Oyster Summer 2015 // Issue77

SUMMER 2015 // ISSUE 77

ROUNDING THE GLOBE

NEW BOAT REPORTS

BVI REGATTA SUCCESS

TALES OF OUR TIMES

Update on the Oyster World Rally 2017-19 with extra time to explore

Test sail reviews of the freshly launched new Oyster 475 and 545

A Caribbean treasure, great racing, great partying in beautiful waters

Oyster owners share their stories from life learnings to live-aboards

// CONTENTS

// NEWS 03 04 116

Foreword Oyster News New Arrivals

// EVENTS 07 08 10 31 46 56 119

Forthcoming Events 2015-16 The Superyacht Cup Palma 2015 Owners’ Dinner 2017-19 Oyster World Rally: Evolution Oyster Regatta BVI 2015 Oyster Regatta Palma 2014 Our Regatta Partners

// FEATURES 24 27 40 44 63 70 79 82 84

Custom by Name, Custom by Nature Owner Story: Britican Owner Story: Aretha Spotlight on: MedAire Owner Story: Tiger Owner Profile: Henrik Nyman Owner Story: RED CAT Oyster Service Centre Palma On Liberty: Shipshape

// FLEET 12 15 18 20 22 88

New Yacht Review: Oyster 475 New Yacht Review: Oyster 545 In Build: The Oyster 675 In Build: The Oyster 745 The Oyster 118 Fleet Review

// BROKERAGE 104

Brokerage Listings

// CHARTER 74

Charter Listings

// CONTACT 120

Contact Us

Oyster issue 77 / 1

FRONT COVER Oyster 82, Starry Night of the Caribbean, Oyster Regatta BVI 2015.

Photo: Mike Jones, Waterline Media EDITOR Jane Wilkinson, Head of Marketing CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Louay Habib Mike Jones Mike Owen FROM THE EDITOR We know from our readers that the articles they most enjoy reading in the Oyster magazine are the contributions from Oyster owners.

If you have a story to tell or information about cruising in your Oyster please let us know.

Photographs are always welcome.

E: marketing@oysteryachts.com The Oyster magazine is published by Oyster Marine Limited. 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.

Oyster magazine is published by Interstate Creative Partners on behalf of Oyster Marine Limited.

INTERSTATE CREATIVE PARTNERS Jayne Connell: Founder & Director of Branding Caroline Jenkins: Associate Director Lucy Self and the design team

// WELCOME

issue 77 As I read through the various articles within this 77th edition of our magazine, it’s clear that not only have Oyster Owners been adventuring far and wide with many wonderful tales to tell but also, back at base, a lot has happened over the past twelve months. Oyster’s head office has been smoothly relocated from Ipswich to Southampton, a few friends have left us as part of this process and some great new colleagues have joined. Our Brokerage and Service Centre operation in Palma has gone from strength to strength and at the time of going to print more than 70 Oysters were in Palma, passing through or berthed there.

Four years ago we ran some tank testing of the new Oyster 885 hull and from this the twin rudder concept has been rolled out on all the new models as standard and offered as an option on the existing models. The smaller but more effective rudders provide fingertip control, less load on auto-helm and steering systems and whilst they first hit the sailing boat market as a race-boat design feature on such yachts as ‘Volvo 70s’, using them as a bluewater cruising solution is something Oyster has pioneered in many ways. We’re told we’re the first to properly tank test and refine their use on medium displacement yachts. In early June this year we ran similar testing using the new Oyster 118 hull – a very exciting new contract for Oyster - and this learning on hull and appendage shapes will, just as Formula 1® racing technology improves our family

Rob and Tom Humphreys with David – enjoying returning to a towing tank he

cars, continue to enhance the safe cruising performance of all Oyster yachts.

hadn’t used since graduating at Southampton years ago!

Put this to use on the race course – as we did with Oyster 825/03 Maegan recently –

only’) and I confirm that we will extend the entry deadline to spring

and we can surprise people. Taking class win and second overall in a top quality fleet

’16 – we hope to see 30 yachts - that’s about the limit we can cope with

of Superyachts, Maegan really had the owners, brokers, pro-crews and entourages of

in some of the places we’ll visit – so it is first come, first served!

the Superyacht fleet talking about how we had achieved a really tangible step change and a new balance of performance and comfort.

With the first 475 and first 545 on the water now, the first 675 and first 745 in build, there is much to see at forthcoming boat shows and

In our Oyster BVI Regatta in April, we had a lovely mix of those wanting to race and

we look forward to seeing you. And as a final note, please keep the

those attending socially – this is something we really want to encourage and we hope

stories flowing in – we love to hear from you and it’s great to be able

that all of you will feel welcome at an Oyster Regatta – whether you come to race with

to publish your adventures in the Oyster Magazine.

full crew – to potter around a simpler course with family and friends – or to just come for the parties, there is something for everyone. We’ve worked hard to make sure that close results for those who want to be competitive doesn’t mean boats have to get too close to each other on the water; and for the social and family sailors, we’ll set simple courses keeping ‘close enough if you want to take photos’, but far enough away to feel you can attend with just a minimum crew – and with or without spinnakers as you may wish!

On a different note, we have 21 entries committed to the next World Rally, with ~2/3rds planning to do all four parts of the 27 month adventure (the others are ‘Pacific

David Tydeman, CEO Oyster Group

Oyster issue 77 / 3

OYSTER NEWS MOBY DICK St Barths Bucket this year proved to be a great regatta for Oyster 885 Lush and she had a welcome but possibly slightly unsettling visitor during her race!

SAIL TO WIN OR JUST SAIL SMARTER New to racing, or want to improve your tactics – then look no further than the new Raymarine MFD software – Light House II Release 14, that will assist you with clear visual instructions to aid you with lay lines, start line information and rounding marks. But should you just want to cruise smarter, it can also help you with tide effect ensuring your safe passage past headlands and coming into port. For more information please contact www.raymarine.com

OYSTER SERVICE CENTRE, PALMA OPENS In the heart of the Mediterranean the third Oyster Service Centre is now open for business. For more information on how we can assist you in looking after your Oyster please turn to page 82-83 where we meet the team and understand how they can provide a variety of services from cleaning to complete refit management.

4 / Oyster issue 77

ARC 2015 Las Palmas, Canary Islands is once again a gathering point for many of our intrepid Oyster owners.

The preparation is half the fun and when you have ‘friends’ scattered across the dock, it really is a memorable experience. Every year our Customer Services team takes on the challenge of ensuring all the Oyster yachts are ready to sail the Atlantic – and just to make sure they are sent off in the right manner, we host a small but lively party to keep up the good spirits. We look forward to seeing you in advance of November 22nd!

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Piers Wilson, Co-founder of Southampton Yacht Services was the inaugural and deserving recipient of the Superyacht UK Lifetime Achievement Award at the CWM FX London Boat Show this year. Having established SYS in 1980 at Shamrock Quay with John Dean, he soon secured projects such as Ticonderoga (Herreshoff), Belle Aventure (Fife), Altair and the J-Class Velsheda. Here at Oyster we are very proud that we continue his work with both modern and classic yachts.

SPIRIT OF PHANTOM Another beautiful shot of the Oyster 725 Spirit of Phantom making her way through the stunning scenery of the southern hemisphere.

CHOICES, CHOICES Carbon or Stainless? The choice is yours when it comes to your Lewmar winch package! Oyster owners have an open invite to visit the Lewmar factory in Havant, UK, to see for themselves the process from conception through to design of their full range of hardware. To arrange a visit please contact Roger Cerrato – rcerrato@lewmar.com

Oyster issue 77 / 5

IN MEMORY OF DAVID HUGHES We are very sad to report that David Hughes lost his battle with cancer in June 2015.

David lived life to the full and owned four Oysters throughout an eventful sailing career – Oyster 406/04 (Miss Molly of Shamrock), Oyster 55/30 (Miss Molly), Oyster 66/08 (Miss Molly 4), and Oyster LD43/01 (Tiffin). He was an exceptional sailor with a true adventuring spirit, and sailed over 100,000 sea miles. He circumnavigated with his 55, and was proud to have sailed his 66 through the Chilean fjords, round Cape Horn and down to Antarctica – a gin and tonic with ice he carved from an iceberg was something he loved to recall.

David will be missed by his many loyal friends and sailing companions.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO GO GREY First it was Hulls. Now it is Sails. The newly launched 575/29 Lisanne is the first to opt for the new grey sail cloth option in the well proven DYS Dyneema cruise laminate from our trusted partners Dolphin Sails.

Recently on sail trials in Ipswich, and in ample breeze, she looked extremely stylish. Which way will you go? Contact Dolphin Sails for more information on +44 1206 384412

RORC CARIBBEAN 600 This year saw two Oysters - Scarlet Oyster and Lady Mariposa join the famous race with 66 other entrants. It is always great to see Oysters taking part in other regattas and if you have taken part and would like to feature in the Oyster magazine or on our website we would be happy to hear from you. Keep racing.

A COMPLETE KIT OUT! A few days of scrubbing has already transformed this particularly unloved Oyster Mariner 35 which has been snapped up by Ms Jepsen and her sons – they wanted a project and this kit boat has provided them with exactly that. Having contacted our Oyster Customer Services team we delved into a few old files and have managed to produce the original construction drawings and may even be able to supply some of the fittings used back in 1979 when she was built. Watch this space as she makes the transformation...

IN MEMORY OF TREVOR JAMES We are very sad to report that Trevor James passed away last September. Trevor formed a partnership with Oyster in the late 70s and took immense pride in his attention to detail whilst he and his team at Windboats proudly oversaw the production of 275 Oyster yachts.

He will be remembered for his zest for life and sense of humour by many, including the Oyster team and friends. He will be missed by his wife Yvonne and son Oliver who continue his work today.

6 / Oyster issue 77

Forthcoming EVENTS 2015-16 SEPTEMBER 2015

NOVEMBER 2015

APRIL 2016

// CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL 8–13 SEPTEMBER 2015

// ARC START 22 NOVEMBER 2015

// PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW 28 APRIL–2 MAY 2016 The Palma Superyacht Show offers a quality

// SOUTHAMPTON BROKERAGE SHOW 11–20 SEPTEMBER 2015

// SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW 11–20 SEPTEMBER 2015

JANUARY 2016

selection of yachts above 24 metres for sale and charter and has become an important event in

// LONDON BOAT SHOW 8–17 JANUARY 2016

the yachting calendar. Perfectly timed before

Proudly showing our new Oyster 545, the

May public holiday, means that international

team looks forward to seeing you at the show.

visitors can enjoy a long weekend in sunny

the summer season and taking in the first

Palma, Mallorca as well as see a stunning selection of yachts.

// MONACO YACHT SHOW 23–26 SEPTEMBER 2015

// DUSSELDORF BOAT SHOW 23–31 JANUARY 2016

will once again be present at the 2016 show that

// IPSWICH BROKERAGE SHOW 6-8 MAY 2016

spans nine days. This year we will be presenting

Our Spring Brokerage Show is always a great

our exciting Oyster 885 Raised Saloon and an

opportunity to view the largest gathering of

Oyster 575. Our design team will be on hand to

Oysters based in the UK. With an extensive fleet

chat through any specific requests from owners

of pre-owned yachts based in Ipswich, the show

to make their yacht exactly how they wish.

is a unique opportunity to view multiple yachts

and water sports trade show, Oyster Yachts

// PALMA REGATTA 2015 29 SEPTEMBER–3 OCTOBER 2015

OCTOBER 2015 // USA SAILBOAT SHOW 8–12 OCTOBER 2015

MAY 2016

Regular attendees at the world’s biggest boat

APRIL 2016

side by side and talk in depth with our Brokers about the history of each individual yacht.

This year Oyster Yachts will attend the largest and oldest sailboat show in the USA, now in its 46th year, it continues to dominate the

// ANTIGUA REGATTA 4–10 APRIL 2016

waterfront of historic Annapolis, Maryland.

For more information on any of the above events

This year is the debut presentation in the USA

please contact +44 23 8083 1000

example of handcrafted British boat building.

// OYSTER PRIVATE VIEW, ST KATHARINE DOCKS 13–16 APRIL 2016

// HAMBURG BOAT SHOW 31 OCTOBER–8 NOVEMBER 2015

// OWNERS’ DINNER 15 APRIL 2016

of our new Oyster 475, just recently launched earlier this year to much fanfare - a beautiful

or mail enquiries@oysteryachts.com

Home to our German team, Hamburg Boat Show is one of the smaller shows but a great opportunity to meet our German team. This year we are excited to showcase, for viewing and purchase, the Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa.

She is an exemplary illustration of one of our current models.

Oyster summer 2015 / 7

THE SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA Oyster 825/03 Maegan wins her class and comes second overall in the the Superyacht Cup Palma.

Following her exciting debut in the Dusseldorf Show in January and

– slowest yacht (determined by handicap forecast speed/ratings)

the Oyster Private View in St Katharine Docks in early May, it was,

starting first and other, faster yachts catching up as the racing

at last, the time for Maegan to show her paces.

unfolds. Out of the 21 yachts, Maegan was fourth to start each day with Guardian Angel – Oyster 885/04 Raised Saloon version – who dashed

Moving swiftly to Palma for the Superyacht Cup 17-20 June, Maegan

straight from handover in Southampton to Palma to join the event -

found herself in the largest class of nine yachts out of the total of

eighth to start in the sequence.

21 taking part. Race practice on 16-17 was a challenge - timings had to be balanced around bookings for sail trials with prospective

Third in race one for Maegan – a great start – and a close battle with a

purchasers of new Oyster 825s - such is the interest in this yacht

45m Perini in first place and a 110ft Alloy custom Ketch in second. Day

(six now sold and number seven is 2017 delivery on a first come,

two – a false start by the race committee confused the fleet as Maegan

first served basis), however all felt good as the team headed out

stormed up the five mile beat only to find, as first yacht to the weather

expectantly on the morning of the 18 June.

mark, that it wasn’t there to go round!! Two hours delay ensued as the race management apologised and restarted the fleet – but in less

Light to medium breeze was forecast for all three days of racing

wind. No matter – Maegan again led the fleet to the weather mark and

and with no discards, each race to count, the team didn’t want to

carefully played the tactics to secure first place ~2 minutes ahead of

make mistakes. Klaas Meertens – one of Oyster’s shareholders and

Gaia – a Spirit 100. It was very nearly a ‘1-2’ for Oyster – Guardian

fairly new to sailing – quickly settled ‘into the zone’ and supported

Angel was just 16 seconds behind Gaia. A fantastic effort since she had

by Jeremy Robinson from North Sails coaching and calling tactics,

barely taken the covers off some of her equipment before racing started

David Tydeman, Oyster CEO, navigating, Rob and Tom Humphreys

– we will definitely see more from Guardian Angel in future regattas!

watching the performance carefully, and Jamie Collins (Head of Oyster Brokerage) trimming expertly, the team felt confident.

After the two races, Maegan was ahead in the class with four points, Clan VIII – the 45m Perini – and Blue Too – the 35m Alloy Ketch both

Whilst it was a very determined crew on board, there was plenty

on six points. It was all going to be settled on the last race!

of space for guests – Marja de Pundert, wife of Oyster shareholder Wim, her sister, father and son – enjoyed the racing throughout

A more complex course was set for the last race – downwind start,

– with everyone enjoying the ‘silver service’ of James and Carly,

tricky wind shifts and gybing angles, a long beat and then two tight

Maegan’s full-time Skipper and Chef. This was racing in style!

reaching triangles with big genoas and code zeros hoisted – turning onto the last five mile downwind leg to the finish line, the Maegan

The Superyacht Cup Palma – as with all Superyacht events – is

team realised that Clan VIII would take first that day – 11 minutes on

run with staggered starts – each yacht starting two minutes apart

the water behind Maegan at the finish and having started six minutes

8 / Oyster issue 77

ahead, was just not enough of a gap – Maegan needed 20 minutes

Oyster has built 27, Oyster 82, 825, 885, 100 and 125s to date and has three 825s, one

separation. So it was all about second place to try to secure the

885 and the exciting new Oyster 118 in various build stages as we go to print – with

overall class win. The team worked out Maegan had to be no more

thus over 30 eligible Oysters for these Superyacht events, we will work with the

than 5.5 minutes behind Maria Cattiva – a beautiful Bruce King

owners to add the half dozen Superyacht events to the Oyster Regatta Calendar going

designed 40m Royal Huisman sloop – stopwatches out the team

forward – and to do it in such a way that it complements and does not distract from our

reckoned it was close – a matter of seconds – but they had to wait

focus on the more than 700 deck saloons who we hope will continue to come to our

patiently to get ashore to hear from the official time-keepers. Soon

family-orientated exclusive Oyster Regattas.

the cries of “Yes” and the cheers went up, high fives all round and then on to the prize giving!

The Superyacht Cup Palma event uses a great formula developed

THE SUPERYACHT CUP PALMA ENTRANTS

by the Royal Yacht Squadron to compare points across each class – producing ‘Overall Results’.

Not only had Maegan won her class, she was also second overall –

YACHT NAME

CLASS

SERIES PLACE

BUILDER

LOA (m)

Marie

A

1

Vitters Shipyard

55

Maegan

C

2

Oyster Yachts

25

Clan VIII

C

3

Perini Navi

45

Inoui

B

4

Vitters Shipyard

33

Odin

B

5

Nautor Swan

27

Blue Too

C

6

Alloy Yachts

34

The International Sailing Federation defines a ‘Superyacht’ as one

Winwin

B

7

Baltic Yachts

33

over 100ft and a ‘Superyacht Event’ as one where most yachts are

Ganesha

A

8

Vitters Shipyard

46

‘Superyachts’ and others are generally over 80ft. There is a special

Saudade

A

9

Wally Yachts

45

appendix in the racing rules insisting on specific safety practices

Kiboko

B

10

Southern Wind

28

for both race management and race yachts to adopt in these events.

Gaia

C

11

Spirit Yachts

30

The new Offshore Racing Council (ORC) has also developed a new

Maria Cattiva

C

12

Royal Huisman

40

handicap system trying to recognise the very disparate style, design

P2

A

13

Perini Navi

38

and performance of yachts ranging from 80ft to over 200ft and also

Open Season

B

14

Wally Yachts

30

how they need to be rated differently in light winds, heavy winds and

Guardian Angel

C

15

Oyster Yachts

26

flat or rough seas – this new rule is a significant improvement and

Heartbeat

C

16

Claasen Shipyard

24

has made racing fairer.

Visione

B

17

Baltic Yachts

45

Perseus^3

A

18

Perini Navi

60

Tilakkhana

B

19

Wally Yachts

24

Tulip

C

20

K&M Yacht Builders

26

Highland Breeze

C

21

Nautor Swan

34

a fantastic result in this esteemed fleet of wonderful yachts.

What is a Superyacht?

Oyster issue 77 / 9

2015 OWNERS’ DINNER EPH

ANT I S

OXO TOWER, LONDON The 2015 London Oyster Owners’ Dinner coincided with a fascinating private viewing of the Oyster fleet at St. Katharine Docks. Six examples of the Oyster fleet were on display comprising a selection of modern, bluewater, cruising yachts from the Oyster 475 to the Oyster 825.

WORDS BY LOUAY HABIB // PHOTOS BY MIKE JONES

//

N’

SG AP

IT IS REALLY UPLIFTING TO HAVE MET SO MANY OYSTER OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD GREAT ADVENTURES ON THEIR YACHTS, I HOPE THAT THE TALK HIGHLIGHTED THE FACT THAT CONFIDENCE IN YOUR BOAT IS KEY TO ENJOYING YOUR SAILING AND GOING ON THOSE ADVENTURES IN O SHACKLET A SAFE AND SEAMAN-LIKE MANNER.

//

Nick Bubb

Shackleton Epic Adventure

10 / Oyster issue 77

LA

ND

EL

A DM I R A L T

Y

BA Y

For the second year in succession, the London Oyster Owners’ Dinner was held at the renowned OXO Tower, a chic venue, with skyline and river views, a fitting location for more than 100 Oyster owners and their guests to enjoy a highly entertaining and memorable evening.

“Hosting an Oyster Owners’ dinner is important to us, we have a mix of fascinating people and to bring so many together at a fabulous London venue makes for a really memorable occasion,” commented David Tydeman, Oyster CEO. “The stories and conversation are just fantastic. At this dinner we have two Oyster 26 owners, which were built 35 years ago, the Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, owner of an Oyster 80, Ocean Spirit and operated for sail training voyages, and an owner who has an Oyster 885 in build. Just as the Oyster Rallies and Regattas offer opportunities for the whole Oyster family to get together, the same is true of our Oyster Dinners.”

Nick Bubb, guest speaker for the London Oyster Owners’ Dinner, is an accomplished around the world yacht racer and mechanical engineer who grew up in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Nick has raced around the world non-stop on a maxi-cat in the Oryx Quest and among many other classics, has competed in the Volvo Ocean Race, Transat Jacques-Vabre, Route du Rhum, Mini Transat and Round Britain & Ireland. But the 2013 Shackleton Epic, was without doubt one of the most daunting expeditions by any sailor in recent years.

Skippered by Nick, with speed sailing legend and old friend Paul Larsen as navigator, a crew of six British and Australian adventurers became the first to enact authentically Sir Ernest Shackleton’s perilous 1916 voyage from Elephant Island to South Georgia and the subsequent dangerous crossing of its mountainous interior. Nick gave a detailed account of the expedition, the highs and lows and the lessons learnt in health and safety, as well as navigation and good seamanship.

“The presentation was put together especially for Oyster owners,” Nick explained. “It is really uplifting to have met so many Oyster owners who have had great adventures on their yachts, I hope that the talk highlighted the fact that confidence in your boat is key to enjoying your sailing and going on those adventures in a safe and seaman-like manner. I was fascinated to hear that recently two Oyster 72s met each other by chance in the North West Passage, it is so refreshing to hear that Oysters are being enjoyed in that way.”

The next Owners’ Dinner will be held in London on Friday 15 April 2016.

Oyster issue 77 / 11

NEW YACHT REVIEW OYSTER 475 When selling around the world sailing, there can be no better endorsement than having the first four of a new model bought by owners right around the globe. And that’s exactly what has happened with the new Oyster 475: Europe, North America, Australia, all off plan, before the first even left the shed. But then the 475 does come with an exceptional ingredient. She’s the development, extension and updating of an already very well received yacht, the Oyster 46 of which 29 to now have gone bluewater.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN // PHOTOS BY MIKE JONES

As the new boat’s sales material says, this is more about evolution than revolution.

Originally launched to rave reviews in 2006, the Oyster 46 proved a lovely, popular, three cabin, two head boat, a nimble performer with excellent form stability for comfort both in a seaway and at anchor. Nine years on she could just have had a refresh, and she has certainly had that, with the new boat displaying plentiful styling and detail changes throughout; but there’s a step change, quite literally, with an 18in (0.5m) lengthening of hull and deck increasing speed through the water and enabling a neat, new transom arrangement with smart, integral boxed boarding steps in place of simple stainless steel and teak footpads. And she looks just right.

As Oyster CEO David Tydeman says, “There’s simply no sense in stopping good boats.

We liked the hull shape and line but felt she could perhaps do with a little extra waterline length, so what we’ve done is build on our learning while modernising the boat inside and out. Now hull numbers one and two are in the water we really can see and feel the benefit in this evolution.”

// Much of the thinking stems of course from the larger, newer boats in the fleet with

// FROM A DISTANCE THE 475’S SIDE PROFILE IS INSTANTLY RECOGNISABLE, BUT STEP CLOSER AND CHECK THE FLUSH HATCHES. A SIMPLE STYLING, OUT OF THE BOX EXERCISE? NOT AT ALL, THIS IS OYSTER.

their increasingly flush deck featuring, and more expansive hull glazing, pouring more

//

and more natural light into already decoratively brighter, freshly styled interiors. The

and crafting of the then radiused glazing by new supplier SeaGlaze. The

first in this vein was the 625 launched in 2010, her vertical, triple-banked Seascape

flush fitting also requires deeper planting in the moulding, demanding

ports opening eyes and minds to new potential. The 575 followed suit the next year

more careful re-engineering if not to interrupt interior headroom.

and then the 885, 825, 745 and 675. While the 475 doesn’t have the depth of hull for

It’s the same with the hull ports. Nothing straightforward, all well

this same arrangement, her freeboard and interior structures do allow much larger,

thought, to deliver an aesthetic beyond others, and a practicality, too

horizontal and more rectangular ports than before, flush fitting, of course, replacing the

– that camber helps shed standing water.

previous older surface mount system. The light just floods in to the interior which retains virtually the same layout and plan but again with a completely new eye to shapes and

// Continuing the theme of looks that ‘work’, and keeping the

styling. But more on that later.

boat well aired as high a priority as Oyster always has, forward on deck you’ll see sizeable, sturdy, architecturally-engineered dorades

From a distance the 475’s side profile remains much the same, her inquisitive eye-lined

with sensible line-snag-protecting rails guarding them. Pushpits

superstructure instantly recognisable, but step closer and check the flush hatches. A

and pulpits are each individually designed and commissioned to

simple styling, out of the box exercise? Not at all, this is Oyster. You’ll see a perfectly

accommodate individual specification of kit, be it liferafts and

millimetre matched camber to the hatch glazing and deck area in which these sit. That

corner seats, cup or rod holders or bow passarelle bracket. Aft, the

meant very careful adaptation of the existing mould tool and minutely accurate templating

increased deck space created by the hull lengthening provides now

12 / Oyster issue 77

a much greater area for working and lounging,

contrasting darker grains, teak, American

and the new twin hydraulic backstay arrangement

walnut, for floors and kickbacks, these updating

gives unhampered access to the transom’s boxed

and replacing the darker but warmer cherry and

stairway, which in the bottom step houses shore

teak previously most prevalent.

power point and hot water shower.

