WINTER 2017 // ISSUE 80

Transcription

1 WINTER 2017 // ISSUE 80 OYSTER WORLD RALLY IN BUILD OYSTER REGATTAS OYSTER OWNERS Leg one of the Oyster World Rally from Antigua to New Zealand. The stories so far. Design and technical innovations at Oyster. Find out more about the new 835 and 895. Family friendly racing at our BVI and Palma regattas. Next stop Bermuda! Inspiring stories from our owners sailing adventures.

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3 // CONTENTS // NEWS 03 Foreword 04 Oyster News 84 New Arrivals // EVENTS 06 Events Programme 17 Oyster World Rally Oyster Regatta BVI Oyster Regatta Palma Oyster Regatta Bermuda Our Regatta Partners // OWNERS STORIES 07 Oyster 625: Vamos 11 Oyster 46: Sea Rover 23 Oyster World Rally Participants 30 Oyster 575: Safiya 34 Oyster 66: Elise // FLEET 53 In Build: Design & Technical Innovations 54 Transom & Keel Options 56 5 Year Warranty & New Engineering 58 Latest Oyster Superyachts Years of Special Projects 66 Future Projects 68 Fleet Review // CHARTER 86 Charter Listings // CREW 90 Oyster Crew // BROKERAGE 91 Brokerage Listings // CONTACT 104 Contact Us

4 FRONT COVER Oyster 675 at sunset in Palma (see page 74 for further details) Photo: Mike Jones, Waterline Media INSIDE FRONT COVER Oyster 885, Firebird, in Norway (see page 87 for charter details) Photo: Mike Jones, Waterline Media THIS PAGE Oyster 885s, Firebird & Bacchus at Oyster Regatta Palma 2017 (see page 41 for full regatta report) Photo: Nico Martínez, Martínez Studios EDITOR Eleanor Briggs CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kathryn Archer Louay Habib Sam Kirk FROM THE EDITOR We know from our readers that the articles they most enjoy reading in the Oyster magazine are the contributions from Oyster owners. If you have a story to tell or information about cruising in your Oyster please let us know. Photographs are always welcome. E: marketing@oysteryachts.com The Oyster magazine is published by Oyster Marine Limited with design by Sarah Gange and Interstate Creative Partners. The publication is for promotional purposes only, privately circulated, and cannot form part of any contract or offer. Views, details and information herein are therefore not necessarily endorsed by the publisher who will not be held responsible for the consequences of any error or omission. Pictures and illustrations are liable to show non-standard equipment.

5 // WELCOME issue 80 Welcome to the winter 2017 edition of our Oyster magazine. This is our 80th publication, celebrating our 45th year of yacht-building and numerous owners adventures across the world s oceans. We calculated from looking at the logs of brokerage yachts and from data in the service and support teams, that Oyster owners have sailed at least 20 million offshore miles, perhaps even 30 million. There are nearly 75 circumnavigations within that and soon that will be more than 100. What an amazing set of statistics and more importantly, what a fantastic endorsement of the quality and design of the yachts we build. One of the participants of the Oyster World Rally wrote to the rest of the fleet in October 2017 as they neared Auckland for the end of the Pacific crossing and I quote: It is hard to find new words to describe the experiences of the last year - ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The courage, kindness, generosity, fun, humour and friendship that we have experienced has been awe-inspiring. As I read this it brought a wonderful feeling of being able to share experiences. It s such a privilege to feel connected to the owners on their great adventures. The team running the World Rally has done a brilliant job and the decision to extend the rally to 27 months has created new options. Nearly 20 yachts are starting the next leg of the circumnavigation in April 2018 from New Zealand. The others are determinedly staying in the Pacific for another year and we ll help to guide them home later. As I write we have 34 families expressing interest in the next World Rally starting in January A couple even asked about the event in 2025! Some don t yet own an Oyster but such is the awareness of the exclusive opportunity the World Rally presents, that they are making firm plans. We ve issued entry forms and two have already signed up for the the now nick-named Class of 21. Tracking the Oyster World Rally fleet from Fiji to Auckland It has been a pleasure to shape this Oyster magazine around both the adventures of owners and their families sailing the oceans and the examples of the care, innovation and attention to detail in the yachts we are building. Also, well done to Eleanor Briggs for compiling this edition, her first Oyster magazine. Keep sending the tales of your adventures please, we love to share them. Safe sailing. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things also applies to the staff at Oyster across the board from the design teams to the shopfloor, the dedication and enthusiasm for what we do continues to distinguish Oyster from competitors. David Tydeman, CEO Oyster Group OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 3

6 OYSTER NEWS OYSTER SCOOP DOUBLE AWARD The new Oyster 565 was commended with the top spot after being nominated as Best Luxury Cruiser in the Sailing Today Awards Designed with heritage and quality with a Superyacht feel, the 565 s versatility, style and reputation of being the perfect family yacht all played a key part to ensure recognition from admiring voters, making her a very worthy winner of such an accolade. With six sold in four months, the Oyster 565 is proving to be very popular. It wasn t just the yachts themselves receiving all the glory Oyster CEO David Tydeman was announced the winner of Sailing Today s Lifetime Achievement Award. NEW SPONSORSHIP WITH THE JUBILEE SAILING TRUST In October 2017 we announced our partnership with the international charity, the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST). The trust has become world-renowned for tall ship sailing adventures that are inclusive for people of all physical and sensory abilities. These voyages integrate people with disabilities with those that are able-bodied, breaking down barriers and changing perceptions around disability. This activity in helping disadvantaged individuals is complementary to our other investments in people for example, apprenticeship programmes. By great coincidence, the facility in which we are now moulding the second Oyster 118 is where JST built their ship Tenacious years ago it feels like serendipity! For more information about the Jubilee Sailing Trust, please visit: OYSTER CREW This summer saw the exciting launch of Oyster Crew, our new official crew search and placement service exclusive to Oyster Yachts. Oyster have formalised the recruitment process primarily so that a more refined and thorough service can be offered to you, our owners, and we can endeavour to place the right crew first time around. Managing the crew database and interviewing processes is Charlie Durham, based in our Palma office. Charlie will be happy to help with any of your crewing enquiries. More details on the Oyster Crew service can be found on page 90. Oyster Crew is an MCA certified Recruitment and Placement Agency in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). 4 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

7 SALES TEAM EXPANSION We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Sales Team with the appointment of Christian Russwurm who will be our Sales Representative for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. A keen sailor, Christian has cruised extensively around the Mediterranean, Channel Islands and in UK waters, and the west coast of Scotland is a favourite destination. He keeps his own sailing boat in Croatia, where he enjoys family holidays with his wife and children. We hope you will join us in welcoming him into the Oyster family. OYSTER EXPANDS ITS SHIPYARD IN SOUTHAMPTON In January 2017, we announced that the company had signed the contract to build the second Oyster 118 and associated with this, would be looking to expand the shipyard facilities in Southampton to be able to offer an earlier delivery date for and Contracts have now been signed for an additional 25,000 sq ft of shed space, just a few hundred meters away from the Saxon Wharf facility and the mould tooling for the Oyster 118 was successfully installed in this new facility during April Moulding for and 04 can now be brought forward such that a delivery for can be early 2021 a year earlier than previously possible. MORE OYSTER OWNERS IN PRINT As previously featured in the Oyster magazine, Caspar and Nichola Craven created a plan in 2009 to sail around the world with their young children. Over the past seven years they ve embraced every moment of this momentous chapter of their lives. It s a story of a fabulous sailing adventure but it is so much more than that; it is an inspirational tale for all those wishing they could do the same, it s a practical guide to show you just how you can make it happen, it s a motivational story of leadership and teamwork within a family and it s a funny, heart-warming tale of slightly unconventional family life. The book Where the Magic Happens is now available for pre-order, for more information visit: MARINE APPRENTICE IS AOC WINNER One of our apprentices, Danielle Thomas, has won the Apprentice of the Year award in the Association of Colleges (AOC) Student of the Year Awards Student of the Year finalists have used their achievements and talents to give back and positively impact their college and/or community. Danielle played an important role in two high profile projects outside of her apprenticeship which included building two docking RIBs for Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR) and restoring a medieval cargo ship in the city. She has strived to complete her work to the highest standard and accuracy, setting an example to her classmates. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 5

8 EVENTS PROGRAMME JANUARY 2018 MAY 2018 CONTINUED OCTOBER 2018 // BOOT DÜSSELDORF 20 TH - 28 TH JANUARY FEBRUARY 2018 // OYSTER REGATTA BERMUDA 21 ST - 26 TH MAY JUNE 2018 // UNITED STATES SAILBOAT SHOW, ANNAPOLIS 4 TH - 8 TH OCTOBER // THE SUPERYACHT CHALLENGE, ANTIGUA 31 ST JANUARY - 4 TH FEBRUARY // STRICTLY SAIL MIAMI 15 TH - 19 TH FEBRUARY APRIL 2018 // THE SUPERYACHT CUP, PALMA 19 TH - 23 RD JUNE // OYSTER REGATTA UK, ROYAL SOUTHERN YACHT CLUB 25 TH - 29 TH JUNE AUGUST 2018 // HAMBURG INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW DATE TBC NOVEMBER 2018 // ARC+ START, CAPE VERDE 11 TH NOVEMBER // OYSTER PRIVATE VIEW, ST. KATHARINE DOCKS 4 TH - 8 TH APRIL // PALMA SUPERYACHT SHOW 27 TH APRIL - 1 ST MAY // ANTIGUA WEEK (OYSTER CLASS) 28 TH APRIL - 4 TH MAY MAY 2018 // ANTIGUA - BERMUDA RACE START (OYSTER CLASS) 9 TH MAY // SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW DATE TBC SEPTEMBER 2018 // CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL 11 TH - 16 TH SEPTEMBER // NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 13 TH - 16 TH SEPTEMBER // SOUTHAMPTON INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 14 TH - 23 RD SEPTEMBER // ARC START, LAS PALMAS 25 TH NOVEMBER FUTURE EVENTS: APRIL 2019 // OYSTER WORLD RALLY FINISH DATE TBC SUMMER 2020 In summer 2020 we will be creating a cruise in company and an Oyster Regatta within the 300-year-old celebration in Cork of the oldest yacht club in the world the Royal Cork Yacht Club. JANUARY 2021 // OYSTER BROKERAGE SHOW, IPSWICH 18 TH - 20 TH MAY // OYSTER REGATTA PALMA 25 TH - 29 TH SEPTEMBER // OYSTER WORLD RALLY START, ANTIGUA DATE TBC // LONDON ON-WATER SHOW 10 TH - 12 TH MAY All dates correct at the time of print. To check for schedule updates please visit: oysteryachts.com/events 6 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

9 // OWNER STORY VAMOS IN THE BIG APPLE DAVID & JOANNE FURBY OYSTER 625 // VAMOS Vamos was designed to accommodate our five strong family as well as to offer a flexible cabin space for chartering. We asked a lot. To cross oceans, compete in regattas, provide luxury accommodation and help cover some of her own running costs by chartering in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. WORDS & PHOTOS BY DAVID & JOANNE FURBY OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 7

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11 BERMUDA TO NEW YORK WAS A FOUR DAY, 600 MILE SAIL. CROSSING THROUGH THE VIBRANT BLUE WATERS OF THE GULF STREAM AND SPOTTING HAMMERHEAD SHARKS AND PILOT WHALES AS WE APPROACHED THE SHIPPING LANES TO THE BIG APPLE. Vamos racing in Oyster Regatta BVI Vamos racing in Oyster Regatta BVI Our adventures have included exploring southern England and Europe, crossing the Atlantic in the ARC, discovering the Caribbean and, rather less enjoyably, traversing the Mediterranean in November (I won t be doing that again!). The past 12 months though have been the most exciting and stimulating of all, culminating in attending the America s Cup finals in Bermuda and then sailing on to New York in time for the Fourth of July celebrations. Bermuda to New York was a four day, 600 mile sail. Crossing through the vibrant blue waters of the Gulf Stream and spotting hammerhead sharks and pilot whales as we approached the shipping lanes to the Big Apple. We approached the city at sunset permitting a tempting glimpse of the Manhattan skyline through the evening mist. This was a long planned trip and we were determined to get some iconic shots of Vamos as she headed up the Hudson River and past the Statue of Liberty. We anchored off Coney Island for the night, from where we could watch the lights from the fun fair. Being 2 nd July, the Empire State Building was lit up with the red, white and blue of the Stars and Stripes. We set off up river at about 7.30am. Going under the Verrazno-Narrows Bridge. Steaming up the Hudson River we started to make out the skyscrapers and then the modest outline of the Statue of Liberty. Then typically! the United States Coast Guard motored up alongside and requested to board us over a loud megaphone. Cruising permits were checked, bilges inspected for any undeclared guests and clarification was made that once we had docked we needed to go straight to clear customs. From then on it was bliss. We all donned our Vamos t-shirts. David and I got into the RIB with camera and phone (having to sit on four days worth of rubbish sacks from the transit) the sun shone and the sky was blue. The wind was even in the right direction! The rest of the crew got all of the sail out in the perfect breeze and the early morning river was clear of the normal tourist chaos. It was as wonderful as our photos suggest. >> OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 9

12 We had booked a berth weeks before, at the North Cove Marina which Jenna our hostess had described as expensive but very close to the action what an understatement. We could not believe that you could moor your boat in Downtown Manhattan. We were less than 200m from the World Trade Center memorial. The brand new One World Trade Center building towered over us and we had free access to the city straight from the boat. We walked to the Brooklyn Bridge in 20 minutes having our own luxury accommodation in the centre of New York suddenly seemed like very good value indeed. As I write now, we are on our second trip to the East Coast of America. Starting in Newport, Rhode Island. The J Class yachts and so many of the other famous racing yachts were present and all getting ready for their regattas. We popped into the Oyster office in the Newport Shipyard to see old friends Molly, Will and Dan, who run the charter fleet and support and sell Oysters on the other side of the pond. It s always very reassuring to know that you can get help and a bit of local knowledge when you re away and great to have somewhere to get spares sent to. Next we visited Cuttyhunk Island. Beautiful, peaceful and seemingly trapped in the 1950s. Most of the other tourists seemed to be there fishing, hoping to catch the enormous striped bass featured in faded local photos. We bought fresh lobster and steamers (giant clams steamed in the shell) from a shack on the quay for dinner and watched the sunset while others barbequed on the shingle beach. Our adventures have taught us how rare it is to be able to have a fire and a barbeque on a beach, so this was a lovely sight! Martha s Vineyard was our next stop. Aquinnah had a sandy beach and delicious Hole in the Wall food. We had a fish sandwich from The Bite and ate it sitting on the sea wall. As we walked around the little harbour, things started to look strangely familiar though. There were rusty fishing boats festooned with tackle and fishermen gutting their catch on their pontoons. Then it clicked 'Jaws' was filmed here. Our next stops will be The Cape Cod Canal, whale watching and stepping ashore at Plymouth Rock just like the Founding Fathers and then off to the delights of Boston. We still want to visit the witch city of Salem and Nantucket Island but that will have to be left for next time. The area is full of history, wildlife and lobster pots and the climate is very much like the UK (perhaps a little warmer). There are lots of places to stop and explore and plenty of adventures to be had. We have had a wonderful time here and would thoroughly recommend it! For more photos of their adventures, search for Yacht Vamos on Facebook. 10 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

13 // OWNER STORY MEMORIES OF THE PACIFIC MIKE & DEVALA ROBINSON OYSTER 46 // SEA ROVER When Mike and Devala Robinson set off in their new Oyster 46 to sail around the world they thought they would be home within four years, if they took their time. To their and everyone else s surprise they spent nine years circumnavigating. The following journal extracts help to explain what took them so long and the seven years they spent cruising in the South Pacific. WORDS & PHOTOS BY MIKE & DEVALA ROBINSON OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 11

14 EASTER ISLAND Much of our cruising has followed established routes, but we will never regret sailing south to Easter Island, an island of more questions than answers. We were one of only four cruising yachts there and often had anchorages like Anakena Bay all to ourselves, where we could look at the backs of the moai (statues) from the sea. They are located where a village once was. Anakena Bay Rano Raraku The moai factory on the island, the volcano Rano Raraku, almost defies words. There are literally hundreds of moai in various states and positions all over the place. It becomes a bit like a child s game of spot the moai. Some of these giants (and they can be up to 22m) look as if they are merely sleeping and will soon awake. Ahu Tongariki The wild weather and no all-round anchorage meant we had to move five times in three weeks. As we left Easter Island Sea Rover celebrated her first birthday, the rewards were becoming far greater than we could have imagined. TUAMOTUS TONGA We headed for French Polynesia where, in the Tuamotus, the twin attractions of pearls and diving lived up to expectations. Fakarava is an enormous atoll 40 miles long. In South Fakarava there is only one pass resulting in tremendous currents which the local sharks, the benign reef, nurse, black and white tip varieties, all utilise to chill out using the Venturi effect that the current creates. Anchored off Nukupule Island There we were at some 20+ metres underwater, hanging onto rock to prevent being swept into the atoll too fast with literally hundreds of sharks, it took some getting used to. Nukupule Island Pouheva, Makemo atoll We had timed being in Tonga for the annual migration of humpback whales. We saw whales nearly everyday but nothing topped one Monday when from our anchorage outside the reef we spotted a mother humpback teaching her calf to breach. When we realised they were swimming parallel with the boat, there was only one thing to do swimming kit and snorkels on! Passe Tumakohua, Fakarava At first there was nothing and then we gradually saw a shape appearing, and there she was in all her glory swimming alongside us as we finned along holding hands just feet away. The experience almost defying description. Mondays don t get much better. 12 / OYSTER ISSUE 80 Makemo atoll

15 FIJI LAU ISLANDS Fulaga lagoon Fulaga is often described as the jewel in the crown of Fiji s Lau Islands. Golden sandy beaches, great diving and snorkelling and a large lagoon scattered with mushroom like motus. This means that, despite its popularity, you can usually find an anchorage to yourself and a friendly village ashore. Narocake Farewell Dance, Muanaicake As so often happens in the Pacific islands, a family invited us to Sunday lunch where the topic of cannibalism came up, hard to avoid in this part of the world. The photo to the left, labelled Narocake, shows Meli Yasabalavu, our host, holding one of the skulls amongst human remains. He said they were from enemies killed and eaten by his ancestors, a clan of renowned warriors who were cannibals until the mid/late nineteenth century. Anchored off Naividamu Village VANUATU SYDNEY One luxury of the seven years we spent in the Pacific was that we could plan to visit countries based on what was happening on land. We timed our arrival in Vanuatu for their festival season. One of our highlights has to be the festival on Ambryn. The finale, the Rom Dance, was like something from a National Geographic magazine. A deep, low throbbing that gradually became louder came from the forest. Slowly the dancers, men only, appeared in their costumes, that had been months in the preparation. It now became evident that the throbbing was not drums but their feet pounding the earth in unison. We felt very lucky and privileged to have witnessed such a special event. Sydney Opera House, New Year s Eve Sydney Opera House Back to My Roots Festival, North Ambrym Back to My Roots Festival, North Ambrym We were lucky enough to spend two New Year s Eves on the water in Sydney Harbour upwind of their breath-taking fireworks. Amazed that they are free, as is anchoring in the harbour s numerous bays and coves which offer protection from the weather. Sitting on your own yacht in Farm Cove by the Sydney Opera House takes some beating. We never tired of sailing under the Harbour Bridge and watching the ever-changing colour of the tiles on the sails that form the roof of the Sydney Opera House. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 13

16 TASMANIA We usually agree on where we should sail and how long we should stay, but not always! Suffice to say that, left to himself, Mike would probably still be in Tasmania s Port Davey, a marine reserve on the southwest corner of the island. Getting there took patience, as several gale force fronts forced us to run for shelter but we were rewarded with a largely pristine series of inlets, where sea water is diluted until at its furthest reaches, notably Bathurst Harbour, you are anchoring in predominantly fresh water. The water is stained by tannins from local vegetation making it of great scientific interest as the fauna and flora below the surface usually only exist at much greater depths. Early morning topshot, Port Davey, Tasmania Underwater shot, Port Davey Back in Hobart we made several visits to MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art which often exhibits pieces from different centuries next to each other. The specially built underground gallery houses the eclectic private collection of David Walsh who made his millions with a gambling syndicate. Walsh has described his creation as a subversive adult Disneyland. MONA, Hobart NEW ZEALAND Aucklanders have one of the best cruising grounds in the form of the Hauraki Gulf on their doorstep. It s a well-kept secret with most people only having heard of the Bay of Islands. Don t get us wrong, it s a nice area, but we d rather sail in the Hauraki Gulf any time. The anchorages are too numerous to mention and, if you avoid the high season after Christmas, you can often have the best anchorages all to yourself. New Zealand isn t just about sailing. The scenery ashore is varied and spectacular from the bubbling sulphur springs of Rotorua to the glaciers of the South Island, volcanoes and the Southern Alps. So much of it deserted by European standards. Sadly, the downside of all this geothermal activity was the devastation caused by the Christchurch earthquakes from which the country is still recovering. Hauraki Gulf, North Island South Island No time in New Zealand would be complete without discovering the range of their excellent wines, many made in boutique vineyards producing too little to export. The country abounds with more wine regions and varieties than we realised, not just the ubiquitous gooseberry sauvignon blancs and fruit bomb pinot noirs. Throughout the country we received nothing but the warmest of welcomes from the Kiwis we met. We lost count of meals we ve eaten, cars or houses offered on loan. We can now say we have a whole set of real friends in Kiwiland. The support we and Sea Rover received being part of what enabled us to spend so long in the Pacific. Nelson Lakes National Park Sea Rover cruising into the night / OYSTER ISSUE 80

