Oyster Brief

Oyster Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

Great Success of Oyster yachts at Tahiti Pearl Regatta in French Polynesia

May 17, 2013

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta represents probably the most famous regatta in the lovely yacht charter destination – French Polynesia. This year’s event was attended by more than 50 yachts, including eleven spectacular examples of Oyster Yachts.

Oyster 82/04 superyacht Pandemonium

Oyster 82/04 superyacht Pandemonium

The record entry for the regatta was largely due to the arrival of the Oyster World Rally in French Polynesia. Each year, Oyster Yachts organise regattas exclusively for Oyster owners and their guests and the lure of joining the fun in French Polynesia proved attractive to a number of Oyster Yachts from the World Rally fleet, enabling a unique Oyster Class.

The Oyster contingent included: Amelie, Babe, Mariela, Pandemonium, Proteus, Purusha, Satika, Sotto Vento, Spent, Yantina and Wolfhound.

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta started from beautiful South Pacific island of Raiatea. Situated between Bora Bora and Tahiti, Raiatea is known as the ‘sacred island’, the cultural heart of all Polynesia. The Island has a fascinating history filled with legends, as well as the regions most significant archaeological sites. The competitors enjoyed two days of festivities including a night parade at Uturoa harbour with a Polynesian show, including traditional songs and dancing.

The race to Huahine Island was a memorable occasion; the lush tropical island is arguably the most picturesque in all of French Polynesia. Steep mountains rising above secluded bays with breath-taking emerald green water and stunning sandy coves makes the island one of the most sort-after locations in the South Pacific. However, the island is very sparsely populated and can only be visited by boat. Relaxing and stress free, Huahine is a place to find solitude and peace.

The race to Huahine was a lively affair with 20 knots of easterly wind making for a fast passage. The final part of the race was downwind, giving a spectacular spinnaker finale. With an international Oyster fleet, the USA Oyster 82 superyacht  Pandemonium took line honours in the monohull class completing the 14-mile race in two hours but after time correction, the class winner was British owned Oyster 655 yacht Proteus. The race back to Raiatea was a light airs affair. After the racing programme was completed the Oyster class was won by the German owned Oyster 56 yacht Mariela. The Swiss Oyster 575 sailing yacht Satika was second and the Oyster 655 yacht Proteus was third.

Speaking after the regatta, the Oyster 82 yacht Pandemonium skipper said: “We are very pleased and proud to represent the Oyster Family here at the Pearl Tahiti Regatta, racing in a remote location can cause issues especially if by pushing the boat, things get broken. However, Oysters are well engineered and big thanks to Debbie and Eddie from Oyster, we have had ‘on location’ customer service throughout the world rally. We love the diversity of the people taking part and the scenery is just fantastic. The festivities ashore have been wonderful, especially the Polynesian night put on by locals, which was spectacular and really entertaining to see sailors joining in with the dancers! All of the Pandemonium crew have really enjoyed the regatta.”

The finale for the Tahiti Pearl Regatta was a fabulous crew night under the theme of Pirates of the Pacific. Competitors enjoyed fabulous Polynesian fayre under the moonlight with Hula dancing and traditional music.

The Oyster World Rally started five months ago in Antigua, nearly 7,000 miles from French Polynesia. The next scheduled rendezvous for the Oyster World Rally will be in Tonga towards the end of May 2013.

A very successful Palma International Boat Show 2013

May 07, 2013

Having closed its doors on Sunday, May 5, the 30th edition of the Palma International Boat Show hosted an impressive number of around 37,000 visitors. Amongst them was the King’s only son, Crown Prince Felipe, the first time in 30 years that a member of the Spanish royal family has attended.

Palma International Boat Show 2013

Palma International Boat Show 2013

A keen sailor, even competing in the 1992 Olympics as part of the Spanish sailing team, Crown Prince Felipe paid a surprise visit to the Show to present the Marcial Sanchez-Barcaiztegui Award, the first of its kind to recognise those who promote sailing. Sanchez-Barcaiztegui was one of the most respected and loved personalities in the sailing world and played a fundamental role in the promotion of the sport throughout Spain.  Having paid tribute, Prince Felipe spent more than an hour walking around the Boat Show, greeting both exhibitors and the public.