// Another sign of change is the increasing This is the start of seeing in the 475 the evidence

introduction of fabric in place of timber cladding

of what Oyster Yachts has become, a Superyacht

to seat and bed bases, suggesting a more homely

constructor applying similar standards to smaller

appeal. Of old, timber was the comparatively

yachts. That’s clear, also, when stepping below

easy low maintenance choice, but with fabric

from the wide, deep and secure centre cockpit

technology today creating such better, versatile,

through the generously-sized companionway,

durable materials suited to life on board our

with its velvet-like sliding top hatch and finger-

more atmospherically controlled craft, options

push rise and fall hatch boards with additional

are multiplying. But it’s not just bringing them

stop-position for half-up half-down.

on board, it is also about how these materials are worked, and Oyster’s soft furnishers Passmores

The companionway steps themselves show a

have this down to a fine art with exceptionally

serious and good looking upgrade, too. With a

neat folding, pleating, cornering and perfectly

full timber frame section now rather than open

parallel stitched highlighter detailing as seen in

stairway, there’s a sense of bigger boat robustness

the finishing of the saloon seating on Oyster 475

and a really comforting broad tread.

Sukama which we joined for this article.

Choice of timber throughout, is down to owner

// Before heading out for a sail, the three

preference but increasingly the norm is for

sleeping cabin with two head plan was compared

the paler grains, maple, light oak and more,

with the earlier Oyster 46, from which in

to bulkheads and furnishings, with perhaps

footprint and layout there may appear to be

>>

Oyster issue 77 / 13

scant difference. But the sense of change is great. The cleaner lines, the flattening of

either side behind the helmsman, more to hand and closer to the

curves to door tops and doorways, the change from predominantly radiused to gently

headsail primaries.

squared joinered units, except where you might fall against and need them to be soft cornered. Handholds and rails, in all the right spots from companionway to centre of

Sukama’s sloop rig makes for easy working including simple smart

headliner and edge of large, stout dining table, are now of design-sectioned stainless

tacking with those powered Lewmar primary winches. There is

steel in place of timber. A change that though small intriguingly also adds to the sense

a cutter option but at this size Oyster has always found the single

of natural light below.

header the more popular choice despite the bluewater attraction of twin headsailing downwind. Upwind with a good feel to the helm

A real hidden gem though is the glass prism set in the cockpit floor above the very well

she rides the gusts touching 19-20 knots with a comfortable heel

apportioned corridor galley’s centreline twin sink arrangement. It’s transforming,

before a furl or two on the genoa flattens her off and lets her sail

that whole working area simply comes alive. And opposite, the galley worker has the

pretty much undisturbed and making seven knots. Freeing sheets

benefit, of a large hull port immediately above the four burner Ocean Chef cooker,

to a fetch saw numbers nudging 10 knots. Sight lines to horizon

countering that sometimes sense of isolation, as well as providing a great horizon

were good to windward and the leeward cockpit corner’s a comfy

levelling outlook.

spot for chasing the headsail’s telltales.

The galley’s well kitted with top line equipment from refrigeration to microwave, and

// In short, she sails as you’d expect from an Oyster and

stowage is well planned, purposeful and plentiful as it is throughout the boat from

Humphreys collaboration, quickly, competently and comfortably

hanging wardrobes to big, deep, bed-end draws, shelving and neat lockers, optimising

with a real sense of security. No skittishness, but no insensitivity.

it seems almost every nook and cranny. There are some particularly neatly joinered

You feel her, and she seems to feel you, too. And those who’ve

tidy-holes around the very well set navstation. This is a key area of change in the boat.

sailed both the 46 and 475 deem the newcomer definitely a notch

Although the footprint and plan is not much different, it has been elevated. There is

or two quicker. She certainly has an extremely clean wave pattern

still a step down but not as deep as in the 46 and this much improves communication

with very little disturbance behind her.

lines, sense of inclusion and natural light to the navigator. Working space and stowage is good, and with the new design tweaks the surrounding fascia is better angled and

And in typical Oyster vein, there’s also very little disturbance

proportioned for the current crop of full ocean-going navaids and communications

down below in the perfect, air conditioned, family and friends

equipment. It’s also another great place to sit back and relax!

accommodation. Floors, doors and drawers are all virtually vibration proofed with draw-down seals and rattle free fixtures and fittings

// But enough of home comforts, let’s get to sea. With a light touch on the

from latches and handles to open-door back-locks. This may be the

55kW (75hp) Yanmar and a burst of bow thruster we’re off the dock and heading

smallest yacht in the line, but the engineering and installation is

down river. Rounding into the fresh 16 knot breeze, the lazy jacked main,

absolutely to top Oyster standards and under engine noise from

wardrobe by Dolphin Sails, is hoisted in fairly quick time. Admittedly neither as

the smooth-running Yanmar saildrive arrangement is deadened

fast nor as simple as with the optional press button, in-mast furling, but it remains

by massive insulation and Halyard silencing to the point of such soft

a very practical bluewater solution and, fully battened, a very powerful sail. The

tones it’s simply not intrusive. A very good attribute if making a long

overlapping genoa is unfurled as we spin before the wind and head for more open

windless passage, and of course being Oyster, thinking ahead to such

water, tracking well with a light but positive helm. Halyards, reefing lines and

occasion, tankage of both fuel and water is, by comparison, colossal.

standard forward led mainsheet are all managed from twinned companionway

There’s still though a tidy, accessible, purpose-ready locker in the side

winches (powered on the starboard side) with banks of Spinlock clutches and feeder.

base of the saloon seat for your water maker. Another case of Oyster

Sukama’s owner, though, opted for an aft mainsheet arrangement, with winches to

readiness for seagoing!

14 / Oyster issue 77

NEW YACHT REVIEW OYSTER 545

New beginnings bring good opportunity. With the Oyster 54 having one of the sweetest hulls ever developed by Oyster it just felt time to refresh, to bring the styling and featuring bang up to date. To match more closely the mode of the more recent arrivals. And that has now been done, delivering a familiar but impressive newcomer to the line, the Oyster 545, first exhibited at the end of last year, and now with hull number eight in build. A trip to the yard and a test sail for review seemed apposite.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN // PHOTOS BY MIKE JONES

The Oyster 54’s history routes back to 2008 and New Zealand where she was first

and workflow begins. Structural bulkheads, engine bearers, engine

built for Oyster by McDell Marine’s Auckland facility both to serve the Pacific Rim

itself, P-bracket, vast under-floor glassfibre fuel and water tanks

market and also to bring the benefit of the then low NZ dollar back to European buyers.

bonded into the hull as structural elements, manifold, seacocks and

Then when the time was right the tooling was shipped home and Oyster continued

other infrastructural hardware. Then the joinery begins with the

the building locally, moving swiftly on from hull number 14 to 21 while the updating

laying in of the CNC-cut timber floor jigs, ready rebated to accept

programme was defined and the 545 developed, ready to emerge.

into exact position the then glued and screwed timber fronts of cabins and other primary joinered structures. Returns to the hull

The changes made ran deep beneath the significant but more obvious updating of

(where joinery might otherwise butt the hull directly) are all glass

bigger, flush hull ports and deck hatches resulting in brighter, lighter accommodation,

laminated in to avoid the hard lines seen externally in hulls of less

with also crisper lines to the interior styling. The depth of change included actual

cautiously built boats.

construction method. Whereas the original Oyster 54 had glassfibre moulded deckhead and floor liners, for the 545 there was a return to the higher specified Oyster own-built

Each boatbuilder aboard works a cabin apiece from beginning to

norm with a fully structural timber interior contributing extra strength to construction

end, woodworking and secondary laminating. Plumbers, engineers,

and adding to that sense of Oyster integrity in build materials, fittings and finish.

electricians and more trades weave into the process, testing the skills of the project planners to avoid being too late or early and in

// So it was truly back to the drawing board long before the first new hull was

the way. With deck still off and open access from above, much work

sprung from its mould to become Oyster 545 hull number one, Shelena.

is eased by comparison with the past as furnishings can be built off boat in modular form and, with the accuracy of the mapped CNC

Since then production hasn’t stopped. After eight weeks in the moulding process,

machining process, lowered into the boat and assembled in precise

the braced, rigid, released bare hull goes into its build-bay. There it is levelled again

jigsaw fashion. >>

Oyster issue 77 / 15

The deck moulding meanwhile goes through a similar cycle, again off boat, making assembly and consolidation simpler, faster yet with better quality controls in this separated and more conducive, eased working position; so much less awkward than in the constrained interior space of a topped-off hull full of other trade and craftsmen.

More simply from the open underside, conduits and channels are routed and bonded, cables and engineering run. Above, as much hardware as practical is assembled and if not actually finish-fitted, then dry-fitted to test before later final assembly. The pedestal is mounted, mice run through for later steering cables and electrics. Turning blocks and

// IT’S THIS LEVEL OF DETAIL THAT MARKS OUT AN OYSTER, AS DOES THE QUALITY OF MATERIALS INVOLVED IN CONSTRUCTION THROUGHOUT.

//

deck fittings for inner or baby stay are positioned. Engine room air vents concealed in the after end of the deck saloon glazing line are fitted and tested for leaks, as, are the four substantial dorade airboxes. Winches, stanchion bases, deck cleats, tracks, pad eyes, pushpit, pulpit, the list goes on. All with a fine eye to exactness.

// It’s this level of detail that marks out an Oyster, as does the quality of materials involved in construction throughout. Take the teak decks, fabricated by Moody Decking Services, classed as industry leader for its high grade timber and technique.

Templated then panel-built for subsequent yard laying, the most obvious clues to status are in the thickness of planking and the impeccable vacuum bonding process.

Underlying all this is the unique nature of that panelling.

There is no rebating between the individual planks with this system, the rubber sealant running the full depth of the planking creating greater flexibility for better fitting and, with around 20 percent more sealant depth than rebated equivalents, a very much longer life under the scrubbing brush. That’s without mentioning that it’s also simply jolly tough teak. And with a good method of sealing plank end grain as well, seamless butt-joins rid the deck of horizontal sealant lines making for a long, lean, clean sweep of deck reinforcing the uncluttered ethic.

But as this is Oyster, that aesthetic does not override sea sense. It’s worked to practical advantage. The sweetly cambered SeaGlaze flush hatches reduce rope snag, trip and toe stubbing opportunity. Stanchions have moved outboard. Now rising through the top of the superyacht style raised bulwark, from the original inboard position, the decks are opened wide for better walk-through and working. Deck fillers, too, have been moved onto the bulwark’s topside, neater and reducing risk of fuel spillage or pump out across the teak planking.

shelf height already, there are eight weeks to go with teams working away above and below to a planned, steady conclusion and delivery

With the deck work taken to this optimum, it’s time for the topping ceremony. Craned

to the commissioning team for the stepping of the rig and testing of

above the hull, the consolidated deck module is lowered into position and the cap join

services and systems and sailing and technical trials before handover.

bonded and faired, ready for the final vacuum bonding of the as yet unlaid final three outer deck planks that will not only top the joint but add to strength. From this point 20

// She’s ready. In the commissioning dock Oyster 545/01 Shelena

weeks into the build, with furnishings, machinery and equipment almost all in place to

is more than afloat, she’s alive. Out on trial she shows instantly what she’s made of – good, sound workmanship and materials.

However she moves, under motor, under sail, at speed, at heel, there’s no groaning and creaking from the floors or joinery. It’s all so solid, including its fastening, so much more secure and correctly fitting than is often the case with lesser constructors.

There’s no errant rattle or evident vibration. There’s a calmness throughout that belies what you see when you look out through the new enlarged hull ports. In the 16 knot breeze the waves are fast sluicing past these great glazed expanses in cabins, saloon and galley, but the sturdy build and quality materials insulate against external as well as internal noise.

There’s almost a hush despite the rush; this is no slouch, her well proven hull is powerful and fast and very well behaved. Relatively vertically ended, overhangs are short so waterline long for overall

16 / Oyster issue 77

length. Her long chord bulb keel keeps draft moderate and, with those big underfloor

the saloon table with the family’s first name initials replacing north,

tanks, too, the centre of gravity is low, which, with the skeg-hung balanced rudder,

east, south and west. Hull number 04 is an in-mast sloop with

adds to the pleasantness of the 545 helm on and off the wind. Tacking through 90° to

removable inner stay for storm jib, 08 is a sloop with no inner stay

sit on the edge of seven knots at 40° apparent, she keeps way and course well through

but a fully battened main and Park Avenue boom.

the heavier gusts; those rounded aft sections a good boost to form stability. Reaching, Shelena’s sloop rig with Dolphin sails and inmast furling (50 seconds from furled to

Down below in the newly addressed interior with the three cabin,

flying) plus electric Furlex headsail furling, took us toward a future of double numbers

two head, corridor galley arrangement, the light and space impresses,

under those white sails alone.

the extensive seat and standing height glazing clearly working well. Additionally the move toward more fabrics on sofa and bed

As throughout the Oyster line, the teak-laid raised centre cockpit creates a good

bases seems visually to extend the bounds of the bordering joinery.

commanding view. The seating for helm, crew and guests is all practical and

Concealed high quality ribbon LED lighting at high and low levels

comfortable, well protected on grim days by ample pram-folding sprayhood forward,

adds to mood. This is all an enhancing effect as is the change to less

and for sun baked days a sizeable, stout bimini unfolding forward from its tidy

radiused but equally never blunt angling of cabinetry and doorways.

lodgings surrounding the cockpit’s back end.

As ever the hand finished timberwork is extraordinarily tactile with, for safe movement around the yacht, integral finger-cupping shaped

Shelena’s winding gear is all Lewmar and mast lines are channelled back between

handholds all around, topped up with stout stainless steel hand rails.

the deck saloon’s top mouldings to companionway winches and Spinlock clutches.

Mainsheeting is via the powered, starboard side winch. There is also an aft sheeting

// The principles of this presentation are absolutely in line with

option behind the helm, keeping all sheet work away from the forward end of the

the largest of the newer yachts back through to the new 475 at the

cockpit, leaving that for more leisurely guesting and enjoying the contents of the

foot of the range, reviewed in detail on pages 12-14. And in similar

cooler inbuilt in the chunky cockpit table.

vein to the 475, the 545 retains the key elements of its predecessor’s plan, but enjoying an opening out and better inclusion of the galley and

Lockers on deck include the Oyster generic vast lazarette, sided by vented gas locker.

also navigation area by restyling and lifting this slightly.

There’s a neat gas strutted lateral locker for deck bits and bobs set into the cockpit’s rear coaming, and forward there’s a big, big chain locker between stout windlass and

Hardware and machinery is very much to owner specification from

custom built stemhead arrangement. It may seem odd to focus on this locker but stay

generator and AC, gel or lithium batteries, isolation transformer,

with it… in Oyster’s extended lean to high end personalisation, even this area gets

particularly if going US/Caribbean, and of course then entertainment

special attention if requested. Here, specification included reworking the space for

systems, complex movie servers and surround sound or simply

40m extra chain and a custom built housing for a second folding anchor.

iPod connectors. And in the case of Shelena a nattily concealed combination clothes washer-dryer in the plinth of the big, stout

// No two boats are the same, owners and Oyster project managers discuss in

saloon table.

detail how the yacht will be used, how it will be lived in, what experience or sight of others’ ideas inspire and together work towards best individual solution. From rig and

The whole table’s a clever piece of work, its beautifully crafted,

sailplan philosophy to keel configuration and power management, from materials and

folding top spanning the saloon sofas both sides and with, in this

colourways to lighting and navigation and comms equipment, the time and attention is

design update, increased space and comfort for the full guest party

there. Beyond the big choices, our 545/01 Shelena has a handy shelf for freshly washed

to celebrate with a champagne and oyster supper. Welcome to the

glasses and mugs above the sink. 545/02 has a multi-grained compass rose inlaid into

545, your time has just begun.

Oyster issue 77 / 17

IN BUILD: THE Oyster 675 Since last talked of in the Oyster Magazine, the new Oyster 675 has made the most significant of all steps, from concept and 3D modelling to completed mouldings and commencement of fit out. This began in June just gone and launch is planned for October 2016.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN

“She’s going to be a lovely boat,” says Oyster CEO David Tydeman, clearly enjoying this new arrival in Oyster’s recently extended Wroxham facility.

She plays a very significant role in the progressive development plan.

“The thinking within the 675 is influenced by aspects of layout of both the 625 and the 655,” David explains. “First point was the enclosed galley on the 655 with a passageway on the opposite side through to the master cabin – something we just don’t have the space for in the 625. Second was to incorporate an option we developed on the 625 for the owners of hull numbers 11 and 14 of a very decent forward double guest suite more closely matching the master, for a husband and wife team sailing with adult friends. However this was a tight squeeze in places and we thought this could do this with more space.”

So, growing out of the virtues of these two different approaches to accommodation comes the all new Oyster 675. Actual hull length remains the same as the 655, the extra length in the name-numeric stemming from inclusion of the new prodder. And that’s another clue to her new origins. The Oyster 675 has the more recent Oyster/ Humphreys Yacht Design, wide beam, soft chine, twin rudder hull format that runs through the larger new Oysters. She’s also built using a new Oyster construction method with the hull shell entirely laminated with vinylester resin and continuous fibre fabrics for increased torsional and bending stiffness and with, among other items, mast bulkhead, grounding bulkhead, girders, keel floors, aft frames and tanks all vacuum infused off boat for improved strength, quality and accuracy.

Computer generated images, shown with optional window layout

18 / Oyster issue 77

But back to the plan and the advancement through the 625 and 655, David Tydeman picks up the story, “The majority of the 625s were built with the walkway through the galley, a twin bunked cabin behind the chart table and two cabins forward parallel with each other, with one being bunked to get the corridor through to the forepeak offset and the other a double, both ensuite. So the brief for the standard most common layout 625, compared with the 575, was to take that boat’s four cabin, two head plan and create instead a four cabin, three head boat with a larger sail locker. This suited the early buyers of the 625 who were focused on family sailing, with younger families and children.”

“Then came the option for two-couple sailing with the forward double guest suite. In consequence though, we encroached on the saloon a little and the sail locker lost some space. Listening to customers, this optional layout was liked by some but it was clear that if we could offer this in a bigger boat including the popular enclosed galley of the 655, this would better fit the needs for some owners.”

Hence the Oyster 675 was born – and planned such that it would complement rather than compete with the popular 625 – using the three extra feet to put a little bit more into the middle of the boat to get the enclosable galley plan working correctly and improve the fourth cabin behind the navstation, which can be bunk room, study or workshop. An extra foot has gone in forward of the mast giving more space to each of the two guest cabins there, and the final foot going into the bow has boosted the sail locker back to excellent size.

There is also the option to turn the navstation and bunkroom into a fourth, day head.

With the first owner arriving from decades of racing, and latterly a Swan 45, the sail plan has had a little more power put in with a 15/16th slightly fractional rig, there’s also a little more draft and power in the keel. Carbon spars and rigging are an option, but moving the other way a centreboard is also available, as is a cutter and in-mast furling rig.

As David Tydeman explains, “The 675 replaces the 655 because of that enclosable galley and the adult guest cabin arrangement forward. The 625 continues well with the more family focused layout, and as a bigger option to the 575, whereas if looking for two almost matching adult guest cabins, and with a bit more power for faster cruising, you will probably be looking at the 675. My key message is we remain committed to building both yachts, we have designed complementary, but different answers to client requests.”

And for those sailing with light crew, there’s an optional deck plan bringing the sheet winches within easier reach so that they can be worked without leaving the cockpit. Short-handed sailing made easy and safe, particularly on night passage.

Roll on October 2016 when the first Oyster 675 launches.

More updates before then.

Oyster issue 77 / 19

IN BUILD: The Oyster 745 Two metres bigger than the Oyster 675, three shorter than the 825, the sleek, topped 22.7m Oyster 745, announced in 2013 and now six months into build, brings interesting new thinking and great new opportunity, drawing as she does on the particular experience of the 12 very varied 825s and 885s, with six of each commissioned.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN

Through these 12 80-plus-footers there are very different expressions of layout and balance between owner, guest and crew requirements, adding into the mix up to three levels of saloon roof and floor, with apportionment of space essentially based on six cabins, six heads for the 885, five cabins, five heads, for the 825 – a huge versatility within the strengthening Oyster approach of ‘say yes’ to owners requests.

Next in line, within the previous single rudder generation, was the 72/725 with five cabins, four heads. Beautiful lines and handling but with two guest cabins aft sharing heads and shower, and the forward guest cabin accessed via the crew and galley area, not everyone’s optimal solution. The key difference between the 725 and the 72 was the incorporation of the vertical, three-stripe Seascape windows into the same hull and floorplan initially at the request of one owner which was then picked up by others. The rebadging as the 725 was driven by the owners who wanted to enjoy the difference between their 725s and the successful 72s – from this partnership, three Oyster 725s have been built.

Computer generated images

20 / Oyster issue 77

For the new Oyster 745, with a clean design slate, these issues have been swept aside,

In the Oyster 675 update (p18-19) we talk of a new Oyster construction

making way for a very spacious four cabin, four head layout by electing to have not

method and the 745 was the first in the line built this way with hull

three full cabins aft, just two with a very versatile side-space bridging the sleeping and

shell completely of vinylester resin with continuous rather than

living areas aft and the amidships, and also resolving private forward access by adopting

conventional multi-directional fibres, and a vacuum infused girder

the bigger 825’s successful walkway either side of the mast. With this, guests have one

structure within, giving greater rigidity and strength for weight.

side forward, crew the other, and the galley/crew door can close the whole of that area.

And as with the 675, taking advantage of the construction processes and using them to enhance the cruising experience, here again a

Of these significant introductions, Oyster CEO David Tydeman says, “You get a really

little more power has been designed into the rig and keel, the latter

nice master cabin with big ensuite, and a very good guest double cabin which can be

with a little more chord length fore and aft and slightly deeper draft

either double, twin, or Pullmans, or combination of all of these. And rather than use the

complementing the twin rudder hull and full beam aft. There’s also

leftover space as a fourth guest cabin, we designed this area with a number of options.

a centreboard option if shallower draft capability is sought.

Given this is more of an owner-driver’s boat, this can be a ship’s office for the owner, with a desk, with a chart table, enclosed or open plan, and a comfortable L-shaped snug

Two Oyster 745s have been sold at time of writing.

just off the main saloon and dining area.”

Left open plan, it creates a great space for sitting and relaxing, while pouring even

The first Oyster 745 will launch in spring next year, six months ahead of the

more light and space into that aft guest deck, a convivial or quiet lower deck saloon

first 675, and in time for showing at the Oyster Private View in London’s

with library or any level of AV equipment including 40in (100cm) deckhead fold-

St Katharine Docks, 13-16 April 2016.

down television. Alternatively it can be laundry and store or a bunked space for extra occasional berthing.

The evolution through design generations to the current wide beam aft and high freeboard has contributed to a leap in interior volume for this new, more open accommodation plan.

Below the sheerline volume is a full 210m3, astonishingly just 20 less than the Oyster 82 which despite its three metres extra length measured 230m3.

Oyster issue 77 / 21

The Oyster 118 Work is moving along well with the new flagship Oyster 118, hull number one.

With the concept now extensively tank tested under the close watchful eye of the Oyster and Humphreys Yacht Design team, the computerised five-axis cutting for the main female tooling is underway. So, the build has truly begun, and moulding will commence in October, fit out following on from April next year. It is a very big build with a 700m3 interior volume up to sheerline – i.e. excluding the ‘above-deck’ spaces. As noted in the website overview, that’s ten times the interior space of the new Oyster 475 at the other end of the fleet, it’s also equivalent to the longer 125. Target is pre-delivery sailing in the Solent around Christmas 2017.

well tried and tested methods, Technical Director Harvey Jones says, “The emphasis is on good solid reliable engineering, not to push boundaries. This is a ‘go anywhere’ yacht, and one that will do it at quite some speed and style.”

