2013 Oyster 625

Oyster Yachts

Oyster Yachts is the definitive benchmark for luxury bluewater sailing, combining world-class British craftsmanship with the rugged performance required for global circumnavigation. For over five decades, the brand has been the first choice for sailors who refuse to compromise—offering a “go-anywhere” capability wrapped in an aesthetic of pure sophistication.

Renowned for their iconic deck saloon design and meticulous attention to detail, Oyster yachts are engineered for total independence at sea. Whether crossing the Atlantic, exploring the Mediterranean, or living aboard in a remote anchorage, these vessels provide an unrivaled sense of safety, comfort, and seafaring pride. Wellington Yacht Partners offers specialized expertise in the Oyster market, providing the nuanced guidance required to navigate the legacy and value of these world-class cruising yachts.

Current Listings

MANITOU

56 Deck Saloon (2008) 57.34ft Oyster 56 Deck Saloon
San Diego, CA, US $699,000

RAVEN CLAW

82 (2007) 82ft Oyster 82
Newport, RI, US $1,645,000

Pedigree & Performance

Brand History & Legacy

The Definitive Bluewater Pedigree

Founded in 1973 in the UK, Oyster Yachts pioneered the “Deck Saloon” design, bringing natural light and panoramic views to secure long-distance cruisers. This innovation and handcrafted quality established the brand as a global sailing leader, inspiring the prestigious Oyster World Rally. Today, Oyster represents the pinnacle of British engineering and elite owner support. Through a semi-custom approach, it continues to define luxury sailing for those chasing the horizon.

Design & Craftsmanship

Innovative Engineering & Artisanal Detail

Engineered for short-handed sailing, an Oyster yacht combines structural integrity with a “seakindly” hull for smooth offshore motion. Built from advanced composites, these vessels feature in-mast furling and cutter rigs for effortless long-range voyaging. Inside, the superyacht-level finish shines in the iconic deck saloon, offering a light-filled sanctuary with 360-degree visibility. From social layouts to sound-shielded engine rooms, every element is curated to maximize liveaboard comfort and mechanical reliability in remote waters.

Key Features & Model Variations

Oyster Yachts doesn’t divide its fleet into separate stylized “series” names the way
powerboat brands like Grand Banks or Hunt do. Instead, Oyster builds a single, highly
cohesive lineup of premium, deck-saloon bluewater sailing yachts, which they
categorize strictly by length/size and crew format.

The entire fleet shares the exact same core DNA: robust Lloyds-certified hulls, signature
“seascape” windows, raised deck saloons, and effortless shorthanded (small crew)
sailing capabilities.

The fleet spans from 50 to 90 feet and is generally categorized into three logical tiers
based on how the boat is meant to be run and managed.

The Family & Owner-Operator Fleet (50 to 60 Feet)

These models are engineered specifically for couples or families to sail entirely on their own, without needing a professional captain or crew. They feature highly automated, push-button hydraulic sail-handling systems that can be managed safely right from the helm pedestals.

  • Oyster 495: The “baby of the fleet.” An award-winning 50-foot entry model that proves you don’t need a massive boat to achieve genuine, transoceanic crossing capability. (Note: Oyster is currently developing a next-generation 50-foot model to evolve this slot). 
  • Oyster 565 Series II: A sub-60-foot thoroughbred that balances a remarkably spacious interior with a manageable footprint for a couple.
  • Oyster 595 Series II: The most popular, fast-selling model in the entire Oyster range. At 60 feet, it maximizes the upper physical limit of what an owner-operator couple can comfortably handle alone while offering expansive multi-cabin accommodations. 

The Pocket Superyachts (65 to 75 Feet)

These vessels act as a bridge. They are large enough to offer dedicated, separate crew quarters if you want a professional chef or captain on board, yet their systems are intuitive enough that an experienced owner-operator can still run them independently if desired.

  • Oyster 675: A powerful sub-70-foot ocean voyager designed for fast, long-haul global adventures with highly versatile interior living options.
  • Oyster 745: An inspired 75-foot yacht offering extensive custom layout configurations, wide-beam staterooms, and a choice of standard layouts or an extended transom variant for extra deck storage.

