Sailing performance

The Oyster 495 is a joy to sail – a responsive and fast-moving 50 foot yacht on all points of sail. Twin rudders offer fingertip control even in the liveliest conditions. A range of advanced technology makes shorthanded sailing effortless, with in-mast furling and B&G navigation controls operated from the helm positions.

Fingertip control

Naval architect Rob Humphreys evolved the hull of the Oyster 495 from the larger models in the fleet.

The wide hull form carries its beam aft, which makes space for twin rudders. This offers fingertip control with light, responsive handling. The hull is stiff and strong, so when in cruising trim it is easily driven. Her low centre of gravity keel and substantial displacement enhances stability and handling to deliver a silky smooth, soft motion when sailing upwind, close reaching and in head seas.

The plumb bow with extended bowsprit, inspired by Humphreys’ racing design, allows the 495 to carry a significantly larger sail area, delivering consistently faster passage making and cruising speeds. The superior hull form of the new Oyster 495 also makes her an efficient load-carrier, ideal for the large tankage and stowage required for extended bluewater adventures.

Mainsail and jib

The Oyster 495 comes as standard with a Tri-radial DCX/H main and headsail.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a lighter and more durable Evolution Expedition sail, featuring a hybrid carbon Technora material for ultimate performance.

In-mast furling

The standard rig is configured with Seldén’s new electric in-mast furling.

This allows the mainsail to be entirely controlled at the touch of a button from the helm station. It features a 105% non-overlapping manual furling headsail, that can be upgraded to electric furling. The vang and backstay can be configured to be adjusted at the touch of a button to achieve the ideal trim and provide complete control, making for effortless shorthanded sailing.

Jib furling

For fingertip control of jib tension.

The optional, push-button, electric-powered, jib furling system works in conjunction with additional powered winches and provides effortless control of jib tension.

Downwind sailing options

The Oyster 495 offers a variety of sail set-ups, from a Code Zero, spinnaker and storm jib.

Halyards can be operated by an optional powered winch on the foredeck. An asymmetric spinnaker with snuffer and inflatable bucket can be used. The Code Zero has a manually operated furler and there are fixings on deck for a storm jib. For dead downwind sailing you can choose to pole out the headsail.