That she will, the tall, four spreader, carbon sloop rig with four high speed captive winches - main halyard, mainsheet, twins for the blade jib - and flying big asymmetrics from the integral prodder, she’ll surely be a mile muncher. Given her DNV Southern Ocean pass, all this will make her a very capable performance bluewater albatross chaser… and in quite some comfort.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN

When stepping through the MCA 24 load line length rules, which the Oyster 825 and 885 sit just beneath, new hurdles become a long

As previously described, her size and lines permit new thinking, and within the plumb

jump. The code calls for a crew minimum of six, with dedicated crew

bowed, long waterlined, beamy twin rudder configuration, topped with sedan style

mess and three size-specified cabins and facilities – so forward of the

squat coachroof and sweetly swept solid bimini, there are concealed within many clever

mast the boat begins to grow. With this level of crew and extra space

innovations such as hidden single point mainsheet and gullwing engine room escape hatch.

needed, the requirement for owner and guest would naturally be four cabins minimum. As Oyster CEO David Tydeman explains, “You’re

The first hull will be filled, faired and painted because of the particular colour chosen

looking then at a seven cabin boat, and if wanting decent saloon space

but the two section hybrid mould, that’s a direct female mould below waterline and

we concluded 110ft, maybe 115ft, was the minimum. This was the

conventional female tooling for topsides, will enable a ‘fair’ gel skin for subsequent

driver of the Oyster 118, first announced in 2013 as the 115 but then

hulls. New build facilities on the site are in hand to enable the simultaneous

further developed.”

construction of two 118s.

This first is actually an eight/nine cabin layout with a convertible Built to DNV Germanischer Lloyd classification and MCA LY3 commercial yacht code,

saloon/snug area that can also become an office or additional bunk

the construction standards are inherently high and well met by Oyster’s Southampton

room. Add in the good skipper’s cabin and two other crew cabins

build squad with decades of Superyacht experience on the Saxon Wharf site which, of

forward, and David Tydeman says, “To our knowledge there isn’t

course, includes the Oyster Group’s Southampton Yacht Services (SYS).

another boat with this five/six owner cabin layout at this size on the market, only in much bigger boats.”

The requirements revolve around levels of security and protection, affecting design and specification rather than actual technical difficulty, introducing for

In this arrangement the master cabin is significantly larger than on

example enclosed fire boundaries to galley and more metal pipework that might

the 885 and each of the four guest cabins is similar in size to the Oyster

otherwise be synthetics. Reflecting on this approach combined with Oyster’s own

100. But where the 100 had just two good guest cabins and the master

Computer generated images

22 / Oyster issue 77

// THIS IS A ‘GO ANYWHERE’ YACHT, AND ONE THAT WILL DO IT AT QUITE SOME SPEED AND STYLE.

//

suite aft, the 118 has the two further guest cabins and a wide range of alternative layouts. These include, to begin with, the reduction of one guest cabin to introduce a second L–shaped living/office space into the master, through to reducing guest cabins aft to the 100s two while enlarging the master suite to enormous proportion. This suite then includes a large office and library to port forward, and full, spacious dressing room and walk-in wardrobe to starboard leading forward into a much extended heads and washroom area.

Forward, options range from the fully enclosable, three-cabined crew quarters plus generous guest suite to similar crew plan but with that fourth cabin space becoming a lower deck snug/saloon/ship’s office or bunkroom. Again, versatility to fit a variety of needs, and fitted accordingly; the snug having among its potential inventory a 40in television dropping down from the deckhead. Extreme variation includes the choice of swept or squared transom for four feet (metre plus) more deck. Both look just right.

Between inside and out, where that fixed bimini blends environments, a large sliding door, drawing almost halfway across the wide beam, sides a comfy lazing spot to port with drinks servery opposite to starboard. Within the broad, long main deck accommodation, light and space are exaggerated with clever mirrored trompe l’oeils effectively extending sight lines straight through mullions, giving the appearance of endless, glazed expanses. Floor plans and levels between the various zones work well creating different but comfortably interconnected social and more private areas. Forward of the saloon down a broad twostep stairway the dining saloon incorporates permanent sofas framing a cleverly folding dining arrangement that converts from 12 seater to occasional coffee table, making a lovely large lounging area with freer flow also for larger walkabout gatherings.

“We have a really lovely versatile design here,” says David Tydeman.

Yes, and now she’s in build.

Oyster issue 77 / 23

custom by name, custom by nature Walking around the main building at Oyster Group’s Custom and Refit operation in Southampton, you cannot help but feel the history hanging in the air with the sublime cruising Fife S/Y Cambria dominating the space as she approaches the final stages of her refit. The historic roots run deeper still though, with an impressive roster of over 60 yachts that have been refitted and restored here over the years, where the skilled craftsmen and project managers have innovated the process of refit and restoration.

The yard’s work on Altair in 1987 effectively re-ignited the renaissance of ‘original’ yacht restorations, showing the world quite simply how it is done. Taking a classic wooden yacht in very poor health and breathing new life into her along with providing exceptional longevity, through updated and modernised ship’s systems. Allowing traditional methods to be employed in the refit to ensure originality and authenticity, along with a very efficient and sophisticated approach to integrating modern systems and an exceptional quality of finish. Over the years under the banner of ‘Southampton Yacht Services’ before the Oyster Group moved into yachts over 80ft, the diverse collection of yachts, modern and classic, power and sail that have come through the doors has allowed the team to amass a vast wealth of knowledge of the countless skills and techniques required to execute a creative refit and provide custom solutions for its clients.

This team is committed to the future of skilled boatbuilding too, with 10-12 apprentices at varying levels per trade, learning and gaining valuable experience surrounded by teams of craftsmen with an exceptional eye for detail. Sharing resources across the demands of building the larger, customised Oyster 745, 825, 885 and the first Oyster 118 along with refitting both old and modern classics, makes this team a real rarity in the Superyacht world. Shipwrights and technical staff move from carbon built one-offs like Leopard 3, Sojana and Mari-Cha III, to medium displacement composite Oyster yachts to fine classics like Cambria and Altair. It’s no wonder that this team is in high demand, and the impressive portfolio of yachts that have passed through their doors speaks volumes in itself.

Main Image & Inset Right: Cambria 114ft (34.7m) SY (Cutter) refit in progress, 2015

24 / Oyster issue 77

Above & Below: Leopard 3 98ft (30m) SY (Sloop) at sea following the installation of the forward cabins. Bottom: Yali 95ft (30m) SY (Auxiliary Ketch) refit, 2013

For much of the last year the team at the Saxon Wharf yard has been meticulously removing, repairing and where required replacing more than 200 of Cambria’s planks, along with substantial work to her stem. Of those 200 planks, more than 70 percent of them have been painstakingly repaired, ensuring as much of the original yacht as possible remains. Such extensive work on the hull and stem have also allowed the team to inspect the majority of the keelbolts (all original to the yacht) and perform non destructive testing to check their integrity. In addition, by removing the bilge area, all the tanks have been inspected and hydraulics updated, no mean feat on a wooden boat, originally built in 1928. She is currently being prepared for a thin sheathing in preparation for a new paint job that will see this refit last for decades to come, and is expected

//

to leave the yard at the end of August.

OF CAMBRIA’S 200 DAMAGED PLANKS, MORE THAN 70 PERCENT OF THEM HAVE BEEN PAINSTAKINGLY REPAIRED, ENSURING AS MUCH OF THE ORIGINAL YACHT AS POSSIBLE REMAINS.

//

To complement this very classic restoration, just in at the yard for a general refit, is the Farr designed ketch Sojana, a stark contrast and testament to the versatility and array of skills on hand here. The 115ft yacht doesn’t daunt these ‘big boat’ specialists in the slightest though, and in fact Technical Director Harvey Jones, cannot wait to start work on the exciting new Oyster 118, a project that will be a jewel in the crown for the Oyster Group, proudly recognising the heritage of SYS, where only the highest levels of quality and finish will do, resulting in a Superyacht that will rival any of her size, and then some. Expected handover is in 2018.

WORDS BY MIKE JONES

Oyster issue 77 / 25

SYS ROLL CALL BOAT NAME 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

Yali 95ft (30m) SY (Auxiliary Ketch) 2013 refit, on the water Photography by Darren Martin – Follow dazmaphotographics on Facebook 26 / Oyster issue 77

LOA 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)

TYPE SY (Ketch) 2015 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) 1982 SY (Gaff Ketch)

// Oh, yes we can! //

OYSTER 56 // BRITICAN Briton Simon Brown discovered sailing while in the army… then in a transatlantic tryst he discovered American Kim who’d been boating since a teen but thought sailing a waste of time. With five year-old daughter Sienna they’re now live-aboards, sailing the Med in their Oyster 56 Britican – half BRITish, half amerICAN. Here Kim tells how life has changed.

WORDS BY SIMON & KIM BROWN PHOTOS BY SIMON & KIM BROWN AND KEVIN FISCARDO

Oyster issue 77 / 27

The transition from living in the rat race to living full time on a

you must be out and about to allow for that to happen!), explore

sailboat has taught me some amazing lessons. One of the largest I’ve

my surrounding area, go for a bike ride, take a swim, try a new

noted, thus far, is my ability to consciously choose life’s course rather

cuisine, go grocery shopping, read a book, work on my blog/shop,

than live life on automatic pilot. In the past I thought I was making

write an article, create a new product to sell, do a cooking video

choices but after reflection I was simply being distracted by life rather

for Britican Galley (part of my blog), work on my latest book, see

than living it.

an ancient ruin (in the Mediterranean you’re never far from some sort of old thing!), clean the boat, fix something on the boat (that

Let me explain how I came to this realisation – first I have to back up

list is endless), have alone time, have family time – and on and on

a bit to show you where my line of thought started…

the list goes.

Recently, I’ve been debating, in my head, as to whether I have more

In my old life, I had a limited amount of choice on where I

options with my current lifestyle than I had in my previous ‘rat race’

travelled for work (home or the office) and I had to work no matter

life. And taking that a bit further, I’ve asked myself, “Self – are too

what the weather was doing… and sadly, I worked almost every

many choices more apt to complicate life rather than simplify it?”

hour of the day – I seriously didn’t know how to do anything other than work.

Since selling up and sailing away endless possibilities have opened up.

//

And with those endless possibilities I’ve had to seriously increase my

And the way I spent my work day was dictated by whatever project

decision-making skills. My romantic notion of sailing into the sunset

was requiring the most attention. Yes, I had choice about what

and doing nothing couldn’t be further from the truth.

I did but it was almost always dictated by employees, clients or suppliers. In most cases, I don’t think I had to think much, but

SAILING AROUND THE WORLD CERTAINLY ISN’T SIMPLE – OUR NEW LIFESTYLE OF DOING NOTHING IS ANYTHING BUT ‘DOING NOTHING’

//

rather I just reacted.

Was I reacting to life in my past rather than consciously choosing life’s path? Yes… I think so. And what about the weekends in my old life? Yes, I had the choice on what activities to do with family and friends – exploring, socialising, and spending time together.

Making time to make a new friend – that almost never happened.

Not only do I have a multitude of destinations I can go to at almost any

My choice of friends was mostly a done deal – I had no reason to

moment, there’s my choice on when I leave for the next destination

increase my circle. Furthermore, where would I find the time to

and what kind of weather I want to travel in (high wind, low wind,

deepen another friendship?

etc). And what time should I leave – during the morning or how about late at night? At this very moment, I have the option to move our home

Home management forced many of my choices down the path of

to Greece, Malta, Turkey, Croatia, Spain, France, Portugal or Africa.

laundry, shopping, cleaning, and doing the yard/garden. My week was mainly broken up into my career with a tiny bit of extra activities

Two days ago I was in Malta, today I’m in Sicily and in the next week

in the evenings and then the weekends where I recovered from work,

or so, depending on how the winds are blowing, I might just be in

got the house in order and socialised a bit.

Greece or should I pop up to Croatia?

Sure, I had choice, but my choices seemed much more limited. My Then there is limitless choice on how to spend my days, too – do I

life seemed unconscious… it just happened. Life was very routine.

visit with friends, make new friends (that’s more spontaneous but

I didn’t stop to think.

28 / Oyster issue 77

// OWNER STORY My life now is totally different – actually, I should write that as

At first sight this might seem like ‘living the dream’. Who

TOTALLY DIFFERENT!

wouldn’t want to be able to ‘choose life’s course’ (the motto of SailingBritican.com)?

Now I wake in the morning and think ‘how do I feel?’ I scan my body to simply feel the sensations of having a body. I then take a

Yes, it is a blessing but it can also be something of a curse. With choice

look at my mood – am I happy to be alive? The answer, thankfully,

comes opportunity cost and opportunity cost can be quite a demon

is almost always a ‘yes’.

to battle with.

The old Kim would wake up, jump out of bed having overslept,

Opportunity cost equals the loss of other alternatives when one

rush around the house like a maniac and, if I had time to pay

alternative is chosen.

attention to my mind, my thoughts would be ‘life sucks!’.

We have so many choices and therefore we consequently have so I never in a million years knew that I had the capability to check

many alternatives that we’re missing out on.

in with myself! Feelings? What were those?

But this is where the importance of flowing with life comes in. With Life was go, go, go… do, do, do.

this kind of way of living, we need to teach ourselves how consciously to ‘choose life’s course’. We might have loads of choice, but perhaps

So, what do I ‘feeeel’ like doing now? Back on the boat… after

there’s a limit to what we ‘feeeel’ like doing.

checking in with my body and mind, a routine I never had time for before, I ask myself, “And what do I feel like doing right now and

As long as we check in with ourselves, get to grips with where

what would I like to do today?” I go through a checklist of a dozen

we are emotionally, physically and mentally, survey the choices

or more things thinking, ‘yes,’ ‘no,’ or ‘maybe’.

available and then choose what feels best at the time, I think we’re on the right path.

This morning I thought, ‘It’s 5:30am… should I go back to sleep?

Or should I watch the sun come up? Or should I do some writing?

Could I have lived more consciously in my old life?

Or should I do some Yoga? Or should I make a fresh pot of coffee? Or should I read my book?’ That’s before I even started to consider what

I think I could have paid more attention to how I felt before taking

the plan for the day might be.

action… but the world I used to occupy was so busy. It was filled with distraction after distraction – drama, advertisements, other people’s

I now ask myself what feels like the best choice for me in the moment.

problems, my problems, the world’s problems, not enough time in the day, work, work, work and on and on.

In my old life I never had time to think about options – life just happened and it was relentless.

Looking back, I don’t know how I lived the way I used to live.

After thinking about various opportunities for the day, my

Instead of analysing my life, figuring out if I was in the right job or

husband usually wakes up and asks, “So what’s the plan for

spending my time in a way that fulfilled me, I just kept busy – I just

today?” We then lay in bed discussing our endless possibilities.

made sure that I was distracted by life rather than living life. It’s as if I didn’t want to ask the question ‘Am I happy?’ because I knew if I

The biggest question in our lives is ‘how do we want to spend our time

did the answer would be ‘no’ and then I’d have to take responsibility

moment by moment?’.

for my unhappiness.

Oyster issue 77 / 29

I might have a billion options now but my overall distractions have been massively reduced.

There’s no TV, no news, no advertisements, no ‘keeping up with the Joneses,’ no world problems… And more importantly I’m not working for the sake of working. I now LOVE what I do to earn an income.

Speaking of an income, it’s important to note that I’m not retired.

I don’t want to be put in the ‘lucky for some’ category. I’m still working… I still have to do activities to create an income so that we can carry on with this lifestyle.

The difference now is that I’m consciously choosing life’s course.

I’m consciously choosing when I feel like working and what ‘working’ means. I’m checking in with myself and determining if this moment is the right moment to write an article OR go for a swim. And because I’m doing the kind of work that I love (writing, blogging, growing my nautical-themed shop), I actually WANT to work… I enjoy working. I also enjoy all my other options, too.

I seriously never thought life could be so amazing. I count my blessings every day that I had the courage to step out, take responsibility for my fulfilment and make a change in my life. If it wasn’t for my decision to say ‘screw-it’ to my old life and change it for a new one I don’t think I would have ever learned this new and improved way to live.

So… that’s how sailing full time has taught me how to take my life off automatic pilot and consciously choose life’s course.

When someone sets out to change the course of their life, they don’t know what’s in store for them. I’m coming around to the belief that as long as you want to find more fulfilment and are willing to step out into the unknown, the world can truly become a heaven on earth.

More stories on SailingBritican.com

30 / Oyster issue 77

// 2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY: evolution // After the great success of the first Oyster World Rally, which ran through 2013-14 and helped a remarkable fleet of 26 Oysters sail the dream of circling the world, there simply had to be a second! Well, there is… and the upcoming second Oyster World Rally 2017-19 is set to excite even more with welcomed extra time to explore the world’s most exotic bluewater destinations.

Running this time through 27 months, a full 12 months more than the inaugural event, aims and aspirations may be similar but the possibilities just multiply! An exclusive opportunity to sail right around the world with the added support of a professional team and camaraderie of fellow yachtsmen, the route and timeline segments into four parts.

Sail the whole route or ship your yacht across the bits you’d prefer to miss, there’s a whole range of passage possibilities.

As in the first Oyster World Rally, the route takes in many of the most beautiful regions of the world, with this second edition allowing significantly more cruising time and exploration at the end of each passage by making the best of seasonal weather patterns and ocean currents. Throughout, participants will have professional shore support at each stopover and also for the more complex parts such as transits of the Panama Canal.

The key change in this evolution is the increased freedom and flexibility the extra time opens for fleet members to explore those best bits that others fed back they felt they sped through last time around – particularly the Pacific islands and around the top of Australia into Indonesia.

Oyster issue 77 / 31

Oyster CEO, David Tydeman looks back at how the first Oyster World Rally was conceived and how the experience and feedback from the participants has been used to evolve the plans for the upcoming 2017-19 edition.

“You don’t buy an Oyster to put it in a marina, you buy it to explore the world’s oceans.

One of the core attributes of an Oyster is that it can be sailed anywhere and by 2010 43 Oysters had completed circumnavigations. In 2013, Oyster Yachts celebrated its 40th birthday and we thought it a great idea to organise the first ever Oyster World Rally.

Initially we looked at forming a class within the World ARC and expected about 10 owners to participate but we were oversubscribed within a matter of weeks. We realised that we would have to run our own exclusive rally and it would have to be run the Oyster way.

Debbie Johnson and Eddie Scougall were appointed as Oyster World Rally Event Manager and Technical Support Manager and thus began an 18-month research project.

Flying to locations at the precise time of the planned route, the team established all of the basic logistics, including customs and immigration issues, details of marinas and anchorages, leisure opportunities, such as scuba diving, trekking and tourism activities.

All the time developing a meticulous plan to establish maintenance, support and concierge services. The research was collated into the Oyster World Rally Guide, which is still available online for free in the Oyster Owners’ forum.

Eddie and Debbie went on to deliver an outstanding rally, the culmination of three years’ work, going around the world twice, ensuring that the event was run properly and was a success. At the final awards party in Antigua, we presented the yachts with awards for their circumnavigations. 68 Oyster Yachts have now sailed around the world, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the deck saloons built by Oyster Yachts. That is something unique and that number will continue to rise.

Looking forward to the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally, the feedback from the participants in the first rally was that they were not just driven by the badge of circumnavigation.

The feeling amongst many was to spend more time in certain locations and many Oyster owners wanted more flexibility, including the opportunity to ship yachts to locations or to remain in destinations for a longer period of time.

A key driver for a change to the timeline of the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally was the Pacific segment which was identified as one of the most important areas of the route. The first rally could only schedule just over three months in the Pacific and this was not enough, but to extend the time exploring this area would mean extending the Oyster World Rally by 12 months, this being dictated by the weather patterns in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Hence the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally will be segmented into four parts, with each segment benefiting from the additional time for the project. The Pacific segment doubles to nearly six months.

We learned so much from the inaugural rally that has now been incorporated into the 2017-19 event and we see our role as facilitating an adventure for Oyster owners; researching the event and putting a structure around it and providing a safety net, but not

“Sailing into a Marquesan bay, the sight of green after weeks dominated by blue is completely refreshing. At first everything is a blur of green, but as the eyes adjust you can see that it is not one colour, but a thousand shades, and with a complete lack of pollution it almost feels that it is possible to see each individual leaf on every tree.

Smells also begin to separate – damp earth, rich vegetation, undertones of wood smoke.

in a prescriptive way. There are key holding points along the route, and a defined calendar, as well as information and support throughout the rally, beyond which the participants will be able to go off on their own, formulating their own schedule. Their adventure will be of their own making.

Over the 27-month event, the Oyster World Rally community will form its own dynamics and bonds. The experience will be different from one yacht to the next and the people who will take part will have memories that will last a lifetime.”

Once ashore, the friendliness of the people is almost overwhelming; everybody has time to say hello, to ask where you have come from, how long you are staying, and what they can give to you – kilos of sweet pamplemousse, mangoes, bananas and papaya all add to the ardour of the hike, but are impossible to refuse.”

Debbie Johnson // 2013-14 Oyster World Rally Event Manager

32 / Oyster issue 77

2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY

PART 01 //

PART 02 //

THE PACIFIC RALLY / 2017 SETTLING-IN AND THE FIRST PASSAGE JANUARY - APRIL 2017 / ~2500 NM

THE ANTIPODEAN CRUISE / 2017 - 2018 DECEMBER 2017 - APRIL 2018

In January 2017, the second edition of the Oyster World Rally will

‘holding pattern’ during the New Zealand and Australian summer

start from Antigua, one of the spiritual homes of Oyster Yachts.

months, waiting for the weather patterns to change in the Pacific

The excellent yacht amenities of Antigua and the support of Oyster

to allow sensible passage. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

Essentially the Antipodean segment of the rally is a five month

Yachts will aid last minute preparations for the start of the rally. The

and the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia have both expressed their

scheduled navigation of the Panama Canal will be several weeks later

enthusiasm to welcome the fleet and help yachts ‘tough out this

than before, allowing more time to prepare and to explore and enjoy

waiting time’, enjoying some of the best hospitality this part of the

the Caribbean islands between Antigua and Panama, including the

world can offer during the best few months of their sailing season!

wonderful Lesser Antilles of Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao, and the San Blas Islands of Panama, an archipelago comprising around 365 islands

The fleet will be welcomed to enjoy the use of auspicious yacht club

and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited.

and marina facilities and also events such as our own Oyster Regatta in Auckland in February 2018 or for those exploring Australia the

In March 2017, the Oyster yachts will regroup to navigate the Panama

iconic Sydney Hobart Race on Boxing Day, December 2017 will

Canal together. The Oyster World Rally Rendezvous in Panama will

become options. This dramatic race has its famous history and daring-

be held at Shelter Bay Marina and, paving the way, the first organised

do tales and each year draws yachts of all sizes and types including last

social gathering since the start will be an opportunity to catch up

year Oyster 72 Katharsis, for whom it was a ‘minor detour’ en route

with other sailors in the rally, sharing stories of the Caribbean and

to Antarctica. An Oyster 55 won the cruising division of this race two

discussing plans for the Galapagos Islands, the magical location that

years running so there will be no shortage of ideas for Part 02 of the

awaits, once through the Panama Canal.

Oyster World Rally.

THE PACIFIC / 2017 LATE APRIL - NOVEMBER 2017 / ~6000 NM The Oyster fleet is expected to arrive in the Marquesas Islands at the

Of course for those wanting to fly or ship in and out during this period both Sydney and Auckland, the City of Sails, have well established marine services including worldwide yacht transportation facilities as well as major airline hub for domestic and international destinations.

beginning of the dry season, avoiding the humid weather of the rainy season and to enjoy a full six months exploring thousands of islands in the Central Pacific; among them the Marquesas Islands, rich in culture with a dramatic volcanic terrain that makes the islands a favourite among adventure travellers. The prevailing south easterly wind provides a perfect sailing angle to explore destinations to the west including Tuamotos, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji. The Oyster fleet is

“It has been my dream for years to dive with Hammerhead sharks.The Galapagos is one of the few places in the world that these amazing creatures can be seen in abundance, often swimming in huge groups.

In my opinion, this phenomenon makes the islands the most amazing place on earth.”

expected to regroup in Auckland, New Zealand in late October, to be clear of and avoid the cyclone season in the South Pacific.