Director of the Palma International Boat Show, Chema Sans, was delighted at the event’s success, “This was a completely different Show from 2011. Most notably, it has grown a lot, the number of exhibitors was up 25% and the sea-based exhibition area up 76%, largely due to the crucial addition of a Superyacht Brokerage & Charter Show – a venture that makes a good deal of sense for the Balearics.  Last year Monaco reported a record attendance of 33,000, we know for sure that we have beaten this figure and certainly had many more sailing superyachts on display. In total 47 superyachts over 24 metres lined the quayside of Moll Vell marina and, based on this year’s runaway success, I envisage this expanding to 65 or more for 2014.”

Palma International Boat Show 2013 attended by 37,000 visitors

Palma International Boat Show 2013 attended by 37,000 visitors

Chema continued, “All the exhibitors I have spoken with seemed to be happy having gathered quality contacts and conducted serious business. Those promoting smaller craft may not have sold ten boats at the Show, as could have been the case a decade ago, but have had their expectations exceeded considering the difficult economic environment. Many are already thinking about next year, discussing their stand and berthing requirements. And, with the all-new eight million euro Moll Vell due to be complete and open for business by spring 2014, the Show can only build in importance and quality.”

Palma International Boat Show 2013 hosted by the popular Mediterranean yacht charter destination - Palma

Palma International Boat Show 2013 hosted by the popular Mediterranean yacht charter destination - Palma

For the 30th edition, public and private sector worked together to remodel the Show into a nautical week with TapaMar gastronomy, the Gaastra PalmaVela regatta and Maremostra Ocean Film Festival running alongside the more traditional boats, accessories and services. The intention was to promote the Islands, in particular Palma, and confirm their strategic importance in tourism and yachting – giving impetus to the economy and job creation.

Speaking exclusively to nautical channel NTVE.TV, Jose Ramon Bauza, President of the Balearic Islands who declared the Show open on 1 May, said, “It is absolutely necessary for our economy, because now we want to improve our economy, we want to give opportunity for unemployed people and we want to be very proud of our industry in this nautical sector because they say we are the best all over the world.”

Luxury yacht tender builder Chris-Craft at the Palma International Boat Show 2013

Luxury yacht tender builder Chris-Craft at the Palma International Boat Show 2013

Quotes from exhibitors:

Paul Allan, Portbooker: “This is the Show that Palma has been missing.  The Superyacht Brokerage & Charter Show in particular has given us a great platform to launch our brand new 40 metre plus website, and we’ve generated keen interest from marina partners and end-users over the past five days. We’re a global business but with strong local representation in the Balearics and we recognise these Islands as the leading nautical destination in the Med.”

Jimmy Blackburn, Fairline South Mallorca: “The weather has been fantastic and Mallorca is a great place for our customers to come and see us – a touch point to build relationships. We’ve gathered good leads, via previously known customers and new business, and it’s brilliant that we’ve been allowed to bring both new and used boats to the Show, priced between 200,000 and 1.4 million pounds.  We will return in 2014.”

Stuart Bray, Bray Marine International: “At long last they’ve got it right. We’ve had a very productive five days, busy with customers.  We will be back next year.”

Jamie Collins, Oyster Yachts: “Compared with 2011, the Superyacht Brokerage & Charter Show has brought a new dimension to the Palma International Boat Show. Inter-broker cooperation is key to business existence on the Island and it has worked well. Footfall has been impressive, aided I am sure by three non-working days, a bank holiday and the weekend. Our Oyster 100 superyacht Penelope has been received well on her debut and it has been nice to see yachts of a similar size and usability alongside her. A large mix of nationalities from Russian to British, German to Italian, have come on board for a viewing and all been impressed. We’re very pleased and keen to participate again next year.”

Peter Franklin, The Islander magazine and NTVE.TV: “We were thrilled to have been awarded a contract by Show organisers to handle international promotion of the event. To then see it become such a great success has delighted the whole team. Part of our contract was to provide internet-based and local terrestrial TV coverage of the whole Show. To focus our programming we awarded ten ‘Captains Lounge Best in Show’ prizes which included six yachts across the size range – motor and sail – now viewable on our website. We look forward to being involved in an even bigger Palma International Boat Show in 2014.”

Marc Kelly, Palma Refit: “The revamped Show has been well received and feedback positive. Without the Superyacht Brokerage & Charter Show we would not be here, as superyachts are our main target market, and in my opinion it’s been a long time coming. Not only have we been able to network and generate leads, but we’ve also been able to reinforce our image in the marketplace. We will be back next year.”

