht at nearly 123ft overall including the bowsprit, the Oyster 118 offers its

DIMENSIONS

owner a truly global adventure. Built to DNV-GL classification standards and compliant

Length Overall – (Including Bowsprit)

37.45m

122’ 10”

Length of Waterline

32.90m

107’ 11”

Beam

8.35m

27’ 5”

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

4.00m

13’ 2”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

155 tonnes

341,717lb

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig Options

Roller reefing staysail

with the MCA LY3 ‘Large Yacht Code’, Oyster has developed this design to offer each owner the opportunity to significantly customise his or her yacht, whilst retaining the benefits of a low maintenance gel coat finish from a ‘female mould tool’.

Approaching the design in three principal areas: the accommodation aft, the guest and crew options forward and the expansive saloon space – many permutations are possible.

Options allow for a huge Master Suite aft supported by two/three Guest Cabins or up to five Guest Cabins and a smaller Master Cabin.

One thing is for certain – the six crew layout will provide a wonderful environment for the owner and guests – whether that is six crew supporting 10-14 guests or perhaps six just looking after the owner and partner in unbridled luxury.

80 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Oyster 118 Interior Layout

Oyster 118 Interior Layout - Example 1: Master Suite and 3 Guest Cabins

Oyster 118 Interior Layout - Example 2: Master Cabin and 4 Guest Cabins

Oyster 118 Deck Plan

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 81

We treasure your treasure

Your Oyster partner for more than 30 years

Germany · United Kingdom* · Monaco · Denmark · Austria · Spain · Sweden · USA** · Australia pantaenius.com *Pantaenius UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Authorised No.308688) ** Pantaenius America Ltd. is a licensed insurance agent licensed in all 50 states. It is an independent corporation incorporated under the laws of New York and is a separate and distinct entity from any entity of the Pantaenius Group.

the oyster ‘G5’ Fleet The ‘G5’ styling focused on the Deck Saloon area with over 125 of the four models – 475, 545, 575 and 625, built to date. These yachts are for the owner without crew. Built for family and friends sailing, easily handled and a generous proportion of the interior reserved for the owner.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 83

OYSTER 475 THE IDEAL FAMILY BOAT, OFFERING SPACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION

475 SAIL PLAN

Oyster 475 Interior Layout

475 INTERIOR LAYOUT

OYSTER 475: AN OVERVIEW

Oyster 475 Deck Plan

DECK PLAN

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without permission.

Copyright of written these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to changeThese without notice,are andforcannot form part anyand contract or offer. drawings promotional useofonly may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Oyster 475 Sail Plan

DIMENSIONS

something that is already so successful? The 475 has simply improved upon the

Length Overall – (Including Pulpit)

14.81m

48’ 7”

Length of Waterline

12.36m

40’ 7”

Beam

4.41m

14’ 6”

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

2.16m

7’ 1”

Draft – Shoal Keel (Provisional)

1.75m

5’ 9”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

16,738kg 36,900lb

Displacement – Shoal Keel (Provisional)

17,240kg 38,010lb

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Masthead sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig Options

In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig

already well-proven Oyster 46 with a lengthened hull giving a larger aft deck, plus a host of other subtle enhancements both in styling and fit-out. With more than 35 Oyster 46 and 475s sold, we like to think that their owners agree with us.

The Oyster 475 is the ideal family boat. Using updated build techniques, the latest and most advanced design engineering, we have produced a hull and deck construction which is light, strong and stiff; so out on the water the 475 is a very balanced yacht to sail – almost certainly ‘best in class’ for righting movement and form stability.

Her cockpit design calls on lessons learnt from professional ergonomic studies and her generous deck space includes a large aft area with easy access down to the bathing platform. For the world cruiser, stowage space is a major consideration and the Oyster 475 has an outstanding lazarette, swallowing all that cruising kit.

84 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

475

The Oyster 475 is more evolution than revolution. After all, why completely change

OYSTER 545 SPARKLING PERFORMANCE IS VITAL… AND SO IS THE SOCIAL SIDE

545 SAIL PLAN

Oyster 545 Interior Layout

545

revered Oyster 54 was a wonderfully designed and deservedly popular yacht amongst

INTERIOR LAYOUT

At Oyster we pride ourselves on our past achievements. The original and much

545

OYSTER 545: AN OVERVIEW

Oyster 545 Deck Plan

DECK PLAN

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Copyright these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced withoutofwritten permission. drawings promotional useofonly may or show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to changeThese without notice, are andfor cannot form part any and contract offer.

Oyster 545 Sail Plan

DIMENSIONS Length Overall – (Including Pulpit/ Stemhead)

16.43m

53’ 11”

Length of Waterline

14.10m

46’ 3”

Beam

4.75m

15’ 7”

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

2.40m

7’ 10”

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

1.55m/3.53m

5’ 1”/11’ 7”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

21,315kg 46,893lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

23,215kg 51,180lb

create a stunning outboard profile from any angle.

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Masthead sloop with fully battened main

The Oyster 545 – a great looking yacht designed to bring you that elusive combination

Available Rig Options

In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig

its many owners. We also believe in moving forwards, building on our strong heritage.