Lukas Schiesser, Oyster 54 In Flagranti // Mar 2013

Oyster issue 77 / 33

2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY ROUTE MAP

ANTIGUA GRENADA

FERNANDO ASCENSION DE NORONHA ISLAND CHRISTMAS ISLAND SALVADOR

ST HELENA MAURITIUS

COCOS (KEELING) ISLANDS

REUNION

CAPE TOWN

RICHARDS BAY

OYSTER WORLD RALLY 2013-14 PACIFIC RALLY 2017 ASIA RALLY 2018 PASSAGE HOME NOVEMBER 2018 – MARCH 2019

PART 03 // THE ASIAN RALLY / 2018 MAY - EARLY SEPTEMBER 2018 / ~3800 NM Starting from Auckland, the Oyster World Rally will sail north for the first time to New Caledonia, an intriguing archipelago of dozens of islands in the southwest Pacific Ocean, 750 miles east of Australia. It’s a major scuba-diving location, rich in marine life. Vanuatu was one of the most memorable locations from the first world rally and, hopefully, by the time the second Oyster World Rally arrives the islands will have recovered from the devastation experienced in the grip of Hurricane Pam. In early 2013 the Oyster World Rally fleet was treated to a wonderful welcome and hospitality throughout its stay. It will be wonderful to return and rekindle relationships. From Vanuatu, the fleet will sail to Australia, the first Oyster Rendezvous at a continental

“Our passage through the channels of officialdom to enter Indonesia were facilitated by the Oyster Team, shepherding the customs and biosecurity teams around the fleet, before we were allowed ashore. The Oyster Rally management team had managed to corral Biosecurity, Customs, Immigration and the Port Authority into a single hall. Armed with 10 copies of each of our Clearance papers out of Darwin, our Permit to Cruise Indonesia – CAIT (obtained in advance), our Crew List, our Ship’s Registration and passports and visas, we navigated that ‘room’ in about an hour. Heavens knows how long we would have taken had we had to go to each of their offices, one after the other.

land mass since Panama.

Mackay and Cairns shape the projected route along Queensland’s Pacific shoreline, with Cairns the gateway to the amazing Great Barrier Reef and the tropical Daintree Rainforest. Darwin is then the planned eastward port of call in the Northern Territory and the gateway to Kakadu, Australia’s largest National Park.

The final destination for this Asian Rally Rendezvous is planned for Bali in September 2018. Underlying this section of the rally and enabling the freedom to tailor individual itineraries, the unique flexibility of

Some time before arriving in Indonesia, we went to a charity shop in Darwin to get some clothes to give away to the Kupang locals, should we get the opportunity. A small contribution to the Salvation Army and we were the proud possessors of three bags of children’s clothes. The Oyster Rally group found out about an Orphanage in Kupang and encouraged all the boats to pool together a donation to fund the purchase of sacks of rice, flour and cooking oil.

Also some mattresses for the boys (who apparently have to sleep on the concrete floor) and toys, toys and toys.”

the Oyster World Rally allows participants to explore where and how they want, sailing more of Australia or heading north to Asia, cruising through Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, before regrouping in Bali.

34 / Oyster issue 77

David Caukill, owner of Oyster 575, Serendipity // Aug 2013

BALI

ANTIGUA

PANAMA CANAL MARQUESAS ISLANDS

KUPANG

SAMOA

DARWIN CAIRNS HAMILTON ISLAND MACKAY

VANUATU

GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

BORA BORA

FIJI TONGA

TAHITI

AUCKLAND

PART 04 // THE PASSAGE HOME / 2018 - 2019 SEPTEMBER 2018 - EARLY APRIL 2019 / ~12,000 NM The Oyster Rendezvous in Bali will be the destination for final preparations for the Oyster World Rally fleet before crossing the Indian Ocean. While the rally will have been in flow for more than 20 months, the fleet still has more than 12,000 miles to sail before reaching the final destination, Antigua, in April 2019. And it is quite some voyage with the passage home including two major oceanic segments, crossing both the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Within these, Part 04 has potentially the trickiest passage of the rally – rounding South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope with passage through the Agulhas Current,

“Ten days at sea and we are all feeling tired. Overcast skies, drizzle and big rolly seas. Lee cloths tied up to stop us falling out of the bunk and so uncomfortable that no one managed much sleep. We are gauging our speed to arrive at the Agulhas Current at the right time and we don’t want to get it wrong; our pilot book talks about freak waves of up to 20 metres high when the wind and current oppose.

Despite the weather Oliver’s enthusiasm for fishing was rewarded and he landed a 7kg tuna this afternoon. I’m preparing the appetiser of tuna sashimi and he’s doing the main course of grilled tuna steaks, with sesame oil.”

famed for big seas when the wind sets against the current.

Andrew and Sussanne Lock, Oyster 54, Pearl of Persia // Nov 13 To help here, the Oyster World Rally is once again supported by renowned meteorologist, Chris Tibbs, whose expert knowledge proved extremely valuable when the fleet encountered pretty much

little, allowing the fleet to get to Cape Town a month earlier in the

the only tactical challenges of the circumnavigation before making

calendar, ahead of the tough weather that builds around the end of the

landfall in South Africa during the first Oyster World Rally. During

year in the southern part of the Indian ocean. And of course, on top of

this leg, Chris delivered bespoke weather briefs to groups of yachts

Chris’ detailed weather forecasting, the Oyster team will be on hand to

in the Indian Ocean, advising them when to hold back or speed up to

help with well practised, concentrated support.

avoid the worst of the weather.

Long before the Cape appears on participants’ daily charts, in He commented that these few key days of sailing around 500-1,000

September 2018 the Oyster World Rally fleet will depart Bali bound

miles in a specific tight window of a few weeks within the 15 month,

first for Cocos Keeling with the opportunity to visit Christmas Island

30,000 mile adventure of a circumnavigation, is the only time the

en route. Midway between Australia and Sri Lanka, Cocos Keeling

wind could be in conflict with currents and present a real challenge.

has a population of less than 1,000 and only two of the group’s 27

The extra time of the 2017-19 rally will now take the pressure off a

islands are inhabited.

Oyster issue 77 / 35

36 / Oyster issue 77

2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY

PART 04 // CONTINUED The Oyster World Rally route will then take the fleet to Mauritius and Reunion Island before making landfall in continental Africa, at Sir Richards Bay, South Africa. Situated on the Eastern Cape, Sir Richards Bay is an ideal port of call, before rounding the Cape of Good Hope, to arrive in Cape Town by November 2018.

The Western Cape is a magnificent location at the beginning of the South African summer.

The Mediterranean climate and fertility of the region combine, producing world class citrus fruits and vegetables, as well as outstanding fish, meat and wine. The natural vistas and abundant wildlife are renowned the world over and the city of Cape Town has an international airport with worldwide connections for visitors and participants to reunite with friends and family for the festive season.

After a relaxing Christmas break between the ocean passage from Bali and the passage to the Caribbean, the Oyster World Rally fleet will depart Cape Town in January 2019. While initially planning into the inaugural Oyster World Rally a route via Brazil, less than half took this option because it added between 500-1,000 sea-miles and a further potential 1,000 mile upwind leg along the Brazilian coast. Hence the intended route for the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally is to head northwest to St Helena and Ascension Island before sailing directly to the Caribbean. A routing via Brazil will be supported if yachts wish to take this diversion.

The passage takes the fleet through the world’s most remote oceanic location of the Southern Atlantic, however this is the one ocean in the world without a cyclonic or hurricane season; you only need be wary of the North Atlantic hurricane season which does not start until around July each year. So as the fleet leaves Cape Town you can be sure of a long but enjoyable passage. The 2013-14 fleet enjoyed 6,000 miles from Cape Town to the Caribbean with the delight of downwind sailing in less than 20 knots almost all of the time.

Southeasterly trade winds and the Benguela Current will be favourable and not just for the Oyster fleet, cetaceans including whales and dolphins should be a common sight on their migration north.

The traditional heading to cross the Atlantic will take the fleet to Ilha Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago of 21 islands and islets 200 miles from the coast of North Brazil, just four degrees south of the equator. There is no doubt at this point circumnavigators will be planning their celebrations, when crossing back into the northern hemisphere as the Atlantic safari continue towards the Caribbean, amidst an abundance of flying fish, mae mae, tuna and wahoo as well as schools of acrobatic spinner dolphin.

The first Caribbean port of call on the passage home will be Grenada, well known to participants of the Oyster Caribbean Regattas. 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.

“In some ways the adventure was better than I could have expected and a lot of the surprises were down to the fact that you didn’t really know what was in front of you. I adore adventure and in whatever I am doing I like to go forward, doing things over and over again has never been my style. So sailing around the world has been absolutely fantastic.”

Eddie Jordan, Oyster 885, Lush

Oyster issue 77 / 37

2017-19 OYSTER WORLD RALLY

PART 04 // CONTINUED “In St Helena, in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, we saw devil rays with a wing span of over three metres but they were small in comparison to the whale sharks, which were truly awesome. They were just spinning around us, just a few inches from us - when we surfaced from that dive we agreed that life doesn’t get any better than that. Audrey and I swam back to Lush, I put the kettle on and Audrey was showering off at the back of the boat and started yelling at me in her West of Ireland accent. A 50ft Whale Shark had followed us and was right next to the swimming platform!

The masks and snorkels went on and we filmed it swimming around the boat, the whale shark was so friendly and inquisitive, we know so little about these ocean giants, it was incredible to have such a personal experience with them.”

Paul Adamson skipper of Oyster 885, Lush // Feb 14

38 / Oyster issue 77

Oyster Yachts has appointed Alan Canavan as the 2017-19 Oyster World Rally Coordinator. Alan was the engineer for Oyster 885, Lush for the first Oyster World Rally. His knowledge of Oyster Yachts, combined with his practical knowledge of the rally, as well as 50,000 sea-miles under sail, made him the ideal choice for the position. Debbie Johnson and Eddie Scougall, Oyster World Rally Event Manager and Technical Support Manager for the first edition are assisting Alan Canavan and were on hand for the first official 2017-19 Oyster World Rally Seminar in London, May 2015.

“It was important that we understood the lessons learned from the

CIRCUMNAVIGATING 2017-2019 YACHT NAME

MODEL

HULL

Vela

Oyster 45

7

SunSuSea

Oyster 46

22

Altair

Oyster 475

2 9

Unconditional

Oyster 49

Boysterous

Oyster 53

40

Talaba

Oyster 54

14

first World Rally and kept all of the good things. Debbie and Eddie

Sea Avenue

Oyster 54

9

are a fundamental part of that and they are just an email or a phone

Sarabi

Oyster 56

48

call away; their presence at the seminars is worth its weight in gold,”

Sea Flute

Oyster 56

33

commented Alan Canavan. “The route has not changed too much, so

Mariela

Oyster 56

53

we have continuity and with the new four part format we have created new areas of free cruising. The Oyster World Rally management team will be on hand, offering service and support and I will be positioning myself just ahead of the fleet, offering support from within the free cruising areas. This should allow participants the time to change their plans should the need arise, and these forward locations will also be strategic positions for clearing customs and for air and freight travel logistics.”

“The data collected by Eddie and Debbie from the first rally, about

Lisanne

Oyster 575

29

TBC

Oyster 575

Calliope

Oyster 575

15

TBC

Oyster 575

Meteorite

Oyster 655

2

Elise

Oyster 66

5

On Liberty

Oyster 725

3

TBC

Oyster 825

6

Details correct at time of going to press.

important spares and maintenance issues is invaluable to the participants, it has also allowed us to improve our forward planning throughout the rally and the knowledge learnt from the past has also be taken on board to improve the course of study for our seminars.

For example, the ability to correctly anchor your yacht, service a water maker or use the correct fire extinguisher is valuable information. The seminars give an insight and knowledge into the World Rally, the place to be to learn properly what it is all about and what needs to be done to prepare and ultimately enjoy a world circumnavigation.”

For more information, email worldrally17@oysteryachts.com or call +44 23 8083 1000

Oyster issue 77 / 39

// the big one... we’re off! //

LIFE-CHANGING OYSTER 53 // ARETHA In 2009 Caspar and Nichola Craven came up with a plan to sail around the world with their three young children. Five years later, in August 2014, they set sail westward bound, ready for ‘magical life changing experiences’. In this extract from the family blog, we join the Cravens and cruising friend Caroline, just as they take that biggest step of all… into the Pacific deep blue.

WORDS & PHOTOS BY CASPAR & NICHOLA CRAVEN

40 / Oyster issue 77

// OWNER STORY

PACIFIC OCEAN // 7°32’N, 79°52’W This is the start of the big one. The Pacific. Largest ocean in world.

The girls have also fully provisioned the boat – we now have sufficient

Least populated and one of the most remote parts of the world.

supplies for the next four months – enough to get us to Australia.

Mecca for sailors.

It’s an impressive feat, as is their encyclopaedic knowledge of where everything is stowed on board. We have full diesel tanks, water tanks

It’s 2230 and I’m thrilled to be back at sea again. We’re currently at

and gas bottles. It’s no small job and we are ready.

7°32’N, 79°52’W and enroute to the Galapagos Islands. It’s roasting on board tonight – all the hatches are open to get some breeze through

[Distraction #2 – Willow rolls out of bed with a clonk. She’s on the

the boat and it’s shorts only on deck – too hot even for a shirt at this

lower bunk, and within 30 seconds she and bunny are fast asleep

time of night.

again. Leecloth tied up now and little chance of a repeat. Getting back into sea routines after time on land always take a little time.]

We’re leaving the Gulf of Panama behind us and heading out into the wilderness of the Pacific. We have 10-12 knots of breeze and around

The final part of getting ready was cleaning the hull. All vessels

two knots of current underneath us, sweeping us southwards and

entering Galapagos are inspected by a diver to make sure they aren’t

west in the direction of the Galapagos. It’s around 850 miles from

bringing in unwanted sea life visitors.

Panama to Santa Cruz – probably around five to six days of sailing.

It requires your hull to be immaculate and there are many stories of The last week or so has flown by. After waving goodbye to the World

yachts being sent back out to sea to clean their hulls. Whilst in San

ARC fleet on the start line (we were the committee boat for the rally

Blas and Las Perlas we spent a good five hours cleaning the hull of

restart – Bluebell announcing the final farewell over the radio on behalf

barnacles and weed. The final part was getting a diver whilst in

of Rally Control to the fleet), we headed back to La Playita Marina in

Panama to clean all the remaining hard to access parts. Utmost

Panama. Time for another fish species on the way back – our first Bonito

respect to Nichola for getting into the water in the marina to double

(also called Skipjack) landed on board to a bright yellow and green lure.

check his work. She found the bow thrusters still barnacled and sent the diver back in the water to finish the job properly.

In our final week in Panama, Nichola and Caroline worked hard to get the boat ready whilst I went to a conference in San Diego. I can’t

I arrived back yesterday afternoon and we worked to finish off the

lie, to be in a hotel and off the boat for a few days was pretty good!

final jobs and to have supper on board with Kiwi Mike, his wife, his

After three days of meetings with super smart people and tuning

son Harley (Columbus’ new best friend – they’d been fishing in the

into some of the latest ideas, thinking and opportunity I was ready

marina all week). Nichola and Caroline grabbed some brief time away

to head back to Team Aretha. Having been together 24/7 for six

to have cocktails in the old town and to get a Panama hat. Then an

months now, it was strange to be parted for a while, but it made the

early 0600 start to slip lines and head out west.

coming back all the better, a lovely excited welcome from all three children bursting with energy and stories of what they’d been up to.

The children have been bouncing and full of energy and seem to settle quickly back into life at sea. Full marks to Caroline for

Nichola and Caroline made super progress – we now have an SSB

getting schoolwork back underway – we had a morning of dedicated

radio 99 percent installed thanks to Mike, a Kiwi rigger with a

work whilst Nichola caught up on sleep and I guided Aretha out

colourful past, and Dino, a Panamanian specialising in radio. Lovely

through the Gulf of Panama (along with catching another Bonito –

to hear that Columbus had been working with Mike doing the rigging

tomorrow’s lunch).

and probably knows a lot more about rigging than I do – he continues to be a sponge for information and learns at every opportunity.

All is well with the world and Aretha is gliding along in almost flat calm seas at seven knots, some small confused seas around the

[I’m distracted from writing to go up on deck – I can hear the squeak of

headland and some shipping lanes to cross just ahead of us. Yes,

dolphins. I don’t see any but I know the seas are teeming around here. On

normal service resumed on board Team Aretha.

the last watch Caroline saw a whale close by the boat and earlier in the afternoon a lone dolphin and a turtle. It’s hard not to be mesmerised on

From a very warm Team Aretha in the Pacific – Out.

deck at night – the phosphorescence as Aretha glides through the water is like a magical red carpet the sea is laying out for us – it surrounds Aretha in light and complements the beautiful starry night.]

Oyster issue 77 / 41

PANAMA TO GALAPAGOS // 0°06’N, 89°24’W Surreal tonight, not a breath of wind, the sea’s surface is flat and unbroken. The sky is utterly cloudless and filled with stars. The half moon lights up the entire picture. It’s so still it’s unbelievable.

We are six miles north of the equator and on the cusp of leaving the northern hemisphere for some time. There is a level of excitement aboard for Nichola, Caroline and the children with this being their first crossing of the line. Given we will cross around 2330 King Neptune in all his finery is on ice until the morning.

The crossing the line ceremony presided over by King Neptune (in this case me, having crossed the line several times before) will try each of the crew members for crimes in the court of King Neptune.

Inevitably they will be found guilty and the bucket of food slops which has been collecting over the past two days will be dispensed over each crew member. Yep, I’m looking forward to that part. Woe betide any equator virgins who cross the line with us the other way as I can imagine Neptune having three able assistants in Bluebell, Columbus and Willow.

Today has been all motoring and no wind. I’ve never had such windless conditions anywhere for such a long period of time. The engine is certainly getting a good workout.

Our travelling companion last night has now been identified as a red footed booby. He left this morning and we’ve had various other birds visiting during the day. It’s one of the features of Galapagos animals that they have no predators and are fearless – they come right up to you. We’re looking forward to experiencing more of this tomorrow as we should arrive on Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz mid-morning.

All are well on board – Nichola is back to full strength and energy tanks are full all round and looking forward to landfall. Spirits are high – in no small part due to showers all round and cooler temperatures on board.

Next post will be from the southern hemisphere and with tales of the Galapagos.

Have a super day everyone! Team Aretha – Out.

42 / Oyster issue 77

GALAPAGOS TO MARQUESAS ISLANDS // 02°49’S, 92°06’W

This is the big one – the longest single passage we will undertake in our entire round

I know my words aren’t really doing justice to what we’ve seen. People

the world adventure. It’s circa 3,000 miles of ocean passage in one of the remotest

who have been here will get it and know what I mean. If you haven’t

parts of the world.

been here, it is stunning.

We left the Galapagos a day after the rest of the ARC World fleet and are once again playing

So, we’re back at sea now with our crew who can notch up the equator

catch up. This time though the boats are anywhere between 12 and 100 miles ahead of us.

crossing ceremony presided over by King Neptune. Naturally all

We are a relatively quick boat and should make good progress through the fleet.

were found guilty but as we were in the Galapagos National Park, food slops had to give way to buckets of sea water.

A little bit of ocean racing tactics comes to the fore. Always head for the wind shift.

Well, round here the wind shift is basically when you get into the South East trades

I still can’t believe we have sailed all the way here from the UK – it

which are roughly 06-08° south. While many boats are already heading west, we’re

feels we have come so far and we still have a long way to go. Seeing

diving deep south as fast as we can to get into the trades. Once you have the breeze, you

the Pacific stretching out in front of us is exciting and daunting in

can really put your foot down and those constant 15-18 knots of trade winds should see

equal measure. So excitement on board today has been:

us all the way to the Marquesas. Right now, we have 8-9 knots and we are progressing

• We joined our first radio net on the SSB Radio. We have a crystal

at 6-7 knots south – we’d clearly like more breeze.

clear signal and you can appreciate the value of the net being able to connect and catch up with all the other yachts. The question on the

We were meant to leave last night, in which case we would have been only six hours

net today was who on the fleet has crossed the Pacific before – the

behind the fleet rather than 18-24. The reason [for the delay] is that on our final checks,

answer was four people. Two Brits on ships (naval), one American

we found problems with the rig and the steering. Rather than fix it in the darkness and

chap (ex admiral of a US aircraft carrier) and yours truly (the only

rush things, we sought advice from Oyster and fixed things this morning in the calm of

one to have sailed it before).

our anchorage. The racing part of me wanted to get going. The prudence part of me said

• Caroline baking perfect bread rolls.

we’d be crazy to set sail without these major areas fixed. Prudence won (as always at

• Seeing whales – about a mile away – we could see the water spouts

sea). Things got fixed and we weighed anchor just after 9am this morning.

every minute or so. We’d love to get closer and see more.

• Seeing tuna fishing boats – interestingly they have a mother ship

The last week or so in the Galapagos has been nothing short of incredible. Of course I knew

and around seven or eight smaller vessels – a bit like a mother duck

about Galapagos before but I never really appreciated it. Now, I get it. The significance

and her ducklings following on. One of the boats, Garlix, became

of the islands, their arrival into the world and the way they have been populated. It’s truly

tangled in nets earlier and none of these boats has AIS. You need to

fascinating and there is much to learn and appreciate. The wildlife, of course, is stunning, as is

be alert and have a full watch going on. None of this ‘we’re in the

how friendly it is – they have no predators so are fearless. Some assorted highlights have been:

Pacific switch-off as it’s totally deserted.’

• Exploring the lava tunnels on the Island of Isabela.

• Snorkelling with white tipped reef sharks, turtles and seahorses and seeing huge

So, yes, we are back at sea and it’s good to be here and on passage.

devil manta rays and the colonies of blue footed boobies and masked boobies. Both

It’s a full moon tonight and extremely clear on deck. The crew are

Bluebell and Columbus loved the snorkelling and seeing the turtles.

sleeping soundly and all is well.

• Our anchorage in Isabela surrounded by sea life – sea lions diving around the boat, penguins, the fish on the surface and watching the pelicans and blue footed boobies

From Team Aretha in the Pacific – Out.

diving from great heights to catch fish.

• Seeing hundreds of marine iguanas, well, pretty much everywhere. Some small, some huge.

• Seeing the giant tortoises at the Charles Darwin research centre.

For more stories see familysailing.co.uk

• Walking to the beach of Tortuga on Santa Cruz and playing with the children in the surf on what is probably the most pristine beach I’ve ever seen.

Oyster issue 77 / 43

SPOTLIGHT ON: MEDAIRE Sarah Harmer, Oyster After Sales Manager, introduces the recent partnership between Oyster and MedAire.

WHY IS THIS PARTNERSHIP IMPORTANT?

Our aim is to support Oyster owners in ever y way that we can. Beyond the physical and technical support to the yacht itself there is the far more important care that we can provide for our owners. Partnering with a medical support and travel safety assistance provider ensures that we can do this, anywhere in the world; allowing owners to focus on enjoying their yacht and their sailing in the knowledge that they are covered no matter what the eventuality.

Ultimately, we want to ensure that our owners are supported by the expertise they need when it comes to medical and travel assistance.

WHY DID WE CHOOSE MEDAIRE SPECIFICALLY?

Oyster owners travel worldwide and they need the support to deal with any situation wherever it occurs. That was the key criterion that we used to select our medical partner. Med Aire’s proven comprehensive and global capability to deal with any medical or travel safet y issue was unmatched by any other provider and amply demonstrated during a visit to their response centre. In our desire to provide the best possible standard of care to our owners, MedAire was the only choice.

Theirs is far more than an essential telemedical ser vice; it provides security and reassurance right from the time an owner or crew member leaves home to travel to the yacht, until the time they return. MedAire also shares our passion for the pursuit of excellence with a focus on a personal service, so we know that we have the same objectives of the highest quality care for Oyster owners.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES THIS HAVE FOR OUR OYSTER OWNERS?

All new Oyster yachts receive a two year complimentary membership to the MedAire service. For all other yachts we have negotiated significant discounts on membership.

T he ser vice provides access to medical and t ravel safet y advice, knowledge and ex per t ise in pre vent ion of and suppor t through any medical or t ravel safet y issue that may ar ise. In addition, we can offer significant discounts on any medical kits or equipment.

CAN CURRENT OWNERS TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS PARTNERSHIP?

Yes, contact our team on customerservice@oysteryachts.com or me, Sarah Harmer, directly on +44 23 8083 1005. I will be more than happy to explain the service in greater detail.

44 / Oyster issue 77

Oyster issue 77 / 45

oyster regatta BVI 2015 There’s nothing quite like the Oyster Regatta BVI. Its variety is legend. It’s a rolling regatta, racing and rallying around some astonishingly beautiful rocks and stopovers, first gathering in Nanny Cay, Tortola then wending its way to the Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. Different venues, delightful dining and partying, all wrapped in a well orchestrated, pampering, five day, four race event.

TEXT BY MIKE OWEN // PHOTOS BY MIKE JONES

This year’s the sixth in the BVI, marking the 35th Oyster Regatta, with a 15-strong fleet demonstrating as ever full Oyster diversity from the 2000-built Holman & Pye Oyster 45 Taboo of St Helier to the very recent Humphreys Oyster 825 Reina. From family-only to fusion of friends and fast trackers, or should that be fast tackers and strategists, with every level of skill, the Oyster Regatta brings something for everyone… sensational sailing and socialising!

The bulk of fleet comprised regular Oyster regattistes joined by four first timers, Peter Blackmore’s Oyster 49 Pied Piper, David and Leslie Joyce’s 575 Ayesha II, Stephen Lambert’s Atalanta of London, 575 also, and Ken and Diana Randall’s 72 Infiniti of Cowes. At the opposite end of attendance, was Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean with 19 race pennants to her credit, while Richard Smith flies a tally of 15 aboard 655 Sotto Vento with remarkably the only missed regattas in his time the result of him sailing the Oyster World Rally! Ian Galbraith on Oyster 53 Jig Saw also hoists a fine line of battle flags.