Salvador Sancho, Marina Estrella: “With last year’s Show postponed, it gave the event the opportunity to start again with a new format and of course the new agreement with the Superyacht Brokerage & Charter Show. Overall this has brought more international clients to the Show, many of them serious boat buyers. We have sold our motor yacht Azimut 88 to a Portuguese client who travelled from Vilamoura, our Minorchino 42 to a British client who will berth her in Torrevieja, a Hanse 415 to another British client, an Azimut 55S to its new owner in Cascais and finally a Cobalt 242. Many enquiries also came for the Hanse 630 and 575.  Not bad given we were expecting a quiet Show.  The emphasis was on quality rather than quantity which was a blessing as it allowed our sales team to invest time in their clients and conduct sea trials without being under pressure.  Next year we will certainly return, with at least ten boats, and feel positive that we are with the best yachts and businesses that Palma has to offer.”

Oyster World Rally 2013: Exploring the Pacific

May 06, 2013

It is exactly four months since the beginning of the first Oyster World Rally. The Oyster fleet left Antigua on 6 January and the amazing blue water cruisers have recently arrived in the breath-taking yacht charter destination – the South Pacific. French Polynesia is about 6,500 miles from Antigua, as the crow flies, but the Oyster World Rally is an adventure that has seen the fleet explore plenty of spectacular locations along the way.

Oyster World Rally 2013 Exploring the Pacific

Oyster World Rally 2013: Exploring the Pacific

After leaving the Galapagos Islands, the next Oyster fleet rendezvous was the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. With a population of less than 9,000 people spread across 15 islands, The Marquesas are remote indeed. Joe Torcivia sailing with Michael Yokell’s Oyster 56 sailing yacht Quester describes the arrival in The Marquesas.

“Fatu Hiva is one of the least populated islands in the Marquesas chain and only gets about 500 visitors per year, mostly from cruising yachts.” Explained Joe. “There are no restaurants, hotels, shops or really anything besides a few locals playing in the water enjoying a game of volleyball!

“Once ashore, we ran into the crew from Pearl of Persia, Chinook, In Flagranti and Purusha. They were taking a hike up to a waterfall, so I hustled up the trail. After about 40 minutes, we broke through the thick rainforest to find a picturesque waterfall, cascading down 200ft into a rock pool. A gentleman off the Pearl of Persia interrupted this fantastic view as he stripped down to his birthday suit and cannonballed into the water – so much for the perfect picture! But after a good laugh, we all jumped in (keeping our bathing suits on) and enjoyed the refreshing water.

Aboard one of the luxury yachts by Oyster

Aboard one of the luxury yachts by Oyster

“We’re leaving tomorrow to head over to another island in the chain, Hiva Oa, for a few days. From there we will come back to Fatu Hiva, where Oyster has arranged for a welcome party for the boats that have made the trip. We are all looking forward to hearing the stories from the past few weeks as everyone recounts their most memorable moments, good and bad, that happened during the sail across the largest stretch of the Pacific.”

After making for Tahiti, the majority of the Oyster fleet are now heading to Bora Bora. The volcanic mountainous atoll of islands, with Bora Bora at the centre, is renowned for spectacular lagoons and beautiful coral reefs, there are no indigenous mammals on land but in contrast numerous species of birds thrive there including; black-winged petrels, Pacific swallow, and the white tern.

Marine life abounds around the waters of Bora Bora: red snapper, jackfish, and lemon sharks are found in the amazing reefs and sea turtles, dolphins and migrating humpback whales are frequently spotted but perhaps Bora Bora is most famous for an abundant ray population including: leopard, eagle and the huge manta ray.

First Mate on Oyster 885 superyacht Lush Audrey Jameson describes the trip and the scenery in the remote South Pacific.

“After 3,400 miles and nearly 15 days at sea, we arrived in French Polynesia. This Pacific crossing certainly was a great adventure and the amazing thing is there’s still so much more to this ocean. When you initially look at a map of the pacific you just see a massive ocean and then looking closer you notice a load of tiny dots. Well, we’re on one of those dots now and will be sailing between those dots for the next four months until we reach Australia in August.

Oyster yacht owners enjoying the Pacific

Oyster yacht owners enjoying the Pacific

“There are roughly 20,000 islands in the Pacific, most of which are in this southwest region. Needless to say we’ll make a good stab at exploring these islands but 20,000 of them… well you’d need to be here for a whole lifetime to get around them all and even at that it wouldn’t be an easy task!

“Wow, we are going have some fun sailing around here; discovering awesome anchorages and villages, meeting the islanders, getting to know their culture and geography and finally disappearing west back over the horizon”.