17 OUR FAVOURITE PLACE After nine years circumnavigating, there is one question we hate What is your favourite place? We would happily revisit any of the places we ve been in the Pacific in a heartbeat, but if really pushed, we would have to confess to having left a piece of our hearts on a small Fijian island Matuku. More specifically with the people of one of its villages Lomati. Fiji s Lau Islands in the southeast of the country, closed for so long and only freely open to yachts since 2012, have been described as the offspring of a marriage between the Tuamotus and the Marquesas with their lush green hills and fringing coral reefs. Matuku is no exception. We have visited Lomati on several occasions and now know so many people it s impossible to walk through the village without invitations to come in, sit down and have something to eat or drink. From the outset, we received a wonderful welcome gifts of fish, fruit, vegetables, handicrafts and invitations to Sunday lunch; all with no expectation of anything from us in return. It really touched us in a way that is hard to describe. It was the warmest welcome we received on our travels through the islands of the South Pacific. We did what we could to reciprocate sailed people overnight to the capital Suva, been the local coffee shop in the bay and brought supplies back from Suva for the village shop. So maybe in some small way our friends in Lomati also thought of Sea Rover as their boat. The island s senior pastor certainly did, we had sailed Tavita and Metui, his apprentice, to the Methodist Conference in the capital. Whilst the trainee s prayers were only answered when he was safely back on dry land, Tavita relished helming Sea Rover (dressed in combat gear, as pictured below left, his warmest jacket) and is still dining out on having arrived by yacht! Even so, we did have some worries about going back in 2015, would we spoil the memories from the three trips we had made in 2014? Would they even remember us? It was a chance that we felt we wanted to take, but we needn t have worried. We realised people had heard we were coming (in fact a couple who had got engaged when we were last there, Luke and Ana, were cooking dinner for us on the first night) but we certainly weren t expecting to be greeted in the pass by Moape in his fibreglass boat waving and shouting Bula the greeting you hear throughout Fiji. We nearly ran him down, not sure he appreciated that going through passes with coral reefs on either side is not something we find relaxing. We certainly don t want to be playing chicken with local boats as we adhere to our previous safe tracks through what can be navigation nightmares. We hadn t even got our anchor fully set and the engine off before Luke and his friend Jese were aboard with the warmest of greetings, not to mention disbelief that we were back; followed shortly by Moape for coffee and biscuits. We were carrying several boxes of reading glasses, cleaned, graded and sorted by the Lions Clubs as part of their International Recycle for Sight programme. We had thought this would be a great way of giving something back to these communities that have welcomed us into their lives so readily. Luke and Ana ferried us around the island to each clinic, threading courses through the coral in a battered longboat with a worryingly flimsy hull. Ana took on the role of dispensing the glasses once Devala and the village nurse had made their best assessment >> OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 15

18 of a person s prescription. Ana would show them all the glasses we had that matched their prescription and, with much reference to the mirrors we are carrying, they d choose the pair they liked. It was always going to be important that people only got to see the possible frames after their prescription had been agreed or else we suspect there was a real danger that the prettiest glasses would be perfect! Most of the time we saw people in community halls and once at the island hospital but on a couple of occasions we also made home visits to three people who were unable to walk this took Devala back to her days as a community physio! It was humbling seeing the difference it made to people. A great way of spending time with, and getting to know the islanders. One villager was at pains to tell us we were doing the work of God, even if we didn t believe in him. We have heard at various times that it is their Christian belief that explains their welcome to strangers. As one person said, You never know who the angel is. Of course, we were sorry to disappoint, we re no angels! When we were asked for a couple of litres of petrol to run a generator, we hesitated, wary we were about to get a shopping list, as sometimes happens in more popular cruising destinations. We couldn t have been more wrong, why hadn t Luke just said the All Blacks were playing that night and the generator was for the only TV in the village! We dinghied ashore in the pitch black to sit in a crowded hut and cheer, the village torn because yet another Fijian export helped the All Blacks win but resenting the rich sporting nations taking their best players and giving little back. Fiji s well-trained Forces are also highly valued so perhaps we shouldn t have been so surprised to discover that several of the men in this remote island had served as UN Peacekeepers in the Middle East. The soldiers had chosen to settle back on their island of Matuku with its enviable sense of community but unenviable dependence on their irregular supply boat. We will never forget the sight of three young people from Lomati relaxing in Sea Rover s saloon perusing copies of the Oyster magazine. Dreamers all, just waiting for their lottery win! They had all had their test sail, as at dawn on several Saturday mornings we took some of the local men we knew fishing outside the reef so that they could get food for Sunday lunch and we could empty Sea Rover s holding tank into the ocean. We were eating ashore so often we had a vested interest in not polluting the lagoon where they usually fish. When are you leaving, as we are getting married this Friday and would like you to be there? We had already said our goodbyes (again!) but with an invitation like that we were staying, again! The happy couple were Luke and Ana and we now realised why Luke had been so keen to have a lift when we had last sailed to Suva to ask his and Ana s parents for permission (and pigs) for the wedding to take place. It was to be a low-key wedding with everyone chipping in to help. Ana wanted me (Devala) to feel part of the proceedings and gave me a jaimba (pronounce chamba), a traditional dress, to wear For you if you d like to wear it. Whilst it may not be my choice and a wee bit on the large side, I was going to be wearing it with pride, just another of the many touching acts we enjoyed. Of course, my offer to make a cake was welcomed, I didn t realise it but it would be the wedding cake! As the days passed not much seemed to be happening, even given they were planning a simple event. Then on the day itself, it all seemed to ramp up and seemingly everyone in the village was involved helping with preparations killing pigs, providing and chopping vegetables and putting up decorations. There was a steady stream of local people arriving from other villages, taking time to do sevusevu, the formal greeting ceremony that is de rigueur in many rural parts of Fiji that still hold with tradition. Everyone seemed to be contributing food for the day and gifts for the happy couple. The wedding was wonderful, organised chaos that we threw ourselves into. Somehow it all came together. Once again, we were the only yacht in the bay, secure in this allround anchorage. Mike got out his tie and jacket, which with his sulu produced many compliments, including Now you look like the pastor. The preparations, the rituals, the love and fun was wonderful. We had got to know so many people on the island that we felt part of the village and were included as such in the day s events. Ana and Luke gifted us their salu salu (wedding lei/garlands) as the guests of honour and we left promising that we d take them to the opening ceremony of the Rugby World Cup when England played Fiji and we did. As we left Lomati for the last time we felt as if we were leaving another home and were both feeling very emotional. We were both left pondering Just how many places can you be lucky enough to call home? We will never forget our wonderful time there with her marvellous people. You can read more about the adventures of Sea Rover on their blog 16 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

19 ISLAND ODYSSEY OYSTER WORLD RALLY From Antigua to Auckland, the first part of the Oyster World Rally explored the southern Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Galápagos and a myriad of atolls and islands in the South Pacific. The exploration of the enchanting and remote islands of the South Pacific was far away from any continental land mass. A fascinating odyssey through pristine blue ocean, discovering the culture and traditions of island nations and experiencing the extraordinary beauty of the natural world. After 10,000 nautical miles of oceanic exploration, the first part of the Oyster World Rally came to a conclusion in Auckland, New Zealand in October WORDS BY LOUAY HABIB & OYSTER WORLD RALLY PARTICIPANTS // PHOTOS BY TIM WRIGHT, STUART JOHNSON & OYSTER WORLD RALLY PARTICIPANTS OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 17

20 OYSTER WORLD RALLY ANTIGUA // THE SPIRITUAL HOME OF THE OYSTER WORLD RALLY Antigua is located in the central Caribbean and the Leeward Islands are closely grouped within 150 miles to the northwest. The Windward Islands form a linked chain stretching 300 miles south. With easterly trade winds the vast majority of the Caribbean can be explored from Antigua off the breeze. Oyster have a long association with Antigua, which has been the chosen location for Oyster Caribbean regattas since The fleet gathered in the historic surroundings of Nelson s Dockyard, with organised parties, as well as educational seminars from expert supporters of the Oyster World Rally. It is where the Oyster World Rally community is born. The rally is not a race but it is fun to start together with the symbolic canon fire from Fort Charlotte, high above the iconic Pillars of Hercules. Antigua is one of the best bases to explore the Caribbean islands, boasting stunning beaches, excellent marinas and yachting facilities. Antigua has a wide variety of restaurants and a lively nightlife scene located around Falmouth Harbour. Antigua, and its sister island Barbuda, offer superb bluewater cruising along its coastline and outlying islands, with numerous well -charted bays and reefs to explore. Antigua is the spiritual home of the Oyster World Rally, where the great adventure begins and comes to an end. It is an ideal location to prepare for 27 months and 30,000 nautical miles of sailing around the world. THE ABC & SAN BLAS ISLANDS // EASY AS ABC The ABC islands are part of the Leeward Antilles that lie immediately to the north of Venezuela. From west to east the islands are Aruba, Curação and Bonaire. Aruba is a flat island, exposed to the ocean currents and easterly trade winds. Aruba has a rugged terrain, with desert-like hills filled with tall cacti and breathtaking coastline with miles of glorious white sand beaches. Bonaire and Curação are known as a diver s paradise with many sites only accessible by boat. The San Blas Islands of Panama are an archipelago, east of the Panama Canal, comprising approximately 400 islands and cays, of which only 49 are inhabited, scattered over 100 square miles. Devoid of mass tourism, the islands are controlled by the native Kuna people, who protect the unique beauty and culture of the San Blas Islands. Switch off your mobile phone, there is no coverage in the San Blas. Kick back and relax, the Kuna are friendly and welcoming people. 18 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

21 THE PANAMA CANAL // GATEWAY TO THE PACIFIC The Panama Canal is an artificial 48-mile waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean. The Panama Railway steamship SS Ancon, piloted by Captain John A. Constantine, made the first official transit on August 15 th, The canal uses a system of locks that function as water lifts, raising the yachts from sea level to sail the channel through the Continental Divide. The transit takes approximately two days, negotiating six locks. The Oyster fleet stay overnight in Gatun Lake, the largest man-made lake in the world, at 180 square miles. The lake is populated by peacock bass, a prized game fish, known for their fighting qualities. Panama City lies on the Pacific shoreline of the Panama Canal. A population of over three million people, which is a unique blend of African, Spanish and Native American. The cultural cocktail is reflected in the urban environment, skyscrapers produce a futuristic landscape in the business district, whilst the peninsula of Casco Viejo has cobblestones and historic wine cellars. For the Oyster World Rally, Panama City is the final stop in a large urban environment before the fleet reaches Auckland, New Zealand, after sailing 10,000 nautical miles through the South Pacific. GALÁPAGOS // THE ENCHANTED ISLANDS The Galápagos Islands lie on the Equator, 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. They consist of 13 major islands and hundreds of smaller rocky outcrops. A single volcano formed each island except for Isabela, which resulted from the union of six different volcanoes. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is 9,000ft deep. The Galápagos Islands are some of the newest and youngest landmasses known on earth. The majority of the islands were formed less than one million years ago. The most recently formed island is Fernandina, which is about 500,000 years old. Darwin labelled The Galápagos 'The Enchanted Isles' and the visit by HMS Beagle in 1835 helped form a major part of his theory for The Origin of the Species. The blue-footed booby, Galápagos tortoise, marine iguana and the flightless cormorant are among some of the fascinating land dwellers. Under the ocean, the Galápagos is one of the most memorable locations to dive in the world. Seven major oceanic currents reach The Galápagos Islands, but mainly the Humboldt Current. They are responsible for an unusual grouping of over 500 species of fish and their predators. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 19

22 OYSTER WORLD RALLY THE MARQUESAS // THE MYSTICAL ISLES The Marquesas Islands are an archipelago of 12 islands in French Polynesia, located over 3000 miles west of The Galápagos. Only six islands are inhabited. The voyage to the islands represents one of the longest and most remote, ocean going passages in the Oyster World Rally. The Marquesas are wild and untamed, devoid of reefs, the islands have rugged, tropical valleys and steep cliffs plunging into the Pacific Ocean. The harbour at Atuona, on Hiva Oa, is one of the first ports of call on the Oyster World Rally. Hiva Oa is the final resting place for French artist Paul Gauguin, and the island is home to fine examples of Gauguin s Tiki statues. Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands. Known as the Mystical Island, it is blessed with wondrous waterfalls and the magnificent black-sand beach of Anaho. The main town of Taiohae is the capital of the Marquesas and has a small yet thriving port. TAHITI & BORA BORA // A DIVER'S PARADISE Tahiti is located in the Society Islands in the central Southern Pacific Ocean, approximately 900 miles southwest of The Marquesas. Papeete, Tahiti s capital, is home to over half of the population of the region and has the only international airport for thousands of miles. Tahiti is the economic, cultural and political centre of French Polynesia. Bora Bora is one of the most celebrated islands in the South Pacific and was used as a location for the James Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun. The centre of the island of Bora Bora has the remnants of an extinct volcano with twin peaks, Mount Pahia and Otemanu. Snorkelling and diving in the lagoons around Bora Bora is highly regarded, famous for the clarity and diversity of coral and marine life, including manta ray and 16 species of shark. 20 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

23 TONGA // THE FRIENDLY ISLANDS The Kingdom of Tonga is an archipelago of 169 islands scattered over 270,000 square miles of the South Pacific Ocean. Only 36 islands are inhabited with the vast majority of Tongans living on the main island of Tongatapu. Tonga is the southernmost group of the islands of central Polynesia. Rugby Union is the national sport and Tonga has competed in seven editions of the Rugby World Cup. Tonga is the only surviving monarchy among the island nations of the Pacific Ocean, as well as being the only island nation never to have been formally colonised. Tonga is one of the best places in the world to dive with humpback whales that breed in the waters off Tonga. Sea turtles, manta rays and predatory fish, such as marlin and tuna are common. Pristine coral gardens and amazing caves and arches, provide a paradise for freedivers. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 21

24 OYSTER WORLD RALLY FIJI // HIDDEN BEAUTY The Lau Islands, situated 250 miles northwest of Tonga, are the most eastern group of islands of Fiji. The Oyster World Rally organises immigration and customs clearance for the fleet here to avoid sailing past this beautiful and remote archipelago. Lauan villages remain very traditional and the inhabitants are renowned for their wood carving and Masi paintings. The main island of Fiji lies 150 miles northwest of the Lau Islands. The country of Fiji is made up of more than 330 islands, the main island is a major yachting destination. Port Denarau is a popular location for the Oyster fleet. The Fijian islands are renowned for beautiful landscapes and miles of secluded beaches. AUCKLAND // THE CITY OF SAILS The harbour city of Auckland, New Zealand, is a city like no other. Set amongst volcanic islands, the City of Sails is the perfect setting to bring Part 1 of the Oyster World Rally to a conclusion, and to avoid the cyclone season in the Pacific. Auckland is the largest city of New Zealand, located on the North Island with an urban population of around 1,495,000 and an estimated one in three Auckland households owning a boat. The Viaduct Basin has hosted two America s Cup challenges in 2000 and 2003, and will be the venue for the 36th America s Cup in March Fiji is a paradise for hikers with mountainous regions and stunning waterfalls plunging into black lava rock. Taveuni is one of Fiji s best known islands, the Bouma National Heritage Park protects pristine rainforest. The Lavena Coastal Walk climbs 1,195 metres and is home to the rare emblem of Fiji, the crimson Tagimaucia flower. To celebrate the completion of Part 1, the Pacific Rally, Auckland s most prestigious yacht club, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, hosted a special evening for the Oyster World Rally fleet. After drinks, canapés and a traditional Maori welcome, a celebration dinner was held in the club s famous Squadron Ballroom. Live music and dancing completed a memorable evening. Part 1 of Oyster World Rally, the Pacific Rally, was brought to a spectacular conclusion. 22 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

25 OWNERS' TALES FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC OWNERS' TALES FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC // The participants of the current World Rally have spent the past nine months visiting remote islands in the South Pacific Ocean. They have experienced the people, the culture, the scenery and the wildlife of this fascinating and beautiful oceanic world. Here are a selection of tales that might give you an insight into what life is like on board an Oyster during the World Rally. MISS TIGGY // OYSTER Miss Tiggy is one of seven Oyster 575s sailing in the Oyster World Rally. After 12 years living and working in the UK, Tiggy and James Nathan planned to sail back to their native home, Australia. Having experienced the Pacific Ocean, especially one enchanting moment, the couple have changed their plans. We have loved the South Pacific so much we have decided to keep the boat in New Zealand over the summer, and return next season to cruise, Fiji, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. To name one stand out moment is not easy, however both James and I agree we had a hands-on, up close and personal experience, with a two year old female dolphin at Rangiroa in the Tuamotus. We were diving on the pass into Rangiroa with a young Polynesian diver when we met up with the dolphin, standing vertically in the water with her eyes closed waiting to be stroked. We ran our hands up and down her body, over her nose and tail it was a very special experience to be able to interact so closely with a wild animal in her own environment, and not in a controlled setting. It was magical. She was not being fed or manipulated in any way, but was clearly seeking out attention. This experience has reinforced the decision we made, just before the start of the Oyster World Rally, to get our Padi Open Water diving qualification and take up scuba diving - better late than never! When you think about life changing decisions that you make, this has to be one of them and we are looking forward to continuing to dive for many years. The rally has definitely changed us; we have been privy to some of the most beautiful places, have met extraordinary people and made lifelong friends. We will be sad to leave the group but thankful for what they have given us. I believe I am braver and stronger (physically and mentally). We have been challenged in many ways, have risen to those challenges, and tried to meet each one head on. James left a stressful Managing Director position of a business and has been on a huge learning curve the challenge in skippering the boat half way around the world, has seen him swap one set of pressures for another but he has been amazing... and more relaxed! Read more on their website: OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 23

26 OYSTER WORLD RALLY OWNERS' TALES FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC SHALEN // OYSTER Sharon and Lenny Sackstein spend most of the time sailing Shalen by themselves and are full of praise for the Oyster World Rally support team. Lenny founded a global confectionary business in 1973 and knows how important customer service is. SEA FLUTE // OYSTER David and Linda Pedley acquired Sea Flute in 2014 to take part in the Oyster World Rally, Sea Flute was originally commissioned in David decided to project manage the refit himself. Linda planned to take a break from the longer passages and fly in to meet Sea Flute at various destinations. Since leaving the UK in August 2016, Sea Flute has sailed 13,500 nautical miles to Musket Cove Marina, Fiji. We are having a wonderful time on the rally and are managing extremely well with the boat and the sailing. The whole rally is a most marvellous expedition for us and we are totally committed to the idea and the plan. Thanks to you all for organising such a wonderful way of life and for the continued amazing support that we have received along the way. I often speak about the Oyster service and management style with my business colleagues and have explained how Oyster have captured the spirit of service for the benefit of the customer. In my opinion, beside the fact that the boat is wonderful at sea and fun to sail, the Oyster success lies in their attention to the needs of the customer who is always 'king'. Bravo to the team. Read more on their blog: Having managed the refit of Sea Flute, I m very glad we carried out certain specific projects; replacing the batteries, a complete overhaul of the watermaker and a completely new Raymarine navigation and communication package. In terms of sail choice, our most successful and efficient sail plan has been goose winging, with our staysail behind the main. This has proven to be highly flexible and fast, but can still be reefed very easily and quickly. The experience of the Oyster World Rally has changed our perspective on life dramatically. Particularly the comforts and possessions we thought we would miss from home we haven t at all. Of course, we have badly missed family and friends. However, we have made some incredible new friendships, which I am certain will endure well after the rally has finished. In the future, there won t be many parts of the world we could travel to and not be near a new-found Oyster Rally friend. Linda Pedley - Since we set sail from Southampton last year I have had to adapt to life onboard and the daily challenges that brings. I am very pleasantly surprised at how much I have enjoyed and changed through this experience, I am so much more open to suggestions. Originally, I was not going to do any of the long passages, but I am so glad that I was persuaded by my family to just do it! Everything has exceeded my expectations. The places we have visited, the people we have met along the way, and the experiences we ve had. Most of all I have enjoyed making new, lifelong friends. Read more on their blog: 24 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

