Commissioned by owners Stuart and Lana and inspired by the legacy of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s ENDURANCE, the yacht has been designed for long range global cruising to some of the world’s most remote destinations. Combining Oyster’s proven bluewater capability with an extensive range of bespoke features, ENDURANCE represents one of the most highly customised Oyster 745s built to date.
The launch and handover were marked with a celebration in London honouring the spirit of exploration that inspired the project. Following a private viewing at the Royal Geographical Society, ENDURANCE was officially christened at St Katharine Docks in the presence of family and friends, alongside Alexandra Shackleton, granddaughter of Sir Ernest Shackleton. Departing beneath the iconic Tower Bridge, the occasion echoed the historic departure of Shackleton’s original voyage more than a century ago.
At the heart of the yacht is her lifting centreboard keel, marking the first Oyster 745 to be built in this configuration. Designed to significantly expand cruising possibilities, the system allows for a reduced draft of 1.98m, enabling access to shallow anchorages and remote coastal cruising grounds while maintaining the offshore capability expected of an Oyster yacht.
Other notable features include a fully enclosed carbon fibre hardtop bimini with integrated solar panels, the first fitted to an Oyster 745. Designed to extend the usability of the cockpit throughout the seasons, the enclosure creates an entirely new protected living space on board, enhancing comfort and practicality during extended time at sea.
ENDURANCE also features an extended transom, carbon fibre davits, enhanced insulation and heating systems for colder climates, long range tankage and a comprehensive North Sails package configured for offshore passagemaking. Developed in close collaboration between the owners and Oyster’s design, engineering and build teams, the yacht’s extensive specification brings together craftsmanship, customisation and proven bluewater capability to support comfortable long term exploration across a wide range of cruising environments.
An accompanying film series documenting the build and launch of ENDURANCE will be released soon. Follow Stuart and Lana’s adventure at exploretheworld.com.