This is precisely why the Oyster 545 is a worthy successor with spirited performance for those seeking comfort and all-round capabilities for their cruising adventures. The 545’s clean hull lines, responsive rig and a low centre of gravity bulb keel have created a fast, stiff, comfortable passage maker, which has regularly proved herself at Oyster Regattas.

While good performance is important, the 545 offers genuine cruising comfort too, with a generously-proportioned cockpit fitted with a hand crafted fixed table. The hull meets the deck via a Superyacht-influenced rollover bulwark, giving a clean contemporary look, which, added to the sleek, curved deck saloon styling, helps

of brilliant performance in every respect, and in comfort and luxury – both above and below deck.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 85

OYSTER 575 EXPERIENCE UNSURPASSED IN THIS CLASS OF DECK SALOON CRUISING YACHT

575 SAIL PLAN

INTERIOR LAYOUT

OYSTER 575: AN OVERVIEW

Oyster 575 Interior Layout

575

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Oyster 575 Deck Plan

DECK PLAN

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced withoutofwritten permission.

Copyright these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to changeThese without notice, are andfor cannot form part ofonly any contract offer. drawings promotional use and may or show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Oyster 575 Sail Plan

DIMENSIONS

the history of Oyster, the successor, Oyster 575 went through a revamp of her interior

Length Overall – (Including Pulpit)

17.89m

58’ 8”

Length of Waterline

15.72m

51’ 7”

way to endorsing Oyster’s deep understanding of what makes a really good family

Beam

5.00m

16’ 5”

yacht between 55-60ft.

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

2.70m

8’ 10”

Learning also from the 625, the chart area is raised to the same level as the rest of the

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

1.65m/3.82m

5’ 5”/12’ 6”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

27,250kg 60,076lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

28,250kg 62,280lb

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig Options

In-mast furling, cutter rig, inboom furling, non-overlapping and double headsail rigs

in 2012, to keep up with the newly launched Oyster 625 and her pioneering ‘Seascape’ vertical windows. With more than 40 Oyster 575s now sold, the yacht is well on her

saloon seating, increasing not just the visual sense of space but extending the social area and enabling the chart table to flow seamlessly into the surrounding cabinetry.

The en-suite forward Guest Cabin is socially separated from the rest of the yacht so VIP guests can enjoy the same privacy as the owner in his/her Master Cabin.

Our willingness to say “yes” to owners’ ideas have led to many enhancements, including sculpted headliners, accent-lighting in the saloon, contemporary styling for the heads, upgraded cabin doors and door furniture, and custom saloon aircon outlets. On the practical side, the standard specification includes a Volvo D3 engine and Raymarine i70 sailing instruments. This wonderful yacht is also available in a shoal or centreboard/twin rudder option and with an extended deck and vertical transom.

86 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

575

Building on the experience of crafting 75 of the Oyster 56 – a benchmark model in

OYSTER 625 HANDCRAFTED FIT-OUT TO A LUXURIOUS STANDARD USUALLY FOUND ONLY ON MUCH LARGER YACHTS

625 SAIL PLAN

Oyster 625 Interior Layout

625 INTERIOR LAYOUT

OYSTER 625: AN OVERVIEW

Oyster 625 Deck Plan

DECK PLAN

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

625

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without written permission.

These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice,are and form part anyand contract or offer.

These drawings forcannot promotional useof only may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Oyster 625 Sail Plan

The triple award-winning, innovative Oyster 625 is a superb example of contemporary

DIMENSIONS

styling both above and below deck and is designed for comfortable liveaboard, ‘family

Length Overall – (Including Pulpit)

19.37m

63’ 7”

Length of Waterline

17.24m

56’ 7”

Breaking new ground for Oyster in 2010, when she was launched with the spacious saloon

Beam

5.44m

17’ 10”

fitted with triple ‘Seascape’ vertical windows, this yacht influenced many of the new Oyster

Draft – HPB Keel (Standard)

2.80m

9’ 2”

Draft – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

1.82m/4.23m

6’ 0”/13’ 10”

Displacement – HPB Keel (Standard)

33,500kg 73,854lb

Displacement – Supershoal Centreboard (Optional)

35,000kg 77,000lb

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig Options

In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig, non-overlapping and double headsail rigs

and friends’ easy sailing.

models which followed. With more than twenty sold thus far, Oyster continues to enjoy working with owners as they personalise their Oyster 625 and stretch the design opportunities.

Our open approach to interior design and detailing has produced excitingly different feels to the accommodation – sometimes crisp and very modern, sometimes very dark and classic. The platform is yours to develop, and we love working with your ideas. The sumptuous aft Owners’ Cabin is full beam and has private access to the aft deck. There are two generous Guest Cabins, each with their own heads and shower, and a fourth cabin that can be configured as a workshop, additional Guest Cabin or a children’s cabin with linked access from the Master Cabin.