27 SOPHISTIKATE // OYSTER Richard and Angela Parkinson sold their Oyster 46, and purchased Sophistikate to sail in the 2013 Oyster World Rally, but had to postpone due to work commitments. The whole dream to sail in the 2017 rally has required family commitment; their daughter Kate is running the family business whilst Mum, Dad and son Oscar, acting as skipper, follow the dream. A very close family unit, that all have a part to play, to make the great adventure happen. We are we now cruising the Yasawa Islands, western Fiji, and it s great cruising in flat waters with the trades blowing, discovering anchorages with the beach just to ourselves. Most of our navigation is done with Google Earth as the charts are non-existent out here, and after Cyclone Winston the few marks that were there have been wiped out completely. When you get out to the more remote villages and settlements, you see how the damage has completely destroyed lives. These people are rebuilding their village from scratch, but they are still the happiest people we have met, throughout the whole Pacific. The most welcoming, friendly people, and always so happy to help and chat. Most amazing experience - The Bay of Islands, Fiji. A huge natural bay full of volcanic outcrops, creating almost a canal system of little nooks and crannies to find your anchoring spot. Completely uncharted, so the more adventurous you are and the further in you go, the more you are rewarded! Two humpback whales had made it inside the reef somehow, which added to the amazing effect. Sophistikate is spending a few weeks cruising before being hauled out at Whangarei, New Zealand, for a few months. It provides the perfect opportunity to get some proper work done before the next leg. Read more on their blog: SUNSUSEA // OYSTER Prior to the Oyster World Rally, Mariusz and Paulina Kierebinski realised that to fulfil their dream they needed to buy a proper boat, so they commissioned SunSuSea. Since then the couple have grown in confidence, as told in their excellent blog during the Oyster World Rally. Fiji Beqa an encounter with deadly carnivores. Incredibly thrilling experience sitting face to face with a few tiger sharks during their dinner time at the Beqa resort s Tiger Shark Cathedral. We were so close to them that we could touch them, and a few times they would touch us. The whole place was crowded with fish: sharks, tuna, wahoo and colourful reef fish. It is one of the most unique places, where neither divers or sharks are caged behind bars, just sitting in an audience like an underwater theatre. It was definitely the number one shark dive for us. Read more on their blog: OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 25

28 OYSTER WORLD RALLY OWNERS' TALES FROM THE SOUTH PACIFIC VELA // OYSTER Annie and Tom Longstaff selected Vela from Oyster Brokerage, and mainly sail just two-handed. At 19 years old and 45ft long, Vela is the smallest and oldest Oyster taking part in the Oyster World Rally. Tom and I are now in Port Denarau, Viti Levu, Fiji, a busy commercial harbour, with day trippers, back-packers and tourists, a far cry from the real Fiji we ve come to know and love. We are here for a few days only to charge up the batteries (both ours and Vela's), before our big voyage ahead to Auckland, just a small matter of 1170 nautical miles, eight to nine days sailing. There have been many wow moments on this amazing voyage of discovery but none more so than our visit to Vulaga Island in southern Lau, Fiji, an incredible beauty, so remote, wild, and untouched. The narrow 50m wide passage through the reef required a bit of nerve, and certainly got my pulse racing, but once through, dodging the many coral heads littering the pass, we reached the most beautiful pale turquoise lagoon, dotted with mushroomshaped islets and small palm covered islands. At low water, ribbons of pristine white sandy beaches revealed themselves. This was certainly paradise on earth. Meeting the 92 year old chief in Muanaicake village for the customary Sevu Sevu ceremony and presentation of Kava root was a real privilege. Life has not changed in this village for decades, no roads, no transport, no shops. The small tin houses are very basic, possessing no furniture or lighting. What is remarkable is that they are happy with their lives, never wanting only giving. They may be poor but their lives are rich in other ways, supported by their strong Christian values. At the time, I felt overwhelmed and in awe of the natural beauty of the landscape, the vibrant colours of sea and sky. The crystal clear waters are rich with sea life, and colourful pristine coral gardens. The visit to the village and the generosity of our host family were very humbling. At home there is too much emphasis on materialistic wealth which seems to dominate our everyday lives. I ve come to value the more simpler things in life, the value of friendship and generosity. I certainly don t take anything for granted, and I feel very lucky that I have been able to enjoy this amazing experience that many others can only dream about. I can t see myself living in a house again, I enjoy the sailing life too much, the freedom, the variety, the travelling and most of all the people. A truly rewarding experience. Read more on their blog: 26 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

29 ENSO // OYSTER The largest yacht in the Oyster World Rally has a permanent crew of four led by boat captain, Tim Macintosh. The professional crew always have Enso ready for sea, with regular rig and system checks and sails ready to hoist. However, when the crew are able, they love to enjoy adrenaline sports. So far, we have been lucky enough to, zip-line, quad bike, jet ski, skydive, surf, body board, hike the list goes on, there s always something fun to do on Enso as well, with our massive selection of toys, there aren t many days that go by where we don t get up to something fun! Skydiving in Fiji was quite frankly amazing. The flight up to 14,000ft is stunning with plenty of time to take in the beautiful scenery and get a little nervous at the same time! The jump itself is unlike anything I have ever done, the feeling of just stepping off is very strange and the mind struggles to keep up for the first couple of seconds. After that it s about a minute of free fall with the reefs stretching as far as the eye can see. The final part under the parachute is slightly more relaxed and gives an even better opportunity to take in the views, including the Oyster fleet in Port Denerau Marina. Diving with a humpback whale is one of the most special and spell binding experiences of my life, just getting in the water with these giants is such a privilege. With some expert guidance, we positioned ourselves in a way that mother and calf seemed very comfortable with our presence. The calf was playful, swimming to within a few metres to investigate us more closely, before returning to the safety of mum. You are constantly aware of the fact that you are very small, and they are very big and very quick. The mother always seems to be watching you with her big beautiful eyes. The overwhelming feeling is of gratitude, that these creatures will allow you to see into their world. I think a special mention should go to the Oyster World Rally team on the ground, without these guys everything would have been much harder and slower. These guys are absolute stars, always ready to help, answer questions, queries and generally keep the show going. A big thank you from Enso to Oyster for building such a good boat for us, we ve had our ups and downs as you always do, but at no point has she ever failed us, or felt anything other than bulletproof. For more stories and pictures from the Oyster World Rally, please visit: oysterworldrally.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 27

30 OYSTER WORLD RALLY THE GREAT ESCAPE Louay Habib speaks to Oyster Yachts CEO David Tydeman, about how the Oyster World Rally has evolved. The first Oyster World Rally was held in , starting and finishing in Antigua, West Indies. The edition is well under way and is an evolution of the inaugural rally. The third edition is confirmed to start in January 2021, once again starting and finishing in Antigua. The Oyster World Rally started as an idea to celebrate 40 years of Oyster Yachts and has now become an essential part of the company s DNA. The circumnavigation is a unique way to satisfy the desire to take that big adventure, safely and with total freedom. When the edition finishes, 100 circumnavigations will have been completed by Oysters, that is one in five of all the ocean-going Oysters ever built. Oyster Yachts is the only yacht manufacturer offering an organised circumnavigation exclusively for its owners and has many years of research, development, practical knowledge and expertise. Oyster Yachts has the resources, passion and motivation to deliver an outstanding experience. THE OYSTER WORLD RALLY ALUMNI The inaugural Oyster World Rally had somewhat of a regatta connection. Many of the 'Class of 2013' had owned Oysters for many years, and as regular competitors at Oyster Regattas, they brought some of that competitive spirit with them. The owners that participated in that first edition were pioneers and after listening to them, we decided that the rally length of 15 months was too short, especially the time allotted to explore the Pacific. The 'Class of 2017' are very different, 18 of the Oysters were entered through Oyster Brokerage transactions and over half of the owners are new to Oyster. They have come into the Oyster family to do the rally and many of them are already talking about 'what s next', such as experiencing the Oyster Regattas. A TOTALLY HANDS-ON ADVENTURE In 2010, Oyster was about to give out the 43rd circumnavigation award and came up with the concept of a small group of Oysters going around the world together. Oyster was astounded with the response. 25 owners entered their yachts, the energy and enthusiasm generated was unprecedented and the first Oyster World Rally was in creation. Year on year, the event has been analysed and tweaked, and the Oyster World Rally has become written in stone, a special part of Oyster. The 'Class of 2017' have spent almost double the time exploring the Pacific, taking more time to visit probably the best part of the route, before sailing to New Zealand, to avoid the cyclone season. This break from November to March allows participants to return home at an ideal time for business or family reasons and to explore Australia and New Zealand, during their summer months. Most of the Oyster yachts that have taken part are 65ft or less, sailed by family and friends with one or two paid hands. The older generation tend to navigate or take the helm and the younger generation tend to operate the foredeck and control lines. One owner of a large example of the Oyster fleet, decided that his boat was too big, and required too many crew, so he has decided to sell the yacht, buy a smaller Oyster, just for the next rally. The Oyster World Rally is exclusive to Oyster owners, they are all people with shared values, the camaraderie that this brings is so valuable. The Oyster family visit each other s boats and share ideas that are easy to translate from one boat to another. 28 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

31 OYSTER S SAFETY NET After several years of the rally, Oyster has established that some participants can under prepare, because they do not fully realise what they are taking on. That is where taking part in the Oyster World Rally makes it safer. Whilst every participant is in charge of their own vessel, Oyster Yachts' service engineers and concierge services provide a safety net. This safety net enhances the communication between the Oyster fleet. Sharing their own spares is a common occurrence and once the spare is allocated, Oyster HQ can then arrange for another unit to be shipped out. Oyster Yachts have learnt lessons from past experiences and pass that knowledge on through special seminars and in the Oyster World Rally Guide. This guide contains hundreds of pages and is updated before every rally. It contains detailed, accurate information about marinas and anchorages, location by location. It also contains well-informed advice about maintenance, medical training, right through to how to run a galley in the Tropics. Oyster Yachts provide professional shore support at key stopover points and for the transit of the Panama Canal. For the rally, the support staff are rotated, as tasking one team to be in place for the whole rally can cause burn out. By sharing the work load, a pool of knowledge and experience is created, which the larger group can draw upon for future rallies. At the Oyster Yachts shipyards in Southampton and Norfolk, the 350 people on the shop floor do not go on the adventure, but through internal newsletters and other updates, they feel in touch with the Oyster World Rally. Universally, they take tremendous pride in their work and great responsibility. Oyster Yachts have to be safe for people who are sailing across oceans with their families. ALREADY 34 AND RISING FOR THE 'CLASS OF 2021' The rally will be split into two parts, Antigua to New Zealand, and New Zealand to Antigua. 34 owners have expressed their intention to take part in the Oyster World Rally. Ten of them do not even own a yacht yet, and there are limited numbers of new build Oysters available in the time frame. So, existing Oyster Yachts will be taking part in the next rally. The 'Class of 2013' was 25 boats and 29 for the 'Class of 2017'. Oyster Yachts is comfortable with a maximum of 35 for the Oyster World Rally. However, increasing the number above this maximum causes concern that some remote locations do not have the infrastructure to cope with the numbers. SAILING AROUND THE WORLD IS THE DREAM, OYSTER MAKE IT HAPPEN. The Oyster World Rally has influenced the design of the latest Oyster yachts especially the Oyster 565 and 595. There are good sail lockers, more lazarette space, a transom dinghy storage option and a different rig plan, because this adventure has shown the need. The Oyster 565 has three cabins but it also has a fourth space, which can be used as a utility area, such as a store or workshop, or as an extra bunk. The rig plan allows the mainsail to be rolled up, to sail downwind with two foresails. We have established that during the rally, Oysters are sailing downwind in this mode for a considerable length of time. The overall concept of the Oyster 565 is for family sailing without the need for professional crew. The 595 has been designed carefully to offer the same essentials in a larger yacht, for those with slightly larger budgets. With special thanks to: The third edition of the Oyster World Rally will start in January 2021, for further details visit: oysterworldrally.com or contact worldrally2021@oysteryachts.com to register your interest. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 29

32 COULD WE REALLY SAIL AROUND THE WORLD? HARVEY & SUE DEATH OYSTER 575 // SAFIYA We had all the ingredients a beautiful new Oyster 575, good health and time on our hands... The seed of an idea was sown when we were sitting on the Oyster stand at boot Düsseldorf in January We had gone there to gather ideas for the specification of our new Oyster 575 when the possibility of joining the Oyster World Rally was first suggested. Sailing around the world was not something we had ever contemplated, with work and family commitments, our cruising had so far been limited to snatched weeks in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. However, a few months earlier, we had quickly and unexpectedly sold our business, at the same time our youngest daughter had started university. All of a sudden we were free agents and Harvey had always said that he would have a gap year before the children! We were relatively young and fit, the children were more or less independent and our parents were in good health - it seemed like perfect timing. WORDS & PHOTOS BY SUE DEATH 30 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

33 // OWNER STORY We previously owned an Oyster 56 that we had for ten years. We participated in a number of Oyster Regattas in the Mediterranean and Caribbean and had always enjoyed the social side of the events and being part of the Oyster family. Having a new boat on order was ideal as we could spec it with the Oyster World Rally in mind, incorporating the essential watermaker with automatic back flush, lithium batteries, extra charging capacity and higher output generator. We also had two satellite communications systems fitted that provided world coverage. Our project manager also happened to be Debbie Johnson who, with her partner Eddie, had organised the first Oyster World Rally (OWR) so we were able to draw on her considerable experience and knowledge. The seed of an idea grew and after two years of planning and preparation, attending Oyster seminars and numerous other courses, we found ourselves in Antigua for the official start of the OWR WE FEEL SO LUCKY AND PRIVILEGED TO HAVE VISITED SOME OF THE MOST REMOTE AND BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS IN THE WORLD AND TO HAVE MADE LIFE LONG FRIENDS IN DOING SO. wind that blow down from the Sierra Nevada across the bay of Santa Marta. Also complicating matters was the very large yellowfin tuna that we had landed and were currently towing on the sugar scoop. Arriving late evening in the dark with the confusing myriad of lights on the shore, we were guided into the marina and helped to moor up by Oyster owners who had got out of bed to help us. This kindness and generosity has characterised the whole rally. On January 15 th 2017, Safiya with Harvey, Declan (our crew) and me onboard, set off on the adventure of a lifetime together with 28 other Oysters. We are a mixed bunch of nationalities, mainly British and American but with the rest of the world represented by Brazil, Australia, Poland, Lebanon, Israel, Sweden, Germany, Holland and the Philippines. The yachts range in size from 45-82ft, but despite the diversity of nationalities and size we are united by our passion for sailing and sense of adventure. In nine months we have shared some amazing experiences and become a tight little community, helping each other out with technical issues, sharing spare parts, offering medical assistance and even swapping fish recipes! Our route took us south through the Leeward Islands to Guadeloupe, we turned to starboard and experienced the downwind sailing that would characterise the next few months. We headed for the Dutch Antilles, first port of call Bonaire. This island is a diver s Mecca, with a strict no anchoring policy. The coral reef that surrounds the island is pristine and teeming with wildlife. Diving in Bonaire is plentiful and cheap. From Bonaire we made the short hop to Curaçao and the quaint city of Willemstad with its floating fruit and veg market and curious mix of Dutch colonial buildings. Leaving the Caribbean islands behind we headed for South America. Giving Venezuela a wide berth we headed instead for the Colombian town of Santa Marta. We slightly misjudged the timing having survived the notorious 45+ knots of Santa Marta is a fabulous little town and Columbia itself is a country with a burgeoning tourist industry and friendly, welcoming people. We endured a bumpy five hour road journey to spend a couple of days in the colonial walled city of Cartagena, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site. This was our first time off the boat and we really enjoyed our down time and the simple pleasure of soaking in a bath with endless supplies of hot water. Our next stop was the San Blas Islands just off the coast of Panama, the perils of navigating around these islands had been well drilled into us. The charts were unreliable and we relied on a well thumbed pilot guide to keep us safe. We arrived in the Cocos Banderos Cays, the most easterly of the San Blas Islands and were awestruck by their beauty. These little gems are picture postcard beautiful. Tiny little white sand islands with a few palm trees dotted around, surrounded by the clearest bluest sea we had ever seen. They are populated by the Kuna Indians who still live on the larger islands in much the same way as they did hundreds of years ago. We reluctantly dragged ourselves away from the San Blas Islands and headed for Shelter Bay, the holding marina for the Panama Canal. The transit through the canal has got to be a highlight of the trip so far. Even in nests of three boats (boats of similar size rafted together), we were dwarfed by the sheer scale of the canal. It was an emotional moment when we emerged from the final lock and sailed under the >> OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 31

34 Bridge of Americas, the gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Before we embarked on this trip the longest passage I had sailed was 200 nautical miles, Harvey was no stranger to passage sailing but I had very little experience of night sailing. The next stage of our journey, Panama to The Galápagos Islands (1000 nautical miles) was going to be a test for me as, with only three of us onboard, I had to run my own watch. Our first taste of the South Pacific was very benign, with very little wind we motor sailed most of the way. The sea was like glass, excellent for wildlife spotting. At one point the sea was brown with a huge shoal of rays and then turtles. Close to The Galápagos we spotted possibly the largest pod of porpoises we had ever seen, it stretched as far as the eye could see. We sailed over to them and they were in a playful mood as they performed for us, diving and pirouetting as we snapped away. As we approached The Galápagos we crossed the equator and like all good Polliwogs we paid homage to Neptune! The Galápagos Islands were on our bucket list of places to visit and they did not disappoint. Private boats are very limited in where they can go, with just three designated anchorages on the outside of the islands. In order to visit the inner islands and see the wildlife you have to take a licensed boat trip. We had prebooked an eight day cruise a busman s holiday maybe but at least someone else was doing the driving, cooking, cleaning etc, leaving us free to enjoy the wildlife and stunning volcanic scenery. On the islands all the animals live so harmoniously together and one evening, as we were ferried back to our boat by dinghy, we got very close to some rocks where there were families of sea lions, flightless cormorants, blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, penguins and pelicans all lined up next to each other, not bothered by each other or us! Whilst snorkelling we saw giant Galápagos turtles, black tip and white tip sharks and eagle rays as well as many different types of reef fish. However, the highlight for me was snorkelling with some really playful young sea lion pups, they were like torpedoes under the water as they swam circles around us. Back on Safiya, Declan had been busy preparing her for our longest passage of the rally, 3300 nautical miles to the Marquesas. This was going to be the biggest test of this leg of the rally and the longest passage of the whole trip. Passage sailing can be quite isolating because even though a whole bunch of you set off together it isn t long until there is not another boat within VHF distance. Luckily we have a SSB Radio Net call everyday when we are on passage. At an agreed time every morning the net controller takes a roll call and each boat reports their position, weather, sea state, etc. Not only is this information useful for passage planning it is also an important safety net. The evening roll call is less formal and provides a forum for discussion on anything from technical issues to wildlife spotting, recipes and even very bad jokes! We soon settled into a routine and the 17 day passage passed very quickly and without incident. Our first sight of land came at dawn as we approached Fatu Hiva in the Marquesas and our first experience of French Polynesia. The early morning cloud lifted to reveal a Jurassic landscape of rocky spires and pillars covered in lush green vegetation. This tiny remote island provided a sheltered anchorage and a welcome chance to recharge our batteries. From Nuku Hiva we had a relatively short sail to the Tuamotu Islands which topographically are the exact opposite of the Marquesas. Completely flat sandy atolls surrounded by reef. Inside the reef the water is turquoise blue and so clear that you can snorkel without even getting wet! The passage through the reef can be a bit hairy and has to be timed to coincide with slack water, (a challenge when there are no published tide timetables!), so it s not for the faint-hearted. Rangiroa, the largest of the Tuamotus, was our favourite atoll and my lasting memory of the rally so far came when we were diving in the pass. A lone female dolphin came over to our group. Our dive leader told us afterwards that she had been ostracised from her pod and as a result had befriended divers. She allowed us to stroke and cuddle her, it still gives me goosebumps when I think about it now. 32 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

