Spring Update 2024

Dear All,

Welcome to Oyster’s spring update.

We celebrated Oyster’s New Year on 14 January when 22 yachts left Antigua on the Oyster World Rally 2024-25. Covering 27,000nm, visiting 27 destinations over 16 months, it really is one incredible adventure. The fleet is through the Panama Canal and, after exploring the magical Galápagos Islands, is now crossing the mighty Pacific. See their adventures unfold in real time, courtesy of our owners and award-winning photographer Rick Tomlinson, who is travelling with the fleet. Join them at Rally Live.

If you are considering embarking on this sailing adventure of a lifetime, we have just announced the Oyster World Rally 2028-29. Entries open on 18 June 2024, giving you time to make an informed decision. The 2026-27 Rally is oversubscribed, so expect high demand for the limited places – you can find out more here.

Back home, I’m delighted to report that the business is in excellent shape, with a record number of yachts launched and in build. Revenue and margins continue to grow, and we expect to see Oyster back in profit later this year, see the latest coverage here. Amongst the many new members of the Oyster family are Adrian Newey, Red Bull Racing Chief Technology Officer, and his wife Amanda. Adrian has kindly shared with us his experiences of building his new Oyster 885 – watch it here.

After her impressive debut at the Palma Regatta, the Oyster 885GT joined the Oyster World Rally 2024-25. Her performance has been exceptional, averaging fast, comfortable passage making speeds of a dazzling 20 knots. We expect her to set the record for the fastest Pacific crossing by an Oyster. Owners Anthony and Sophie Ward invited Boat International journalists aboard 885GT Babiana recently and the article just published – read it here.

We continue with our relentless focus on providing owners with unrivalled support, reassurance and personalised care – it’s what sets Oyster apart. Now, owning an Oyster is easier than ever thanks to a host of personalised services such as Oyster’s Global Service Network, extended warranty, Crew and Charter services, part exchange, Refit and After Sales, just a few services on the growing list of owner benefits. With spring in the air and the new season almost here, the Oyster Service teams will be delighted to prepare your yacht for a memorable summer of cruising. Contact them here.

Our legendary technical support team completed complimentary health checks on all 23 Oysters taking part in the ARC and ARC+. Oysters took five podium positions, with Oyster 595 Sydney Rock finishing in overall second place in the monohull division. Oyster 565 Larimar took first place in Class B with 565 Tír na nÓg in third. The owners were delighted, we were ecstatic, and these outstanding results highlight the exceptional performance, safety and comfort of our yachts. You can read more on this triumphant result here.

Following recent successful launches of the award-winning Oyster 495 and 595, I was excited to reveal the Oyster 565 Series II at boot Düsseldorf. This evolution of iconic styling, remastered features, transformed living spaces and performance (demonstrated on the ARC!) elevates this award-winning bluewater cruiser to another level. I look forward to sharing news about our new product development, upcoming additions to the fleet and model refreshes soon.

Show season is upon us again and you can join us later this month at a Private View in the heart of London at St Katharine Docks from 24 to 28 April. The award winning Oyster 495, 565 and 595 are on show and our Rally experts will be hosting a Rally Showcase on 24 to 26 April – not to be missed if you are considering a circumnavigation. We will also be at the Palma International Boat Show from 24 to 28 April with the stunning Oyster 825 iSNL and Oyster 625 Ruth II. Join us!

Thank you for your continuing support and, as you know I welcome your feedback, any requirements and event ideas – please email [email protected]. I hope to see you at one of our events or on the water soon.

Wishing you fair winds and smooth seas!

Ashley Highfield

CEO, Oyster Yachts