The Oyster 625 interior options also include a forepeak arrangement for a full-time crew member with berth and heads, should operational assistance be required, and shoal/centreboard options are available.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 87

ALTAIR 2017 marks the 30th anniversary of Altair’s departure from Southampton Yacht Services

in exactly the same fashion as first fitted in the village of Fairlie. Her

(SYS) following a significant 18-month refit and restoration, one that many believe ushered

spars and rigging were all dealt with in the same meticulous manner

in the current enthusiasm for returning classic yachts to their former glory, a fully restored

through Harry Spencer of Cowes, spar sections extended back to

finish rather than a refit.

their original lengths, in the constant search for full authenticity. Sail cloth was considered in cotton but a beautifully hand stitched set of pigmented Dacron sails from Ratsey and Lapthorn so matched the spirit

WORDS BY MATTHEW TOWNSEND // PHOTOS BY BEKEN OF COWES

and improved the performance that they were finally selected. The only concession to relative modernity on deck was the occasional bronze

In 1929 William Fife III, by then in his 70s and considered at the peak of his prowess,

sheet winch, probably fitted in the late 1950s and deemed acceptable by

was commissioned by Captain G. H. MacCaw to produce a fast and safe cruiser to take

the owner – to the relief of the crew.

him deep into the Pacific, a voyage that he never managed and Altair is still straining at the leash to make.

The net result was, and remains, a yacht that earned her title as the benchmark for modern restorations, the sympathetic and painstaking

Her history is well documented, after Captain MacCaw she was sold on to a series of titled

process of returning a classic yacht to her original state was hailed as a

owners, acquired by the Admiralty in 1940, refitted after the war in 1948 in Southampton

first and encouraged others to pursue the same level of perfection.

then sailed down to the Mediterranean for the next 40 years. Life in the sun was good to Altair but the combination of hot moist conditions and a diminishing maintenance budget

Over the course of the last 35 years SYS has been privileged to take in

meant that she gradually deteriorated. However she was well loved, kept in active service

some of the most elegant and striking of yachts, our roll call indicates

and retained sufficient style and dignity to be clearly recognised as one of the master’s best.

the number of classics that have followed in Altair’s footsteps. Some

It was in this state that she arrived in Southampton in early 1986 for a refit that turned into

came with the option for complete authenticity, others with different

the restoration for which she is widely known.

requirements ranging for restoration to rebuild depending on the state of the vessel or the owner’s budget. Whatever the challenges, all have

OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 35 YEARS SYS HAS BEEN PRIVILEGED TO TAKE IN SOME OF THE MOST ELEGANT AND STRIKING OF YACHTS, OUR ROLL CALL INDICATES THE NUMBER OF CLASSICS THAT HAVE FOLLOWED IN ALTAIR’S FOOTSTEPS. With the owner and crew fully committed to returning Altair to her original glory, a dedicated team of our SYS shipwrights, joiners, and fitters carefully stripped her back to her bare hull, right down to the keel floors. The attention to detail invested in her can be observed from the keel up, the lead keel was removed and re-cast to include the addition shoe that Mr Fife added to improve her trim after launch. Steel floors were refashioned again in galvanised steel and fully replaced, where these floors had damaged the frames large sections of seasoned oak scarfed in, new grown frames installed where the rot had wasted away too much to be repaired and deck beams replaced to the original scantlings.

The entire deck was re-laid with long lengths of inch thick Burmese teak, one of the very few concessions to improve on the original build, where pine decks had been laid.

The interior was painstakingly removed and redressed to ensure that, after reinstallation, her builder would have recognised every detail whilst being blissfully unaware of the updates to the plumbing, electrical systems and modern amenities, hidden behind the restored and French polished walnut panelling.

Deck fittings were faithfully recreated and cast in bronze, new bronze rivets to refasten her teak planking, door handles, light fittings, sinks and taps all restored or reconstructed

88 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

been tended under the guiding principle that a classic yacht should look and act her part in maintaining our combined heritage, but moreover the customer is nearly always right!

An Oyster Group Company

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 89

SOUTHAMPTON YACHT SERVICES 35 years of partnership, innovation, traditional skills and craftsmanship.

BOAT NAME

LOA

TYPE

Sojana Cambria Penelope Sarafin Liara Tigre d’Or Yali* Leopard 3 Windsor Belle Hetairos Sea Lion Alinda V Caneli & Waterlily Luxury Tenders Bystander Velsheda Wings (repairs) Merrymaid Hyperion Free Spirit Celera Seastream Mari-Cha III Ilona of Kylesku Savannah Alexa Refanut Pamina Namaqua Intuition Zanna United Spirit Atalante Signe Thendara Seven Seas Craftsman’s Art Rocio Blue Fascination Paz Lady Ecosse Belle Aventure Golden Horizon Sabina D Diablesse Ticonderoga Gemervesence Harmony Bay Nahema Brave Challenger Jagare Provenance Altair Calabuig Matchless Secret Sin Star of the Sea Swagman Cariad