35 Our next French Polynesian island was Tahiti, a French Overseas Territory. Whilst Tahiti is a busy, bustling place its little sister Mo orea, situated only ten nautical miles away, is the exact opposite. Laid back with a bohemian vibe, we enjoyed a family holiday with our children and then moved on to chic Bora Bora with its pristine resorts and extortionately priced cocktails. Our youngest daughter joined us for the next passage, Tahiti to Tonga. At 1300 nautical miles this was our second longest passage and by far the worst conditions. We endured five metre swells and 35 knots of wind, waves were breaking over the side of the boat. Some nights sleeping was nigh on impossible with the boat rolling and bucking and sea sickness was a constant problem. The Kingdom of Tonga is the oldest and last remaining Polynesian monarchy. It has never been under foreign rule and as such it does not have the luxury of foreign investment. It was noticeably poorer and more primitive than the Society Islands but the people were welcoming and happy. Family and religion are very important to the Tongans and their culture and traditions are deep-rooted. There is great cruising in the myriad of islands dotted around the Vava u group and our Oyster welcome party was a beach BBQ held on one of these tiny deserted islands. When snorkelling in Tonga, during a whale spotting trip, we observed two humpback whales underneath us. At first we could only see a very blurred outline. We snorkelled above them for about five minutes until they slowly started moving upwards towards us, and these two enormous humpback whales broke the surface just feet from us, splashing their giant pectoral fins as they breached and then dived again. It was a truly close and breathtaking encounter. We ve been in Fiji for nearly six weeks now and it still feels as if we have only just scratched the surface. We arrived into the Lau group of islands that were very badly damaged by Cyclone Winston in February There is still a lot of reconstruction going on. I didn t realise how large and diverse Fiji is, with a very multicultural society. It is made up of 333 islands of which only one third are inhabited. With such a wide choice of cruising, the fleet split and spread out. As I write this we are in Musket Cove marina in Fiji where we will soon be departing for New Zealand. We have another 1200 nautical miles to cover before we arrive in Auckland around the middle of October. This is the final destination of the first leg of the rally. We have nearly six months in New Zealand to explore the country before we regroup to commence the next leg in April We feel so lucky and privileged to have visited some of the most remote and beautiful islands in the world and to have made life long friends in doing so. In April a couple of new Oysters are joining the fleet, a few are staying in New Zealand or are being shipped back to the Mediterranean. We will be very sad to say goodbye to our friends who are leaving the rally, but we have the most incredible shared experiences to look back on. To read the Safiya blog, please visit: OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 33

36 // OWNER STORY THE STORY OF ELISE SIDNEY HARRISON II OYSTER 66 // ELISE The First Leg Elise s story began 18 years ago when I had a dream to circumnavigate the globe. As a silent reminder of this extraordinary 'bucket list' item, I carried around a picture of an Oyster in my wallet. My daughter, Whitney Elise, was 12 at the time, and she asked me, Daddy, when you get your sailboat, will you please name it after me? Of course, I said yes. The picture disintegrated over time, but almost two decades later, Captain Sidney III and I set out to find our Oyster The dream came alive, and what a dream it has been for SY Elise on the Oyster World Rally. WORDS BY SIDNEY HARRISON & WHITNEY ELISE HARRISON // PHOTOS BY SIDNEY, WHITNEY ELISE & FREYA SANDERS 34 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

37 It was opening day, January 15 th, 2017, at the historic Nelson s Dockyard Marina in Antigua. The Oyster fleet was poised and ready to set sail as a palpable excitement permeated the sea salt air. Although most of us were strangers at the start, we shared an unspoken bond knowing that we were all courageous (and maybe crazy) enough to embark on this adventure of a lifetime. For me, this adventure was the primary reason to participate in the rally, but a very close second, was the opportunity to make new, yet lifelong, friendships and to build a family-type community. We had (and still have) a long way to go and would need the community support to make the trip safe and fun. POW! The gun sounded, and 29 Oysters raced south from Antigua almost side by side. This exhilarating memory still puts a big old grin on my face. On our way to the Panama Canal, we stopped by the Renaissance Marina in Aruba known as the 'One Happy Island' and one of our most favorite places. We then headed for Panama's San Blas Islands a picturesque and secluded cruising area with crystal clear water. When we all arrived at Shelter Bay Marina in Panama, Oyster threw our first of many parties at the World Heritage Site, Fort San Lorenzo, where we got to know more and more of our fellow travelers, most of which were all dressed up in carnival garb. We knew then that the trek was going to be a lot of fun! Next was the much-anticipated Panama Canal transit. As an avid reader, I have studied the history of the canal and visited several museums, so throughout the transit I marveled at one of the world s most incredible man-made structures a vivid experience I won t soon forget. The Oyster fleet was organized into three-boat rafts for the two day passage. As each wave rolled, the marina emptied of the familiar Oyster banners. Our raft, consisting of Meteorite, Enso and Elise, flowed into the first open lock as a large ship 30 metres above us waited to be lowered, an amazing sight demonstrating the massive size and complexity of the canal system. We passed through five locks before coasting into the Pacific Ocean. Other than the canal transit, the things I remember the most about Panama were the ghostly sounds of howling monkeys at Shelter Bay Marina and a three day luxurious stay at the Trump Tower in Panama City. Next we toured the Las Perlas Islands for a few days and relaxed at a beach and pool club on Isla Viveros. When we got ourselves back together, we motored to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal, to check into The Galápagos. Checking in required a diver to inspect the bottom of the boat and seven officials from all agencies to board Elise, fill in paperwork and ensure we were aware of all the rules for visiting The Galápagos Islands. During the week at the port, Captain Sidney III and I hiked to a lake at the top of a volcano and toured a land tortoise reserve where giant tortoises were nearly my size. We then went to WE VE SAILED HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD, AND IT S BEEN A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE FULL OF UNIQUE SIGHTS AND EXCITING ADVENTURES. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT WHAT WAS ONCE A GROUP OF STRANGERS ARE NOW SOME OF MY CLOSEST FRIENDS, AND I CHERISH AND RESPECT OUR OYSTER FAMILY. Santa Cruz, a much larger city with provisions, many bars and restaurants. In addition to colossal tortoises, we saw blue-footed boobies, seals, marine iguanas, sea turtles, lava tubes and the strangest cacti with what looked like pine bark trunks. On April 8 th, I threw a 36th birthday cocktail party for Captain Sidney III at The Works where most of the rally members in the harbour attended. It was a blast and our community of travelers got to know each other on deeper, more personal levels. >> After leaving Las Perlas, we made a beeline to The Galápagos Islands on an incredibly placid sea for four days. Elise was a graceful lady on the lake. When we arrived at the equator with fellow Oysters, Shalen, El Mundo, and Shanties, we threw our own line-crossing ceremony and impromptu party including costumes, champagne, music and dives in the ocean. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 35

38 After a couple weeks, we left The Galápagos and began the 3200 nautical mile sail to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands. 17 days later, we arrived at midnight in pitch black. We didn t see any lights until we were abreast of the bay. Such darkness was slightly unnerving, but the next morning gifted gorgeous views of towering green mountains standing strong out of the sea and lush waterfalls carving every crevice they could find. Oyster threw its second party with authentic Marquesan fare, local dancers sporting animal bones and traditional dress and a DJ - what an unforgettable cultural experience! I was also lucky to spend my 40th wedding anniversary with my wonderful wife, Glenn, at the lodge overlooking the bay a very special milestone for us. Now, no long voyage is complete without its own share of boat problems. Our generator heat exchanger suffered from many tube leaks and left us stranded in the bay with no way to charge the batteries or to make water. There was water everywhere but nothing to drink a curious irony indeed! Incredibly I found a replacement heat exchanger in Portsmouth, VA, not far from my home. My daughter, Whitney Elise, picked up the new heat exchanger and planned to fly to Tahiti and then on to Nuku Hiva. It was a great plan until Air Tahiti went on strike. One of the only flights out of Tahiti was to Rangiroa in the Tuamotus Islands, so Whitney Elise flew there with the part and waited a few days for us to arrive. After borrowing water from fellow Oysters, El Mundo and Tianelle, we set sail for the truly idyllic atoll. As soon as we arrived, Captain Sidney III adeptly fixed our generator, and we spent the next ten days on one of the most beautiful islands in the world with the bluest and clearest water. We snorkelled in the aquarium with masses of technicolour fish and black tip sharks, watched dolphins jump and dance in the swells of the Tiputa Pass, rode bikes along the six mile road, visited the black pearl farm, cruised across the lagoon to the Isle of Reefs where large black volcanic rocks shoot out of the turquoise water and enjoyed dinner at Josephine s and Kia Ora with rally friends. Simply spectacular! An overnight sail brought us back to civilization to Marina Taina in Tahiti. A month in Tahiti allowed me to return home for a couple of weeks and the crew to attend to a list of repairs. Next stop the famed Society Islands! The magical island of Mo'orea was our first destination in the Society Islands. With the entire Harrison family on board, we sailed back and forth between two beautiful anchorages, Cook s Bay and Opunohu Bay, the latter of which was featured on the silver screen in the movie, 'The Bounty'. Here Oyster threw our third party where mystical mountains were the backdrop for Polynesian canoe races, authentic Polynesian dancers, a BBQ lunch and many other activities. On July 4 th, Elise rafted up with On Liberty for a fun-filled afternoon party involving nearly all of the Oyster yachts anchored in the Opunohu Bay. The party symbolised the first legendary Brexit event. We snorkeled with stingrays and black tipped sharks, visited 36 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

39 the underwater Tiki Garden, four wheeled through pineapple groves and raced to the top of Magic Mountain for breathtaking views of the Oysters down below. What a lovely island! Huahine was our next stop and turned out to be an island of celebrations. First we celebrated the 30th wedding anniversary of our dear friends from Shanties, Jacek and Dobra, at Chez Tara it was one hell of a party! Not to be outdone, a few days later we also celebrated the birthdays of three of our rally men, Joe, Tom, and Rob, at a beach cookout and bonfire. Needless to say, we ve gotten darn good at throwing beach parties it was a blast! We also rented a car and drove around the entire island, visiting many maraes (religious temples and burial sites for kings), ancient fishing traps, sacred moray eels and a local Heiva (a Polynesian song and dance contest, the winners of which compete in Tahiti). A short sail away were the mysterious islands of Raiatea and Taha'a, both encompassed by the same reef and lagoon. We visited the Taputapuatea Marae, an ancient temple and the religious centre of Eastern Polynesia - some even say the birthplace of the Polynesian religion. We met Tama Castagnoli, a local tour guide, who entertained and educated us for two days on the ways of the islands, especially on experiencing the 'mana' (a deep and spiritual connection to nature). We took an outrigger canoe cruise on the Faaroa River, snorkeled in coral gardens with Tama and his beautiful family, toured a vanilla farm and a black pearl farm and enjoyed a delicious dinner with friends at the Taha'a Resort and Spa. Finally, we were off to the widely known island Bora Bora The Pearl of the Pacific. We toured the luxurious (and crazy expensive) island resorts, anchored in crystal blue waters at Motu To opua, hiked to WWII cannons, snorkeled with stingrays, black tip and lemon sharks and ate and drank lavishly at the famous Bloody Mary's, Mai Kai, and Bora Bora Yacht Club. Bora Bora will always hold a special place in our hearts, as Whitney Elise and her longtime boyfriend, Christian, got engaged. After hiking with a local tour guide (who was also named Tama) to the marae at the Valley of the Kings, to the oldest Banyan tree in the world and to insanely gorgeous panoramic views of the blue lagoon, it was time for Whitney Elise, Christian and Glenn to return home to Virginia. It was a sad day when they boarded the ferry for the airport, but I m so grateful for the incredible memories we shared on one of the world s most spectacular islands. so everyone was incredibly excited to swim with these majestic creatures (and in some cases, their calves) and will never forget the sounds of their ceremonious underwater singing. Here we had yet another Oyster beach party at Kenutu Island including a Tongan beach feast. We visited the city of Neiafu which boasted many restaurants, provisions and encounters with the friendly Tongan people. The Oyster community of travelers threw a legendary 70s party at the Basque Tavern replete with costumes, tapas, libations and dancing to groovy 60s and 70s music. Tonga was fantastic, but we had one more stunning island destination left Fiji. When we arrived in Vanua Balavu in the Lau Group of Fijian Islands, we had the opportunity to experience an authentic Kava welcoming ceremony with a local blessing. We then anchored nearby in the unique Bay of Islands, an idyllic anchorage among many small volcanic isles. A group of Oyster travelers went on a tender safari and explored, snorkeled and dove in underwater caves. Afterwards, we discovered a perfect beach for another BBQ. Again, we are now experts at beach parties! Later, we sailed directly for Denarau Marina, as Elise had been operating with a dead battery bank for almost a month since Tonga, and our refrigeration system desperately needed replacements and repairs. Port Denarau offered all the amenities of home: a marina, yacht craftsmen, shopping, restaurants, bars, resorts, inter-island logistics and tours. My kind of place! Elise then attended the 34th Fiji Regatta hosted by the Musket Cove Yacht Club for a week of yacht and catamaran races, BBQs and themed parties. Such a regatta is an absolute must for Oyster Rally participants. At Musket Cove, we also celebrated Fiji Independence Day, and the Hair of the Dog Party the following day prepared us for the 1,200 nautical mile sail to Auckland, New Zealand. So here we are the first leg of the Oyster World Rally has come to an end. We ve sailed halfway around the world, and it s been a lifechanging experience full of unique sights and exciting adventures. But most importantly, I can honestly say that what was once a group of strangers are now some of my closest friends, and I cherish and respect our Oyster family. It doesn't get any better than that, and it s not over yet! Dream on. We left the Society Islands and embarked on a seven day voyage to Vava'u in the Kingdom of Tonga. It was the height of humpback whale season, To follow Elise's story, search for S/Y Elise Oyster World Rally on Facebook. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 37

40 OYSTER REGATTA BVI 2017 RACE DAY ONE // RACE ONE // SPONSORED BY RAYMARINE The 39th Oyster Regatta in the British Virgin Islands got off to a fine start on Tuesday 11 th April Winds built to knots, shifty under the clouds, however the fleet enjoyed a great race in two classes. John McTigue s new Oyster 625 Irish Blessing was just behind Oyster 82, Starry Night of the Caribbean in Class 1, with Sotto Vento, Oyster 655, 3rd. Dick Hammill, determined to defend his class win in his first ever Oyster Regatta in Antigua last year on his Oyster 575 Spirit, found the right wind shifts as the yachts passed through the Salt Island Passage and stamped his mark with a good win in Class 2. Newcomers Solway Mist Oyster 46-08, and Seashells of St James Oyster enjoyed close racing to take 2nd and 3rd respectively. With a fancy dress party at the Norman Island Pirates restaurant, the fleet rounded the day off swapping tall tales and challenges for day two. WORDS BY OYSTER // PHOTOS BY SASHA 38 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

41 RACE DAY TWO // RACE TWO // SPONSORED BY LEWMAR With an unusual forecast of southerly winds and less than 10 knots, dying in the afternoon, day two of the Oyster Regatta set challenges for the Race Officer, Oyster CEO David Tydeman. With the enthusiastic support of the fleet despite the lively pirates party of the night before racing started at 0950 with staggered starts over 40 minutes. Setting a short upwind leg to the south west, the fleet left Norman Island and Peter Island sailing anticlockwise around them to then have a short spinnaker run to Dead Chest Island. Dead Chest is sometimes used by the local police as a firing range and to their surprise the peaceful sailing was briefly interrupted by gunfire! Both classes sailed the same course for this second race sponsored by Lewmar and finishing times were encouragingly close with only 11 minutes separating the largest and smallest yachts in the fleet on corrected time. Dick Hammill seemed to be set to repeat his class win from the Oyster Regatta Antigua in 2016 with two wins in the first two days he commented, We re relative newcomers to Oyster Regattas since we took delivery of our Oyster 575 in May of Our first experience was last year in Antigua and now here we sit in the BVI amidst another wonderful gathering of owners and crews, spirited racing and ideal weather. on day one and a wise choice to elect to use fore and aft sails on day two, we have enjoyed a great couple of days. While racing fills the days, the evenings are consumed with wall to wall camaraderie meeting other owners and crews from around the world, sharing sailing stories, toasting victories and enjoying foods distinctly Caribbean. Where would one rather be? By luck, the flat calm forecast for Thursday coincided with a lay day and most yachts headed for Anagada Island for a day of beach fun. Racing continued on Friday and Saturday, with four yachts from the UK and four from the USA, a team challenge developed with the USA team strongly in the lead after the first two days all to play for in the next two races. In Class 1, Oyster 82 Starry Night was level pegging with John McTigue s new Oyster 625. This is Starry Night s Silver Jubilee 25th Oyster Regatta and she was determined to take home the silverware. >> We now have two wins under our belt and the anticipation for the rest of the week is running high. Thanks to our skipper s tactics with the cruising chute on the final leg OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 39

42 RACE DAYS THREE & FOUR // RACE THREE // SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS RACE FOUR // SPONSORED BY PELAGOS The 39th Oyster Regatta relaxed into a series of beach parties and games ashore. Some went out on Lasers and Hobie Cats, drifting rather than sailing in the almost complete calm that covered the British Virgin Islands from Thursday to Saturday. Judged by all the participants to be one of the most successful Caribbean regattas for a while, the message we ve heard many times before came ringing out loud and clear Oyster owners just enjoy their yachts and each other s company! Racing, partying or just chilling out, these events provide a wonderful mix of exclusive opportunity to swap tales, plan future adventures and share experiences. Swamped with prizes from Dolphin Sails and Pelagos who had sponsored the aborted race three and race four the race management team enjoyed deciding why they should be awarded to participants for non-racing reasons! A hugely popular first award was the Lay Day Prize awarded to John McTigue for hosting a great outing to Anagada Island. Richard Smith on his Oyster 655 Sotto Vento was honoured as the owner who had completed the most miles in Oyster events 30,000 miles of the World Rally and 21 Oyster Regattas! The four USA yachts Solway Mist, Seashells, Irish Blessing and Spirit, took the team awards, beating the UK team of Jigsaw, Starry Night, Sotto Vento and Dama de Noche. Overall, with only two races to count, the places were decided on count back. To great applause as a very popular winner of Class 1, John McTigue on his new Oyster 625 Irish Blessing just pipped Starry Night Oyster 82 in second place. Third place went to Alan and Susan Parker on their Oyster 82 Dama de Noche. In Class 2, Dick Hammill on Oyster 575 Spirit matched his class win success of the Antigua 2016 event, with Solway Mist a very popular second, just ahead of regatta stalwarts Ian Galbraith and his regular chums on Jigsaw. The prize giving ended with lively dancing into the early hours and a resounding commitment to see you all in Bermuda May Mark Salisbury on his Oyster 46 Seashells of St James was awarded the Spirit of the Regatta prize for his sterling efforts and no complaints whilst sailing short-handed without enough crew. For full results please go to: oysteryachts.com/bvi-regatta2017 Cristian Pizarro shipped his Oyster 46 Solway Mist from Palma specially for the event and the 12 crew were a full complement of four specialist paediatric surgeons and their families definitely earning the Commitment Award. 40 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

43 OYSTER REGATTA PALMA 2017 OYSTER S 40TH REGATTA Once again the Oyster fleet descended upon Palma de Mallorca for the 40th Oyster Regatta. A fleet of 26 racing and two social entries ranging from ft gathered on the Oyster dock for five days of racing and socialising in the fantastic location of Palma Bay. WORDS BY OYSTER // PHOTOS BY NICO MARTÍNEZ, MARTÍNEZ STUDIO OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 41

44 RACE DAY ONE // RACE ONE // SPONSORED BY LEWMAR A glorious start to the 40th Oyster Regatta, held this year once more in Palma in association with Real Club Nautico de Palma (RCNP). In warm and settled conditions, it was clear right from the start of the day that we would be waiting for the sea breeze to kick in from the south west in contrast to the north easterly gradient wind. Bang on the predicted time of 1300 the Palma airport authorities switched the landing and take off direction 180 degrees and the south westerly gently started. Building slowly at first, by 1330 Paul Jackson, Race Officer, was confident we d have a race and set the first start for As per the usual format in our regattas, the yachts race in classes, starting in smaller groups for safety reasons and to limit the number of yachts on the line together. Race Day One, sponsored by Lewmar, started with Class 1 first, in pairs and at two minute intervals, the oldest and the youngest Oyster 82 hulls number 1 Bare Necessities and number 17 Midnight, fought hard for the line position and Bare Necessities was just a few seconds OCS. Others in Class 1 were more cautious and steadily the fleet got under way. This year s entrants included six Oyster 575s and the organisers decided to run a 575 Class within Class 2, starting all six Oyster 575s together. A great port tack flyer by Irene III at the pin end showed these 575s are in for a good week of tight competitive racing. Class 3 followed in two starting groups of four and by 1420 all yachts had safely started. With a steady 8-10 knots for the first leg, the Class 1 fleet started to close up and despite the eight minutes of staggered starts, all the yachts in Class 1 all rounded the first mark within a couple of minutes of each other setting the scene for some good racing for the rest of the week. The Race Officer had set a longer course for Class 1 taking them further out into the western end of the bay and Classes 2 and 3 were set to loop inside Class 1. By 1530, after an hour and half of racing it was clear that the sea breeze had started to drop and Paul announced 42 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