Familiar faces on different, newly bought boats included John McMonigall who’s scaled up to Oyster 82 Zig Zag from 575 Zaybo currently still retained in Turkey, and Alan Parker similarly moves on to an 82, Dama de Noche, from his Oyster 54 Oyster Reach, currently on brokerage.

The fleet split between two classes with all Oyster 82s, with Bill Dockser’s Ravenous II also, at the heart of class 1, joined by 825 Reina and the two 625s Lady Mariposa, skippered by Dan Hardy, and David and Joanne Furby’s Vamos.

Though bigger, Oyster 655 iSNL joined Sotto Vento, fellow 655, in the wider class 2 spanning Paul and Diane May’s Oyster 45 Taboo of St Helier through to Ken and Diana Randall’s 72 Infiniti of Cowes.

46 / Oyster issue 77

RACE DAY 01 // RACE ONE / SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS In feisty spirits, the 15-strong fleet tail-chased out of Nanny Cay for a challenging

All seven class 1 starts were sharp, each crossing within 18 seconds

course circling the sun-silhouetted Peter, Cooper and Ginger islands away across Drake

of the gun, Alan Parker’s new ride, Oyster 82 Dama de Noche, just

Channel, finishing just off the privately-owned Norman Island for an evening of piracy,

one second after and later receiving one of the two daily Pantaenius

aka apt fancy dress, at the newly renovated Pirate’s Bight beach restaurant, before a

awarded Best Start prizes. In class 2 that honour went to Peter

night’s quiet anchorage in this secluded bay. Fair reward for a day’s fair racing.

Blackmore’s Oyster 49 Pied Piper.

It might be said the quickest way to round an island is the shortest but as the fleet

Behind the islands the game played out along tacking angles and

sailed the far side layline tactics shaped winning or losing. In class 2 Ken and Diana

turning points before the long downwind leg home where gybe

Randall’s Infiniti of Cowes called it right. They’d started last but came in third on the

angles and duration down Drake Channel ruled. The leaders all

water and first corrected. Skipper Tim MacIntosh said, “We had two really good

sailed tightly with only 2m 27sec between the first three home:

laylines and were bang on Cooper Island, a bit of luck, a bit of judgement.”

Lady Mariposa, Starry Night and Reina. Reina played it so cleanly she was the single boat across the line with kite still flying. But a

With the majority of the fleet opting for downwind sails, the final twist for all was the

couple of earlier calls had cost those seconds that define win or lose,

judgement call before the last short leg – fight to keep or lose, the kite. Shaved seconds

Lady Mariposa instead taking a well earned first and Starry Night

counted, saved minutes won. Infiniti took first spot. Later in dapper pirate guise and

a solid second ahead of Reina’s third. Vamos notched a good fourth

private parley, owners Ken and Diana joshed, “All right, we lucked out, the island

followed by Dama de Noche fifth, and Zig Zag sixth. Ravenous II

moved over and the others didn’t realise!”

trailed in seventh, saddled with the unassailable handicap of a massive four-bladed temporary propeller, an unfortunate brake.

Second corrected behind Infiniti went to Peter Blackmore’s family-sailed Oyster 49 Pied Piper where attention paid off. “We could see the bigger boats in front, what was

Aboard Lady Mariposa victory was especially sweet. Having sailed

happening, and took advantage of that. We had a blast!”

four regattas, this was the first race the owner has helmed, and before Lady Mariposa he’d never sailed, so a fine achievement.

Third went to Richard Smith’s Oyster 655 Sotto Vento, fourth to Ian Galbraith’s 53 Jig Saw. A good race and night then at Bight Bay’s renowned beach restaurant With grouped starts, jostling began early in class 1 when Oyster 82 Starry Night

with the fancy dress ranging from fine, full admiral outfits to rakish

appeared to block Oyster 825 Reina out on the committee boat end. Then just on the

and daring if not sometimes demented pirate costumery… of course,

gun Reina instead squirted through to chase the smaller, earlier starting 625s.

in best brigand fashion, a ‘rum’ do!

Oyster issue 77 / 47

48 / Oyster issue 77

RACE DAY 02 // RACE TWO / SPONSORED BY RAYMARINE The fleet woke swinging to the wind in tranquil Bight Bay with a 1030 start respecting the revelry. Leisurely breakfasts filled cushioned and canopied cockpits. Then action, destination the Bitter End Yacht Club, an anticipated four hours’ sail north-eastward to the far end of Virgin Gorda, a slog of a beat. To break this, a port rounding of Ginger Island to the south of Sir Francis Drake Channel mid-course, then back out to the Dogs almost due north, introduced a fetch, 14 miles on the wind, seven off.

The fleet set off with two-minute-staggered individual boat starts, the sequence the reciprocal of Race One finishers, last in on corrected first out.

Tactics began to elect likely winners. Break south through the islands early out into the ocean for more wind along the back of the chain but suffer bigger swell, or stay in the channel for flatter waters before taking just Ginger Island. Then add in the crazy shifts, particularly around Ginger and approaching the Dogs, and ultimately the tacking angles for a tight, short, final leg to the finish which mangled some early successes.

Getting it right again in class 2, Ken and Diana Randall’s Oyster 72 Infiniti shot through for her second bullet, while David and Leslie Joyce sailed a blinder on Oyster 575 Ayesha II, lifting from Race One’s sixth to second. Peter Blackmore’s Oyster 49 Pied Piper climbed, too, fourth to third just 20 seconds behind Ayesha. Remarkably, Ayesha’s elapsed time was within seconds of the bigger 655 iSNL and 625 Vamos.

With this kind of action and the top two slots in class 1 swapping, Oyster 825 Reina first, 625 Lady Mar iposa second this time, there was still no outright favourite.

On starts Alan Parker aboard Oyster 82 Dama de Noche seemed unstoppable. The previous day Dama started just one second shy of the gun, today she was absolutely bang on. But sadly her race soon ended when the genoa clew blew.

It was a day of concentration, a long beat is always that. John McMonigall driving Zig Zag with wind instruments down and staring at telltales for hours captured the regatta mood, “It was great fun, what better day in your life than whacking down those islands!”

Similarly from Jeroen Hemels, owner driver of Reina who before the Palma Regatta last year had never helmed this kind of sailing, “We really enjoyed today, loved it, the concentration to get the best of the boat. To go for it, to get the result.” And they did.

The bullet was theirs.

Oyster issue 77 / 49

LAY DAY // Some regattas are just about the series, simply race and go home. Oyster regattas offer more, a full celebration of sailing… and lifestyle. So, no surprise that a regatta hosted for owners in the crystal blue-green seas of the BVI includes a lay day to relax, explore or, yes, go sailing.

On the edge of Virgin Gorda’s northern sound, it’s a great spot to wander, walk trails, have a crack at other water sports or simply laze with a book and cold beer. But being an inquisitive, active lot, tenders were stocked with snorkels and coolers before zipping across to swim and stalk the rainbow shoals of fish, some around the corner, others out to the far side of neighbouring island Eustatia to chase turtles and rays.

Lobsters meanwhile were lunched on in Anaguda’s Cow Wreck Beach, and in the Spring Bay National Park, aka The Baths, Jurassic Park meets Caribbean beach.

Then at 1400, first gun, well whistle, signalled the start of the Bitter End Beer Can – Oyster Edition, with around a third of the fleet racing the afternoon away on Hobies and Lasers. A great challenge and great fun.

Then it was off across the sound by ferry to the stunning, hillside hugging Yacht Club Costa Smeralda for drinks on the terrace looking back over everything that makes this corner of the BVI perhaps its most attractive… and a very good reason for a lay day.

50 / Oyster issue 77

RACE DAY 03 // RACE THREE / SPONSORED BY PELAGOS Under heavy skies a circumnavigation of Virgin Gorda was set with

In their own duel the two 575s Atalanta and Ayesha, stayed glued

individual starts at two minute intervals. Oyster 82 Dama de Noche

gunnel to gunnel for most of the race, until finally David and Leslie

again had a cracking start, hitting the line at full speed, just one

Joyce’s Ayesha broke away.

second to go.

The 82s had their own close racing with Starry Night holding her After beating up to and tacking around Necker Island in an increasing

spinnaker longest and first to harden up around Round Rock for the

swell, the fleet started to compress around Pajaros Point, the most

final leg. Impressively Zig Zag held her own on the run and was in

northerly tip of Virgin Gorda, for the gybe and spinnaker hoist. Soon

hot pursuit, chased by Dama de Noche.

after, Oyster 49 Pied Piper radioed for assistance with an injury onboard and 625 Lady Mariposa, until then powerfully advancing through the

The tight reach to the finish off West Dog meant waterline length

fleet, responded. An exceptional level of seamanship was displayed in

was king. In class 1 825 Reina approached the line with her impressive

the operation to safely and speedily deliver the casualty ashore.

Code 1 and a decent lead on her nearest rival on the water 82 Starry Night. In class 2, 72 Infiniti led 655 Sotto Vento over the line, her

With Lady Mariposa out of the race, her freed rival 625 Vamos held

greater length similarly bringing advantage on the reach home, both

off the much more powerful 825 Reina for most of the long run to

impressively though ahead on the water of the majority of class 1.

Round Rock. As the wind headed slightly the stiffer 825 overhauled the 625, carrying her spinnaker comfortably to the mark.

Come evening it was a ferry across to the all new Oil Nut Bay resort in the island’s most north eastern bay, a stunning beachside venue.

Equally as tense was the battle between class 2’s 655 Sotto Vento

As the sun set, the ensemble unwound with cocktails and a leisurely

and 72 Infiniti who had stretched an impressive lead. That header

exploration before dinner and then home with thoughts of the final

though forced both to drop kites, Infiniti going first.

day’s racing ahead.

Oyster issue 77 / 51

RACE DAY 04 // RACE FOUR / SPONSORED BY LEWMAR With very few points between leaders, the race was on. Although class 2 already had its

Reina, differently, bore away, hoisted and gybed achieving the

winner, Ken and Diana Randall’s Infiniti of Cowes with an incontestable three firsts,

layline to Cockroach Island, gaining a good 300 metres on Lady

behind them ran a mix’n’match this race would sort. class 1 presented an even more

Mariposa inside and soon behind.

challenging matrix. Lady Mariposa, Reina and Starry Night of the Caribbean had each scored a first, second and third. The winner today would take all.

After a second rounding, most finished within 50m of the

On the downwind start Oyster 825 Reina began well, sledging across two seconds past

de Noche, duelling, glued together further out. Dama de Noche finally

gun at a full 10-plus knots while Alan Parker’s 82 Dama de Noche again hit the line on zero

grabbed control, pushing Zig Zag away, tacked and cracked sheets

seconds. “Astounding, I’ve never seen this before,” said Race Officer David Tydeman.

finishing three seconds ahead and five behind Atalanta… three

While most started on the starboard gybe close to the committee boat, pushing out

Zig Zag’s owner, “Some of the closest I’ve ever had. Fantastic.”

committee boat with the notable exception of Zig Zag and Dama

boats in eight seconds. “Fantastic racing,” said John McMonigall, then gybing back abeam of Mosquito Rock for the layline to Cockroach Island, a couple opted for the outer end, sailed deeper and lay it or gybed then dropped and hardened by Mosquito.

Lady Mar iposa had a great finish, too, tacking early to avoid dirty air from Sotto Vento on port but with Vamos closeby. Lady Mariposa couldn’t put her about so tacked underneath early, just a few degrees

First to West Dog was Stephen Lambert’s 575 Atalanta closely followed by Richard Smith’s

off laying the finish but, just short, she luffed and with way-on snuck

655 Sotto Vento holding her kite the longest before the short beat to Great Dog and

across the line, tying with Vamos who beat her by three minutes

then a single tack on a now heavily biased fetch to Seal Dog, the windward mark.

corrected.

Here the fleet mostly gave the reef wide clearance, gybing wide on to port and hoisting

Starry Night of the Caribbean racing a deeper, more direct downwind

spinnakers, Sotto Vento and Atalanta particularly quick and neat. Infiniti and iSNL more

course with poled out symmetric spinnaker took a well deserved second

cautiously sailed further from the reef before hoisting.

behind Reina, the victor today. Reina was also again first on the water,

52 / Oyster issue 77

four out of four. “Whatever happens tonight at the prize giving, we’ll

a lot of learning on the job! A blend of youth and enthusiasm!” And

be celebrating,” Jeroen laughed.

what of the future? “MORE!” Second in class 2 was Sotto Vento, third Jig Saw and fourth Ayesha II.

It was soon a double celebration. Across the sound that evening at the award ceremony dinner and dance in the grand tented nest of the

“So, very close results with handicapping that worked well because of

Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, David Tydeman announced Reina overall

the mix of race types,” said David Tydeman. “The separation at the starts

winner class 1, Lady Mariposa second, Starry Night of the Caribbean

has worked well, too, as over time we’ve learned that for excitement you

third. Roger Whylde, captain of Starry Night said, “What fantastic

don’t need to be close to each other to have close racing. We’ve also had a

racing, all week… and first boats all within 1.25 points, you didn’t even

really good social fleet of seven or eight boats following the event on its

get that in the old Admiral’s Cup.”

travels but not racing, and we’d love to see more.”

With only a single point further to fourth placed Vamos, Jonathan

Class 1 winner Jeroen Hemels, microphone in hand, shared his

Russell, again from Star r y Night, commented, “You get four boats

enthusiasm with the gathering, “I’ve been sailing all my life but

so close on points like that and you know there’s something right

cruising. In Palma last year I did my first regatta, it was fantastic. It

with the handicapping.”

confirmed absolutely that regattas are the best thing in life but it is also

In class 2, the clear winner with their astonishing four firsts was of

this, it is so exciting, to talk and enjoy so many people. It is… lovely!”

so much about the socialising, which is excellent and so much a part of course Ken and Diana Randall’s Infiniti of Cowes. Remembering this is their first regatta, and that they have in their own words acted only as ballast for others before, this win was a thrill, “There’s been

Next Oyster Regatta Caribbean - Antigua 4-9 April 2016

Oyster issue 77 / 53

54 / Oyster issue 77

RESULTS OVERALL RESULTS // WITH DISCARD CLASS 1

2

POSITION 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th

YACHT NAME Reina Lady Mariposa Starry Night of the Caribbean Vamos Infiniti of Cowes Sotto Vento Jig Saw Ayesha II

MODEL 825 625 82 625 72 655 53 575

OWNER/SKIPPER Jeroen Hemels Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd Starry Yachts Ltd David & Joanne Furby Ken &. Diana Randall Richard Smith Ian Galbraith David & Leslie Joyce

RACE 1 CLASS 1

2

SPONSORED BY POSITION 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th

YACHT NAME Lady Mariposa Starry Night of the Caribbean Reina Vamos lnfiniti of Cowes Pied Piper Sotto Vento Jig Saw

MODEL 625 82 825 625 72 49 655 53

OWNER/SKIPPER Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd Starry Yachts Ltd Jeroen Hemels David & Joanne Furby Ken & Diana Randall Peter Blackmore Richard Smith Ian Galbraith

POSITION 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th

YACHT NAME Reina Lady Mariposa Starry Night of the Caribbean Zig Zag lnfiniti of Cowes Ayesha II Pied Piper Sotto Vento

MODEL 825 625 82 82 72 575 49 655

OWNER/SKIPPER Jeroen Hemels Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd Starry Yachts Ltd John McMonigall Ken & Diana Randall David & Leslie Joyce Peter Blackmore Richard Smith

RACE 2 CLASS 1

2

SPONSORED BY

RACE 3

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts Ltd

2

2 nd 3 rd 4 th 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th

Reina Vamos Dama de Noche lnfiniti of Cowes Sotto Vento Jig Saw Ayesha II

825 625 82 72 655 53 575

Jeroen Hemels David & Joanne Furby Alan Parker Ken & Diana Randall Richard Smith Ian Galbraith David & Leslie Joyce

POSITION 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th 1 st 2 nd 3 rd 4 th

YACHT NAME Reina Starry Night of the Caribbean Vamos Lady Mariposa lnfiniti of Cowes Jig Saw Sotto Vento Ayesha II

MODEL 825 82 625 625 72 53 655 575

OWNER/SKIPPER Jeroen Hemels Starry Yachts Ltd David & Joanne Furby Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd Ken & Diana Randall Ian Galbraith Richard Smith David & Leslie Joyce

RACE 4 CLASS 1

2

SPONSORED BY

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

Dama de Noche

82

Alan Parker

2

lnfiniti of Cowes

72

Ken & Diana Randall

OTHER PRIZES AWARDED BY

Oyster issue 77 / 55

oyster regatta PALMA 2014 Some had arrived days before, others post haste from challenging deliveries frustrated by weather set against them. But as the 26 boats from 11 nations gathered at the Real Club Nautico de Palma (RCNP) for the Oyster Regatta Palma 2014, Mallorca again delivered. The thunderclouds withdrew and the sun shone down to usher in the four days’ racing for a fleet comprising every level of experience from first-time racers to world trophy holders. And the weather held, giving a full six races with all the while a close call as to how podium places would eventually play out.

TEXT BY MIKE OWEN

56 / Oyster issue 77

PHOTOS BY NICO MARTĂ?NEZ

RACE DAY 01 // RACE ONE / SPONSORED BY RAYMARINE RACE TWO / SPONSORED BY LEWMAR As crews busied around on deck and dock in zero breeze prepping

In a really good showing of Oyster’s family-sailing DNA, Oyster 46

for the first day’s racing, some already in the bay radioed back good

SUNsuSEA had three generations of the Kierebinski family aboard. Their

news. It was blowing 13 knots outside. Race Officer Oyster CEO David

Race One was effectively surrendered to spinnaker snuffer troubles, but

Tydeman proposed two races if the NE gradient breeze held. It did and

Race Two under white sails saw a happier fourth.

built to 18 knots for an eager fleet divided by size into class 3 (Oyster 45 to 575), class 2 (625 to 655) and class 1 (82 to 100).

Mariusz and Paulina have sailed SUNsuSEA, their first owned boat, extensively both sides of the Atlantic since sailing her straight from

At the top of the fleet in class 1 a battle between Reina Oyster 825

the factory to the Canaries and the ARC in 2009 and enjoyed the

and Karibu 885 saw the two swapping first places. The wild card was

Oyster Grenada and BVI Regattas, last in 2011. As Paulina says, “Good

Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean, just pipping Karibu into

memories, but a long time ago!” To which Mariusz wryly adds, “At least

second place in the first race by 10 seconds.

we weren’t at the back of both races – we’re slowly moving forward!”

Class 2 was close also between Guardian Angel and Lady Mariposa,

In class 2 Maxim Kudryashov’s Guardian Angel took both her

the leading 625s with their fully battened mains and carbon rigs

races but Lady Mariposa gave serious contention while also watching

making a bigger difference here in Palma’s flat, tactical waters than

625 Vamos . “Vamos is the dark horse,” said Lady Mariposa’s skipper

in the Caribbean swell of the Antigua Regatta where Vamos and

Dan Hardy, “she’s been poling out A sails, diving a bit deeper… we’re

other 625s kept more equal pace.

seeing a lot more of her.” This is Vamos owners David and Joanne Furby’s third Oyster regatta after a good two in the Caribbean.

Here in Palma Bay Vamos held on though, pulling a third in Race One behind Guardian Angel first, Lady Mariposa second, that pair then going

New 625 Tiger’s helm Simon Pillar also played a good hand. He sailed

on to finish in the same order just two seconds apart in Race Two.

the boat first only in April and notched a credible third in Race Two, 69 seconds ahead of Vamos. Sailing with brothers Tim and Nick aboard,

In class 3 the tactical choice of going ‘white sails’ rather than ‘colour’

Simon declared, “Fantastic, no other word, a great, great day. To class-

produced interesting results, particularly for Judy and Max Morrison

race boats like this, there’s nothing to beat it.”

aboard Oyster 575 Silver Lining who called well with ‘white’ for both races, placing second in both, in their first ever regatta.

Class 1 with its bigger boats is always hotly contested and the latest launched new Oyster/Humphreys collaboration, the Oyster

The morning’s race was a simple 10-mile triangle with class 3 the

825 Reina, was proving a top-line performer pulling a first and then a

first across the line, its blend of novice and regular battlers chivvying

second, out-sailing 885s in three of four chances. Reina skipper Jarrod

around the course, with Race One mostly colour sails. Race Two was

Cripps said of his owner’s reaction, “Absolutely chuffed, it’s been a long

the converse, with a virtual top and bottom half swap. Rory and Susie

journey and he’s now seen what’s possible. It’s opening a whole new

McGrath of Oyster 53 Spindrift enjoyed the fruits of their newly found

world. I’ve been with the boat since blueprints, I’m just so pleased.”

racing resolve pulling first in Race One, while in Race Two it was the turn of oldest boat in the fleet, Oyster 45 Yo Ho Ho of Sark’s turn,

With such a good first day’s racing, it was then coach loads of

giving new owners Neil and Sue Speed victory on the very first day

smiling faces away to the city’s commanding, exquisitely renovated

of sailing their new charge. They’d never raced before either. They

13th century hillside Castillo Bellver for a relaxed prize giving and

did, though, have big-boat hands Nick and Lou Sutton aboard, both

terrific contemporary gypsy music under the open-ring roof of this

regular crew with Yo Ho Ho’s former owners.

extraordinary stone fortress… another Oyster first.

Oyster issue 77 / 57

RACE DAY 02 // RACE THREE / SPONSORED BY PELAGOS RACE FOUR / SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS Two challenging races, the first in a lighter morning wind, short and

In class 1, 825 Reina though taking line honours, ended fourth on corrected eight seconds

with no time for mistakes, and then a longer, more complex course

behind 885 Karibu in third. Oyster 82 Starry Night of the Caribbean pulled into second

with winners and losers defined by working the shifts, right side or

and Sir Frank Chapman on 885 Clare scooped top spot, later beaming while collecting

wrong. The first start was something to behold, as Race Officer David

his Dolphin Sails-sponsored swag.

Tydeman reported, “After the Pantaenius Insurance prizes last night for good starts, oh boy, was it taken to the limit. In the morning’s

In the afternoon, fortunes swung with Reina this time the clear winner both on the

race three class 2 boats hit the line all within three seconds, Oyster

water and a full 4-minutes-44 corrected in front of Karibu. Clare came in third, and

625 Flying Spirit first across, just one second off, and in class 1 the

just 12 seconds split fourth-placed 100 Penelope and Starr y Night, fifth.

new 825 Reina four seconds free.”

Behind Lady Mariposa’s and Guardian Angel’s irrevocable hold on class 2, David For Oyster 575 Boarding Pass III, with what to the crew seemed a day

and Joanne Furby sailed their 625 Vamos into a worthy third, 70 seconds behind.

of mixed success, a pleasant surprise awaited when at the evening’s party at the hosting RCNP, owners Bill Munro and Susan Harris

Sailing an absolute blinder in class 3, after a closely grouped start, Rory and Susie

collected the trophy for first in the Pelagos-sponsored race. Behind

McGrath on 53 Spindrift soon had to look far behind for the rest of their class. At mark

in second, having picked up pace and forged a good lead for a sizeable

four of five, after more than an hour’s racing, they were third of full-fleet, ahead of

chunk of the race, was the Kierebinski’s Oyster 46 SUNsuSEA.

class 1 885s Karibu and Clare. “Yep, we got some things right, particularly preparation.

So many wait to hoist until after the mark, we were clew tight and hoisting as we rounded,

In class 2, as on Race Day One, in both races the two 625s Lady

that’s maybe five boat lengths every time.”

Mariposa and Guardian Angel took first and second, each now having taken daily double firsts, Lady Mariposa crossing the first finish line

Avoiding those hoists completely, class 3 colleague, the new-build 575 Silver Lining,

just 30 seconds ahead before a stunning afternoon race pulling a

tempted some study. Judy and Max Morrison barely two months new to the boat and

full 12 minutes corrected on Guardian Angel. Back to the morning,

never raced since young were consistently placing well, a third and three seconds, all

655 iSNL, formerly Black Pearl, took third while John Marshall enjoyed

on white sails only. The principle as Max and Judy explained, “It’s simpler… and we

sailing his newly brokered Rock Oyster, a 655 also, into fourth.

take long tacks!”

58 / Oyster issue 77

RACE DAY 03 // RACE FIVE / SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS / SAILKOTE The chance to run today’s fifth and final series-race proved a lucky break for those befitting from the now possible discard. It was also the most challenging day with patchy winds and big shifts made massive when black clouds and lightning entered stage left at the end.

In class 1 there was all to play for, just 0.25 of a point between first placed Reina and Karibu second. Then at at the top of class 2 the two equal placing, carbonrigged 625s Lady Mariposa and Guardian Angel each needed this race, knowing control of the other on the line was necessary.

