Scarlet Oyster’s outstanding performance demonstrates the performance capability of British-built Oyster Yachts, which are usually more highly recognised for their long distance blue-water cruising characteristics. Now more than 30 years old, Scarlet Oyster has competed in eleven Fastnet races, and finished either first or second in her class in the last seven, completed eight ARC crossings winning her class on every occasion and overall event winner in four. In ten years of racing in the Caribbean, Scarlet Oyster has never missed a podium in any race she has competed in.
"We are pretty happy,” commented Ross Applebey. “It was obviously close with Comanche and that had been playing on our minds for the second half of the race. We did all we could, so no regrets. The RORC has managed to put their own spin on a transat, with all sorts of weather and angles; it was a bit like a Fastnet! This race was more interesting because of that and we were constantly watching the clock, obsessively looking for speed. ”
The RORC Transatlantic Race featured close racing across the record fleet. "One thing is for sure, it was a very competitive race, which was quite a challenge – but that is what the Scarlet Oyster team want from yacht racing. We pushed her pretty hard and she managed brilliantly. The crew worked really well and fought for every note of boat speed,” adds Applebey.
Scarlet Oyster will be based in the Caribbean for the winter season and will compete in the Caribbean 600 later this month, where she will again square up to Comanche who, at twice her size, will be keeping a weather-eye on the red-hulled Oyster. Scarlet Oyster has raced in the Caribbean 600 eight times and holds the record for number of class wins of any boat in the event. She will then compete in the St Barts and St Maarten Heineken regattas before coming back across the Atlantic to start the RORC races in Europe.
"Scarlet Oyster has been in my family for 30 years. She is a physically strong boat and has not lost any of her original speed, which really shows the durability of the build. We have had no issues with her and have been able to push her hard. She has a real pedigree and is a joy to sail,” concludes Applebey.
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