45 a course change for the smaller yachts. Shortening the courses for Classes 2 and 3 by a few miles proved a wise decision and all yachts comfortably finished around 1700 a great first day for the regatta. At the prize giving, Simon Bowen from Pantaenius kindly presented prizes for those who started best noting that everyone seemed rather cautious in Classes 2 and 3 with the best being Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa at 16 seconds after the gun in Class 2 and Oyster 49 Pied Piper at 19 seconds in Class 3 and Simon s great prizes started the rumblings of must do better tomorrow! With the shifty conditions there were some surprises in the results with Oyster 825 Maegan getting stuck in a hole in the wind and ending up last in Class 1. Great racing at the front of Class 1 however, produced some tight results. Oyster 885 Bacchus secured 4th in her first ever regatta, and Oyster 82 Starry Night in 3rd was pipped by just eight seconds by Oyster 885 Firebird in 2nd. A good win by Eddie Jordan and his family sailing Oyster 885 Lush set the challenge for the rest of the week. Oyster 575 WikiWiki sailed a great race in Class 2 to take 1st place, also securing the win for the 575 Class a rewarding start for her first ever Oyster Regatta. Similarly, Oyster 625 Orcinus in her first regatta took a well deserved 2nd place in Class 2. This year Oyster worked with local organisations Cleanwave and Asociación Ondine helping to promote their highly relevant Ride the wave to a plastic free world campaign. This aims to raise awareness and reduce the use of disposable plastics that ultimately end up in the sea. A large metal water bottle shaped container was placed on the Oyster dock, so that crews could refill their water containers with clean, filtered drinking water for free. This therefore helped to cut down the use of throwaway plastic bottles. We were pleased to see so many of our Oyster owners and crews taking this environmental responsibility very seriously, showing the care they have for the oceans they sail on and for our future generations. It was close racing in Class 3 with Oyster 53 Ostra taking 2nd just two seconds ahead of Oyster 49 Pied Piper in 3rd, and only 40 seconds behind Oyster 54 Sara Blue V in 1st place, again showing how this event produces some exciting results from Corinthian sailing in the sunshine. The youngest crew in the fleet were aged two and three sailing on Oyster 55 Shearwater but the race committee decided that the young sailor award was determinedly won by 11 year old twins on Oyster 575 Irene III, as pictured below right. Confident in their children s ability whilst finishing at ~8 knots boat speed with the asymetric drawing well, the parents and the rest of the crew hid below and Irene III crossed the line with just the twins on deck, one at the helm and the other trimming the kite, as pictured below left a great cheer went up and they won their special award. >> OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 43

46 RACE DAY TWO // RACE TWO // SPONSORED BY PELAGOS YACHTS A wonderful day of contrasts to the racing yesterday opened up the results and positioned many more yachts within the fleet ready to win the silverware. With nine of the 26 yachts taking part in their first ever Oyster Regatta in contrast to Oyster Starry Night with 25 events already under her belt the learning curve for some has been steep. However, some of the new arrivals have shown very clearly that they have raced before Gregg Kelly and his team on Oyster 575 WikiWiki swept through the variable conditions to be the clear leader overall after the two days leading the 575 Class, leading Class 2 and being the lowest placed points overall across all classes a really strong performance. Race Officer, Paul Jackson, patiently kept the fleet up to date with the evolving weather conditions for nearly two hours as all waited for the sea-breeze to develop on Race Day Two, sponsored by Pelagos Yachts. By 1300 it became clear that the aspirations to repeat the focus of racing into the western side of Palma Bay as yesterday just wasn t going to happen and that the breeze was most stable ~ten miles to the east. Rather than make everyone track over to that side, Paul bravely called for downwind starts from the middle of the bay, with a heavily biased line. The fleet responded well and although this meant up to six yachts starting together for a starboard beam reaching start, everyone found their space and kites flew enthusiastically as the easterly first leg matured in the building south, south-westerly breeze. Babiana the first Oyster 675 ever built and now enjoying her first ever Oyster Regatta boldly elected for the rating option for using more than one off-wind sail. Starting powerfully with her cruising cut code zero, Babiana, quickly took distance from the rest of her class and with great crew work, hit the gybe mark fast, changing from code zero to full Asymmetric, she showed that she too, as a first timer for Oyster events, knew exactly what she was doing. In contrast, the carbon rig, race sails Kiev Yacht Club based Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa, (and last year s winner of Class 2) took the risk of goose-winging their 140% genoa and sailing shorter distances dead downwind and trying to play with the rating advantage allowed if not using spinnakers. 44 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

47 Yesterday Lady Mariposa beat Babiana, today it was the other way round, and the needle match between these two yachts perhaps sets out what the Oyster Regattas are all about you can be an Olympian, a Volvo sailor, a world champion in a one-design class but come to an Oyster event, accept that some entrants have rarely raced and will happily race with a family crew, and you enter the Oyster world. The 20 mile course for Class 1 and ~14 mile course for Classes 2 and 3, under the Oyster handicap system, generated some very close results. In Class 3 places changed from yesterday; Oyster 49 Pied Piper won today, with Oyster 53 Ostra in 2nd and Oyster 54 Sara Blue V in 3rd placing these three yachts only 0.25 points apart after two races. Class 2 similarly close and in Class 1, stalwarts Oyster 82 Starry Night just grabbed the day by 14 seconds from the first timers on Oyster 885 Bacchus. As we move into day three, it s all to play for, no clear winner in Class 1 and 3 with WikiWiki Oyster 575 determined to show she s earned her lead thus far. Bringing things firmly back to basics during the prize giving held in the fantastic private Palau March Museum, as pictured below right event Chairman, David Tydeman, expressed his thanks to Willii Gohl, the well respected International Sailing Judge for calmly solving a mark rounding incident between Firebird, Lush and Maegan. One Oyster owner today (and wanting to remain anonymous) summed it up I bought a cruising yacht and got the bug to spend a few weeks a year racing as an amateur in these Oyster events. I pay some professionals to help keep me safe whilst doing this and I have no idea whether to listen to their views on rights or wrongs I applaud Oyster for bringing in an international judge, it helps me decide whether to listen to my race tactician! Race Day Three beckons with it all to play for in all Classes. Best three of four to count, there is no obvious winner at this half way stage. >> OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 45

48 RACE DAY THREE // RACE THREE // SPONSORED BY RAYMARINE A gentle day in the sunshine. With only 5-7 knots of wind for most of the afternoon, Paul Jackson, Race Officer, had a big challenge on his hands to try to set a decent course for racing. Again off into the east of Palma Bay, the first yachts got away at 1345 starting, as always in smaller groups. In Class 1 the competitive spirit had developed and newcomers Oyster 885 Bacchus engaged with Oyster 825 Maegan in a tight match racing style boat to boat start a great spectacle for others to watch whilst waiting to begin! Oyster 53 Ostra in Class 3 similarly showed her competitive spirit and clearly she really wanted to win the Pantaenius sponsored starting prizes she hit the line bang on the starting gun one second earlier and she would have been OCS! The three mile beat across the bay was very shifty with the wind moving degrees at times. This sorted out the fleet and by the top mark, the leaders for each Class were becoming clear. Long gentle spinnaker runs back to the eastern side of the bay followed and although it was tough racing in the very light winds, the sun was shining, the blue sky clear and everyone was enjoying the luxury of their Oyster yachts. Shortening courses around 1630 as the breeze started to drop away further, the Race Officer breathed a sigh of relief that we d managed to get a race completed. Engines on and speedily back to the dock, all the competitors rushed back for the Vondeling sponsored dock-party. Anthony and Sophie Ward, owners of both the Oyster 675 Babiana and the Vondeling vineyard in South Africa were given a great cheer of thanks by the fleet for their generous hospitality as the Batu Cada local drumming band brought the Mallorcan village culture to the dock and raised the tempo, as pictured opposite. Adding to the colourful occasion, RCNP had set up a prize for the best dressed crew on the day and with universal approval over the choice of the winners, Oyster 575 Briviba s crew stepped up to receive the award in their penguin suits which they d worn all day in the hot sunshine, also pictured opposite. Raymarine kindly provided the prizes for Race Day Three with Oyster 885 Bacchus taking Class 1, WikiWiki again showing her strength in the 575s and Class 2 and Oyster 49 Pied Piper securing Class 3. Points are incredibly close now as we head into the last day. With one discard allowed and best three out of four races to count, four yachts in Class 1 start the last day separated by just 0.25 of a point. With other close results in Class 2 and 3, there is everything to play for on the last day. >> 46 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

49 OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 47

50 RACE DAY FOUR // RACE FOUR // SPONSORED BY DOLPHIN SAILS A celebration of a unique formula. Race Day Four, sponsored by Dolphin Sails, had started with four yachts in Class 1 separated by just 0.25 of a point with Class 2 and 3 almost as close. As usual there would be a discard allowed, the best three out of the four races would count and so as the fleet motored out to the starting area, it was all about this last race. The results were close places being decided by small separations on corrected time less than a minute between 1st and 2nd in Class 1, less than ten seconds between 3rd and 4th in Class 3. The Palacio de Congressos in the old Spanish town of Palma, as pictured above, proved a perfect setting for the prize giving of the 40th Oyster Regatta. With nearly 300 owners and crew gathered together in this wonderful setting, the atmosphere for the evening event started to build as the first coaches arrived from the yacht club berths. The fleet had enjoyed a great last day s racing and were looking forward to a stylish and exciting end to the regatta. Champagne, aromatic flowers, fine canapés and gentle chatter about the results, all helped to build the expectations for a wonderful and exclusive evening. Who won what became for a while insignificant, as new friendships across the Oyster owner community developed and all shared the bond of being Oyster owners and privileged guests and crew. Then the drums started, the music piped up and the competitive spirit was back the day had been tough, difficult conditions, again fickle winds in the Palma Bay. Discussions developed on who had the best tactics of the day, who hit the lay line too late, who tacked too many times and who made the best gybe on mark two. This wonderful formula of being able to race luxury cruising yachts, safely yet competitively, is a unique formula that is a credit to both the people who run it and to the participants. Thanking the fleet, the sponsors, the Real Club Nautico de Palma and the event management team, David Tydeman, Oyster CEO, commented it never ceases to amaze me how both the first timers at an Oyster Regatta (and for many of these it s also their first time 48 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

51 on a start line) and the experienced owners racing fully crewed up with experts on board find a way of racing against each other in a true Corinthian style it s a great confirmation that being part of the Oyster family and enjoying the company of like minded individuals is what s important At the prize giving, Pantaenius presented prizes for best starts all 26 yachts had tried hard four yachts in Class 1 less than five seconds behind the gun. Overall the prize for best start of the day went to Oyster 825 Maegan in Class 1 just one second behind the gun. Oyster 575 WikiWiki voluntarily took a 20% place penalty in Class 2 for a port and starboard incident on the first beat letting Oyster 625 Tiger through to take Class 2, less than a minute ahead of Oyster 625 Lady Mariposa. In Class 3, Oyster 53 Ostra just sealed the day ahead of her close rival Oyster 49 Pied Piper and similarly in Class 1, Oyster 885 Firebird squeezed just 50 seconds ahead of Oyster 885 Bacchus to take Class 1. For the overall results, five out of 26 places were determined by count-back as yachts finished with the same number of points a clear indication of close racing. Pied Piper won Class 3, just ahead of Ostra, WikiWiki secured Class 2 and the 575 Class, with 2nd, 3rd and 4th in Class 2 being taken by Oyster 625s. The evening ended with the Class 1 results for the battle of the 80 footers as Oyster CEO, David Tydeman called it and with Oyster 885s Firebird and Bacchus both ending up with 4.75 points. The sailing instructions were reviewed, the rules checked by Willii Gohl, the Head Judge, and Firebird was declared the winner. In her first ever regatta, Bacchus had shown her strengths and promises of we ll be back next year were made as the yachts toasted each other s success. Dancing continued late into the evening as owners and guests celebrated another very successful Oyster Regatta. The next Oyster Regatta in Palma will be 25 th -29 th September OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 49

52 OVERALL RESULTS CLASS POSITION YACHT NAME MODEL OWNER/SKIPPER 1 1 st Firebird Firebird Ocean Ltd. 2 nd Bacchus Richard Walker 3 rd Starry Night Starry Yachts 4 th Lush Eddie Jordan 5 th Satori Serida Trading Ltd. 6 th Midnight Richard Matthews 7 th Maegan Klaas Meertens & Marja De Pundert 8 th Bare Necessities Matt Newing CLASS 1 WINNERS, FIREBIRD CLASS POSITION YACHT NAME MODEL OWNER/SKIPPER 2 1 st WikiWiki Gregg Kelly 2 nd Orcinus a Alvaro Santalucia 3 rd Tiger SY Tiger 4 th Lady Mariposa Vladimir Baksheev 5 th Babiana Sophie Ward 6 th Coup de Foudre Julian & Moira James 7 th Angels' Share Nick & Alison Blazquez 8 th Briviba Kevin Jones 9 th Irene III Irene III 10 th Atalanta of London Stephen Lambert CLASS 2 WINNERS, WIKIWIKI CLASS POSITION YACHT NAME MODEL OWNER/SKIPPER 3 1 st Pied Piper 49-12a Peter Blackmore 2 nd Ostra Ritchie Gatt 3 rd Sara Blue V Charles Billson 4 th Iridescent Andrew Fowles 5 th Sionna Mike Kearney 6 th Nutcracker Simon Timm 7 th Shearwater Charlie & Jo Bennett 8 th Distraction Simon Tysoe CLASS 3 WINNERS, PIED PIPER CLASS 3 WINNERS, LISANNE View the full day-by-day results on our website: oysteryachts.com/palma-regatta / OYSTER ISSUE 80

53 OYSTER REGATTA BERMUDA 2018 ZONE 2 POST EVENT OPTIONS Azores Bermuda ANTIGUA TO BERMUDA RACE Antigua THE NORMAL ROUTE ZONE 1 ZONE 3 DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES: 21 ST - 26 TH MAY 2018 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS The 41 st Oyster Regatta will be welcomed to Bermuda by the island s Tourism Authority, whose Chief Executive has committed his team to giving the fleet a wonderful combination of glorious sailing and fine dining on this historic island. Also welcomed by the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, we have mapped out a programme that will offer four days of Corinthian racing around three different areas of the island. May is the best month of the year we re told; sunshine and sailing winds but without the humidity of June and July. Starting in the capital city of Hamilton with race one and two taking place in the Great Sound, the event will include private parties in art galleries, amazing historic buildings, the landmark Commissioner s House and the historic Royal Naval Dockyard. Race three will take the fleet around to St. George s at the eastern end of the island. St. George s Towne, as it was once known, was where it all started around 500 years ago. After the final race along the spectacular south-eastern coastline, the prize-giving party will be held inside the St. George s World Heritage Centre. Around 750nm due north from the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda is only a little left of track for those yachts en route from a Caribbean season to the Mediterranean and just a little right of track for those heading to the eastern Seaboard USA. Deck cargo shipping options also available for the route home. MONDAY 21 ST MAY, registration during the afternoon and welcome evening reception at RBYC. TUESDAY 22 ND MAY, race one in the Great Sound, Zone 1 yachts return to berthing at RBYC and evening function at the National Gallery. WEDNESDAY 23 RD MAY, race two in the Great Sound, Zone 1, yachts berth at the Royal Naval Dockyard, evening function at the Commissioner s House. THURSDAY 24 TH MAY, lay-day, yachts can watch the annual Bermuda Regatta, and after the racing motor to St George s, moor stern-to off the Heritage Centre, evening function at the Tempest Bistro. FRIDAY 25 TH MAY, race three off St George s, yachts motor around to the race area Zone 2 or 3, no evening function. SATURDAY 26 TH MAY, race four off St George s Zone 3, evening function and prize giving at the World Heritage Centre. Give yourselves time to enjoy this visit. The island will make us very welcome and sponsorship has been secured to ensure this will be a very memorable event in the history of Oyster Regattas. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 51

54 Of cial government fuel consumption gures in litres/100km (mpg) for the Aston Martin DB11: urban 16.6 (17); extra urban 8.5 (33.2); combined 11.4 (24.8). CO 2 emissions 265 g/km. The mpg/fuel economy gures quoted are sourced from of cial regulated test results obtained through laboratory testing. They are for comparability purposes only and may not re ect your real driving experience, which may vary depending on factors including road conditions, weather, vehicle load and driving style.

55 IN BUILD: DESIGN & TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS Exciting ideas have been flowing in the design office and in the project teams, keeping Oyster at the forefront of the industry. This report covers just a few of the new areas we continue to research and develop. We re ready to break new ground and offer a Generator - Lithium Battery Bank - Electric Motor System for running on-board systems and providing Hybrid Propulsion. Silent running at night for example, might be one of the great benefits, being more eco-friendly, of course, another. We ll welcome the first client who d like to help pioneer what we are sure is going to become a popular choice in the future. It s harder to implement on the smaller yachts at present through limited availability for the key components, hence our first explorations have been with the new Oyster 835. Pushing the boundaries even further, a special version of an Oyster 745 is being considered for the Mayflower Autonomous (unmanned) Research Ship project, for its transatlantic crossing in Supported by the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling (shown on the right), this project was launched at the London International Shipping Week in October WORDS & PHOTOS BY OYSTER Tapping in to the unused power to charge the large battery bank Oyster 595 Oyster 565 Autonomous 745 OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 53

56 TRANSOM & KEEL OPTIONS Oyster 595 Standard Profile With Standard HPB Keel Oyster 595 Extended Transom With Centreboard Option For more than a decade we ve offered different keel options standard draft, shoal and super-shoal centreboard versions. With the new generation of hulls across the range from the Oyster 565 to the Oyster 118 fitted with twin rudders as standard, selecting a reduced draft option is easier. Over the last decade, we ve built and installed centreboards across Oysters ranging from the 575 to the 82 and from this proven heritage we ve updated the engineering to offer centreboards on the 565 to the and are looking at the options for the Oyster 118. variations across the solutions for each model to ensure a cohesive fit with the owners choice for the interior layouts, however the principles remain the same. Providing flexibility for shallow water cruising, we ve found from recent Oyster Regatta results, that with the blade down, the centreboard versions can also point well against their standard keel counter-parts. A simple, well-designed operating system uses a hydraulic ram, a solid tie-bar and a high tech (easily replaced) dyneema rope. The beautifully made blade rotates into a slot within the long ballast keel such that a locking pin can be inserted into the tie-bar to secure the blade in the raised position. There is one penetration through the hull for the control line and one for the emergency recovery line (which is routed in a tube up to the cockpit) and thus both are above the waterline level. There are of course, small Centreboard raised Oyster 595 Centreboard part lowered & internal structure shown 54 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

57 The tooling for moulding the hulls and decks of the new yachts is in several parts for each model. As the mould tool is prepared for the laminating of the hull to begin, the port and starboard halves are bolted together, the keel part is attached and the transom tool bolted in. This easily allows the choice of which keel part standard or centreboard and also which transom choice vertical extended transom or the more traditional forward sloping retroussé transom. The deck tooling has been made over-length so that it is very easy for us to mould the transom and deck of choice without modification and built to order. It is worthy of note that the waterline length changes very little with the transom options. The extended transom option has so far been chosen on two out of the three Oyster 745s built to date. It has been chosen for two out of the three contracts just signed for the new Oyster 595 and for one of the six new contracts signed for the Oyster 565. It s a very personal choice. For some, the upright nature of the extended transom doesn t appeal to the eye for others, the shape matches the near vertical profile of the bow better and the advantages of a longer aft deck provides not only an enhanced entertaining space but also, a huge lazarette. A well thought through engineering approach to the tooling design across the twin rudder range was the starting point for Oyster to be able to offer this flexibility and then the next steps also became easier. Would you like a large hydraulic-controlled bathing platform opening up from the transom? Would you like a dinghy garage instead of carrying the dinghy on davits or on the foredeck? This in turn then created options with the interior to move the Owners Cabin forward and to provide twin aft cabins either side of the front of the dinghy garage. The choice of bathing platform and a dinghy on davits then creates another challenge how to get to the dinghy once it has been lowered with the davits? The owner of Oyster , as pictured below left, chose some fixed teak steps built in to the transom and bathing platform. This prompted the design of a beautiful flush fitting and folding set of steps that can be fitted across the range from the Oyster 565 to the new 895. Sized to match each yacht of course, we are now engineering an option to be able to unfold the steps by a swimmer in the water, adding an essential safety feature and providing another solution to getting out of the water that has become a safety regulation requirement. Apparently simple issues at first glance, the way the team gets to grips with the challenges and how they engineer sound solutions is yet another good example of Oyster s solid approach and attention to detail. Good planning, design and engineering produce the sort of quality solutions that the company is renowned for all built on decades of experience gathered from ~75 circumnavigations, millions of sea miles and listening to owners. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 55