After a cool match race pre-start Lady Mariposa led the charge. Dropping on the beat she tacked left, got better height and boat speed and started to roll Guardian Angel. The jostle continued until the second beat when Lady Mariposa pulled ten or so boat lengths. “The next downwind leg was really tough,” said skipper, Dan Hardy, “the boats behind had pressure but we got stuck in gaps, Guardian Angel pulled up and Vamos started gaining. Then we got pressure and a nice rounding with a late drop.”

From here it was the upwind bash toward the last turning mark… then came the 70° wind shift and electric rain storm reshuffling much of the fleet but Lady Mariposa sailed through to finish 49 seconds corrected ahead of Guardian Angel.

David and Joanne Furby’s 625 Vamos followed in to third with Henrik Nyman’s 625 Delicia fourth, just 28 corrected-seconds later.

In class 1, Reina’s challenge had been to topple the more race-optimised 885 Karibu whose crew charged out of harbour early with the Pirates of the Caribbean blaring loud. Olympian Jesper Bank, tactician aboard Karibu, said, “The second beat made our race… we were first to tack off to the right and had 20° on Reina. We kept seeing more and more pressure. We were just in that position where we could see to the left and react.” And react they did, crashing the finish line with almost three and a half minutes in hand.

Second behind on corrected was Starry Night of the Caribbean who took a massive header under the storm cloud that turned their stroll to the line into a challenging climb. Then came Sir Frank Chapman’s 885 Clare, and Reina fourth.

Class 3 saw a surprise turnaround also with rising star Spindrift, Rory and Susie McGrath’s Oyster 53, suffering under the shift, while Oyster 46 SUNsuSEA, with the three generation Kierebinski family scooped first after a solid attack throughout.

“We got a good, nice start,” said Paulina who mostly drives, “then we sailed past lots on the reach.” Husband Mariusz wryly commented, “Also the thunderstorm helped, more wind and now no need to tack the last two miles… very, very pleased!”

Second fell to Neil and Sue Speed’s Oyster 45 Yo Ho Ho of Sark, third to Bill Munro and Susan Harris of the 54 Boarding Pass III, and fourth to Judy and Max Morrison on Silver Lining.

With more than three hours on the water for many, Happy Hour drinks hosted by Palma Watch Yacht Service slipped down well as did the prizes from the day’s race sponsor Dolphin Sails/Sailkote.

Oyster issue 77 / 59

RACE DAY 04 // PURSUIT RACE With the five-race series already in the bag, the hopes for the final

steering the entire course, was taken by Reina only after the final turn but Clare stayed

day’s bonus pursuit race hung on a… zephyr. But slowly the sea

ahead, finishing third. Crossing before Clare were Charles Billson’s Oyster 54 Sara Blue,

breeze built and with six knots after lunch the call was “Race on!”

and in front, placing first, Judy and Max Morrison on 575 Silver Lining, “After the final turn we were so far ahead we thought we’d done something wrong!”

With handicapping based on actual regatta performance, the first to go was Oyster 46 Lazy Tern, with last starter 885 Karibu.

They hadn’t, they’d completely out-sailed their class, next boat 96 seconds behind.

The course was a simple triangle with a reaching start and on the beat

It was all good, close sailing, everyone finishing within 10 minutes. And as the last

generally more pressure offshore than in. From the deck of 825 Reina,

crossed the line, the Oyster Regatta Palma 2014’s racing came to an end. But what a

last but one to start, her 24 targets to reel in lay ahead and the race was on,

week, four days, six good races and conditions in no two alike.

her legacy class 1 rivals Oyster 82 Starry Night eight minutes in front, 885 Clare two, and 885 Karibu one minute behind, then knocked back

In celebration, the Oyster party set course for the far side of the bay, by road this time,

further by a code sail furler failure leaving them bare-headed for minutes.

to the prize presentation and dinner at Cap Rocat, an awe-inspiring transformation to boutique hotel of a former military fort of immense antiquarian stone block structure.

Starry Night, with regular regatta crew 83-year-old Peter

Drawbridge, trenches, flaming torches, monumental, yet through the portal so private,

Hetherington (uncle to Graham Hetherington of 625 Great Bear V )

so personal, a perfect place to host an Oyster gala night of fine dinner and dancing!

60 / Oyster issue 77

RESULTS OVERALL RESULTS // WITH DISCARD CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Karibu

885

Karibu Ltd

2

3

2 nd

Reina

885

Reina Ltd

3 rd

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts Ltd

4 th

Clare

885

Sir Frank Chapman

1 st

Lady Mariposa

625

Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd

2 nd

Guardian Angel

625

Maxim Kudryashov

3 rd

Vamos of Portsmouth

625

David & Joanne Furby

4 th

Delicia

625

Henrik Nyman

1 st

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

2 nd

SUNsuSEA

46

Paulina & Mariusz Kierebinski

3 rd

Yo Ho Ho of Sark

45

Neil & Sue Speed

4 th

Boarding Pass III

575

Bill Munro & Susan Harris

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER Reina Ltd

RACE ONE CLASS 1

2

3

SPONSORED BY 1 st

Reina

825

2 nd

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts Ltd

3 rd

Karibu

885

Karibu Ltd

4 th

Penelope

100

-

1 st

Guardian Angel

625

Maxim Kudryashov

2 nd

Lady Mariposa

625

Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd

3 rd

Vamos of Portsmouth

625

David & Joanne Furby

4 th

Delicia

625

Henrik Nyman

1 st

Spindrift

53

Rory & Susie McGrath

2 nd

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

3 rd

Boarding Pass III

575

Bill Munro & Susan Harris

4 th

Oyster Reach

54

Alan Parker

RACE TWO

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Karibu

885

Karibu Ltd

2 nd

Reina

825

Reina Ltd

3 rd

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts Ltd

4 th

Penelope

100

-

1 st

Guardian Angel

625

Maxim Kudryashov

2 nd

Lady Mariposa

625

Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd

2

3

3 rd

Tiger

625

Tiger Sailing Ltd

4 th

Vamos of Portsmouth

625

David & Joanne Furby

1 st

Yo Ho Ho of Sark

45

Neil & Sue Speed

2 nd

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

3 rd

Sara Blue V

54

Charles Billson

4 th

SUNsuSEA

46

Paulina & Mariusz Kierebinski

RACE THREE

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Clare

885

Sir Frank Chapman

2 nd

Karibu

885

Karibu Ltd

3 rd

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts Ltd

4 th

Reina

885

Reina Ltd

1 st

Lady Mariposa

625

Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd

2 nd

Guardian Angel

625

Maxim Kudryashov

2

3

3 rd

iSNL

655

Cascina Int Ltd

4 th

Rock Oyster

655

John Marshall

1 st

Boarding Pass III

575

Bill Munro & Susan Harris

2 nd

SUNsuSEA

46

Paulina & Mariusz Kierebinski

3 rd

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

4 th

Sara Blue V

54

Charles Billson Oyster issue 77 / 61

RACE FOUR

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Reina

885

Reina Ltd

2

3

2 nd

Karibu

885

Karibu Ltd

3 rd

Clare

885

Sir Frank Chapman

4 th

Penelope

100

-

1 st

Lady Mariposa

625

Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd

2 nd

Guardian Angel

625

Maxim Kudryashov

3 rd

Vamos of Portsmouth

625

David & Joanne Furby

4 th

iSNL

655

Cascina Int Ltd

1 st

Spindrift

53

Rory & Susie McGrath

2 nd

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

3 rd

SUNsuSEA

46

Paulina & Mariusz Kierebinski

4 th

Yo Ho Ho of Sark

45

Neil & Sue Speed

RACE FIVE

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

1 st

Karibu

885

Karibu Ltd

2

3

2 nd

Starry Night of the Caribbean

82

Starry Yachts Ltd

3 rd

Clare

885

Sir Frank Chapman

4 th

Reina

885

Reina Ltd

1 st

Lady Mariposa

625

Lady Mariposa Ocean Ltd

2 nd

Guardian Angel

625

Maxim Kudryashov

3 rd

Vamos of Portsmouth

625

David & Joanne Furby

4 th

Delicia

625

Henrik Nyman

1 st

SUNsuSEA

46

Paulina & Mariusz Kierebinski

2 nd

Yo Ho Ho of Sark

45

Neil & Sue Speed

3 rd

Boarding Pass III

575

Bill Munro & Susan Harris

4 th

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

PURSUIT RACE POSITION

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1 st

Silver Lining

575

Judy & Max Morrison

2 nd

Sara Blue V

54

Charles Billson

3 rd

Clare

885

Sir Frank Chapman

4 th

Reina

885

Reina Ltd

CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

SPONSORED BY

CLASS

YACHT NAME

MODEL

OWNER/SKIPPER

1

Penelope

100

-

2

Great Bear V

625

Graham & Victoria Hetherington

3

Sara Blue V

54

Charles Billson

62 / Oyster issue 77

// OWNER PROFILE

THE TIGER’S TALE OYSTER 625 // TIGER In a light morning breeze she sits crisp and neat, stern to the dock, warps smart, sentinel white spars standing tall above true navy blue topsides. Her ensign lifts gently, lightly dusting the name on the stern, Tiger. And there in that gesture we begin this Tiger’s tale.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN // PHOTOS BY NICO MARTÍNEZ & MIKE OWEN

Oyster issue 77 / 63

64 / Oyster issue 77

The naming of any vessel tells a story or two but with this impeccable Oyster 625 there’s an intriguing, intertwined spiral of familial and naval history stretching right back to Napoleon’s surrender and Nelson’s Victory. It’s quite a web…

Tiger was launched in 2013, commissioned for charter, with the build managed from Australia by Rebecca and Simon Pillar. While Simon is a lifelong sailor on everything from dinghies to offshore cruiser/racers, Rebecca sails with shorter history but increasing keenness. Their journey to Oyster began with recommendations from both a superyacht skipper and a friend then involved in the

// I REFLECTED WITH REBECCA ON THE JOY AND BENEFITS A FAMILY GETS FROM SPENDING TIME ON A BOAT TOGETHER, AWAY FROM THE RAT RACE, AWAY FROM THE SCREENS AND ALL THOSE SORT OF THINGS

//

company and who encouraged a visit.

Simon, whose business is based in Sydney, Australia and who

something that would be lovely to share with our children as well as

commutes between there and England, takes up the story, “I went up

with our friends and others. Building Tiger for charter seemed to be

to the yard for the day and as I walked into the different areas of the

the ideal solution.”

shed where the guys were making doors and cabinets, and saw these older craftsmen with their apprentices beside them, I was impressed.

Simon, one of four children, just as he and Rebecca now have four

This old style quality manufacturing, what a wonderful thing. I had

youngsters themselves, was born to a naval family, his father the

already been a little seduced just by the attractiveness of the boats

second ever engineer achieving the rank of full Admiral, then rising

themselves but then when I actually understood what went into them,

to Fourth Sea Lord before retiring into the role of Governor of Jersey

and from that what a quality product it was, I felt this was something

in the Channel Islands. Wherever the posting, the family pastime

that would be a great privilege with which to be associated.”

was sailing, saltwater coursing through the collective heart, fuelling adventure and independence.

The family discussion began. “We were conscious, being based in Australia, that usage would necessarily be restricted... was it the

Faslane Naval Base on Scotland’s River Clyde provided Simon his

sensible thing to do? I think one of the things for me, and perhaps

first dinghy sailing in Bosuns. Yacht sailing followed on. “I have two

this is the circle back to history and upbringing, was that I reflected

distinct memories of my first experience, a holiday on a 28ft wooden-

with Rebecca on the joy and benefits a family gets from spending

built boat called Helen with a petrol engine, feeling sick on the petrol

time on a boat together, away from the rat race, away from the

fumes, then rounding the Isle of Arran in a Force 6 or 7 thinking

screens and all those sort of things. Just enjoying the great outdoors

we were going to die in the chop and the wind, and my brother Nick

in the way that you do, living together as a family in close quarters.

trying to comfort me. And yet we overcome these things,” Simon

My memories of that, growing up, particularly with my brothers and

says with a laugh. “We do, don’t we? I’m starting to see it in my own

father but also the broader family, were very treasured. I felt it was

children already!”

>>

Oyster issue 77 / 65

With his father’s appointment as Commanding Officer of the Royal

signed photograph of HMS Tiger from Simon’s father’s time aboard, and

Naval Engineering College Manadon near Plymouth, the bug bit

to starboard a more cryptic antique print of an early 19th century naval

deeper and brothers Simon, Tim and Nick with father Bill sailed

scene, the surrender of Napoleon to Captain Maitland, Commander of

widely as family and also with students aboard the college fleet of

King George III’s 74-gun, three-masted HMS Bellerophon, the ship that

Ohlson 35s and Morgan Giles 40s.

had dogged the Gallic Emperor’s steps for 20 years. Nicknamed Billy Ruffian, after three fleet actions and early operation under Nelson’s

Always extending the reach of those around him, Pillar Senior was a

command, this was to be her last seagoing service.

caring, encouraging mentor, and not just to family. On his passing in 1998, The Times newspaper wrote of Admiral Sir William Pillar, “His

But the name and legend Bellerophon perpetuated on the stern of later

inspirational talents were never put to better use than at Manadon

newborn craft including, until an almost immediate name change, yes,

[Naval College] where he made it his business to know, understand

the illustrious HMS Tiger. Tiger was born Bellerophon. Now hold that

and guide every one of the young students. He was also able to indulge

mention of Nelson in mind. We’ve another spiral yet to intertwine.

his passion in sailing. Convinced of the character building effect of offshore yachting, he would often accompany crews of students, but never as skipper and always taking his turn at menial tasks.”

Oyster as builder, designer and stylist is, of course, well known for and practised in completing highly personalised interiors. The planning for Tiger involved extensive discussions with Jo Humphreys, the wife of

This was his way and afloat perhaps his best memorable days were

Oyster’s long-standing naval architect partner Rob Humphreys. Jo

those aboard a former light cruiser converted to helicopter cruiser.

has served up more than a dozen Oysters and was engaged to develop

“Pa always used to refer to her as a truly happy ship,” says Simon, and a quick delve into online forums shows that her crew still write of that shared happiness on board alongside Chief Engineer “Bill Pillar, a real gentleman.” That ship was HMS Tiger, now decommissioned.

“She was always regarded as a happy ship among those who served on her over the years and I guess these things reinforce themselves. So when people joined the crew, joined the officers’ mess, knowing that the ship has this reputation, it self-perpetuated, this happiness. And this was the reason we felt that the name Tiger was so appropriate for a boat that would be sailed by a lot of different people. It was a celebration of a life well lived, and a life that loved sailing, and this notion of ‘a happy ship’ seemed a worthy thing to share with others.”

That connection influenced then not just the name but aspects of design from the navy blue of the hull to the battleship grey upholstery in cockpit and deck saloon and also, importantly, the two framed prints on the main bulkhead below. To port, a nostalgic black and white, crew-

66 / Oyster issue 77

the theme.

Simon comments, “Although we were many thousands of miles away,

A final detail but one determined early in the planning was a

we had a lovely relationship with Jo, and Rebecca was very involved.

facsimile of HMS Tiger ’s crest to be mounted behind the navstation,

It’s a nice thing to build a warm friendship with somebody who’s

overviewing the new namesake’s course work. A replica was found

intimately involved in designing something that is close to your heart,

but disappointed. Jo then uncovered a treasure, Ian Brennan, a man

and we felt that way about Jo.”

who only by happenstance found a second career in sculpting and is now, from his garage workshop, one of England’s finest, unusually

Jo picks up the story herself, “My work on Oysters is often with clients

both carving and casting, and with expertise including heraldry

like Simon and Rebecca who may be abroad with it difficult for them to

and antiquarian recreations.

be as involved as they might want. So I worked closely with them finding out the sort of things they like, with a lot of talking, Skyping and sharing

With extraordinary attention to detail, exemplars include significant

of images. You get a feel and then together arrive at a hybrid of thinking,

contribution to the restoration after fire of Windsor Castle’s Great Hall,

theirs and mine.”

to Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, and then the royal crest and ceremonial sword for HRH Prince William of Wales. For

With Tiger, key design parameters were the grey upholstery and

such a modest man his granted title is extraordinary, ‘Sculptor to the

the prints of ships in the saloon and, with the added import of the

Most Notable Order of the Greater and Most Honourable Order of >>

bright shades of Australia, lively orange and sand tones which were introduced in the soft furnishings to build on the bold blue in the especially commissioned paintings coming on board.

“To help make it as bright possible,” says Jo, “I incorporated combinations of those colours in slightly different ways for variety and used, actually, a fairly traditional design with banding and inserts for those subtle differences.”

The technique might be traditional but with the bold and contrasting colourways the effect is pleasantly contemporary. For practicality as well, elements such as bed covers are specifically design-cut for easy outboard-side tucking and made from crease and crush resistant fabrics that won’t be affected by mould or UV light. Sensible, simple, good looking, and no-fuss tidiness.

Oyster issue 77 / 67

the Bath’. His work is a treat and he came up trumps for Tiger, in more ways than might be expected.

Involved a while back in the long running restoration of Nelson’s flagship Victory in Portsmouth Dockyard on England’s south coast, Ian was permitted to exit with ancient timbers stripped from the interior. It seems back then the value of historic recyclables was not necessarily clear to all as the guy on the gate supposed Ian was in for a good bonfire that weekend. Ian retorted, “Not exactly what I was thinking!”

“These years later,” says Simon, “Ian kindly suggested he could carve the naval crown out of the original Victory lower gun deck timber, so that’s what the naval crown on the crest is made of, which is a wonderful link to the Napoleonic past.”

Tiger ’s connection was made complete. That made for a happy ship, too.

That completeness has remained and Tiger, with permanent crew Peter and Jill Whitelaw, has spent her time since delivery in the Mediterranean with the family enjoying lengthy spells on board, mostly cruising but enjoying, with all brothers on deck, last autumn’s Oyster Regatta Palma. This year the focus is further east: Montenegro, Croatia and perhaps Turkey. Tiger is also available for charter through Oyster Charters, her four guest cabin plan making her perfect even for two families to enjoy together everything that Tiger has to offer… including her unique tale.

For more information on chartering Tiger please visit oysteryachts.com/charter

68 / Oyster issue 77

If your Oyster is your world,

GbR15179

www.hqhh.de

06/2015

let Pantaenius protect it.

Photo by Mike Jones, Waterline Media

Germany · Great Britain* · Monaco · Denmark · Austria · Spain · Sweden · USA · Australia pantaenius.co.uk *Pantaenius UK Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Authorised No.308688)

70 / Oyster issue 77

// OWNER PROFILE

HENRIK NYMAN OYSTER 625 // DELICIA Addiction is a curious thing and today increasingly classified as illness.

But how could anyone label a craving for water in such a way?! Addiction’s of course too strong a word but the draw of the sea can certainly become an obsession, as was true for the young Swede Henrik Nyman who four decades on, and with four young children of his own, now enjoys his newly-built and very well set Oyster 625, Delicia.

WORDS BY MIKE OWEN

Oyster issue 77 / 71

Henrik’s description is of an almost genetic entanglement, “I was

“There were two steps, as I see it, size and quality,” Henrik explains,

born in a small fishing village close to the Norwegian border where

“First of all big boats don’t work in the archipelago. A 40-footer is the

my family had lived for the last couple of hundred years, all involved

biggest you can have, and the fact that we still had small children and

in fishing or shipping or things relating to the sea. When I was a small

weren’t about to move out of Sweden made us keep the boat. But then

child my father was a master mariner with his own ship so I went with

when we decided to go global, first moving out to New York and then

him from, like, mother’s milk to early teenage.”

Brazil, and stepping down from an operational job, we could have a boat that would give us our kind of world travel. In the Mediterranean

“Also after school we would go out fishing lobster or crab, selling them to the tourists coming to their weekend houses. In the summer there were always beautiful yachts visiting. My dream was to have one of these one day.”

Heading off to Göteborg (Gothenburg) and seafarer’s college, Henrik started working in the engine room aboard ships, then returned to the family’s now grown shipping business before building his own portfolio including, of course, a shipping company, specialising in tanker management.

Sailing had taken a hold at age 11 when a young neighbour pulled him into the bow of his red sailed Mirror Dinghy, the two together soon taking bronze in the national championships.

“That was it,” relates Henrik, “I just loved sailing from that first moment. I bought my first keelboat in 1995, a Swedish built Dominant 95 for racing, and then I had an Omega, a combination of family and

in the summer, Caribbean in the winter, and we’re planning further trips as well, probably to the South Seas.”

// I DID QUITE DEEP RESEARCH, AND WITH MY BACKGROUND, AND KNOWING A LOT ABOUT SHIPPING AND QUALITY THROUGH MY WORK WITH THE CLASSIFICATION SOCIETY, WENT TO SEE ALL OF THE BRANDS BUT THE ONLY ONE THAT MET MY EXPECTATION WAS OYSTER.

//

race boat, and normally we would spend a month or six weeks of the

And since I could now afford to buy a bigger boat, why not buy

summer in the Swedish archipelago.”

the best one!”

Soon after the pendulum swung through the new millennium, Henrik

That was 2011 and two years later Henrik and wife Simone took

spent a couple of years working for the classification society ABS.

delivery of their delightful 625 Delicia. When first exploring the

“During that time I was project manager for a 150-footer built in Finland

potential of Oyster, a 54 or 575 looked the most likely but with a visit

and an 80-footer in Sweden. This was the first time I came into contact

to Oyster’s Private View in London’s St Katharine Docks, Simone, an

with the bigger yachts. No way I could afford one in those days but it

exhibiting contemporary artist, fell in love with the light and space

is how the real dream started. For me it was wonderful to see these big

aboard the 625, and especially the triple Seascape hull windows then

yachts, maybe one day I could get one.”

not, but now, available on the 575.

A move to Dubai meant little sailing for Henrik for two years until

“Oh, timing!” Henrik says with a laugh. “I wanted a boat that I could

returning to Sweden and a swiftly-bought Bavaria for family sailing

handle myself without a lot of crew but, of course, I don’t regret it and

the archipelago and out into the Baltic. Then came the change.

I can handle Delicia easily myself… and it is so comfortable.”

72 / Oyster issue 77

With their choice of constructor made, was the concession to escape the widely super patriotic nature of Scandinavian nations and their home produced yachts difficult? “When I told my friends, and especially my father, he said why are you going to build something with the British? You see the Swedish view is others are simply not good! But I’m a seaman, I’ve been all over the world and it’s easy to see there are good things in other places. I chose the best wife in the world and she is Brazilian. Then I tried to choose the best boat in the world and it appeared to be British! That’s the way I work, of course, it’s easy to follow others but I’m not the stereotype!”

That leaning towards the British-best carried through to the team involved. “I just loved coming to the yard, you’d see these people who’ve been there 40 years, started in one position then retire from another, all in the same firm. In other builders, in Sweden, Finland you don’t see this. They start work young but then when they get a family they leave for the cities. In England it seems a different culture.

There’s continuity in Oyster.”

And also creativity, as Henrik reinforces, “With our project manager Jean Pierre there was a complete match. He was fantastic. My wife and he together developed the most beautiful boat, they chose the colours, thought through everything so carefully, patiently, spent hours on just the Avonite tops, looking at the different possibilities, went down to the place where the fabric work is done… everything in the boat matches, completely. It was such a good relationship, I was a bit jealous, you know!”

The result really is a delight with the colours of the seas resonating through Delicia on top of hand satin finished light oak joinery incorporating a gorgeous contrasting inlay to the grand saloon table and with, of course, a great display of Simone’s bright, characterful abstracts in the main cabin areas.

“It has to be said the whole approach at Oyster is different,” Henrik

That security encouraged immediate passage after handover back to Sweden and

emphasises. “The design first of all, it’s a much more contemporary

then, after delivery to Palma, Henrik and Simone were ready to head west to the

design, and there is a much wider use of materials, for example they

Caribbean with the 2013 ARC. “We did it quite well. It was more pleasure than

dare to have light woods, they dare to paint and they dare to have

racing for us so we reduced sail at night and we actually tried to enjoy it a little bit!

deep discussion with the client about customisation. If you go to a

It was a very, very good trip. We stayed and cruised around for a few weeks then

Scandinavian builder which I did, they want to build their boats like

shipped Delicia back to the Mediterranean and last year were on board for about

they have for the last 45 years with the exact plant and equipment

six weeks in total, Corsica, Sardinia…”

they have specified, without being disturbed. They want to deliver the boat to you, give you the phone numbers to the supplier who has the

Both sides of the Atlantic Henrik also sailed the Oyster Regattas, reigniting his racing

warranty. And that’s it. They only want to build you one so they can

passion and enjoying good personal success. Sailing Corinthian style with no imported

sell the next yacht.”

race ‘aces’, he says, “We became a bit more competitive than we really wanted, and without all the special race sails and flying sails some have, we consider ourselves the

“One of the biggest pleasures I’ve had in owning an Oyster has been

winners! Actually, just having an Oyster you’re always a winner!”

the warranty issue, because always if you have a problem, even with other suppliers’ equipment, you have a person to fix the thing in a

That certainly seems true for Henrik, Simone and family. This summer sees them

minute. To have an Oyster is not only to buy the boat, you have the

sailing Italy and Greece, and another ARC is in the plans with potentially onward

whole safety of people around you. You are not left alone. When you

passage through the Panama Canal rather than turning back for the Med. ‘The

have bought an Oyster you have started your journey... with others

Nymans Gone Global’ may be the next headline.

you don’t get this support. You’re not supported by the warranty team, the technical team, the after sales service team that responds to your emails, responds to your phone calls, that gives you such very quick

In the meantime, Delicia is available also for others to enjoy through Oyster Charters,

support. That’s really significant.”

oystercharter.com

Oyster issue 77 / 73

CARIBBEAN DREAMS OYSTER CHARTER // CARIBBEAN With a lifestyle as exotic as it is laid back, the Caribbean with its myriad islands sprinkled like gems in paradise provides just the perfect charter opportunity through December to April. Steady trade wind sailing among desert isles with aromatic, spice strewn hillsides and long white coral sand beaches tempting the virgin footprint… or relaxing resorts, bustling towns. The cocktail is yours to choose, the crew’s to mix. Oyster Charter uniquely manages and offers the biggest Caribbean fleet of Oyster yachts spanning 56 to 125ft (17-38m). The leeward islands with the British Virgin Isles, the windward islands with St Maarten and Antigua, the Grenadines… these islands all lie in wait for your charter holiday.

