It seems that every article I write at the moment is talking about various different industry events that have shifted or morphed due to the global pandemic and that sadly it is the same situation for all of us. For Oyster Yachts the same applied to them. When once there would be a fleet of the beautiful vessels lined up and ready for some serious sailing, being serenaded by Eddie Jordan and his band, and a certain anticipation and excitement in the air as the Regatta began, this year was a bit different, though equally exciting albeit from a different viewpoint.
The main one being the introduction of the new flagship of the Oyster range – the Oyster 1225 affectionately known as ARCHELON. This 37.65m sloop was launched in 2019 and combines vast volume, comfort and style, boasting a master stateroom in the aft and 4 versatile twins with 2 Pullmans that can be converted to 4 doubles. From the helm stations to the steps down to the forward salon, guests will discover a three-part combination of an al-fresco dining area, the upper-level sofas and mid-level dining areas to provide varied and relaxing entertaining spaces.
The design is typically Oyster in that it brings in so much natural light that you find it hard to believe you are on a yacht at all. The attention to detail is absolutely spectacular and it really does feel like the gift that keeps on giving. The utilisation of the space means that even if you are at full capacity of 12 guests and 6 crew, you will never feel as though you are sat on top of one another. The cosy snug is a prime example of this and is the perfect space to curl up with a book, if you want a break from the beating sunshine, and was one of my favourite areas when we were given our private tour. She certainly is a superyacht to be proud of.
This, however, wasn’t the only yacht in the range that we were able to view on that sunny Sunday afternoon. We started off with the current baby of the fleet, the Oyster 565. The 565 is a sub-60-foot sailboat, designed to be sailed shorthanded by a couple or family. Boasting many of the features you would expect on a larger bluewater sailing yacht, she is capable of everything from a coastal cruise to circumnavigating the globe without the need for a professional crew.
An evolution of the ever-popular 56 and 575 (of which over 120 were built), the Oyster 565 is built on Rob Humphreys’ powerful G6 twin rudder hull form. As a result, this explorer sailing yacht delivers true performance cruising, with all furling from the helm and a line free deck, creating an easy sailing atmosphere. The centreboard option is perfect for cruising around the shallower waters of the US East Coast or accessing the most remote bays in the world.
Below decks, the large volume creates a surprisingly spacious, comfortable interior, that is delightfully light and airy, with a truly modern feel. The forward windows open for better ventilation and the optional extended transom opens up a large full-width lazarette to store all the watersports toys. She really is an exceptionally lovely boat that would be perfect for couples or families entering the sailing arena and Oyster family.
Finally, we had a peek onboard Oyster 675, Amphora. Luxurious comfort is the key to the 675’s appeal. Offering a large volume below decks, she presents a lovely range of options that can be tailored to personal preferences. The saloon is quite literally flooded with light from the triple vertical seascape windows on either side and you almost feel as though you are outside.
Life on board is easy. There are options to customise her interior layout to accommodate any combination of family, friends and crew with a choice of hand-crafted finishes. The practical U-shaped galley offers plenty of space to practise your gourmet skills at sea and there is plenty to keep family and guests occupied.
With all the classes of yachts, ease of sailing and comfort are key, and the teams around the globe are on hand for any needs such as mooring, maintenance and guardiennage. Should any problem occur you will be well looked after by the Oyster family.
Talking to the Palma team, with a view over their fleet’s sterns and the marina, after we’ve had our fill of their yachts, it seems that despite the challenges of the last few months they are in a strong position, recording one of their best years ever. Jamie Collins, Head of Brokerage is very humble about their current success, as he is infinitely aware of the global situation and that not everyone is fairing so well, however, he says that they have the right stock, in the right places, for the right owners.
Looking to the future they are positive. The Oyster World Rally 2022-23, a non-competitive world yacht rally that provides owners of Oyster yachts with a fantastic opportunity to sail around the world, with a pre-planned route and a dedicated Oyster support team on hand along the way, is still very much alive. In fact it is currently sold out and there is a waiting list.
If you don’t know about the Rally it is definitely one for the bucket list. Participants will sail to some of the world’s most stunning and breathtaking destinations with a group of like-minded sailing and travel enthusiasts. The route takes in some of the best sailing grounds, purposefully designed by Oyster’s team of experts to make the best of seasonal weather patterns during this world yacht rally.
The 2022 Oyster World Rally will see participants sail around the world to such spectacular destinations such as Tahiti, Vanuatu, Ascension Island, Antigua, the Galapagos Islands, Australia, Indonesia, as well as traversing through the Panama Canal. Participants have the option of joining for just part of the rally if they don’t have the time to dedicate to the full world yacht rally. It’s going to be one hell of a ride.
It’s funny to think that only this time last year I was sat aboard Lush in Port Andratx, being handed a beer by Eddie Jordan and chatting to new owner Richard Hadida. What a difference a year can make. I’ll leave it to Richard once again to sum up just what it is about Oyster that keeps owners and buyers returning year after year. “ It’s a deep sense of community. At the heart of Oyster are our people: those who design and build these deck saloon yachts and those who own and love them. We think of ourselves as a family, inspired by each other, the stories we tell and the adventures we enjoy. I hope you will join us. Richard Hadida CEO and Owner
+34 971 287 474
palma@oysteryachts.com
By Victoria Pearce