58 5 YEAR WARRANTY & NEW ENGINEERING Starting in 2014 with the design and development of the Oyster 745, the team looked at the way we create the internal structural configuration of the longitudinal and transverse stiffeners in the hull and the types of glass fibre used in the hull shell laminations. Thinking about the cosmetic issues, we had learned over years that to avoid print through from the use of woven-roving mat in the hull skin, that a boundary layer of E-glass CSM (chopped strand mat) was essential. cable runs behind furniture and air-conditioning ducts to improve both the installation and access for maintenance. Using inverted L shaped, carbon flanged and infused stiffeners dramatically reduced the intrusion of this essential structure into the usable space below floorboards thus improving the space efficiency of the layouts of the internal structure. Similarly, careful design and positioning of the internal structure and its attachment to the inside of the hull, can avoid it being seen from the outside as faint creases in the topsides. Using different types of gel-coat can help when coloured hulls are wanted without causing too much concern over pigment separation and fade in sunlight. Switching to a closed cell, high density PVC foam sandwich for the topsides also improved strength, increased insulation and enhanced the overall design. What the team addressed was also how to maximise the available space below the floorboards for pipework, machinery and equipment. Similarly, how to redesign the The diagrams below show the design layouts of the internal structure and the interfaces with equipment for the Oyster 575 on the left and the new Oyster 565 on the right. The linearity of the newer design and how the equipment can be more efficiently installed between the structure is clearly visible. At the bottom of the page, a photo of the area below the master cabin on the Oyster 675, matches the CATIA software 3D design, emphasising that good solutions start with planning every cubic Oyster 575 Oyster / OYSTER ISSUE 80

59 Demoulding of the first Oyster 565 hull centimetre in the design office, aligning the effort of structural engineering and space planning. The size of the PVC foam used in some of the other stiffeners has been made much smaller by the application of carbon strips at the top and bottom, thus forming a sort of carbon I-form girder, which is stronger, stiffer and less space hungry in the areas below the floorboards and behind furniture. Infused bulkheads again saved space and helped the plans for reducing noise and vibration transmission inside the yacht. Careful orientation of carbon planking on the bulkheads produced stronger structures which could take higher loads and improve the overall efficiency of the design. The solutions chosen for the Oyster 745 have then been rolled out across the whole range of the twin rudder new yachts. The Oyster 675 was first, then the 118, the 565 and the 595, and now finally with the new 835 and 895. Oyster 565 All of these yachts now use Vinylesther resins for stronger mechanical properties and the lamination schedule for the hull uses E-glass multi-axial woven fabrics. The photo above shows the first Oyster 565 just out of the mould tool. Always an exciting day in the moulding process. Efficient structures, higher strength components, good space and orientation planning come with another benefit a small weight saving. These latest designs are perhaps 10% lighter than their predecessors and place the weight generally lower down contributing a bit more to sailing performance. Given that the overall weight of the composite hull and deck is perhaps 20% of the overall lightship weight of the yacht, this does only become ~2% in the overall yacht. Oyster yachts are designed for long-distance comfortable cruising on the world s oceans and whilst our design and projects team are now looking at some carbon lightweight yachts for a couple of Oyster owners (see pages 66-67) our standard range will stay medium displacement, built out of female mould tooling. It is, however, good to know that within the team, we have proven capability in higher tech materials and we can successfully apply that learning to improve all the little things in the designs. Oyster 565 Overall, these efforts gave us the confidence to now provide a five-year structural warranty for new-build yacht contracts. Supported by a two-year general warranty for the rest of Oyster workmanship, this is a further endorsement of Oyster s determination to continue to lead by design. Oyster 118 OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 57

60 LATEST OYSTER SUPERYACHTS Oyster 895 Oyster 835 Developed from the very successful Oyster 825 and 885 of which 17 have been built the new Oyster 835 and 895 use the same hull mould tools but with a new deck tooling and new, more efficient internal space engineering (see pages 56-57). The deck has been extended by about one foot and the rake of the standard transom increased accordingly. Of a total of about 20 different mould tools used for the 825 and the 885, only four parts are being continued for use with the two new yachts. Extended transom versions will be available (see the article pages 54-55) together with dinghy garage options, larger lazarette spaces and different interior layouts. However, the extended transom version for the 895 does take the yacht over the MCA 24 metre rule and thus into different commercial coding such a yacht would best be used for private, personal use only. Oyster 895 Well proven on the fantastic, just launched Oyster Ayni (see photos opposite) the standard option for the Oyster 895 is the lower level floor providing a spacious saloon with full width seating extending under the deck. Ayni also features an amazing Master Suite providing a private study and TV area adjoining the master bedroom. 58 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

61 The new deck tooling is cleverly engineered so that a deck for either the Oyster 835 or the 895 can be taken from it trimming the edges down when used for the smaller yacht. The existing Raised Deck tooling as used on three of the Oyster 885s to date can similarly be used on either of the new yachts, so we are pleased to be able to offer a range of options for exterior profile, saloon layouts and superstructure height on these new designs. The window line has been extended and winches moved behind the pedestals, see render on page 58. This, together with the longer aft deck and increased transom rake, gives these two new designs a styling lift first used by Oyster with the 745 and 675. The cockpit in the 835 is ~500mm longer than its predecessor, enhancing the outdoor dining options and for both the new yachts, the anchor launch and recovery system has been re-engineered, the bow prodder made a foot longer and it now incorporates a rocker system to smooth out the anchor chain handling and control the loads more efficiently. Oyster 885 Ayni Raised Deck & Low Level Saloon By sharing tooling across these two yachts, which we didn t think about enough when we designed the Oyster 885 in 2010 and the 825 a year later, and adopting the new structural configurations proven on the 118 and the other sister-ships (see pages 54 and 55) we have significantly upgraded the way in which these yachts can be fitted out. We have improved the use of interior space, pipe runs, cabling, positioning of electrical systems and created smoother designs for air-conditioning ducting. Learning from developing the Oyster 118 and from building the Oyster 100s and the 125 a few years ago, we have brought our best Superyacht experience into these two new yachts. Deciding to retain the well proven hull shapes and rely on good positive feedback about the handling characteristics and the longdistance comfortable cruising ranges for the 825 and 885, allowed us to focus on detailed design, styling upgrades, more efficient structural design and better engineering without a need to change the investment in hull tooling. The new Oyster 835 and 895 will be magnificent yachts, each worthy of the title of being an Oyster Superyacht. First deliveries are available for late summer OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 59

62 LATEST OYSTER SUPERYACHTS CONTINUED The first Oyster 118 will leave the build shed in May The second hull and deck are being moulded in our new in-house Superyacht moulding facility at Merlin Quay, which also housed the deck (see page opposite) that was moved to Saxon Wharf in November. Located just 0.5nm down river from the Saxon Wharf shipyard, the hull and deck will be barged across in May 2018 and the fit-out of will then commence. The Oyster 118 is one of the most exciting projects in the UK at this time. The sail trials for will run during summer 2018 and we can t wait to see her on the Solent. Her 51-metre high mast (above waterline see opposite page the mast wrapped and waiting delivery from Southern Spars in Auckland) carrying her huge new North Sails will be a sight to behold. She has a dark blue hull with a beautiful interior crafted in American light ash and polished walnut, she will turn heads wherever she goes. The owner for whom we are building has commissioned a well renowned furniture design company Silverlining to style the interior. Tracking down some very special maple veneers in the USA and having these shipped to the Saxon Wharf workshops, the design alternates vertical and horizontal grain for the maple, interleaved with recessed strips of walnut. Reversing the contrast of dark and light woods with maple inlaid into walnut planks for the flooring, the second Oyster 118 will be stunning inside. With a huge 90 cubic metre master-suite aft (scaling up the 50 cubic metre version built for Ayni, see page 59) this yacht will be truly a home from home. She will provide her owner with a wonderful mix of ability to take many friends off on adventures and yet allow him to retreat away from guests and the crew into his own spacious suite for peace and quiet! The two 118 owners have different approaches to the saloon spaces, navigation areas and the crew spaces up front. The owner of wants to be able to fold away the navigation stations when not in use at anchor to make the saloon space feel more like the drawing room at home. In contrast the owner of wants a purposeful looking captain s chair facing on to a well laid-out control centre. 60 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

63 Oyster deck move Oyster 118 Oyster mast Oyster moulding facility The hull and deck for could start moulding in June 2018 and thus fit-out could start in early 2019 for handover in winter 2020 or preferably early spring 2021, a year behind , despite the fact that these yachts take just over 2.5 years from start of moulding to handover. We have planned resources and facilities such that the Merlin Quay moulding shed can be used for the fit-out of running overlapped with still building at Saxon Wharf. This commitment to forward planning and logistics is yet another example of the way in which we have lifted our game across so many different areas over the last ~eight years since we conceived the first of the twin rudder G6 yachts in The detailed engineering of these flagship 118 Superyachts for Oyster is amazing; high quality in every respect and such that it truly endorses the heritage of the team building these yachts. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 61

64 35 YEARS OF SPECIAL PROJECTS Leopard Refit 2012 Shamrock V Refit 1980/81 Velsheda Refit 1996, 2005 Southampton Yacht Services (SYS) was acquired by the Oyster Group in All of its shipwrights, engineers, joiners and design staff were gradually merged with the Oyster HQ Design Team and project engineering teams. Building up from the early 1980s with the restoration of the J Class Shamrock V and then later with the J Class Velsheda, the SYS depth of knowledge comfortably fits with the experience developed within the Oyster Group since the first Oyster 82 was engineered ~15 years ago. A wide range of custom projects on composite vessels by the combined team over the last decade has also broadened the capabilities of the Southampton shipyard. Smaller projects have also been a steady part of what this team has carried out, whether on Oyster yachts, classics, race yachts or other vessels. Increasingly we have also carried out work for owners wanting our services on their yachts based in the Mediterranean and to respond to this, we set up our refit and service operations in Palma, Mallorca. 62 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

65 Sealion Superyacht tenders Mari-Char III OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 63

66 35 YEARS OF SPECIAL PROJECTS CONTINUED The Oyster Service Centre (OSC) in Palma has been growing steadily over the last couple of years under the care of Mark Durham, successfully evolving into a committed and dynamic team that aspires to uphold the reputation for Oyster customer care and to build on the heritage of SYS. There are now 20 people in the team able to take on a variety of different projects, helping owners and crew with refit and maintenance. Investment in facilities includes a fabrication workshop, a tender service and storage operation and two workshop containers for use on site with refit projects. There is a peace of mind that comes from an Oyster owned facility with Oyster staff on hand to help deal with any issue. With direct access to Oyster HQ and to both the build records of Oyster yachts and the project records of SYS, the team is both a gateway to the resources of the rest of the Oyster Group and a local capability to deliver solutions, large or small. Steve Colley recently joined OSC Palma as Service Manager from Oyster UK after eight years in Southampton in a similar role. Steve runs the service team of engineers, shipwrights, electricians and painters and is always available for advice when required. The office is run by Evelyne Dupont who speaks four languages fluently and oversees the administration team. Her team can assist with all manner of enquiries including berthing and freight. 64 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

67 For the Oyster yachts under 60ft that are looking for medium to long term berthing in Palma there is the opportunity to berth at the exclusive Real Club Nautico de Palma Oyster underwrite 20 berths year-round and it has become a home base for a number of Oyster owners and their yachts with flexibility for yachts to come and go with support from the OSC team. On average there are between Oysters in Palma at any one time throughout the year. Approximately 20 of these Oysters are previously owned yachts for sale through Oyster Brokerage. Our guardienage and service centre teams look after at least a third of the visiting Oysters and those permanently berthed in Palma. The Palma guardienage team, run by Mike Barnes (ex Royal Navy and professional mariner), look after 20 boats of varying sizes, from 45ft-90ft. This diverse service includes concierge and cleaning services, and helps owners maintain and manage their yachts from a distance. This can also give the chance for crew to take time off during gaps in a busy season. The Palma team also act as a gateway for larger special projects either for completion in Palma, or for work back at the Southampton shipyard. Hamish Burgess-Simpson, well known amongst Oyster owners for his great knowledge and passion for the Oyster fleet, has proved to be a great asset in the team. Hamish managed the build in Turkey of the two Oyster 100s Sarafin and Penelope and the Oyster 125 Twilight. As these yachts came due for their 5-year Lloyd s Classification surveys, the owners and skippers valued having Hamish s depth of knowledge locally available. Led by Hamish, the OSC team completed the Sarafin Lloyd s survey and associated maintenance and refit work in spring Work is underway for the same survey for Penelope and Twilight which will take place in spring In between these projects, Hamish likes to pretend he has actually retired to his farm in South Africa! As the reputation of the OSC team has grown they have worked on yachts from other build yards Wally, Yachting Developments, Persico/Maxi 72, X-Yachts, Swan, San Lorenzo, Hallberg-Rassy and Sabre to name a few however the Palma team s priority will always be on providing a high quality service to Oyster yacht owners and their crews. As part of continuing to explore design and innovation ideas across the Group, the Oyster Custom and Refit team at HQ are starting to look beyond the Oyster 118 and at some very exciting projects. We are considering options to expand our Southampton facilities a bit more over the next 18 months so that, in parallel with the Oyster 745, 835, 895 and 118 new builds, we can confidently confirm our position as one of the best yards in the world for classic, custom new builds and refits. Whether it is supporting the Palma office, undertaking precision timber work for an old classic, the interior of a new Oyster 118, building a carbon epoxy lifeboat-custom launch combination for an owner of a Megayacht (see page 63), or whether it s updating systems on 100ft+ carbon-titanium race yachts, this combined team is firmly open for business and places a huge emphasis on customer service. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 65

68 FUTURE PROJECTS Reichel-Pugh 110, styled by Oyster Design Oyster Style Deck Reichel-Pugh 110 Interior Layout 66 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

69 We ve always had the appetite for special new-build projects and have pulled together partnerships and sometimes rented dedicated facilities around the Solent to make them happen. We partnered with race yacht specialists Green Marine* for the custom tenders shown in the previous pages and have worked with many other specialists in the lightweight and performance sector. Between 2008 and 2010, we delivered nearly 30m sales of special projects in parallel with the last of the Oyster 72s and 82s in our Southampton shipyard. Some of this team then helped us develop the Oyster 100 and 125 in Turkey, equally special projects. different weight/length ratio. Both use telescopic lifting keels to provide the option for shallower draft at anchor. Carbon, lightweight yachts are exciting to sail but motions and accelerations can be less appealing for world cruising, they are certainly a different product to the Oyster 895 or 118. The choice is perhaps akin to a decision about whether to use the Range Rover or the Aston Martin. One is definitely fun for the blast to the golf club, but the other you d choose for the longer drive up to the Scottish Highlands. Two Oyster owners have asked us to look at their projects, featured here. Both are for owners who want to race under the ORC (Offshore Racing Congress) Superyacht rule and have some fast cruising in between. The design shown opposite is a 110ft, ~90 tonne carbon-epoxy, Reichel-Pugh hull design and naval architecture. Interior and exterior styling by Oyster s in-house Design Team. This is for an Oyster owner wanting to race and at times fly to the yacht rather than cruise long distance. We have some other expressions of interest in this design and hence we may consider making female tooling to be able to build a small series of these yachts. Above, the Humphreys Yacht Designs version at 105ft, ~95 tonnes, is for another Oyster yacht owner who wants a bit more volume in the hull and hence a The Oyster 565 to the 118 are medium displacement yachts the Range Rover ; the RP 110 and HYD 105, shown here are the Aston. We re capable of building both medium displacement and lighter weight yachts and over the next months we are carefully looking at expanding our facilities, leveraging our broad capabilities and taking on some very special projects like these. *Editor s note: Sadly, Green Marine went into administration in October 2017 which has impacted our planning. These projects will take time to move from feasibility to reality. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 67

70 OYSTER 565 FOR FAMILY AND SHORTHANDED SAILING WITH A SUPERYACHT FEEL OYSTER 565: AN OVERVIEW The Oyster 565 is the entry level yacht for the G6 fleet of seven models up to the Flagship Oyster 118. Using the latest generation of Oyster hull shapes, developed with Humphreys Yacht Design, the Oyster 565 is designed for family sailing without professional crew. Developed from years of experience building ~120 versions of the Oyster 56 and the Oyster 575, the new Oyster 565 provides the essential fourth cabin which can be used as a utility space or for an extra bunk. A generous sail locker and lazarette, headroom and bunk lengths to match the larger Oyster Superyachts, the 565 can be configured with many different cabin layouts and for the first time in Oyster can have the Master Cabin forward and a dinghy garage in the transom (as shown on page 73). Different sail and rig combinations are also available and reflect the learning from how to optimise for either the Oyster World Rallies or for regattas and coastal cruising. DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Stemhead) 18.09m 59 3 Length of Waterline 15.93m 52 3 Beam 5.13m Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 2.50m 8 2 Draft Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) 1.66m/3.96m 5 5 / 13 0 Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 25,570kg 56,370lb Displacement Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) Standard Rig and Spar Type 27,587kg 60,818lb Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling mainsail and non-overlapping headsail Available Rig Options Removable inner storm jib stay, cutter and double headed rigs or self-tacking headsail 68 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

71 Oyster 565 Sail Plan Oyster 565 Deck Plan Oyster 565 Interior Layout Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 69

72 OYSTER 595 OPTIMISED FOR ISLAND HOPPING OR OCEAN PASSAGES ALIKE OYSTER 595: AN OVERVIEW Designed to fit between the Oyster 565 and the Oyster 675 as part of a family of three yachts, the Oyster 595 is a voluminous sub-60 footer that can be handled by just two people. With many layout options, (including a five cabin version) like its smaller and larger sisters, the Oyster 595 can have the Master Cabin forward and a dinghy garage aft. Spacious sail lockers and lazarette ensure that this yacht can comfortably cruise long distances. DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Stemhead) 19.05m 62 6 Length of Waterline 16.81m 55 2 Beam 5.36m 17 7 Draft HPB Keel 2.68m 8 10 Versatile, stylish and a modern hull shape the perfect family yacht for ocean adventures. Draft Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) 1.79m/4.06m 5 10 /13 4 As with the 565, the rig and sail combinations reflect our learning from the Oyster World Rallies and other events. Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 30,807kg 67,918lb Displacement Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) 33,324kg 73,467lb Standard Rig and Spar Type Available Rig Options Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling mainsail and non-overlapping headsail Removable inner storm jib stay, cutter and double headed rigs or self-tacking headsail 70 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

73 Dinghy Garage Option Oyster 595 Sail Plan Oyster 595 Deck Plan Oyster 595 Interior Layout Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 71

74 OYSTER 625 HANDCRAFTED FIT-OUT TO A LUXURIOUS STANDARD USUALLY FOUND ONLY ON MUCH LARGER YACHTS OYSTER 625: AN OVERVIEW The triple award-winning, innovative Oyster 625 is a superb example of contemporary styling both above and below deck and is designed for comfortable liveaboard, family and friends easy sailing. With more than 20 sold thus far, Oyster continues to enjoy working with owners as they personalise their Oyster 625 and stretch the design opportunities. Our open approach to interior design and detailing has produced excitingly different feels to the accommodation sometimes crisp and very modern, sometimes dark and classic. The platform is yours to develop and we love working with your ideas. The sumptuous aft Owners Cabin is full beam and has private access to the aft deck. There are two generous Guest Cabins, each with their own heads and shower, and a fourth cabin that can be configured as a workshop, additional Guest Cabin or a children s cabin with linked access from the Master Cabin. DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Pulpit) 19.37m 63 7 Length of Waterline 16.67m 54 8 Beam 5.44m Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 2.75m 9 0 Draft Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) 1.73m/4.03m 5 8 /13 3 Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 33,500kg 73,854lb Displacement Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) Standard Rig and Spar Type 35,000kg 77,000lb Semi-fractional sloop with fully battened main 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. Available Rig Options In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig, non-overlapping and double headsail rigs 72 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

75 Oyster 625 Sail Plan SAIL PLAN Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. Copyright of these drawings is the property of Oyster Marine Ltd and they may not be published or reproduced without Copyright written of these permission. 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 These notice, drawings and cannot are for form promotional part of any use contract only and or may offer. show optional equipment. They are subject to change without notice, and cannot form part of any contract or offer. Oyster 625 Deck Plan Oyster 625 Interior Layout DECK PLAN INTERIOR LAYOUT OYSTER ISSUE 80 /