74 / Oyster issue 77

// CHARTER Oyster Charter is the only charter company dedicated to matching client, craft and crew aboard only Oyster yachts for the best of all tailored yacht holidays. We’re not distracted by other boat types or brands, we are focused and knowing. Each of our privately owned and operated Oyster yachts is fully crewed for your comfort and ease, and we know every yacht and crew personally.

I’m Molly Marston and I helped start Oyster Charter 10 years ago having served as crew afloat for the 10 years before. We know both sides of charter, crew and client, and operate in both the Caribbean and Mediterranean. This way we can help create the perfect charter, advising on location, boat and most importantly the ideal crew for your personal tastes and lifestyle. As a sign of our strengths we have

// WE’RE NOT DISTRACTED BY OTHER BOAT TYPES OR BRANDS, WE ARE FOCUSED AND KNOWING. WITH OYSTER CHARTER YOU’RE NOT ON YOUR OWN, YOU’RE WITH THE BEST.

//

many returning clients with among these many sampling a particular model before or during the commissioning of their own new Oyster.

We operate not just as 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.

Come and join us in the Caribbean this winter!

MOLLY MARSTON, OYSTER CHARTER MANAGER

OYSTER YACHTS AVAILABLE IN THE CARIBBEAN DECEMBER 2015 - APRIL 2016 YACHT NAME

MODEL

SLEEPS

Twilight

Oyster 125

Eight

Penelope

Oyster 100

Six

Lush

Oyster 885

Eight

Maegan

Oyster 825

Six

Dama de Noche

Oyster 82

Six

Ravenous II

Oyster 82

Six

Bare Necessities

Oyster 82

Six

On Liberty

Oyster 725

Six

Magrathea

Oyster 72

Six

Solitaire

Oyster 72

Six

Neki

Oyster 655

Six

Delicia

Oyster 625

Six

Enzo

Oyster 62

Four

Spirit

Oyster 575

Four

Amanzi

Oyster 56

Four Oyster issue 77 / 75

OYSTER 125 // TWILIGHT

OYSTER 100 // PENELOPE

Eight guests in three doubles and one twin cabin or one double and three twin cabins.

Six guests in three double cabins or one double and two twin cabins.

OYSTER 885 // LUSH

OYSTER 825 // MAEGAN

Eight guests in four cabins. One queen and three doubles.

Six guests in three cabins. One queen and two doubles.

OYSTER 82 // DAMA DE NOCHE

OYSTER 82 // RAVENOUS II

Six guests in three cabins. One queen, one double and one twin side.

Six guests in three cabins. One queen and two twin side by side.

76 / Oyster issue 77

OYSTER 82 // BARE NECESSITIES

OYSTER 725 // ON LIBERTY

OYSTER 72 // MAGRATHEA

Six guests in three cabins. One queen and two twin side by side.

Six guests in three cabins. Two doubles and one twin cabin.

Six guests in three cabins. Two doubles and one bunk cabin.

OYSTER 72 // SOLITAIRE

OYSTER 655 // NEKI

OYSTER 625 // DELICIA

Six guests in three cabins. One queen, one double and one bunk cabin.

Six guests in three cabins. One queen, one double and one bunk cabin or one queen and two bunk cabins.

Six guests in three cabins. One queen, one double and one bunk cabin or one queen and two bunk cabins.

OYSTER 62 // ENZO

OYSTER 575 // SPIRIT

OYSTER 56 // AMANZI

Four guests in three cabins. One queen, one double and one bunk cabin.

Four guests in three cabins. One queen, one double and one bunk cabin.

Four guests in three cabins. One double cabin, a single cabin and a double cabin.

CONTACT // MOLLY MARSTON T: +1 401 846 7400 F: +1 401 846 7483 E: molly.marston@oysteryachts.com

Oyster Yachts USA Newport Shipyard One Washington Street Newport RI 02840

Visit our website to view sample itineraries and a full range of charter yachts available. oystercharter.com Oyster issue 77 / 77

The everyday should be anything but.

The Flying Spur V8.

No two days are exactly the same. It’s the same with the Flying Spur. Every one is exceptional, exhilarating and unique. Here’s to tomorrow.

To find out more go to BentleyFlyingSpur.com Flying Spur V8 fuel consumption – EU Drive Cycle in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 17.8 (15.9); Extra Urban 35.3 (8.0); Combined 25.9 (10.9). CO2 Emissions 254 g/km.

The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2015 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Flying Spur V8

// WHY I was SO INSISTENT ON A RED HULL! //

// OWNER STORY

EYE-CATCHING OYSTER 625 // RED CAT Nearly all sailing boats have a white hull, anybody can do that. Our Oyster 56, CAT B had a dark blue hull with a white deck, which looked very elegant but we wanted something ‘special’ for our new Oyster 625. At Boot in Düsseldorf we noticed a daysailer with a blood red hull. Perfect, we wanted to use that colour, crimson red for RED CAT.

WORDS & PHOTOS BY WOLFRAM BIRKEL

Oyster issue 77 / 79

80 / Oyster issue 77

The name ‘CAT’ derives from my daughter’s first name, Catharina.

In the run-up to the decision we had much advice with regards to our choice of hull colour. But now, we and our admirers can only say we hit the ‘bull’s eye’. Every other person we meet tells us, “What a wonderful boat. She is pretty. The nicest boat I’ve seen.” and so on. The Oyster 625 is already a super design but combined with the red hull and the white deck and superstructure, a grey sprayhood and bimini, RED CAT seems to be a real eye-catcher.

Since the handover from Oyster in Ipswich, England end of August 2013, we have sailed for the last 22 months and covered 20,000nm, along the West coast of Europe to the Canaries; across the Atlantic down south to the Caribbean Islands; then due north via Bermuda to Newport, RI, along the East coast of the USA; carrying on north to Maine and finally along the whole stretch down to Florida. This is where we spent Christmas 2014 in the sun, unusual for us. In January 2015 we sailed to Cuba – a special experience – then via Cayman Islands and Jamaica to Panama. Passing through the Panama Canal on a sail boat between those huge container ships is another story!

The wind was with us in the Pacific so we had a fast passage to Galapagos, where we saw all those unique animals. RED CAT sailed very fast south 2,000nm to Easter Island. Very few sailboats, only 50 a year, are visiting this faraway island. We are very happy to have done this to see all the Moais standing along the coast. After this outstanding visit we did the long sail over 2,200nm to Tahiti with less wind.

Now in July we are starting to visit most of the Polynesian islands, Tuamotus, Marquesas, Society Island, Cook Islands, Tonga and so on. It is such a nice sailing area, we decided to stay one year longer here to sail north to Hawaii and back again to Tahiti. But that could be another report from on board of RED CAT. Again and again we meet other sailors who ask us, “Are you not from RED CAT – what an amazing boat, we’ve met here or there already.”

In the past we would not have met these people but now with RED CAT we attract a lot of attention. We are noticed immediately wherever we go. Sometimes it feels as if people are coming into the marinas especially to see the boat close up and take photographs.

We can’t imagine how many thousands of photographs now exist on cameras. The Oyster magazine would easily be filled with them.

// I WOULD ADVISE ANYONE CONSIDERING A NEW OYSTER TO BE BOLDER WITH YOUR HULL COLOUR!

//

Oyster issue 77 / 81

the Heart of the Mediterranean It has been a whirlwind six months since Mark Durham joined Oyster. In that time he has built a team and set up shop in the Oyster Palma office to support the continually growing fleet that are based on his doorstep. So what is the Oyster Service Centre? Oyster magazine finds out more…

What is the Oyster Service Centre Palma?

What do you do differently to everyone else?

OSC is a growing team set up to provide complete yacht service

We have a direct line to Oyster UK, the Oyster database and individual

and support for Oyster owners and crew in Palma de Mallorca.

build manuals so our knowledge of your yacht is better than most!

Anything from simple yacht repairs through to caring for your Oyster while you are away or managing your refit project/ haul-

Who is the team?

out, our Palma team is here to offer their skills and assistance

From our elegant waterside office in Moll Vell, our fr iendly

whenever you need it.We also have a workshop and storage

office team, Sophie and Elvira can help you with everything from

facility in Palma, so you or your crew can store tenders, sails,

berthing, haul-outs and ordering spare parts to where to find the

and other items.

best paella on the island. Then we have an extended technical team including an experienced Engineer, Guardienage Captain

How can the Service Centre help me look after my Oyster?

and Deckhand. That’s it for the moment although with 50

We offer a range of services, including guardienage to owners

Oysters already in Palma we are sure to be adding more in

that do not have permanent crew. We have several different yacht

the coming months.

care packages from the basic ‘keeping a watchful eye on your yacht and keeping her clean’ to more thorough packages including

Is there anything you can’t do?

detailed, regular maintenance checks and servicing. Of course we

If we cannot do the work ourselves we will make sure you get the right

can customise the yacht care package to suit any owners specific

person or company for the job. We have an excellent network of preferred

requirements.

contractors and local contacts that support us to ensure we can offer all round superb service.

What services do you offer?

Guardienage, engineer ing, cleaning and polishing, storage in

So however big or small your need, come and talk to us – we can

Palma, organisation/liaison with sub contractors, management

offer advice, help if required or assist you in order to do the job

of yard works, advice and guidance about who to use for works

yourself – and all while we offer you a mean cup of coffee!

in Palma, berth bookings, the list goes on…

For contact information please see the inside back cover

82 / Oyster issue 77

Mark Durham, ex Oyster skipper and now Oyster Service Centre Palma Manager.

Oyster issue 77 / 83

ON LIBERTY: Shipshape On Liberty, the first Oyster 575 built, was designed for flexibility of accommodation and ease of handling, providing beautiful bluewater cruising. Boat Captain, Harry Blazeby and First Mate, Freya Sanders are highly experienced professionals with a detailed knowledge of the important criteria required to keep Oyster 575 On Liberty in pristine condition.

This knowledge and an understanding of the yacht’s capabilities allow the team to provide a safe and memorable experience on board for both the owner and guests.

HER CAPTAIN HARRY BLAZEBY AND FIRST MATE FREYA SANDERS TALKED TO LOUAY HABIB ABOUT A SUCCESSFUL, NEAT AND TIDY CHARTER BOAT

84 / Oyster issue 77

// IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ON LIBERTY LOOKS AS GOOD AS POSSIBLE, THIS CONVEYS A SENSE OF WELCOME AND IMPORTANCE TO THE OWNER AND GUESTS.

//

Oyster issue 77 / 85

The first impression when an owner and guests arrive is very important, cleanliness of On Liberty is an important part of that. The exterior is meticulously washed down prior to arrival, making sure the teak is looking sharp and the topsides are clean. All of the stainless steel is polished and any scuffs on the gelcoat are buffed out. Both Freya and I fully appreciate that guests have been looking forward to sailing On Liberty for weeks, even months. Often they will have just come off the plane and will be tired from the journey and we try to give the big ‘wow-factor’ instantly, so that the sailors identify with On Liberty as soon as they see the yacht. As they step on board, the cockpit table is always prepared with suitable cocktails and drinks and decorated with flowers, it is important that On Liberty looks as good as possible, this conveys a sense of welcome and importance to the owner and guests.

On Liberty provides very flexible accommodation, with a master cabin aft and a generous VIP cabin forward, complemented by two separate bunk cabins. On Liberty also has a custom-built demountable partition, which allows more privacy for both the forward VIP cabin and the forward bunk cabin. This also makes an excellent family area utilising all of the area forward of the saloon. Both the master cabin and the VIP cabin have walk-around double bed, giving a real sense of space.

Below deck, tidiness and cleanliness in the saloon, galley and bathrooms, are very important. Keeping those areas clean and clear of clutter adds to the sense of space. Stowing away and cleaning these areas needs to be done promptly. It should happen magically without any fuss, that keeps the atmosphere of relaxation and puts everyone at ease.

Constant maintenance of On Liberty is also paramount - the more you look after a yacht the more it will look after you. You want your systems to be reliable, everything must be fully functioning especially when guests are on board. It is worth putting the time in to look after these systems and a philosophy of ‘little and often’ is much better for the systems; changing fuel filters more often than advised is more economic than an engine re-build.

Planning prior to a cruise is essential and has many areas of importance. Weather can dictate the whole trip and the order in which we visit the various destinations. Whilst On Liberty has excellent navigational electronics, paper charts are essential for safety

86 / Oyster issue 77

reasons. Also at breakfast time, it is lovely to hold the paper chart up and show where we are going for the day and the surroundings. I always leave the paper chart out, so that guests can peruse the chart and ask questions about the environment.

Due to the deck systems and layout, On Liberty can be easily sailed by two people; Freya and I often carry out 48-hour deliveries with no other crew on board. We can manage the boat alone and the guests can kick back and relax. If they want to get involved then the systems on board mean that regardless of strength or experience, everyone can be involved to the best of their ability and that improves their sailing knowledge, heightening the overall experience.

For anchoring and mooring On Liberty, everything is extremely well laid out, we have windlass controls back to the cockpit, allowing one person to drop or pick up the anchor, whilst still at the wheel. If we are coming into a mooring stern - once the anchor is deployed, the crew member on the foredeck can then walk aft to assist with mooring lines, whilst the driver can pay-out the anchor with the push of a button.

Sailing On Liberty is a wonderful and memorable experience but part of the thrill of it all is the unpredictability of Mother Nature. On a passage from Palma, Mallorca to Gibraltar, 30 knots of wind was forecast. We were confident that the wind would be from behind us, meaning we wouldn’t be beating into the weather. However, the wind speed just kept rising and reached 50 knots, gusting as high as 58 knots - a full gale. I looked around On Liberty, to see how she was handling, and I soon realised that I didn’t have anything to worry about. I had been on deck for sometime and I thought I would check how things were down below; the rest of the crew were sitting in the saloon watching a movie, eating dinner, as if nothing was going on.

We were by now on bare poles still doing nine knots, wind howling in the rigging and white foam across the water but On Liberty was comfortable. Seaworthy, well-built and well maintained, we felt safe – we knew that she was going to look after us.

On Liberty is currently for sale with Oyster Brokerage.

For further details please see page 112.

Oyster issue 77 / 87

Oyster 475 475 SAIL PLAN

475 INTERIOR LAYOUT

475

OYSTER 475: AN Overview

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 withoutCopyright written permission. 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, cannotare form of any contract or and offer.may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Theseand drawings forpart promotional use only

THE IDEAL FAMILY BOAT, OFFERING UNUSUALLY SPACIOUS AND LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATION FOR HER COMPACT SIZE

The Oyster 475 is, in truth, more evolution than revolution. After all, why completely change something that is already so successful? The 475 has simply improved upon the 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.

The Oyster 475 is then the ideal family boat, offering unusually spacious, luxurious accommodation for her compact size, and here’s a small but worthwhile point: her length of less than 15m overall usually makes it easy to find a berth for the night.

DIMENSIONS

With updated build techniques, the latest and most advanced design engineering has allowed us to make the hull and deck light, strong and stiff, so out on the water the 475

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 14.81m Length of Waterline

12.36m

Beam

4.41m

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

2.16m

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Masthead sloop with fully battened main

platform. For the world cruiser, stowage space is a major consideration and the Oyster

Available Rig options

In-mast furling, cutter gear

475 has an outstanding lazarette, swallowing all that cruising kit.

Displacement (standard keel)

16,000kg

is a very powerful yacht, and almost certainly ‘best in class’ for righting movement and form stability.

Her cockpit design calls also on lessons learnt from professional ergonomic studies, and her generous deck space includes a large aft area with easy access down to the bathing

88 / Oyster issue 77

Oyster 545 545 SAIL PLAN

545 INTERIOR LAYOUT

545

OYSTER 545: AN Overview

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 written permission.

Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without are written permission. 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 for promotional 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.

SPARKLING PERFORMANCE IS VITAL… AND SO IS THE SOCIAL SIDE

At Oyster we of course pride ourselves on our past achievements, and the original, much revered Oyster 54 was a wonderfully designed and deservedly popular yacht with its many owners, but we also believe in moving on, building our strong heritage.

This is precisely why the Oyster 545 is the future, now. A worthy successor with even more spirited performance for those seeking ultimate comfort and all-round capabilities for their cruising adventures, the 545’s clean hull lines, powerful rig and a low centre of gravity bulb keel have created a fast, stiff, comfortable passage maker, which has regularly proved herself also at Oyster regattas.

DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 16.43m

While good performance is important, the 545 offers genuine cruising comfort, too, with

Length of Waterline

14.10m

deck via a modern Superyacht-influenced rollover bulwark, giving a clean contemporary

Beam

4.75m

look, which, added to the sleek, curved deck saloon styling helps create a stunning

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

2.40m

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Masthead sloop with fully battened main

So the Oyster 545… a great looking yacht presented in a total package designed to bring

Available Rig options

In-mast furling, cutter gear

you that elusive combination of brilliant performance, comfort and luxury – both above

Displacement (standard keel)

21,315kg

a generously proportioned cockpit fitted with a substantial fixed table. The hull meets the

outboard profile from any angle.

and below deck.

Oyster issue 77 / 89

Oyster 575 EXPERIENCE UNSURPASSED IN THIS CLASS OF DECK SALOON CRUISING YACHT

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 575: AN Overview

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 17.89m Length of Waterline

15.72m

in 2012 with space-enhancing changes to the layout. Introducing even more daylight,

Beam

5.00m

the saloon now has the striking vertical ‘Seascape’ windows we first featured in the

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

2.70m

fleet from the Oyster 575 upwards.

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Learning also from the 625, the chart area is now raised to the same level as the rest of

Available Rig options

In-mast furling, cutter gear, nonoverlapping and double headsail rigs

Displacement (standard keel)

27,250kg

The highly popular Oyster 575 has recently received a complete revamp of her interior

award-winning Oyster 625. These are now being incorporated into most of the Oyster

the 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 forward guest cabin is enlarged, too, and now has access directly into the head.

The 575’s joinery styling incorporates a host of subtle enhancements, including sculpted headliners, accent-lighting in the saloon, more contemporary styling for the heads, upgraded cabin doors and door furniture, and custom saloon aircon outlets. On the practical side, the standard specification includes Formula spars, a Volvo D3 engine and Raymarine i70 sailing instruments. This wonderful yacht is also available in a shoal or centreboard/twin rudder option.

90 / Oyster issue 77

575

DECK PLAN

575

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 77 / 91

575

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 orThese reproduced without written permission. 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.

SAIL PLAN

Oyster 625 HANDCRAFTED FIT-OUT TO A LUXURIOUS STANDARD BARELY FOUND OTHER THAN ON A CUSTOM-BUILT YACHT

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 625: AN Overview

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 19.37m Length of Waterline

17.24m

styling both above and below decks and is designed for comfortable live-aboard, ‘family

Beam

5.44m

and friends’ easy sailing. A totally fresh look at interior design and detailing has given

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

2.80m

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig options

In-mast furling, cutter gear, nonoverlapping and double headsail rigs

Displacement (standard keel)

33,500kg

The triple award-winning, innovative Oyster 625 is a superb example of contemporary

the accommodation a clean, modern feel with new styling of joinery, upholstery, shower rooms and hardware that together with the wide choice of interior timbers and finishes allow the owner to create a really stunning individual onboard environment.

Bringing the outside in, the spacious saloon is fitted with triple ‘Seascape’ vertical windows that fill the saloon with light and give a fantastic view over the water while seated below deck: a real Superyacht feature. The sumptuous aft owner’s suite is full beam and has private access to the aft deck. There are two generous guest cabins, each with its 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.

92 / Oyster issue 77

625

DECK PLAN

625

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.

625

Oyster issue 77 / 93

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 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.

SAIL PLAN

Oyster 675 STYLE, FUNCTION AND PASSIONATE PERFORMANCE

Computer generated images

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 675: AN Overview

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 19.9m Length of Waterline

18.2m

two layout choices based around either the open-plan, linear galley or an enclosed, highly

Beam

5.7m

efficient and seaworthy galley just aft of the main saloon.

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

2.80m

With two spacious double guest ensuite cabins complementing the full beam master

Standard Rig and Spar Type

105% jib, fully battened main, removable storm staysail

Available Rig options

Cutter rig and double-headed Solent rig

Displacement (standard keel)

38,000kg

Designed in line with her larger sleek sister, the Oyster 745, the all new Oyster 675 offers

suite and a fourth cabin for crew (with options for ensuite 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.

As with the Oyster 745, there is a choice of rigs, choice of windows 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 and ‘bit between the teeth’ day racing on the Oyster regatta circuit.

94 / Oyster issue 77

SAIL PLAN

DECK PLAN

Oyster 675DS Interior Plan

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.

675

Oyster issue 77 / 95

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 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 675DS Deck Plan 675

Oyster 675DS Profile

Oyster 745 ELEGANT, POWERFUL AND INDIVIDUAL

Computer generated images

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 745: AN Overview

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 21.90m Length of Waterline

20.00m

the all new Oyster 745 is designed to fit between the ‘family and friends’ Oyster 475–625

Beam

5.90m

and the 825–885 with their separate crew quarters. And replacing the highly successful

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

3.10m

Standard Rig and Spar Type

105% jib, fully battened main, removable storm staysail

Available Rig options

Cutter rig and double-headed Solent rig

Displacement (standard keel)

52,600kg

Denoting a sleek evolution of Oyster’s signature performance bluewater cruising yachts,

72/725, of which an impressive 16 were built, the Oyster 745 introduces a new hull format and brings a sense of the sailing coupé with her distinctive deck saloon extended in clean symmetry with a sheerline that points to power and adventure.

With a choice of rigs, the sail plan can be optimised for fully crewed speed or short-handed sailing, from carbon and fully battened main 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.

The extended transom version 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, shoal draft or standard keel version.

96 / Oyster issue 77

745

DECK PLAN

745

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 77 / 97

745

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 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.

SAIL PLAN

Oyster 825 REFINED COMBINATION OF OWNER LUXURY AND CREW UTILITY FOR SIX-STAR SERVICE

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 825: AN Overview

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 25.15m Length of Waterline

21.97m

a spacious lower saloon or with a raised saloon providing wonderful views out through

Beam

6.31m

the above-deck saloon windows. With six of these wonderful yachts sold (and three on

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

3.43m

Standard Rig and Spar Type

105% jib, fully battened main, removable storm staysail

Available Rig options

Cutter rig and double-headed Solent rig

Displacement (standard keel)

64,900kg

Featuring Oyster’s latest striking contemporary styling, the Oyster 825 is available with

the water at time of going to print) one has been built with the extended transom option.

With clean, easily driven hull lines drawn by Humphreys Yacht Design, and with detailed styling and engineering developed by the Oyster Design Team, the Oyster 825 is already attracting acclaim wherever she goes.

Optimising layout for guest privacy, she has a spacious three-cabin plan in the aft section with expansive full beam master suite and mirrored guest suites either side of the central corridor, this way enabling if required, dedicated, separate quarters and working area forward of the saloon for four professional crew to provide a ‘six-star’ service for the owner and guests. An option is just two crew and a fourth guest cabin.

With her large, full-width saloon, the feeling of light and space below decks is further enhanced by the state-of the-art, side-sliding glass companionway. Both saloon and

Image Above: Oyster 825 Maegan

master suite have the new vertical ‘Seascape’ hull windows. A powerful yacht, the Oyster

Images Overleaf: Top Left – Saloon, Top Right – Master Suite,

825 will easily eat up 250 miles per day on long passages without drawing breath.