115ft (35.1m) 114ft (34.7m) 100ft (30.5m) 100ft (30.5m) 98ft (29.9m) 98ft (29.9m) 95ft (30m) 98ft (30m) 68ft (20.7m) 140ft (42.8m) 68ft (21m) 94ft (28.6m) 142ft (43.4m) 43ft (13m) 138ft (42m) 130ft (39.6m) 70ft (21.4m) 98.3ft (30m) 156ft (47.7m) 80ft (24.4m) 66ft (20.1m) 65ft (19.8m) 147ft (45m) 92ft (28m) 90ft (27.4m) 100ft (30.5m) 62ft (18.9m) 112ft (34.1m) 60ft (18.3m) 194ft (59.1m) 82ft (30m) 110ft (33.5m) 100ft (30.5m) 90ft (27.4m) 112ft (34.1m) 40ft (12m) 80ft (24.4m) 84ft (25.6m) 92ft (28m) 120ft (36.6m) 120ft (36.6m) 95ft (30m) 120ft (36.6m) 65ft (19.8m) 92ft (28m) 72ft (21.9m) 50ft (15.3m) 110ft (33.5m) 120ft (36.6m) 103ft (31.4m) 130ft (39.6m) 90ft (27.4m) 108ft (32.9m) 98ft (29.9m) 65ft (19.8m) 60ft (18.3m) 115ft (35.1m) 70ft (21.4m) 118ft (36m)

SY (Ketch) 2016 SY (Cutter) SY (Sloop) SY (Sloop) SY (Sloop) MY (Canal Barge) SY (Auxiliary Ketch) SY (Sloop) Steam Launch SY (Ketch) SY (Yawl) SY (Ketch) MY MY MY SY (J Class) SY (12 Metre Class) SY (Gaff Cutter) SY (Sloop) SY (Sloop) SY SY (Sloop) SY (Ketch) MY (Diesel Schooner) SY (Sloop) SY (Gaff Schooner) SY (Yawl) SY (Sloop) SY (Sloop) MY (ex Pilot Vessel) SY (Yawl) MY SY (Ketch) SY (Ketch) SY (Gaff Ketch) SY (12 Metre) SY (Schooner) SY (Ketch) SY (Sloop) SY (Ketch) MY SY (Ketch) MY SY (Sloop) SY (Sloop) SY (Ketch) SY (Sloop) MY MY MY (Brave Class) SY (Ketch) SY (Ketch) SY (Gaff Schooner) SY (Ketch) SY (Sloop) SY (Ketch) MY SY (Sloop) SY (Gaff Ketch) 1982

*Pictured Yali, 2013 refit. Photo: Darren Martin. Follow dazmaphotographics on Facebook

An Oyster Group Company

S A L E S

|

B R O K E R A G E

|

C H A R T E R

|

C U S T O M

&

R E F I T

Call Matthew Townsend on +44 (0) 23 8033 6011 or email enquiry@southamptonyachtservices.co.uk www.southamptonyachtservices.co.uk

OYSTER BROKERAGE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? If you are looking to buy or sell a pre-owned Oyster, look no further.

Experience Most buyers will contact us first when looking for a pre-owned Oyster yacht.

Established in 1984, we have sold more than five hundred yachts, we sell the vast majority of pre-owned Oysters that change hands each year.

Knowledge As Oyster specialists our knowledge is unsurpassed. We have access to original build files, designers, project managers, and build yards, which enables us to produce comprehensive and detailed sales specifications, greatly enhancing the marketing of your yacht.

International Reach We have established offices in the UK at Ipswich, in Palma, Mallorca in Spain, and at Newport, Rhode Island, USA. We also work closely with the Oyster team in Australia and a network of external brokers, giving us a worldwide presence.

Marketing A virtual tour of the Oyster yacht can feature on the website, enabling visitors to look inside the yacht online, no matter where they are in the world. Most of our sales enquiries come from our own website oysterbrokerage.com, but we also advertise in leading global yachting magazines and on the key brokerage websites, free of charge to you.

Insight Our extensive database of worldwide buyers allows us to carefully target our marketing – we probably already know the next owner of your yacht!

Boat Shows As well as being present at the most important international boat shows in Europe and the USA, we also run our own exclusive Oyster Brokerage Boat Show annually in Ipswich each May. Yacht Care At our Palma office we are able to offer berthing and guardienage packages via the Oyster Service Centre Palma, whilst in Ipswich we maintain a permanent display of pre-owned Oyster boats, with full storage and guardienage services to ensure that your yacht is presented to the market in the best possible condition.

Expertise We will manage the entire sale process on your behalf, from initial listing through to final completion. We provide expert support through the sale process including negotiation, contracts, survey, sea trial and documentation. All funds are held in our dedicated client escrow account. We are also happy to provide guidance on registration, tax, duty, VAT, finance and refit.

The Oyster Brokerage team would be delighted to discuss your plans with no obligation.

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 91

OUR WORLDWIDE EXPERTISE

C R I S T I A N P I Z A R R O // N E W P O R T U S A

“Buying an Oyster 46 in the Mediterranean while working full time in the US was something that I needed a lot of guidance with. In spite of the usual apprehension which may come with the acquisition of a boat overseas, our experience was extremely satisfying. The Oyster staff both in Newport and in Palma made the entire process extremely simple and smooth. We are delighted with the boat and the opportunity to learn about Oyster yachts.