The Superyacht Flagships (80 to 90 Feet)

These are true luxury superyachts. While they retain Oyster’s signature ease of handling, they are designed from the ground up to be run with a permanent professional crew.

  • Oyster 805: The newest addition to the fleet, marking a new styling era. It is heavily superyacht-inspired with completely customizable interior configurations—allowing owners to specify features like a private office, a gym, or an expansive lounge bar. 
  • Oyster 885 Series II: The iconic 90-foot flagship of the fleet. It features immense interior volume, stunning split-cockpit entertainment zones, and independent guest vs. crew quarters for absolute privacy on around-the-world journeys.

Specialty Variations Within the Models

Rather than changing the model name, Oyster addresses different cruising grounds by offering engineering variations on their standard hulls: 

  • Shallow-Draft & Centerboard (CB): To cater to areas with thin water (like the Bahamas, the US East Coast, or small European rivers), Oyster offers retractable centerboard or shallow-draft shoal keel variants on the 495, 595, 745, and 885. This allows a massive 75 or 90-foot yacht to safely glide into shallow anchorages at the push of a button. 
  • GT (Grand Touring) Performance: For owners wanting a sharper competitive edge in regattas without sacrificing luxury, certain flagships (like the 885) offer a GT variant featuring upgraded, high-aspect carbon rigs, carbon rigging, and deeper T-keels.

What Sets Oyster Apart

Investing in an Oyster is more than a purchase; it is entry into an elite global community of mariners. Celebrated for their “go-anywhere” engineering and timeless British style, these yachts represent the ultimate marriage of performance and luxury for those who seek to explore the world’s oceans in total confidence.

The Iconic Deck Saloon

Oyster’s signature deck saloon design revolutionized the industry by creating a bright, panoramic living space above the waterline. This feature allows for 360-degree visibility from the sanctuary of the interior, ensuring the crew stays connected to their surroundings while enjoying unmatched comfort and natural light.

Short-Handed Excellence

Every Oyster is engineered for ease of use, featuring sophisticated rig layouts and powered systems that allow a couple to manage a large vessel with confidence. From push-button furling to intuitive cockpit ergonomics, the brand prioritizes a stress-free sailing experience even in challenging offshore conditions.

The Oyster World Rally

Oyster is unique in offering a dedicated, world-class support network, most famously through the Oyster World Rally. This commitment to the owner experience provides a level of technical assistance and community that is unmatched in the industry, ensuring peace of mind for those undertaking ambitious global voyages.

Uncompromising British Build

The quality of an Oyster is found in the details that are often unseen, from the reinforced structural grids to the meticulously organized mechanical systems. This commitment to “over-engineering” ensures that every yacht is built to survive the rigors of the open ocean while maintaining its refined, elegant aesthetic.

Exceptional Resale Pedigree

Due to their global reputation and limited production numbers, Oyster yachts maintain incredible value in the brokerage market. Their status as a “benchmark” brand ensures high demand and a liquid market, making an Oyster as much a secure financial asset as it is a premier cruising vessel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Founded in the UK in 1973, Oyster Yachts is the premier builder of luxury, British-built blue-water sailing yachts. They are globally recognized for their signature Deck Saloon design, which floods the interior cabin with natural light and offers panoramic views. Oyster is the ultimate choice for sailors seeking unparalleled luxury, safety, and long-distance ocean capability.

The Oyster World Rally is an exclusive, fully supported 16-month circumnavigation event organized solely for Oyster owners. Covering over 27,000 nautical miles, it fosters a deeply loyal, tight-knit global community. This event ensures that Oyster builds and equips their yachts to the absolute highest standards of self-sufficiency and global reliability.

Through close partnerships with elite naval architects like Humphreys Yacht Design, Oyster utilizes modern hull forms, twin rudders, and advanced sail-handling systems. This allows their yachts to be fast, responsive, and easily managed by just two people, while still carrying the heavy displacement, large fuel/water capacities, and opulent multi-stateroom interiors required for luxury living.

Pre-owned Oysters are highly coveted and hold exceptional value due to the brand’s rigorous quality control and comprehensive build records. When looking at a brokerage Oyster, buyers should check if the vessel has completed an Oyster World Rally, as these boats are typically meticulously upgraded and maintained by Oyster’s own global support teams.