Bottom Left – Galley & Bottom Right – Guest Twin Cabin

98 / Oyster issue 77

SAIL PLAN

825DS

DECK PLAN

Deck Saloon Layouts

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

Oyster issue 77 / 99

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 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 825DS Profile

Oyster 885 DESIGNED FOR CIRCUMNAVIGATION IN GLORIOUS COMFORT

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 885: AN Overview

Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 27.08m Length of Waterline

24.18m

of cruising aboard such magnificent yachts with the potential to recover some of the

Beam

6.33m

investment involved by chartering.

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

3.50m

Designed by Humphreys Yacht Design and the Oyster Design team to the limit of the MCA

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Masthead sloop with fully battened main

Available Rig options

In-boom furling

Displacement (standard keel)

71,400kg

The Oyster 885 is the perfect solution for those who wish to share the unmatched pleasure

24m load line length watershed, the Oyster 885 provides room for eight to ten guests in four luxurious cabins and has a separated crew area forward from which a quiet and high quality of service can be delivered comfortably and efficiently away from your guests. 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 broad stern also delivers a high level of form stability and off-wind potential, helping rattle away the miles in any trade wind passage, her twin rudder configuration tracking true. For slick manoeuvring in harbour she is fitted with both stern and bow thrusters. Detailing as always is individual and the Oyster Yachts custom team in Southampton will build a very personal yacht for each client.

100 / Oyster issue 77

Oyster 885 Saloon Options

Raised Saloon

SAIL PLAN

885RS

DECK PLAN

Deck Saloon Layouts

885RS

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 77 / 101

885R

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 forform promotional usecontract only and These drawings are for promotional use only and may show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot part of any ormay offer.show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer.

Deck Saloon Lower Saloon

Oyster 885RS Profile

Oyster 118 introducing the new superyacht from the oyster / humphreys yacht design partnership

Computer generated images

DIMENSIONS

OYSTER 118: AN Overview A true Superyacht at nearly 123ft overall including the bowsprit, the Oyster 118 offers its owner a truly global adventure. Built to DNV-GL classification standards and compliant 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 suite.

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.

102 / Oyster issue 77

Length Overall (Including Bowsprit)

37.45m

Length of Waterline

32.90m

Beam

8.35m

Draft HPB Keel (standard)

4.00m

Standard Rig and Spar Type

Fully battened, in-boom furling main and a roller furling headsail

Available Rig options

No alternative rigging option

Displacement - HPB Keel (Light Ship Trim)

155 tonnes

Oyster 118 Layout (Five Guest Staterooms Aft, Convertible Saloon / Cabin Forward)

Oyster 118 Layout (Master Suite and two Guest Staterooms Aft, Guest Stateroom Forward)

Oyster 118 Layout (Master Suite and three Guest Staterooms Aft, Convertible Saloon / Cabin Forward)

118 DECK PLAN

Oyster 118 Deck Plan

Oyster issue 77 / 103

OYSTER BROKERAGE

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? If you are looking to buy or sell a pre-owned Oyster, look no further. The vast majority of pre-owned Oysters that are sold each year come through Oyster Brokerage. We enjoy unparalleled access to the Oyster designers, project managers, production facilities and the original build files for almost every Oyster yacht launched. Our experienced team of brokers will be delighted to share their knowledge, ensuring that you receive friendly and professional guidance throughout the sale or purchase process.

Established in 1984, Oyster Brokerage provides a truly international service, with offices in Palma, Ipswich and Newport. All three offer a permanent, year-round boat show of pre-owned Oysters available for viewing at any convenient time. Our brokers are also present at most of the key international boat shows.

Brief details of all our listings, along with model profiles and upcoming events can be seen at oysterbrokerage.com with full specifications for any of our listed yachts available on request.

Whether you are close to making a decision on your next yacht, or if you are at the very beginning of the planning stage, please feel free to get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.

104 / Oyster issue 77

// BROKERAGE

OUR OFFICES

UK OFFICE T: +44 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

GERMANY OFFICE T: +49 40 644 008 80 yachten@oysteryachts.com

USA OFFICE T: +1 401 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com PALMA OFFICE T: +34 971 287 474 palma@oysteryachts.com

Oyster issue 77 / 105

OYSTER 100 2012 OYSTER 100 // PENELOPE Launched 2013, magnificent as-new Oyster Superyacht, with three luxurious guest staterooms. Upper saloon with panoramic views, and more intimate lower saloon. Double header rig with in-boom furling gives powerful performance under sail.

Lying: Oyster Palma

106 / Oyster issue 77

ÂŁ6,750,000 VAT paid

OYSTER 885

2013 OYSTER 885 // KARIBU Karibu offers effortless, powerful sailing. Her high specification allows for both regatta sailing and round the world adventuring.

With accommodation for up to twelve in six cabins offering great charter potential, she is a truly versatile yacht.

Lying: Oyster Palma

ÂŁ6,150,000 VAT paid

2012 OYSTER 885 // LUSH A first class luxury performance cruiser, with accommodation for eight guests in four double cabins. With her magnificent grey hull and black carbon spars, Lush represents a superb opportunity to acquire this new design without the long lead time.

Lying: West Med

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

ÂŁ4,950,000 ex VAT

USA, RHODE ISLAND T: +1 406 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma@oysteryachts.com

GERMANY, HAMBURG T: +49 40 644 008 80 yachten@oysteryachts.com

oysterbrokerage.com

Oyster issue 77 / 107

OYSTER 725 - 66

2011 OYSTER 725 // SPIRIT OF PHANTOM Professionally maintained with stunning lines and a superb accommodation plan, Spirit of Phantom makes a perfect solution for pleasurable cruising, with charter potential. A powerful performer with fully battened main and carbon spars, ten berths in four cabins.

Lying: Australia

€3,500,000 ex VAT

2006 OYSTER 72 // KEALOHA 8 OF SOUTHAMPTON Elegant 72 with cutter rig and hydraulic in-mast furling. Sumptuous interior finished in teak with contrasting cream upholstery giving a contemporary feel below the sleek deck saloon. Fully equipped for use as a family or charter yacht.

Lying: Oyster Palma

£1,950,000 ex VAT

2000 OYSTER 66 // ANNACAY

2000 OYSTER 66 // GOODWINDS

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 hand-crafted light oak.

Superbly maintained and ready to set sail. Below deck she has a magnificent raised saloon, and sleeps ten in five cabins, all finished in teak. Hydraulic furling to the main and headsails. Owner has bought larger, so offers are encouraged.

Lying: East Med

Lying: Oyster UK

108 / Oyster issue 77

£975,000 VAT paid

£750,000 VAT paid

OYSTER 655

2008 OYSTER 655 // PROTEUS One of the most luxuriously appointed Oysters ever built, she has custom Harken deck gear and carbon spars by Hall.

Beautiful teak joinery below decks, where she sleeps eight in four cabins. Shoal keel reduces her draft to 2.2m.

Lying: Oyster Palma

£1,500,000 ex VAT

2010 OYSTER 655 // NEKI Last 655 ever built, and only one with centerboard and twin rudders. Fully crewed charter boat, lavished attention from day one. Owner has bigger Oyster in build and says sell!

Lying: Oyster USA

US $2,000,000 ex VAT

2008 OYSTER 655 // MATAWAI 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 to be sold. Perfect gentleman’s Bermuda racer. Not for sale or charter to US citizens or residents while in US waters.

Lying: Oyster USA

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

US $2,200,000 ex VAT

USA, RHODE ISLAND T: +1 406 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma@oysteryachts.com

GERMANY, HAMBURG T: +49 40 644 008 80 yachten@oysteryachts.com

oysterbrokerage.com

Oyster issue 77 / 109

OYSTER 655 - 625

2008 OYSTER 655 // ROCAS 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 returning to the UK to be sold.

Lying: Oyster UK

£1,350,000 ex VAT

2013 OYSTER 625 // VAMOS OF PORTSMOUTH Stunning Oyster 625 with maple interior and walnut sole boards. MCA coded. Simple sloop rig with hydraulic in-mast furling to the mainsail. Fully equipped and professionally maintained since new. Ten berths in five cabins. A magnificent yacht.

Lying: Montenegro

£1,750,000 ex VAT

2011 OYSTER 625 // BLUE JEANNIE 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: Oyster Palma

110 / Oyster issue 77

£1,790,000 ex VAT

2012 OYSTER 625 // ANGEL The 625 was voted European Yacht of the Year in 2012. Newly-painted hull and luxurious teak interior. Rigged for high performance sailing she is in turnkey condition after mini refit and comes with a one year warranty.

Lying: UK South Coast

Lying: Oyster Palma

£1,495,000 ex VAT

£1,495,000 ex VAT

2011 OYSTER 625 // BANDIDO

2001 OYSTER 62 // PEARLFISHER

The only 625 for sale Stateside, Bandido features a stunning light interior for a fresh and contemporary feel. Maintained in Bristol fashion and lightly used, Bandido presents ‘as new’. Just arrived at Oyster USA to be sold.

An ARC class winner and powerful performer with taller carbon rig and fully battened mainsail, she has nonetheless proved to be a capable and comfortable cruiser, visiting some of the most inaccessible places on the planet. Superbly maintained.

Lying: Oyster USA

Lying: UK South Coast

US $2,500,000 ex VAT

£1,195,000 VAT paid

2008 OYSTER 62 // UHURU OF LYMINGTON

1998 OYSTER 61 // MODUS VIVENDI

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.

Beautiful 61 with a superb custom layout, with vast owner’s stateroom forward, as well as sumptuous guest accommodation. The electronics package has been upgraded and a bow thruster has recently been added.

Lying: Oyster Palma

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£1,095,000 ex VAT

USA, RHODE ISLAND T: +1 406 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma@oysteryachts.com

Lying: Oyster UK

GERMANY, HAMBURG T: +49 40 644 008 80 yachten@oysteryachts.com

£450,000 VAT paid

oysterbrokerage.com

Oyster issue 77 / 111

OYSTER 625 - 61

2013 OYSTER 625 // LADY MARIPOSA Stunning 625 with performance sailplan including carbon mast, Park Avenue boom, and fully battened mainsail. Impeccable maple joinery below where she sleeps up to nine in five cabins.

Her full time crew ensures she is in first class condition.

OYSTER 575 - 56

2011 OYSTER 575 // CLOUD 9

2010 OYSTER 575 // ON LIBERTY

Highly specified, with £300K of optional equipment. The 575 is the perfect size for ocean sailing and live-aboard use, whilst easy to handle. Meticulously maintained, she is perfect for someone looking for a 575 without the long lead-times.

Professionally crewed and maintained since her launch. On Liberty is ready to go and in turnkey condition. Easy to handle with hydraulic in-mast furling and electric furling to both headsails. Keenly for sale and ready for new adventures.

Lying: West Med

Lying: Oyster Palma

£1,185,000 ex VAT

£850,000 ex VAT

2011 OYSTER 575 // PATRICE

2009 OYSTER 56 // TARA

Magnificent 575 with shoal keel which reduces her draft to just 2.06m. Push-button hydraulic furling to her mainsail and genoa. Oak joinery with eight berths in four cabins.

An immaculate, almost unused 575 without the long lead times.

Superb late model 56 with performance enhancing fully battened mainsail and cutter rig.

Beautiful blue hull and hand-crafted teak joinery make for a stunning yacht. She sleeps eight in four cabins. Owner has larger Oyster in build.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: East Med

£975,000 VAT paid

£825,000 ex VAT

2008 OYSTER 56 // POWER OF TWO

2007 OYSTER 56 // WINDFLOWER

2009 OYSTER 56 // DUCHESS

Beautifully finished with a stunning maple interior incorporating eight berths. The rig features electric in-mast and electric sail handling systems, effortlessly enabling shorthanded sailing. She is presented in excellent condition.

Exceptionally well maintained and comprehensively equipped. Her all furling rig plan enables short-handed sailing at the push of a button. Her interior is finished in cherry wood with eight berths in four cabins.

One of the last 56s to be launched, still in her original ownership and in first class condition. Eight berths in four cabins, with light oak joinery. Only for sale as the owner’s new larger Oyster has just been delivered.

Lying: Oyster USA

Lying: The Netherlands

Lying: Oyster UK

112 / Oyster issue 77

US $1,100,000 ex VAT

£699,000 VAT paid

£650,000 ex VAT

2006 OYSTER 56 // SARABI

2004 OYSTER 56 // DREAMS COME TRUE

Sailors’ 56 with fully battened mainsail and cutter rig.

Alternative layout forward which moves the guest cabins further aft, and allows a large sail locker. Cool maple joinery with traditional teak and holly flooring complete a striking package.

Multiple Concours d’Elegance winner, and well specified for comfortable family sailing with all furling rig and comprehensive specification. Light and airy below decks with maple joinery and eight berths in four cabins.

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.

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster UK

£615,000 VAT paid

£550,000 ex VAT

£550,000 VAT paid

2003 OYSTER 56 // MOANA

2002 OYSTER 56 // WASABI

1998 OYSTER 56 // DUET II

Highly specified 56, with taller carbon mast, and customised interior layout that sleeps five in three cabins. Larger than standard owner’s stateroom, and huge sail locker forward are among the practical features that lend her to luxurious ocean sailing.

Wasabi is the ideal long distance live-aboard cruising boat. She is superbly equipped, and features extra additions such as wind generators and solar panels.

Owned by a very experienced sailor, Wasabi is now ready for her next adventures.

Extremely well priced Oyster 56. Oak interior with eight berths in four cabins. Equipment includes fully battened mainsail, air conditioning, generator, powered headsails, bow thruster and electric winches.

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: West Med

Lying: Oyster UK

£535,000 ex VAT

US $619,000 ex VAT

£330,000 ex VAT

2013 OYSTER 54 // HANUMAN

2009 OYSTER 54 // OYSTER REACH

2008 OYSTER 54 // PLAN SEA

‘As new’ and unexpectedly for sale having only been launched in September 2014. Easy in-mast furling sloop rig, three cabins finished in oak, sleeping six.

A superb opportunity to acquire a virtually new boat without having to wait.

Fantastic example, professionally maintained, with light maple joinery. Past winner of the Oyster Regatta, she has a striking appearance with her golden boot stripes. Six berths in three cabins. Easily handled sloop rig with electric sail handling.

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: Oyster UK

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: Balearics

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

US $1,200,000 ex VAT

USA, RHODE ISLAND T: +1 406 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

£655,000 VAT paid

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma@oysteryachts.com

GERMANY, HAMBURG T: +49 40 644 008 80 yachten@oysteryachts.com

£650,000 VAT paid

oysterbrokerage.com

Oyster issue 77 / 113

OYSTER 56 - 54

2007 OYSTER 56 // AMANZI

OYSTER 54 - 485

2009 OYSTER 54 // LIGHT LANA

2009 OYSTER 54 // SURYA

2003 OYSTER 53 // INFINITY

Sleek and professionally maintained Oyster 54 ready to sail away. Perfect for long term world cruising or pottering around in your favourite bays.

Well thought-out spacious oak interior offering six berths in three cabins.

In her original family ownership, sloop rigged with hydraulic furling, she offers simple push button sailing.

Below decks she sleeps six in three cabins, without recourse to the saloon. Light oak joinery gives an airy and open feel.

Light use, low hours, excellent condition and top notch specification make her a compelling example.

Hydraulic sail handling, workshop, and light oak joinery are just some of the highlights. Realistically priced and seriously offered for sale.

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: UK South Coast

Lying: Oyster USA

£610,000 ex VAT

£660,000 VAT paid

US $645,000 ex VAT

2003 OYSTER 53 // JANUS OF LONDON

2002 OYSTER 53 // DRAGONFLY

2002 OYSTER 53 // FIZZ OF COWES

A beautiful example of the popular Oyster 53.

One owner from new, she represents a great opportunity. Cutter rigged with electric mainsail furling. Six berths in three cabins, with an additional single cabin/workshop.

Well maintained, with an up-to-date electronics package. Dragonfly benefits from a sloop rig and inmast furling, set up for ease of use. Below decks, the teak joinery provides a warm and luxurious feel.

Lovingly maintained by her owners, who refitted and upgraded her in 2009. Sloop rigged with in-mast furling make her easy to handle. Her interior is finished in oak, where she sleeps eight in four cabins.

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: Oyster Palma

Lying: Portugal

£395,000 ex VAT

£390,000 VAT paid

£375,000 VAT paid

1989 OYSTER HP53 // OREGON NATIVE

1992 OYSTER HP49PH // RELENTLESS

1999 OYSTER 485 // SIRI ROS

The Oyster HP53 is a truly fantastic long distance bluewater cruiser, capable of cruising at 8+ knots with just a minimum number of crew. Realistically priced and conveniently located afloat in Newport, Rhode Island.

A rare ‘Sovereign Edition’ Oyster 49 Pilot House, designed by Holman & Pye. Relentless is a well cared for, much loved family cruising yacht that has sailed back and forth between New England and the Caribbean since 2009.

Fully battened mainsail for sailing performance with beautiful dark blue hull. Comprehensively equipped for long range short-handed sailing. Teak joinery, she sleeps six in three cabins. Unexpectedly back on the market, to make way for a larger Oyster.

Lying: Oyster USA

Lying: US Northeast

Lying: Oyster UK

114 / Oyster issue 77

US $295,000 ex VAT

US $310,000 ex VAT

£249,000 VAT paid

2002 OYSTER 47 // AEQUITAS

2002 OYSTER 47 // ESCAPADE OF LONDON

Fast performance cruiser with brand new top side paint in light blue. Oyster Azul can accommodate six in three cabins and is furnished with teak joinery.

Her in-mast furling rig enables short-handed sailing.

Aequitas was built with a comprehensive bluewater specification and set up with single-handed sailing very much in mind. The current owners participated in the Oyster World Rally completing the circumnavigation in April 2014. She presents beautifully.

A beautiful example of the Oyster 47. Extremely well maintained with new sails, new canvas work and lots of additional extras. Lovely light oak interior joinery, she sleeps six in three cabins. Easy in-mast furling rig.

Lying: Portugal

Lying: Scotland

Lying: Oyster UK

£125,000 VAT paid

£295,000 VAT paid

£270,000 VAT paid

2004 OYSTER 461 // KATSWISKAS

2006 OYSTER 46 // SOPHISTIKATE A

2005 OYSTER 46 // KARIZMA

The 461 was the design that was lengthened to produce the 485. Lightly used and well equipped, Katswiskas features teak joinery, Onan generator, recent electronics, bow thruster, electric winches and much more. One owner from new and priced to sell.

A lovely family yacht, only for sale because her owner has a larger Oyster. Specified for ease of handling, with electric furling to her main and genoa. She sleeps six in three cabins and her immaculate joinery is in oak.

Beautiful 46 with a high level of specification.

Equipment includes in-boom furling, generator, air conditioning, bow thruster, electric winches and much more. She sleeps six in three cabins and her interior is oak. Low engine hours.

Lying: UK South Coast

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Scotland £375,000 VAT paid

£235,000 VAT paid

£415,000 VAT paid

1986 OYSTER 435 // BAREFOOT OYSTER

2006 OYSTER LD43 // BLUE PEARL

2008 OYSTER LD43 // ALEDA

Legendary early Oyster design, and a super seaboat.

Well maintained, with a comfortable interior that sleeps four in two double cabins. The rig is simple and efficient and enables short-handed sailing.

A very capable long-distance cruising 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.

Oyster LD43 powerboat, professionally maintained and lightly used. This example has twin 480hp Yanmar diesels offering exhilarating performance. She has just undergone an extensive winter service managed by Oyster Service Centre Palma.

Lying: Oyster UK

Lying: Italy

Lying: Oyster Palma

UK, IPSWICH T: +44 23 8083 1011 brokerage@oysteryachts.com

£100,000 VAT paid

USA, RHODE ISLAND T: +1 406 846 7400 newport@oysteryachts.com

£375,000 VAT paid

SPAIN, PALMA T: +34 971 287 474 palma@oysteryachts.com

GERMANY, HAMBURG T: +49 40 644 008 80 yachten@oysteryachts.com

£250,000 VAT paid

oysterbrokerage.com

Oyster issue 77 / 115

OYSTER 48 - LD43

1990 OYSTER 48 LIGHTWAVE // OYSTER AZUL

NEW ARRIVALS RECENTLY ARRIVED OYSTERS ATALANTA OF LONDON

OYSTER 575

TO: STEPHEN LAMBERT Packed with options, Atalanta of London has been modelled to her new Owner, Stephen Lambert’s every requirement including a built-in piano keyboard in the aft cabin!

Delivery took place on a particularly spectacular day in the Solent, with even a hoist of the asymmetric. She then headed to the Canaries via Portugal and Morocco to join the ARC. The winter was spent cruising in the Grenadines before making her way up the Caribbean, ready to take part in the BVI Regatta and get the stunning pink kite out for some great racing.

PATRICE

OYSTER 575

TO: IAN & JOAN MENZIES Having decided to upgrade from their 575 MkI model (also Patrice), Ian and Joan were seduced by the MkII with the Seascape windows. The build in Wroxham was smooth and handover took place in Ipswich in July 2014. Patrice will be kept in Largs, Scotland with cruising anticipated throughout the west coast and to Northern Ireland.

CHIONE

OYSTER 575

TO: JORGEN KJAERNES AND SON MAGNUS Jorgen follows his father’s footsteps when he took delivery back in 1986 of the Oyster HP46 Julie IV. Jorgen himself did the delivery trip with his father to Palma and his three friends. Nearly 30 years later the three friends joined Jorgen to recreate this initial adventure to deliver their new Oyster 575. Chione was the Greek goddess of snow, daughter of Borea who was the north wind and the lover of Poseidon. A suitably apt name for a yacht from the north.

116 / Oyster issue 77

AFRICAN STARLING

Having previously owned an Oyster 54, Volker, Roswitha and their son Thorge knew exactly their requirements for their new Oyster 575 African Starling. It is the first counter stern 575 to give them a huge aft deck and an increased lazarette. She is fitted out with beautiful teak and white panelling to give a modern and sleek finish to the interior.

OYSTER 575

TO: VOLKER & ROSWITHA HEUER

PEARLS OF NAUTILUS

The BVI was the beautiful backdrop for this handover, followed by a glorious sail across the Francis Drake Passage in 20-25 knots of breeze and sunshine. For all future owners, we suggest this as the perfect handover location! Domenic and Louise will spend some time enjoying the Caribbean before shipping Pearls of Nautilus to the Mediterranean for the immediate future.

OYSTER 575

TO: DOMENIC PILLA & LOUISE DE SERRES

SPIRIT

Enthusiastic and heavily involved in their build, Dick Hammill documented his journey through his blog http://theyachtspirit.com, it is a fascinating read and gives great insight into building your very own Oyster. Delivery took place in Ipswich in May 2015 where Dick, friends and crew took the helm and delivered her down to Palma in the Mediterranean, where she will be based for the summer before heading across to the Caribbean.

Oyster issue 77 / 117

OYSTER 575

TO: DICK & SUE HAMMILL

LISANNE

OYSTER 575

TO: ERIC & ANN ALFREDSON Keen racers and cruisers, Eric and Ann previously owned an Oyster 53 but with the Oyster World Rally in mind, and future Oyster regattas on the horizon, they looked to a new 575. With her grey DYS sails from Dolphin (a first for them) she makes quite a statement out on the water and will be recognisable wherever her travels take her.

ANGELS’ SHARE

OYSTER 575

TO: NICK & ALISON BLAZQUEZ Having upgraded from their Oyster 485 Sound of Breagha, their Oyster adventures will continue on Angels’ Share that was launched in St Katharine Docks with family and friends in Spring 2015. Angels’ Share will stay on the south coast of the UK and compete in the Round the Island race before heading to Palma in July with a father and son crew. Corsica will then be the base for a family holiday before heading back to Palma. Next stop after that will be the Caribbean and eventually the Pacific Islands, but who knows how long that could take!

MAEGAN

OYSTER 825

Christened at the Oyster Private View, St Katharine Docks at the start of May, Maegan is the third example of the 825 deck saloon. With a limed oak and white panelled interior and simple furnishings she is as spacious as elegant. With the intent to head to the Mediterranean this summer and compete in the Oyster Regatta Palma, the new owners look forward to a mix of cruising and racing. To really complete her maiden year on the water, she will enter into the ARC and then spend the winter on charter in the Caribbean.

118 / Oyster issue 77

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 nearly 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 1255 243 366 E: sails@dolphin-sails.com www.dolphinsails.com

Roger Cerrato T: +44 23 9247 1841 E: rcerrato@lewmar.com www.lewmar.com

John McCurdy OBE T: +44 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 1624 819 867 E: dos@pelagosyachts.com www.pelagosyachts.com

Harry Heasman T: +44 1329 246 832 E: harry.heasman@raymarine.com www.raymarine.com

Oyster issue 77 / 119

GERMANY SOUTHAMPTON

IPSWICH NEWPORT PALMA

OYSTER YACHTS / CHARTER / BROKERAGE OFFICE INTERNATIONAL OYSTER REPRESENTATIVE OYSTER SERVICE CENTRE

Oyster issue 77 / 120

RUSSIA

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