We are certainly looking forward to the opportunity to sail with our kids and bring them up in the Oyster family.”

92 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

SOLWAY MIST

// BROKERAGE J O H N & C H E R Y L E L L S W O R T H // I P S W I C H

Our Oyster 56, Sea Mist, had been our home for eleven years. When the time came to sell her we had no hesitation in bringing her to Oyster Brokerage, Ipswich. As well as a wide selection of pre-owned Oysters on site, they also offer a comprehensive guardienage and yacht care package. We could not have asked for better relationships and support than we found with their brokerage staff. An Australia-based buyer was found for Sea Mist very quickly, and a potentially complicated international sales process was completed quickly and efficiently.

SEA MIST

A L L A N C O O K // P A L M A

Putting our beloved Oyster 46, Solway Mist, on the market was done with a heavy heart. However, with our growing travel aspirations, we had decided on a new, bigger Oyster 575. Having initially listed through Oyster Brokerage, Ipswich, we made the simple transition to Oyster Brokerage, Palma. Being Med-based made a lot of sense and maximised our use of the boat whilst she was on the market. The convenience of conducting viewings from the local office was great and we were delighted when Cristian, a US buyer, came forward with an offer. From the sellers’ perspective we were amazed at the mass of paperwork required and very grateful that Oyster Brokerage were there to steer us through and get everything across the line effortlessly.

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

USA, NEWPORT T: +1 401 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com

www.oysterbrokerage.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 93

OYSTER 825 Sistership

Sistership 2017 OYSTER 825 // CINDERELLA Just launched in January, hull number five of the successful Oyster 825. Cinderella has a high specification and has a beautifully styled interior. She is for sale now by her owner due to a change in his sailing plans and he is open to offers. Her sisterships – Reina and Maegan – competed successfully in the world famous Loro Piana Superyacht Regattas, securing class wins and well placed overall. In contrast two other sisterships – Albatros and Enso – have been enjoying ocean cruising, with Enso just now in the Pacific on the Oyster World Rally. Whatever your ambitions, Cinderella offers a unique opportunity for a new yacht without the build time. In contrast, the next new delivery slot for Oyster 825-08 is spring 2019 and would cost £5,650,000 ex VAT for the same specification.

Lying: Ocean Village, Southampton

94 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

Viewing highly recommended

OYSTER 82

2009 OYSTER 82 // RIVENDELL Magnificently maintained, constantly upgraded with modernised, tasteful interior. Clean, functional deck boasts a cleverly devised foredeck lounge. Trusted hull design, unique carbon spars, slab reefing and hydraulic furling make for a proficient passage maker and easy to handle whatever the weather.

Lying: Oyster Palma

ÂŁ2,750,000 ex VAT

PRICE REDUCED

2007 OYSTER 82 // RAVENOUS II Lively performance rig for the racecourse, shallow draft for exploring, thirteen berths for a large cruising family. Built in gorgeous light maple for an American yachtsman as flagship of the Oyster fleet. No expense was spared.

Lying: Oyster Newport

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

US $1,995,000 US DUTY PAID

USA, NEWPORT T: +1 401 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com

www.oysterbrokerage.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 95

OYSTER 82 2005 OYSTER 82 // PANDEMONIUM 2015 Oyster Southampton refit, major upgrades include new electronics and new decks. Shoal draft, push button sailing, palatial owner’s head with full bathtub and bidet give a true Superyacht ambience. Professionally-crewed and ready for charter.

Lying: Oyster Palma

US $1,925,000 ex VAT

NEW LISTING

2004 OYSTER 82 // DARLING New to the market, highly specified ocean-ready 82 with flag blue hull, carbon cutter rig, carbon in-boom main, stunning cherry interior and loaded with extras. Major refit at Oyster Southampton 2013-2014 with new rigging, paint job, decks and more. Realistically priced and turnkey condition.

Lying: Oyster Newport

US $1,800,000 US DUTY PAID

2011 OYSTER 82 // MATHILDA SOUND Stunningly presented 82. Maple and walnut stylish interior giving a modern feel. Proven charter history and ideal family cruiser. Six guests in three cabins plus three crew. Sail plan allows for short handed sailing. Professionally maintained since launch. Viewing highly recommended.

Lying: Oyster Palma

96 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

POA

OYSTER 725 - 66

2011 OYSTER 725 // SPIRIT OF PHANTOM One owner, one crew. Professionally and beautifully maintained with stunning lines and a superb accommodation plan – ten berths in four cabins.

Powerful performer with fully battened main and carbon spars. Perfect solution for pleasurable cruising with charter potential.

Lying: Caribbean then East Coast, USA

€3,150,000 ex VAT PRICE REDUCED

2011 OYSTER 72 // INFINITI OF COWES

2005 OYSTER 72 // CRAZY HORSE

Stunning Oyster 72 with beautiful maple joinery and huge specification. This yacht is in superior condition and includes new standing rigging, and has been recently serviced and inspected throughout. Infiniti is in turnkey condition and ready for handover to a new owner.