76 OYSTER 675 STYLE, FUNCTION AND PASSIONATE PERFORMANCE OYSTER 675: AN OVERVIEW Designed in line with her larger sister, the Oyster 745, the first Oyster 675 is a very personal yacht. Significantly larger in volume than her predecessors the Oyster 655 and 66 the 675 allows the owners great scope to build a yacht to suit his or her private needs. Performance means different things to different owners, so we have designed into this flexible hull form the diversity to focus on smooth cruising or regatta results with a carbon rig and hi-tech sails. With two spacious double guest en-suite cabins complementing the full beam Master Cabin and a fourth cabin for crew (with options for en-suite facilities), the Oyster 675 brings together choices to detail the yacht for family, for occasional charter or for long-distance exploring and adventure, with professional help aboard. She is also available with an Owners Cabin forward layout. As with the Oyster 745, there is a choice of rigs and an extended transom version, and with either the swinging centreboard or standard keel, comfortable performance is guaranteed, with reassuring, stable control from twin rudders. She is fast, comfortable and equally suited to long passages or bit between the teeth day racing on the Oyster Regatta circuit. DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Stemhead) 21.07m 69 1 Length of Waterline 18.31m 60 0 Beam 5.65m 18 6 Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 2.94m 9 8 Draft Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) 1.90m/4.43m 6 3 /14 6 Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 40,787kg 89,920lb Displacement Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) Standard Rig and Spar Type Available Rig Options 42,560kg 93,830lb Semi-fractional sloop with in-mast furling mainsail and removable inner storm stay. Cutter rig, in-boom furling and double headsail rigs 74 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

77 Oyster 675 Sail Plan Oyster 675 Deck Plan Oyster 675 Interior Layout Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 75

78 OYSTER 745 ELEGANT, POWERFUL AND INDIVIDUAL Extended Transom OYSTER 745: AN OVERVIEW Denoting a sleek evolution of Oyster s signature performance bluewater cruising yachts, the Oyster 745 is designed to fit between the family and friends Oyster and the with their separate crew quarters. Replacing the highly successful 72/725, of which an impressive 17 were built, the Oyster 745 introduces a new hull, twin rudder 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. The first three 745s are uniquely different endorsing Oyster s willingness to customise. With a choice of rigs, the sail plan can be optimised for fully-crewed regatta speed or kept smaller for short-handed sailing; from carbon rigs and fully battened mainsails to cutter and joystick furling for friends and family sailing. The enabler behind this versatility is Oyster s new twin rudder hull configuration from naval architect Rob Humphreys; Oyster and Humphreys Yacht Design are the first ever to have so extensively researched and tank-tested this arrangement solely for performance cruisers. The extended transom version (pictured above) further increases the practical nature of this latest Oyster design with increased lazarette space for all that essential cruising gear and a magnificent aft deck entertaining space. To suit all international sailing grounds, the Oyster 745 is also available with centreboard or standard keel options. DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Stemhead) 22.74m 74 7 Length of Waterline 20.03m 65 9 Beam 5.91m 19 5 Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 3.10m 10 2 Draft Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) 2.10m/4.68m 6 11 /15 4 Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 53,957kg 118,955lb Displacement Supershoal Centreboard (Optional) Standard Rig and Spar Type Available Rig Options 57,000kg Semi-fractional sloop with Fully battened main 125,660lb In-mast furling, in-boom furling, cutter rig and double-headed rig 76 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

79 Extended Transom Oyster 745 Sail Plan Oyster 745 Deck Plan Oyster 745 Interior Layout Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 77

80 OYSTER 835 OCEAN ADVENTURES - DEVELOPED FROM A PROVEN HERITAGE AND MILLIONS OF OCEAN SAILING MILES OYSTER 835: AN OVERVIEW The design signature of the Oyster 835 includes the deck, transom rake and window lines to match both the smaller and larger yachts. This new yacht includes upgraded systems developed for the flagship Oyster 118. For example, the standard specification now includes a captive reel mainsheet system and an anchor-rocker system on the bow prodder for easier handling of large anchors. A carbon mast is standard, as are North Sails. A high basic specification ensures that this new model provides a Superyacht experience comfortably below the MCA 24 metre Large Yacht Code and thus is designed for the owner who also wishes to consider chartering his or her yacht to efficiently offset running costs. DIMENSIONS (PROVISIONAL) Length Overall (Including Stemhead) 25.48m 83 7 Length of Waterline 21.97m Beam 6.31m 20 8 Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 3.42m 11 3 Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 66,000kg 145,500lb A centreboard, shoal draft version is also available. The living spaces on the Oyster 835 are versatile and depend on whether you wish to use the yacht with two, three or four crew. The standard interior layout (shown on the opposite page) separates the crew space well from the owners accommodation, putting crew cabins up front, ahead of the open plan galley. There are three other layouts available for this yacht with an enlarged Master Suite and alternative forward layouts. 78 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

81 Low Level Saloon with Standard Deck High Level Saloon with Raised Deck Oyster 835 Sail Plan Oyster 835 Deck Plan Oyster 835 Interior Layout Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 79

82 OYSTER 895 OCEAN ADVENTURES - WITH MORE THAN 40 YACHTS OVER 80FT, OYSTER BRINGS A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE TO BEAR WITH THE 895. OYSTER 895: AN OVERVIEW Designed to efficiently comply with commercial coding, the Oyster 895 offers up to four cabins, all en-suite, for the owner and his or her guests, supported by four crew in two cabins. A clear separation of crew and galley quarters from the owners accommodation creates the feel of a much larger Superyacht. Two different deck superstructure options and three saloon configurations enable the owner to have wonderful flexibility to make this a very personal yacht. DIMENSIONS (PROVISIONAL) Length Overall (Including Stemhead) m 89 0 Length of Waterline 24.18m 79 4 Beam 6.33m 20 9 Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 3.46m 11 4 A carbon mast is standard, as are North Sails. A high basic specification ensures that this new model provides the Superyacht experience below the MCA 24 metre Large Yacht Code and thus is designed for the owner who also wishes to consider chartering his or her yacht to efficiently offset running costs. Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) 69,500kg A centreboard, shoal draft version is also available. 153,220lb There are three areas of choice and personalisation; two or three cabins aft, convert the 4th forward port Guest Cabin into additional saloon space, and your choice of saloon arrangement. There is also an option of a high level saloon with the Raised Deck. The benefit of the low level saloon configuration is the option to extend the saloon seating under the side decks. Available with either the Standard or Raised Deck, the low level saloon version creates a Superyacht sense of space and comfort. 80 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

83 885 SALOON VARIANTS Low Level Saloon with Standard Deck Oyster 895 Sail Plan Split Level Saloon with Standard Deck High Level Saloon with Raised Deck Oyster 895 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. Oyster 895 Interior Layout Sail plan, deck plan and interior layout above shows standard configurations, more options are available. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 81

84 OYSTER 118 THE FLAGSHIP FROM THE OYSTER/HUMPHREYS YACHT DESIGN PARTNERSHIP 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 Cabin. One thing is for certain the six crew layout will provide a wonderful environment for the owner and guests whether that is six crew supporting guests or perhaps six just looking after the owner and partner in unbridled luxury. DIMENSIONS Length Overall (Including Bowsprit) 37.45m Length of Waterline 32.98m Beam 8.35m 27 5 Draft HPB Keel (Standard) 4.00m 13 2 Displacement HPB Keel (Standard) Standard Rig and Spar Type Available Rig Options 159 tonnes 350,758lb Semi-fractional carbon sloop with in-boom furling fully battened mainsail, furling genoa and removable storm staysail. Roller reefing staysail 82 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

85 Oyster 118 Interior Layout - Standard Oyster 118 Interior Layout - Master Suite and 3 Guest Cabins Oyster 118 Interior Layout - Example 2: Master Cabin and 6 Guest Cabins Oyster 118 Deck Plan OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 83

86 NEW ARRIVALS RECENTLY LAUNCHED OYSTERS OYSTER OYSTER 475 OYSTER OYSTER 545 SYMPHONY TO: KINGSHIP INVESTING Oyster Symphony was very much admired when she was on display at the London On-Water Show at St Katharine Docks in April After many years of chartering this is the owner s first yacht and she was built with short-handed cruising and family sailing in mind. Her maiden voyage was an adventurous six week cruise of Norway, where she proved herself in all weather conditions. Following a quick pit-stop in Ipswich, Symphony has continued to the calmer climes of northern Spain with plans for extended cruising in the Azores next summer. AQUILINA TO: GARY & CAROLANN STEINHOFF Oyster Aquilina was handed over to Gary and Carolann Steinhoff in beautiful British Columbia in perfect conditions. She is a beautiful teak boat that the owners are genuinely thrilled with. They intend to keep the boat in and around British Columbia for the next couple of years and will be looking to cruise further afield in the future. HATTIE FISHER Oyster was handed over to her owners, Tim and Karen Proctor, in Long Island, New York with sail trials conducted on a beautiful day in Gardiners Bay. Hattie Fisher will be based in Sag Harbor in the Hamptons to allow Tim and Karen time to familiarise themselves with their new yacht, before exploring further up the US East Coast in years to come. BELLA ROSE TO: TIM & KAREN PROCTOR TO: BARRY LANESMAN Bella Rose is Barry s second Oyster having previously owned an Oyster 46 with the same name. Handover took place on a glorious summer day in Ipswich, with daughter, Ruby and Andra, the Hungarian Vizsla also in attendance. Bella Rose is being berthed on the Oyster dock in Palma over the winter, before cruising the western Mediterranean next year. After that, the plan is to sail further afield, with a view to joining the Oyster World Rally in / OYSTER ISSUE 80

87 VIDA MIA V TO: TEAM VIDA MIA Oyster Vida Mia V was handed over to Japanese owners in May. They are very proud of their new yacht, and of being the first Japanese owners to specify a new Oyster. After a gloriously sunny handover in Ipswich, Vida Mia V was sailed to St. Katharine Docks for a traditional Shinto blessing followed by a Champagne launch. They then cruised the south coast of England, northern France and Spain, before heading to Cannes Yachting Festival in September. Following a few years in the Mediterranean/ Caribbean, Vida Mia V will ultimately head for Japan. OYSTER 575 SILHOUETTE TO: BRUNO & MYRIAM CLAUDE Oyster was handed over to her owners, Bruno and Myriam Claude in May. As experienced yacht owners, Bruno and Myriam, who usually sail double-handed, took an active role in the project and were thoroughly involved in all aspects of the build. Plans for the boat include a few years in the Mediterranean getting used to a larger yacht before heading over to the Caribbean and USA. NIKITOO Oyster Nikitoo has been handed over to Hugh Johnson and his partner Mariana. There are a number of interesting tweaks to the standard boat, not least of which is the 70 litre rum tank complete with deck filler and proper commercial pump with which to access the contents. In fact this is smaller than the ~100 litre rum tank that Hugh had on his last boat (an Oyster 54 also called Nikitoo) but he felt that 100 litres was a little too much. I m sure we would all agree that carrying around 70 litres of rum is much more reasonable. AYNI TO: HUGH JOHNSON TO: BILL MAPSTONE On a glorious day in the Solent with blue sky, bright sunshine and not a cloud in sight, Oyster Ayni was handed over to Bill Mapstone. This is Bill's third Oyster having previously owned and Ayni is the first 885 with an 825 style Low Level Saloon whilst incorporating the Raised Deck. This in turn gives a headroom height in the saloon of almost eight feet. In keeping with styling of his previous Oysters, Bill chose a full teak interior and light coloured leather seating. He has also kept a traditional look with the hull being painted in a dark blue with gold lines. Sailing plans are to head across to the Caribbean before heading off into the Pacific. OYSTER 575 OYSTER 625 OYSTER 885 OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 85

88 WELCOME TO OYSTER CHARTER Oyster Charter is dedicated to matching client, yacht and crew solely aboard Oyster yachts, for the best of all tailored yacht holidays. Over the years Oyster Charter has organised many superb, bespoke charter holidays. With Oyster yachts spanning from 56 to 125ft (17-38m), we have an impressive fleet to offer the ultimate in flexibility to design the ideal Oyster Charter holiday for you. Whether you wish to cruise the Caribbean with friends, explore the most popular or secluded locations in the Mediterranean or enjoy the stunning east coast of America with your family, we have the right Oyster yacht and crew to meet your needs. Oyster Charter Manager, Molly Marston, established Oyster Charter over ten years ago and having served as crew afloat for ten years prior to that, Molly is well-equipped to create the perfect charter for you. Molly will advise on location, boat and most importantly, ideal crew for your personal tastes and lifestyle. We operate not just as a broker but with the full support of Oyster Yachts and our famed global customer care. With Oyster Charter you re not on your own, you re with the best. oystercharter.com 86 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

89 // CHARTER FLEET TWILIGHT // OYSTER 125 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 8 Winter: Caribbean from $80,000/wk Summer: Western Med from 80,000/wk PENELOPE // OYSTER 100 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 6 Winter: Caribbean from $60,000/wk Summer: Western Med from 50,000/wk FIREBIRD // OYSTER 885 Year Built: 2016 Guests: 7 Winter: Norway Ski & Sail from 47,700/wk incl. Summer: Croatia from 45,000/wk LUSH // OYSTER 885 AYNI // OYSTER 885 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 8 Winter: Caribbean from $45,000/wk Year Built: 2017 Guests: 6 Winter: Caribbean from $42,000/wk CONTACT // MOLLY MARSTON For more information about yachts available for charter contact Molly: T: M: E: charter@oysteryachts.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 87

90 XXX MIDNIGHT // OYSTER // OYSTER XX 82 Year Built: 2012 xx Guests: 6x Winter: Caribbean Winter: xx from $30,000/wk Summer: Summer: Western Med xxx from 29,000/wk DAMA DE NOCHE // OYSTER 82 Year Built: 2008 Guests: 6 Winter: Caribbean from $30,000/wk Summer: US East Coast from $30,000/wk BARE XXX // NECESSITIES OYSTER XX // OYSTER 82 Year Built: xx 2004 Summer: Winter: Western xx Med from 24,000/wk Guests: x6 Summer: xxx GRAYCIOUS // OYSTER 745 Year Built: 2016 Guests: 6 Winter: Caribbean from $26,000/wk Summer: US East Coast from $26,000/wk XXX LUSKENTYRE // OYSTER // XX OYSTER 72 Year Built: xx 2005 Winter: Caribbean Winter: xx from $23,000/wk Guests: 6x Summer: Summer: Scotland xxx from 21,000/wk OCEAN INDIES II // OYSTER 68 Year Built: 1989 Guests: 6 Winter: Caribbean from $12,500/wk oystercharter.com 88 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

91 // CHARTER FLEET HURRAH // OYSTER 655 Year Built: 2010 Guests: 6 Winter: Caribbean from $19,000/wk Summer: US East Coast from $19,000/wk BLACK LION // OYSTER 625 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 4 (6) Winter: Caribbean from $18,000/wk Summer: US East Coast from $18,000/wk Sistership BOARDING PASS IV // OYSTER 625 Year Built: 2016 Guests: 4 Winter: Caribbean from $18,000/wk Summer: Western Med from 18,000/wk TIGER // OYSTER 625 Year Built: 2012 Guests: 4 Summer: Croatia from 18,000/wk IRENE III // OYSTER 575 AMANZI // OYSTER 56 Year Built: 2011 Guests: 4 (Captain only) Winter: Caribbean from $7,000/wk Summer: Palma Mallorca from 7,000/wk Year Built: 2009 Guests: 4 Winter: Caribbean from $12,000/wk Summer: Western Med from 9,000/wk CONTACT // MOLLY MARSTON For more information about yachts available for charter contact Molly: T: M: E: charter@oysteryachts.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 89

92 INTRODUCING OYSTER CREW We are pleased to announce the launch of our new crew search and placement service Oyster Crew. After over 40 years of successfully finding and placing crew on Oysters, we recognise the importance in this legislative climate, of formally regulating the recruitment process within Oyster for crews and owners alike. Charlie Durham in our Palma office, will be in charge of the dayto-day running of the crew service for Oyster Yachts. Charlie is already talking to owners and crews and compiling a large database of good Oyster Crew candidates for you. FINDING THE RIGHT CREW FOR YOU In order for us to place the right crew for you, we need to know as much as possible about you, your yacht, your expectations and your plans. We spend time getting to know our crews and will only forward a small selection of candidates that we feel are more suited to you. Candidates are interviewed face-to-face where possible, references and qualifications are checked prior to forwarding so we can make an informed evaluation of personality and capabilities. In many cases we will know the candidates from previous Oyster Crew positions, so it is quite likely that we know your crew before you even start looking for them. CAPTAIN S ENDORSEMENT BY PANTAENIUS To further alleviate the work for you, Oyster are working alongside Pantaenius insurers who have agreed to assess the Captains on our database. Therefore, any Captain we recommend has already been pre-approved for Pantaenius insurance policy purposes to work on your yacht. NO PLACEMENT NO FEE With regard to placing crew on board your yacht, Oyster Crew will charge a placement fee of one month s salary of the crew placed. This is the standard industry wide and wholly justified by the work that goes into the selection process prior to you receiving the candidate s CVs. MLC 2006 COMPLIANCE Oyster Crew is an MCA certified Recruitment and Placement Agency. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) is an International Labour Organization convention established in 2006 providing a set of international standards for seafarers. We work within these MLC guidelines to ensure that crew are fully aware of their rights as a professional seafarer. If you would like our help to find your next crew, or if you are crew seeking work on an Oyster yacht, Charlie Durham is happy to help with your enquiries. E: crew@oysteryachts.com M: oysteryachts.com/crew

93 OYSTER BROKERAGE LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? If you are looking to buy or sell a pre-owned Oyster, look no further. Experience Most buyers will contact us first when looking for a pre-owned Oyster yacht. Established in 1984, we have sold more than five hundred yachts, we sell the vast majority of pre-owned Oysters that change hands each year. Knowledge As Oyster specialists our knowledge is unsurpassed. We have access to original build files, designers, project managers, and build yards, which enables us to produce comprehensive and detailed sales specifications, greatly enhancing the marketing of your yacht. International Reach We have established offices in the UK at Ipswich, in Palma, Mallorca in Spain, and at Newport, Rhode Island, USA. We also work closely with the Oyster team in Australia and a network of external brokers, giving us a worldwide presence. Marketing A virtual tour of the Oyster yacht can feature on the website, enabling visitors to look inside the yacht online, no matter where they are in the world. Most of our sales enquiries come from our own website oysterbrokerage.com, but we also advertise in leading global yachting magazines and on key brokerage websites, free of charge to you. Insight Our extensive database of worldwide buyers allows us to carefully target our marketing we probably already know the next owner of your yacht! Boat Shows As well as being present at the most important international boat shows in Europe and the USA, we also run our own exclusive Oyster Brokerage Boat Show annually in Ipswich each May. Yacht Care At our Palma office we are able to offer berthing and guardienage packages via the Oyster Service Centre Palma, whilst in Ipswich we maintain a permanent display of pre-owned Oyster boats, with full storage and guardienage services to ensure that your yacht is presented to the market in the best possible condition. Expertise We will manage the entire sale process on your behalf, from initial listing through to final completion. We provide expert support throughout the sale process and afterwards, including negotiation, contracts, survey, sea trial and documentation and post completion handover if required. Funds are held in our dedicated client (escrow) account. We are also happy to provide guidance on registration, tax, duty, VAT, finance and refit. The Oyster Brokerage team would be delighted to discuss your plans with no obligation. OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 91

94 OUR WORLDWIDE EXPERTISE ED RUMBLE // NEWPORT USA The process of buying a yacht overseas was a new adventure for me and I am grateful for the expertise and experience of the Oyster team. My first meeting with the broker in Newport was followed by a short trip to Palma to sea trial and survey. Negotiations with the UK based seller were handled smoothly and professionally and a transaction that could have been very difficult was a breeze. After closing, the Oyster Service Centre helped look after the yacht until she was passaged to the US, where she has now joined the Oyster Charter fleet. A truly comprehensive and international service. I could not be happier with the entire purchase experience, Oyster s very professional staff and most importantly, my new Oyster. 92 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

95 // BROKERAGE LOUIS GOOR // IPSWICH We were looking for a family cruising yacht, and had requested the details of a number of Oysters online before flying to the UK to view a specific Oyster 575 in Ipswich that had caught my eye several years previously when written up in Yachting World. From the initial viewing, to making an offer, and throughout the survey and sea trial, Oyster Brokerage were friendly, professional and made the whole process straightforward and very enjoyable. MIKE KEARNEY // PALMA Buying a boat abroad is never a straightforward exercise and plenty of trusted help and guidance is needed throughout. Our search initiated with the Ipswich office and was seamlessly managed with the Palma team as we narrowed to boats in both locations. The local knowledge and on hand capabilities of both teams was key in ultimately sealing the deal and managing the considerable logistics of the closure. The Palma team in particular were also able to assemble and manage the final package of her relocation, berth, guardienage and critically, the post purchase refit, all under a single project manager. This ultimately gave us the confidence to proceed. It's been a fantastic first year with our Oyster 56 Sionna, with the Service and Guardienage teams in Palma making possible more use than we had even dreamed. UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) brokerage@oysteryachts.com USA, NEWPORT T: newport@oysteryachts.com SPAIN, PALMA T: palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com oysterbrokerage.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 93

