Oyster Yachts, the British Deck Saloon Bluewater Brand

Luxury bluewater sailing yachts from 50 to 90 feet, with the deck saloon windows that became an Oyster trademark.

Founded
1973
Headquarters
Southampton, United Kingdom
Models reviewed
1

Oyster Yachts models

Oyster has built luxury bluewater cruisers in England since 1973. Rob Humphreys designs, deck saloon styling and the company's own World Rally keep demand strong, and a 2018 rescue put the brand on a stable footing.

Known for
  • Deck saloon windows and center-cockpit cruisers
  • Rob Humphreys designs since 1997
  • The Oyster World Rally for owners
  • British construction at Wroxham and Southampton

Richard Matthews and the deck saloon idea

Richard Matthews founded Oyster Marine in 1973 after racing the Holman and Pye designed UFO, which became the UFO 34, the first Oyster production yacht. In 1978 Oyster introduced a 46-foot cruising ketch with a raised deck saloon and long windows, giving the crew a view from below that most sailboats lacked. The deck saloon became the company's trademark and still defines an Oyster at a glance.

Rob Humphreys has designed Oysters since a 53-footer in 1997, and the boats grew steadily larger. Most were built in Britain, especially by Landamores at Wroxham in Norfolk, and Oyster gradually brought assembly and then hull moulding in-house.

Administration, rescue and the Oyster 495

The company changed hands among private equity owners before entering administration in February 2018, after its owner withdrew support. A few weeks later British tech entrepreneur Richard Hadida, founder of Evolution Gaming, bought Oyster outright and restarted production at Wroxham in May 2018, rehiring many former shipwrights. The episode followed the 2015 sinking of the Oyster 825 Polina Star III, which an investigation linked to the build of the internal structure on that model.

The Oyster 495, built from 2021 to 2026 at a dedicated facility in Hythe, near Southampton, and designed by Humphreys, is the model we cover. It brought the deck saloon formula to a size a couple can handle and sat at the entry point of a range that now runs from the 515 to the 885 and includes a C60 catamaran.

World Rally, resale and the survey checklist

Oyster's World Rally, a two to three year circumnavigation for owners first run in 2013 to 2014, is unique in the industry and supports both brand loyalty and resale. Oyster Brokerage and after-sales support help keep used boats in good condition and visible to buyers. Resale is strong for well-maintained boats, though larger models depend on refit history.

Focus the survey on these items.

  • Hull internal structure, floors and keel attachment
  • Teak decks and deck saloon window seals
  • Hydraulic systems for furling, winches and the passerelle
  • In-mast or in-boom furling mechanisms
  • Generator, watermaker and air conditioning service records
  • Standing rigging age and chainplates

Oyster Yachts history

  1. 1973Richard Matthews founds Oyster Marine.
  2. 1978Oyster introduces its first deck saloon cruising ketch.
  3. 1997The first Rob Humphreys designed Oyster, a 53-footer, launches.
  4. 2013The first Oyster World Rally sets off.
  5. 2018Oyster enters administration and is bought by Richard Hadida, restarting production in May.
  6. 2021The Oyster 495 debuts.
  7. 2026Oyster announces the 515 in July as the successor to the 495.

Frequently asked questions

Who owns Oyster Yachts?

Oyster Yachts has been owned by British entrepreneur Richard Hadida since March 2018.

Where are Oyster yachts built?

Oyster yachts are built in Britain, with strong links to Wroxham in Norfolk and a base in Southampton.

What is the Oyster World Rally?

It is a two to three year circumnavigation organized by Oyster exclusively for its owners.

Do Oyster yachts hold their value?

Yes. Well-maintained Oysters hold value well, supported by the brand's brokerage and after-sales network.

Official website: oysteryachts.com. Yatch US is independent and not affiliated with Oyster Yachts.