Unique carbon Oyster 72. Designed for fast, comfortable cruising plus occasional racing. Extensive refit in 2015 adding double forecabin, new decks and more. Owner needs to sell – offers encouraged.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Gibraltar

£1,850,000 VAT paid

€1,700,000 ex VAT

2010 OYSTER 72 // ALBERTONE 3

2000 OYSTER 66 // ANNACAY

Exceptional example of the elegant Oyster 72, AlbertOne3 is a beautifully cared for, sleek and luxurious cruising yacht. One owner since new and professionally-maintained to an exacting standard by a fantastic crew. Viewing highly recommended.

A mini Superyacht with superb upper and lower saloons. Hydraulic furling to her mainsail and headsails gives push button sailing. Ten berths in five cabins, all finished in handcrafted light oak. A comfortable home for long distance bluewater cruising.

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: East Med

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£1,650,000 ex VAT

USA, NEWPORT T: +1 401 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£975,000 VAT paid

www.oysterbrokerage.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 97

OYSTER 66 - 655

2005 OYSTER 66 // VALENTINE Last Oyster 66 built. Ocean-ready cutter rig offers effortless push-button sailing with in-mast furling hydraulic main and furling headsails.

Fully equipped for extended voyaging with all creature comforts. Recently proven circumnavigator and ready to go again.

Lying: Oyster Newport

US $975,000 US DUTY PAID

PRICE REDUCED

HIGH SPECIFICATION

2008 OYSTER 655 // MATAWAI

2008 OYSTER 655 // PROTEUS

Impeccably-maintained and presented in A+ condition, Matawai is freshly refit with cutting edge communications upgrades and more. Price just reduced and lying in Newport Rhode Island. Perfect gentleman’s Bermuda racer.

One of the most luxuriously-appointed Oysters ever built, she has custom Harken deck gear and carbon spars by Hall. Shoal keel reduces draft to 7’ 3”.

Lying: Oyster Newport

Lying: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

US $1,650,000 US DUTY PAID

US $1,550,000 US DUTY PAID

PRICE REDUCED

2008 OYSTER 655 // ROCAS

2009 OYSTER 655 // GUNDAMAIN

Powerfully-rigged with fully battened mainsail, black carbon mast and V-boom. Superb teak interior joinery with ivory leather upholstery give a luxurious feel, she sleeps nine in four cabins. Comprehensively equipped and in the UK to be sold.

Impeccably-maintained, Gundamain shows exceedingly well both above and below decks.

Highly specified for either tropical cruising and arctic adventures. Carbon cutter rig with slab reefing mainsail. Luxurious cherry joinery. In turnkey condition and priced to sell.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster Palma

98 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

£1,250,000 ex VAT

£1,100,000 ex VAT

PRICE REDUCED

2011 OYSTER 625 // BLUE JEANNIE

Superb 625, sailed only in European waters, and never chartered. Maple joinery and walnut sole boards give a bright modern feel below decks.

Push button hydraulic furling cutter rig makes her easy to handle.

Beautifully presented and highly recommended.

A stunning yacht with maple joinery and triple seascape windows in the saloon. Simple sloop rig with furling mainsail and genoa. Ten berths in five cabins enabling private or charter use.

Owner has his eye on his next Oyster.

Lying: Lymington

Lying: Oyster UK

£1,550,000 VAT paid

£1,200,000 ex VAT

2001 OYSTER 62 // PEARLFISHER

2008 OYSTER 62 // UHURU OF LYMINGTON

An ARC class winner and powerful performer with taller carbon rig and fully battened mainsail.

She has also proven to be a capable and comfortable cruiser, visiting some of the most inaccessible places on the planet. Superbly maintained.

A striking 62 with dark blue hull and g5 deck saloon. All furling cutter rig, teak joinery, and eight berths in four cabins, three of which are doubles.

Fully equipped for high latitudes and warmer cruising. Recent refit.

Lying: UK South Coast

Lying: UK South Coast

£1,195,00 VAT paid

£895,000 ex VAT

1997 OYSTER 61 // GALAPAGO

1996 OYSTER 61 // SYDNEY ROCK OYSTER

Attractive and comfortable bluewater cruiser, capable of being sailed by a family, but large enough to accommodate crew. Well equipped and maintained, she has hydraulic sail handling, and sleeps nine in four cabins. Owner has purchased a larger Oyster.

Fast, sleek and elegant, Sydney Rock Oyster is also easy to handle with hydraulic furling to her mainsail, genoa and staysail. Eight berths in four cabins, three of which are doubles. Superb interior joinery in crown cut oak.

Lying: Sicily

Lying: Oyster UK

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£445,000 ex VAT

USA, NEWPORT T: +1 401 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£399,000 VAT paid

www.oysterbrokerage.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 99

OYSTER 625 - 61

2013 OYSTER 625 // GREAT BEAR V

OYSTER 56

NEW LISTING

PRICE REDUCED

2005 OYSTER 56 // INTO THE BLUE

2003 OYSTER 56 // RAGAMUFFIN

Specified by experienced Oyster owners, with a view to long distance short-handed bluewater sailing. Mission accomplished, she must now be sold as her owners have moved back ashore. Early viewing recommended.