96 NEW LISTING OYSTER OYSTER 100 // SARAFIN The elegant Oyster 100 Sarafin by Dubois, is now offered for sale for the first time. Still in her original ownership, Sarafin has been cruised extensively by her owner, family and friends. She has recently completed her five year Lloyd s survey. Sarafin is the first in class and designed with the specification, features and classification of a much larger yacht. Her accommodation layout offers three sumptuous staterooms aft and two crew cabins forward. With panoramic views from the raised saloon, which leads forward and down to a further lounge and office area. Forward of the main living area is the crew mess, galley and two crew cabins. She is a near silent vessel under power even when running a generator thanks to her soft mounted interior. Sarafin couldn t be in a finer condition since her launch. Extensively upgraded and professionally maintained regardless of cost she is fully Lloyd s and MCA compliant and ready for private use or charter. Lying: Oyster Palma 6,950,000 ex VAT 94 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

97 NEW LISTING 2013 OYSTER 885 // KARIBU Launched in 2013, Oyster 885 Karibu is in exceptional condition. Extensively detailed for an owner intent on both performance and cruising with a high level of comfort, her specification is as impressive as her success in meeting these demanding objectives. Lying: Oyster Palma 5,750,000 VAT paid OYSTER OYSTER 825 // CINDERELLA Launched in January 2017 and for sale due to change of sailing plans, Cinderella has a high specification and beautifully styled interior reaching the height of luxury without compromising performance. Ideal for ocean cruising and Superyacht regattas. Lying: Hamble, Southampton 4,900,000 ex VAT NEW LISTING 2015 OYSTER 825 // MAEGAN Winner of the 2016 International Yacht Interior Design Award. Her use to date has been a mix of successful charter, regatta sailing and family cruising. Her interior offers Superyacht accommodation, boasting four VIP en-suite cabins and the adaptability to meet the demanding requirements of multiple use. Lying: Oyster Palma 4,000,000 VAT paid UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) brokerage@oysteryachts.com USA, NEWPORT T: newport@oysteryachts.com SPAIN, PALMA T: palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com oysterbrokerage.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 95

98 NEW LISTING PRICE REDUCED OYSTER OYSTER 82 // RAVEN Absolutely stunning 82 with black hull and spars. Five cabins finished in exquisite maple joinery with contrasting walnut fiddles and cabin soles. Her push-button hydraulic furling rig makes her easy to handle. She is ready to go sailing. Lying: West Mediterranean 2,925,000 VAT paid 2009 OYSTER 82 // RIVENDELL Magnificently maintained, constantly upgraded with modernised, tasteful interior. Clean, functional deck boasts a cleverly devised foredeck lounge. Trusted hull design, unique carbon spars, slab reefing and hydraulic furling make for a proficient passage maker and easy to handle whatever the weather. Lying: En route to Caribbean 2,750,000 ex VAT 2011 OYSTER 82 // MATHILDA SOUND Stunningly presented 82. Maple and walnut stylish interior giving a modern feel. Proven charter history and ideal family cruiser. Six guests in three cabins plus three crew. Sail plan allows for short-handed sailing. Professionally maintained since launch. Viewing highly recommended. Lying: Oyster Palma 2,500,000 VAT paid 2007 OYSTER 82 // RAVENOUS II Lively performance rig for the racecourse, shallow draft for exploring, 13 berths for a large cruising family. Built in gorgeous light maple for an American yachtsman as flagship of the Oyster fleet. No expense was spared. Lying: Oyster Newport, US US $1,995,000 US DUTY PAID NEW LISTING 2006 OYSTER 82 // TILLY MINT An impressive yacht with beautiful mahogany joinery giving a luxurious feel below decks. Superb raised saloon and berths for up to 13 in five cabins. Straightforward to sail with push-button hydraulic sail handling. Well maintained and attractively priced. Lying: Valencia, Spain 1,395,000 VAT paid 2004 OYSTER 82 // DARLING Highly specified ocean-ready 82 with flag blue hull, carbon cutter rig, carbon in-boom main, stunning cherry interior and loaded with extras. Major refit at Oyster Southampton with new rigging, paint job, new decks and more. Realistically priced and turnkey condition. Lying: Oyster Newport, US US $1,800,000 US DUTY PAID 96 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

99 $800,000+ OYSTER SOUTHAMPTON REFIT IN OYSTER 82 // PANDEMONIUM 2015 Oyster Southampton refit, major upgrades include new electronics and new decks. Shoal draft, push-button sailing, palatial owners' head with full bathtub and bidet give a true Superyacht ambience. Professionally-crewed and ready for charter. Lying: Oyster Palma US $1,750,000 ex VAT 2011 OYSTER 725 // SPIRIT OF PHANTOM One owner, one crew. Professionally and beautifully maintained with stunning lines and a superb accommodation plan - ten berths in four cabins. Powerful performer with fully battened main and carbon spars. Perfect solution for pleasurable cruising with charter potential. Lying: Caribbean 3,150,000 ex VAT OYSTER PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED 2011 OYSTER 72 // INFINITI OF COWES Stunning Oyster 72. Beautiful maple joinery and huge specification. This yacht is in superior condition and includes new standing rigging. Recently serviced and inspected throughout. Infiniti is in turnkey condition and ready for handover to a new owner. Lying: Oyster UK 1,550,000 VAT paid 2010 OYSTER 72 // ALBERTONE 3 Exceptional example of the elegant Oyster 72, AlbertOne3 is a beautifully cared for, sleek and luxurious cruising yacht. One owner since new and professionally maintained to an exacting standard by a fantastic crew. Lying: Oyster Palma 1,650,000 ex VAT NEW LISTING PRICE REDUCED 2007 OYSTER 72 // SOLITAIRE OF BOSHAM Built with a breathtaking attention to detail by experienced owner, Solitaire boasts sleek modern lines and a clutter-free feel. Class-leading, beautifully proportioned and practical interior. Performance wise the 72 is hard to beat. Currently used for family cruising and some charter. Lying: Oyster Palma 1,485,000 VAT paid 2005 OYSTER 72 // CRAZY HORSE Unique carbon Oyster 72. Designed for fast, comfortable cruising plus occasional racing. Extensive refit in 2015 adding double forecabin, new decks and more. Viewing recommended to understand extent and quality of refit of this intriguing yacht. Owner needs to sell - offers encouraged. Lying: Gibraltar 1,250,000 ex VAT UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) brokerage@oysteryachts.com USA, NEWPORT T: newport@oysteryachts.com SPAIN, PALMA T: palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com oysterbrokerage.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 97

100 NEW LISTING OYSTER OYSTER HP68 // IN THE MOOD II Recently circumnavigated Australia. Fully battened mainsail for performance and reliability, whilst her headsails furl hydraulically. Below decks she has light oak joinery and sleeps ten in five cabins. Lying in New Zealand, she is ideally placed for exploring the South Pacific. Lying: New Zealand AUD $875,000 ex VAT 2000 OYSTER 66 // ANNACAY A mini Superyacht with superb upper and lower saloons. Hydraulic furling to her mainsail and headsails gives push-button sailing. Ten berths in five cabins, all finished in handcrafted light oak. A comfortable home for long distance bluewater cruising. Lying: East Mediterranean 975,000 VAT paid UNDER OFFER 2005 OYSTER 66 // VALENTINE Last Oyster 66 built. Ocean-ready cutter rig offers effortless push-button sailing with in-mast furling hydraulic main and furling headsails. Fully equipped for extended voyaging with all creature comforts. Recently proven circumnavigator and ready to go again. Lying: Oyster Newport, US US $895,000 US DUTY PAID 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 in the UK to be sold. Lying: Oyster UK 1,250,000 ex VAT 2008 OYSTER 655 // MATAWAI Impeccably maintained and presented in A+ condition, Matawai is freshly refit with cutting edge communications upgrades and more. Reduced price and lying in Newport Rhode Island. Perfect gentleman s Bermuda racer. Lying: Oyster Newport, US US $1,650,000 US DUTY PAID 2008 OYSTER 655 // PROTEUS One of the most luxuriously appointed Oysters ever built, she has custom Harken deck gear and carbon spars by Hall. Shoal keel reduces draft to 7 3, enabling her to access anchorages normally unavailable. Lying: Caribbean US $1,550,000 US DUTY PAID 98 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

101 NEW LISTING PRICE REDUCED 2009 OYSTER 655 // ISNL This fine example has been professionally maintained to very high standards and seen extensive service and upgrades. Her light, homely interior is accented by Farrow and Ball red bulkhead in the saloon. Shorthanded capability with in-mast furling and cutter rig enabling safe cruising to anywhere. Lying: Oyster Palma 1,150,000 ex VAT 2009 OYSTER 655 // GUNDAMAIN Impeccably maintained, Gundamain shows exceedingly well both above and below decks. Highly specified for either tropical cruising and arctic adventures. Carbon cutter rig with slab reefing mainsail. Luxurious cherry joinery. In turnkey condition and priced to sell. Lying: Oyster Palma 995,000 ex VAT OYSTER UNDER OFFER 2013 OYSTER 625 // GREAT BEAR V Superb 625, sailed only in European waters and never chartered. Maple joinery and walnut sole boards give a bright modern feel below decks. Push-button hydraulic furling cutter rig make her easy to handle. Beautifully presented and highly recommended. Lying: Oyster Palma 1,550,000 VAT paid 2013 OYSTER 625 // KATHARA Young and lightly used 625 with centreboard, twin rudders, stern thruster and three double cabin layout including VIP forward. In-mast furling and loaded with options, built for a very experienced three-time Oyster owner. Lying: Cruising SE US US $1,795,000 US DUTY PAID 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 UK 1,200,000 ex VAT 2001 OYSTER 62 // PEARLFISHER 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: UK South Coast 1,195,000 VAT paid UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) brokerage@oysteryachts.com USA, NEWPORT T: newport@oysteryachts.com SPAIN, PALMA T: palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com oysterbrokerage.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 99

102 PRICE REDUCED OYSTER OYSTER 62 // GALLOPER OF HAMBURG Very lightly used, this Oyster 62 presents very well. Beautiful maple interior and very highly specified, push-button sailing. Skipper maintained from new and never chartered. Maintained regardless of cost. Viewing highly recommended OYSTER 62 // LOBLOLLY Extensive refit in 2015, with over $400K in recent improvements. Shoal draft of 6 7 opens the door to exploring shallow waters other yachts in this size could only dream of voyaging; The Chesapeake, Bahamas, Florida and parts of the Caribbean and Pacific are now well within reach. Turnkey. Lying: Oyster Palma 1,150,000 VAT paid Lying: Cruising SE US US $1,095,000 US DUTY PAID NEW LISTING UNDER OFFER UNDER OFFER 2014 OYSTER 575 // SILVER LINING In fabulous condition. Loved and cruised by original owners. Beautiful maple joinery and impressive Seascape vertical windows provide a light, warm, comfortable interior. Proven cruiser with regatta success and effortless passage making capability. Viewing highly recommended. Lying: Oyster Palma 1,150,000 VAT paid 2010 OYSTER 575 // JUNO Must-see example. Travelled extensively but presents as new. Stunning white oak interior offers seven berths in four cabins. Well maintained with beneficial owner upgrades. Easy to use sail plan allows for short-handed sailing anywhere. Only selling due to a change of plans. Lying: Oyster Palma 950,000 VAT paid 2010 OYSTER 56 // ENJOY LIFE Enjoy Life, the last of the iconic 56s. Built for exploring in comfort and safety, she is probably the highest specified 56 ever launched. In turnkey condition, she is ready to go. Lying: Oyster Palma 700,000 VAT paid NEW LISTING NEW LISTING NEW LISTING 2007 OYSTER 56 // AMANZI Amanzi is a 'G5' Oyster 56. Particularly appealing to the enthusiastic yachtsman thanks to her cutter rig and fully battened mainsail, the ideal set up for world cruising. Amanzi has just completed a comprehensive refit in Southampton. Lying: West Mediterranean 599,000 VAT paid 2007 OYSTER 56 // OYSTER BAY Superb late model 'G5' Oyster 56 with in-mast furling mainsail cutter rig, ideal for short-handed cruising. White hull with handcrafted, crown cut teak joinery. Eight berths in four cabins. Early viewing recommended. Lying: East Mediterranean 595,000 ex VAT 2004 OYSTER 56 // ICHI FEET One of the finest examples of an Oyster 56 on brokerage. Careful engineer-owner has kept an exacting maintenance log since launch. The 56 offers unbeatable comfort, safety and practicality and is easy to handle by two from the safety of the cockpit. Lying: Oyster Palma 535,000 VAT paid 100 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

103 NEW LISTING 2005 OYSTER 56 // ANN MARY Easy to handle 56 with push-button hydraulic in-mast and genoa furling. Maple interior joinery below where she sleeps seven in four cabins, with a further sea berth possible in the saloon. Well equipped OYSTER 56 // PARAGON BAY Hydraulic furling cutter rig and light oak joinery below decks where she sleeps seven in four cabins. Re-engined in 2008, she had a refit in 2012, which included mast respray, new sails, heating, rigging and more OYSTER 55 // ICENIC Icenic is a great example of the Oyster 55, with many recent upgrades of her electrical and mechanical systems. She is ready to tackle the southern ocean or cruise in comfort around the Mediterranean. OYSTER Lying: Oyster Palma 420,000 ex VAT Lying: Oyster UK 400,000 VAT paid Lying: West Mediterranean 195,000 VAT paid PRICE REDUCED NEW LISTING 2010 OYSTER 54 // SARA BLUE V 2008 OYSTER 54 // PLAN SEA 2005 OYSTER 53 // BALTHAZAR Well maintained since launch with sumptious cherry joinery below decks. Highly specified and stunning 54 with sloop rig and electric in-mast furling for easy push-button sailing. Ready to set sail. 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. Mediterranean sailed example with low engine hours. Slab reefing with lines led aft to the cockpit. Teak joinery below where she sleeps eight in four cabins. Owners stateroom has two generous singles, and there is an armchair in the saloon! Lying: Oyster Palma 595,000 ex VAT Lying: Oyster UK 540,000 VAT paid Lying: Oyster Palma 395,000 VAT paid PRICE REDUCED PRICE REDUCED 2001 OYSTER 53 // CONTINGENCY 2000 OYSTER 53 // SLEIPNIR 2003 OYSTER 53 // JARINA Very desirable Oyster 53 built to very high specification for hands-on American owner. Maintained by a full time professional captain and boasting a successful charter history, has an ocean-going cutter rig, classic teak interior and easy-to-handle in-mast furling. An ideal family cruising yacht with eight berths in four cabins. Her in-mast furling cutter rig is versatile and easy to handle. Crown cut teak joinery below decks provide a warm and contemporary feel. Jarina is a very well specified bluewater cruiser, ready to explore the world s oceans and anchorages. Her layout comprises six berths in three cabins, with ample storage and an electric furling rig. Lying: Cruising SE US US $450,000 US DUTY PAID Lying: Oyster UK 330,000 VAT paid Lying: Oyster UK 295,000 ex VAT UK, IPSWICH T: +44 (0) brokerage@oysteryachts.com USA, NEWPORT T: newport@oysteryachts.com SPAIN, PALMA T: palma-brokerage@oysteryachts.com oysterbrokerage.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 101

104 NEW LISTING NEW LISTING OYSTER OYSTER 485 // OUT ON THE BLUE A twice proven circumnavigator. Simple sloop rig with in-mast furling mainsail and furling genoa. Fridge/ freezer, washer/dryer, watermaker and generator. She sleeps six in three cabins, with light oak joinery giving a light and airy feel. Lying: Oyster UK 215,000 VAT paid 2000 OYSTER 47 // OYSTER CRACKER Rare cutter-rigged Oyster 47, which, when combined with in-mast furling, gives her a versatile and easily handled sail plan. Accommodation for six in three cabins, with a light and airy feel below decks OYSTER 47 // OYSTER MOON Late model 47, easy to handle with in-mast furling mainsail, furling genoa, and electric primary and secondary winches. With an extensive list of optional equipment, she sleeps six in three cabins, and her joinery is in light oak. Lying: Oyster UK 275,000 VAT paid Lying: Caribbean 295,000 VAT paid NEW LISTING UNDER OFFER 2000 OYSTER 47 // CRAZY DIAMOND Well presented Oyster 47 with lovely oak joinery sleeping six in three cabins. She has the optional larger engine with shaft drive. Her sporty rig has a slab reefing mainsail which is tamed for shorthanded sailing by lazyjacks, stack pack and single line reefing. Lying: Oyster UK 285,000 VAT paid 2009 OYSTER 46 // HULL OYSTER 46 // MARMAX Winner of the Concours d Elégance at the 2009 Oyster Palma Regatta, Marmax is a beautiful example of the Oyster 46, professionally maintained and presented in superb condition. Fully battened mainsail, generator, airconditioning, heating, radar/chartplotter and oak interior. Lying: West Mediterranean 465,000 VAT paid Beautiful and lightly used 46 with less than 600 engine hours. Almost as new with unmarked light oak joinery. She sleeps six in three cabins. Sloop rigged with electric in-mast furling to the mainsail make her easy to handle. Lying: UK South Coast 485,000 VAT paid NEW LISTING UNDER OFFER 2001 OYSTER 45 // IONA BESS Late model, low mileage Oyster 45, which is comprehensively equipped for shorthanded ocean sailing. Simple sloop rig with in-mast furling and electric genoa furling. Lovely teak interior joinery below decks, where she sleeps six in three cabins. Lying: UK South Coast 265,000 VAT paid 2006 OYSTER LD43 // RIP RAP Offering excellent high-speed sea keeping abilities that make for effortless long distance cruising, the twin water jet computer controlled propulsion system enables astonishing manoeuvrability. This particular example has been maintained to exacting standards. Lying: Italy 239,000 VAT paid Sistership 2007 OYSTER LD43 // SISU Equipped with twin 480hp Yanmar engines and Hamilton Jet drives, this is a fast and easy boat to manoeuvre. Equipment includes air conditioning, generator and separate heating to name a few. Beautifully maintained since her launch in Lying: Guernsey 225,000 VAT paid 102 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

105 OUR REGATTA PARTNERS We are grateful to our regatta partners for the ongoing support that they provide, enabling us to create memorable events for our owners. Established over 50 years ago in the UK, Dolphin Sails has been creating bespoke quality sails and canvas work ever since. Matthew Vincent T: +44 (0) E: Leading sailboat and powerboat hardware supplier for the leisure marine industry. Roger Cerrato T: +44 (0) E: For 40 years Pantaenius has been providing optimal coverage for your yacht, your assets and your paid crew. Simon Bowen T: +44 (0) E: International yacht consultants specialising in global yacht management and services. Declan O Sullivan T: +44 (0) E: dos@pelagosyachts.com The world s leading manufacturer of recreational marine electronics. Harry Heasman T: +44 (0) E: harry.heasman@raymarine.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 103

106 WROXHAM SOUTHAMPTON IPSWICH GERMANY NEWPORT PALMA OYSTER BROKERAGE OYSTER CHARTER OYSTER CREW OYSTER YACHT BUILDING YARDS OYSTER SERVICE CENTRE OYSTER INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE 104 / OYSTER ISSUE 80

107 // CONTACT US OYSTER YACHTS // UK General Enquiries T: +44 (0) E: New Yacht Sales Enquiries T: +44 (0) E: Customer Service Enquiries T: +44 (0) E: OYSTER YACHTS // USA New Yacht Sales Enquiries T: E: OYSTER SERVICE CENTRES OYSTER YACHTS // IPSWICH Oli Brett T: +44 (0) E: OYSTER YACHTS // NEWPORT Will White T: E: OYSTER YACHTS // PALMA Mark Durham T: E: OYSTER YACHTS // SOUTHAMPTON Mandy Boughton T: +44 (0) E: OYSTER REPRESENTATIVES UK: T: +44 (0) PALMA: T: USA: T: E: W: oysterbrokerage.com OYSTER YACHTS // AUSTRALIA Michael Bell T: E: OYSTER YACHTS // GERMANY Christian Russwurm T: E: Molly Marston T: E: W: oystercharter.com Matthew Townsend T: +44 (0) E: AUSTRALIA Charlie Durham T: E: Facebook: /oystermarine YouTube: /oystermarine Website: oysteryachts.com OYSTER ISSUE 80 / 105

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