Loved and upgraded by her original owner, Ragamuffin has several clever additions to the standard 56 model. Commissioned in 2004 plus a £250,000 Oyster refit in 2013 including new teak deck, rigging and sails.

She is more than ready to go sailing.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster Palma

£595,000 VAT paid

£525,000 ex VAT

UNDER OFFER OFFER UNDER

2004 OYSTER 56 // DREAMS COME TRUE

2002 OYSTER 56 // WASABI

A proven circumnavigator, with cutter rig and enhanced sailing performance due to her fully battened mainsail. She has been very well maintained and presents beautifully. Below decks she has four cabins accommodating seven people and is finished in teak.

Ideal long distance liveaboard cruising boat. Superbly-equipped and maintained by a very experienced sailor, Wasabi shows beautifully and is now ready for her next adventures.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

£525,000 VAT paid

US $495,000 US DUTY PAID

PRICE REDUCED

NEW LISTING

2004 OYSTER 56 // SHAYA MOYA

2003 OYSTER 56 // MOANA

A circumnavigator still in her original ownership with a comprehensive specification. Cutter rig with hydraulic, push button furling. She sleeps six in three cabins and has a practical workshop/ utility cabin. Maple joinery gives a light and airy feel.

Highly specified 56, with taller carbon mast and customised interior layout that sleeps five in three cabins. Larger than standard Owners’ Stateroom, and huge sail locker forward are among the practical features that lend her to luxurious ocean sailing.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster UK

100 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

£475,000 VAT paid

£475,000 VAT paid

NEW LISTING

2000 OYSTER 56 // OLANTA

1998 OYSTER 55 // MAGICALLY HAPPENS

Hydraulic furling cutter rig, and light oak joinery below decks where she sleeps seven in four cabins.

Re-engined in 2008, she had a refit in 2012, which included mast respray, new sails, heating, rigging and more.

Superb value – and constantly upgraded/maintained by the owner. Olanta was designed with practical, ocean sailing in mind. Custom layout with six comfortable sea berths in three cabins – perfect for a family and extensive cruising. Very much worth viewing.

New to market and the last of the Oyster 55 Holman and Pye models built. Very well maintained and priced to sell.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: Tortola, BVI

£400,000 VAT paid

£350,000 VAT paid

US $350,000 ex VAT

1986 OYSTER 55 // ICENIC

2010 OYSTER 54 // SARA BLUE V

2008 OYSTER 54 // PLAN SEA

Icenic is a great example of the Oyster 55, with many recent upgrades of her electrical and mechanical systems. She is ready to tackle the Atlantic or cruise in comfort around the Mediterranean.

Well maintained since launch with sumptuous cherry joinery below decks. Highly specified and stunning 54 with sloop rig and electric in-mast furling for easy push button sailing. Ready to set sail this summer.

Attractive blue hulled 54, with easily handled sloop rig featuring electric in-mast furling. New sails and many upgrades. Accommodation is finished in oak, with three cabins, sleeping six. Ready to go, following a full winter service programme.

Lying: West Med

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: Oyster UK

£195,000 VAT paid

£625,000 ex VAT

£540,000 VAT paid

NEW LISTING

2004 OYSTER 53 // MAGIC

2004 OYSTER 53 // CRACKERJACK

2001 OYSTER 53 // FLICA

Rare and immaculate 53 with gorgeous cherry interior with teak and holly soles. Magic has received continuous maintenance and upgrades from a loving couple that have sailed her with a light touch.

A well-equipped and very well maintained family cruiser, she sleeps seven in four cabins, with a beautiful teak interior, and simple sloop rig with in-mast furling. Equipment includes generator, air conditioning, watermaker, davits and much more.

Flica is extremely well equipped and maintained. One careful lady owner since new. Equipment includes generator, air conditioning, watermaker, SSB, dishwasher, washing machine, electric winches, davits, RIB and much more. Attractively priced and ready to go sailing.

Lying: Caribbean

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Ireland

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£425,000 VAT paid

USA, NEWPORT T: +1 401 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

£390,000 VAT paid

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£375,000 VAT paid

www.oysterbrokerage.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 101

OYSTER 56 - 53

1998 OYSTER 56 // PARAGON BAY

OYSTER 53 - 43

PRICE REDUCED

UNDER OFFER

2000 OYSTER 53 // SLEIPNIR

2003 OYSTER 53 // JARINA

2002 OYSTER 49 // JAM

An ideal family cruising yacht with eight berths in four cabins. Her in-mast furling cutter rig is versatile and easy to handle. Crown cut teak joinery below decks provide a warm and contemporary feel.

Jarina is a very well specified blue water cruiser, ready to explore the world’s oceans and anchorages. Her layout comprises six berths in three cabins, with ample storage and an electric furling rig.

A first class family cruising yacht with a double headed, all furling rig, which lends itself to easy short handed sailing. With timeless interior joinery in teak, she sleeps six in three cabins. A capable and tough bluewater cruiser.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster UK

£360,000 VAT paid

£339,000 ex VAT

£360,000 VAT paid

2000 OYSTER 485 // FREQUENT FLYER

2003 OYSTER 47 // KINDNESS

2000 OYSTER 47 // OYSTER CRACKER

The 485 is a classic Holman and Pye Oyster, an elegant and comfortable cruising yacht. Easy to sail short handed with in-mast furling sloop rig. She is highly specified and has oak interior joinery, sleeping six in three cabins.

Kindness is a real pleasure to sail, cavernous storage, mixed with sumptuous on-board comfort and the legendary Oyster build quality all combine to provide a first rate sailing experience. Viewing highly recommended.

Rare cutter rigged Oyster 47, which, when combined with in-mast furling, gives her a versatile and easily handled sail plan. Accommodation for six in three cabins, with a light and airy feel below decks.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: West Med

Lying: Caribbean

£240,000 VAT paid

£320,000 VAT paid

£295,000 VAT paid

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

2008 OYSTER 46 // MARMAX

1989 OYSTER HP46 // SARABANDE SERENE

2006 OYSTER LD43 // RIP RAP

Winner of the Concours d’Elégance at the 2009 Oyster Palma Regatta, Marmax is a beautiful example of the Oyster 46, professionally maintained, and presented in superb condition. Fully battened mainsail, generator, air conditioning, heating, radar/chartplotter and oak interior.

An incredibly strong, robustly built high volume cruising yacht, ideal for a couple or family to head off on exciting adventures. Sarabande Serene is a very well maintained, comfortably equipped and sensibly priced yacht.

Offering excellent high-speed sea keeping abilities that make for effortless long distance cruising, the twin water jet computer-controlled propulsion system enables astonishing manoeuvrability. This particular example has been maintained to exacting standards.

Lying: West Med

Lying: Crete

Lying: Italy

102 / OYSTER ISSUE 79

£465,000 VAT paid

£100,000 VAT paid

£239,000 VAT paid

OUR REGATTA PARTNERS We are grateful to our regatta partners for the ongoing support that they provide, enabling us to create memorable events for our owners.

Established over 50 years ago in the UK, Dolphin Sails has been creating bespoke quality sails and canvas work ever since.

Leading sailboat and powerboat hardware supplier for the leisure marine industry.

For 40 years Pantaenius has been providing optimal coverage for your yacht, your assets and your paid crew.

Matthew Vincent T: +44 (0) 1255 243 366 E: sails@dolphin-sails.com www.dolphinsails.com

Roger Cerrato T: +44 (0) 23 9247 1841 E: rcerrato@lewmar.com www.lewmar.com

Simon Bowen T: +44 (0) 1752 223 656 E: info@pantaenius.co.uk www.pantaenius.co.uk

International yacht consultants specialising in global yacht management and services.

The world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine electronics.

Declan O’Sullivan T: +44 (0) 1624 819 867 E: dos@pelagosyachts.com www.pelagosyachts.com

Harry Heasman T: +44 (0) 1329 246 832 E: harry.heasman@raymarine.com www.raymarine.com

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 103

WROXHAM SOUTHAMPTON

WROXHAM WROXHAM

SOUTHAMPTON SOUTHAMPTON RUSSIA IPSWICH NEWPORT

NEWPORT NEWPORT

IPSWICH IPSWICH PALMA PALMA PALMA

OYSTER BROKERAGE OYSTER CHARTER OYSTER YACHT BUILDING YARDS OYSTER SERVICE CENTRE OYSTER INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

OYSTER ISSUE 79 / 104

RUSSIA RUSSIA

// CONTACT US

OYSTER YACHTS // UK

OYSTER SERVICE CENTRES

General Enquiries T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1000 E: enquiries@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER YACHTS // IPSWICH Oli Brett T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 E: oli.brett@oysteryachts.com

Sales Enquiries T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1010 E: sales@oysteryachts.com Customer Service Enquiries T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1005 E: customerservice@oysteryachts.com OYSTER YACHTS // PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 E: palma@oysteryachts.com OYSTER YACHTS // USA T: +1 401 846 7400 E: newport@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER YACHTS // NEWPORT Will White T: +1 401 846 7400 E: newport@oysteryachts.com OYSTER YACHTS // PALMA Mark Durham T: +34 971 287 474 E: palma@oysteryachts.com OYSTER YACHTS // SOUTHAMPTON Steve Colley T: +44 (0) 23 8033 5266 E: steve.colley@oysteryachts.com

OYSTER REPRESENTATIVES

Matthew Townsend T: +44 (0) 23 8033 6011 E: enquiry@southamptonyachtservices.co.uk www.southamptonyachtservices.co.uk

Molly Marston T: +1 401 846 7400 E: charter@oysteryachts.com www.oystercharter.com

AUSTRALIA

Twitter: @oysteryachts Instagram: @oysteryachts Facebook: /oystermarine YouTube: /oystermarine Web: www.oysteryachts.com

OYSTER YACHTS // AUSTRALIA Michael Bell T: +61 414 259 688 E: michael.bell@oysteryachts.com

UK: T: +44 (0) 23 8083 1011 PALMA: T: +34 971 287 474 USA: T: +1 401 846 7400 E: brokerage@oysteryachts.com www.oysterbrokerage.com

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