The South Pacific is one of the most beautiful places on earth, however the remoteness of the islands means that maintenance of yachts is fraught with logistics. As always, Oyster World Rally Project Manager, Debbie Johnson and Oyster Technical Support Manager, Eddie Scougall are with the fleet in French Polynesia to assist in any way possible.

Alan and Sue Brook’s Oyster 56 yacht Sulana was a late entry for the Oyster World Rally but after decades of service as Managing Director of Oyster and thousands of sea miles, Alan knows too well how important it is to have a well built yacht for such an adventure.

“Most people had 18 months to prepare for the Oyster World Rally, we had 24 hours!” Explained Sue Brook. “I have very little experience offshore and I would only contemplate such a journey on an Oyster. Sulana is in perfect condition, it really came down to whether I was mentally prepared to go and whether our family was happy for us to leave them. Our daughter was expecting a baby, for which I anticipated returning home to be with her, and we are now delighted to announce the birth of our Grandson Blake who arrived at a healthy 8lb 4oz.”

Alan Brook was full of praise for the diligent preparation for the event, especially the 1,000 page Oyster World Rally Guide, which took two years to formulate.

“Oyster have gone to enormous lengths in their preparations and when I start looking at the attention to detail in the guide I have been really impressed, the tips and tricks are really useful including downwind trimming, watch keeping let alone all the other issues of sailing to so many different places.”

Here is a video from on board Oyster 885 superyacht Lush from Captain, Paul Adamson, which was filmed 2,000 miles into the South Pacific:

OYSTER announces profitable 2012 and confirms five Oyster 885 yacht and three Oyster 825 yacht orders

May 03, 2013

Announcing profitable results, together with a good order book across its range, Oyster closed the year 2012 in its strongest position for many years. The groups turnover in 2012 was up on 2011, bringing a second year in a row of improving results from the recession associated low points of 2008 and 2010. Furthermore, Oyster is please to confirm five orders for the new sailing yacht Oyster 885 and three new orders for the Oyster 825 yacht.

Oyster 82 sailing yacht Starry Night, Class 1 winner and Oyster 575 Dreamer yacht, Class 2 winner and overall winner both Classes, enjoy Oyster's 31st Regatta in Grenada

Oyster 82 sailing yacht Starry Night, Class 1 winner and Oyster 575 Dreamer yacht, Class 2 winner and overall winner both Classes, enjoy Oyster's 31st Regatta in Grenada

A debt free balance sheet reflects a successful restructuring in February ‘12 of the leveraged private equity ownership which ran from early 2008 to the end of 2011. The new shareholders are committed to a long term investment in the Company and to maintaining Oysters unrivaled After Sales and Support operations.

In June 2012 the Group acquired the fit-out business of E.C. Landamore & Co. of Wroxham which for the previous four decades had been fitting out Oyster yachts as a subcontractor to the Group. This strategic acquisition focuses production of the smaller yachts at the Landamore site whilst the larger yachts are built at the wholly owned facility in Southampton. Plans are being formulated to further expand the Wroxham facility to deliver greater production efficiencies.

Oyster’s focus on its Owners enjoyment of their yachts continues and the inaugural Oyster World rally fleet is now mid-pacific en route to their ‘half-way party’ in Australia in early August ‘13. Oyster also just concluded the 31st Oyster Regatta in Grenada and on a final note, Oyster is pleased to confirm more than 15 entrants already planning for the second World Rally, starting in January ‘16.

Racing at Antigua Sailing Week 2013 to start this Sunday

April 26, 2013

Located at the popular Caribbean yacht charter destination – Antigua, Falmouth Harbour as well as Nelson’s Dockyard are filling up fast with racing yachts from all over the world, coming to participate in the 2013 Antigua Sailing Week. The event’s racing programme will start with the Guadeloupe to Antigua Race this Friday, followed by the Yachting World Round Antigua Race on Saturday. Competing at the 46th Antigua Sailing Week will start on Sunday, April 28.

Antigua Sailing Week Credit: Kevin Johnson Photography.com/Antigua Sailing Week

Antigua Sailing Week - Credit: Kevin Johnson Photography.com/Antigua Sailing Week

Current weather forecasts are predicting winds of around 15 knots all week with a significant sea state providing some big waves to surf down in the sunshine. Lighter winds than last week are due to the Azores high being squeezed south by a low-pressure system centred over Iceland. However, the low-pressure system may move during the week and this could bring a change in the weather. Class splits have now been confirmed, here is a run down on some of the runners and riders.

The big race boats will be making a splash at Antigua Sailing Week, however Peter Harrison’s mighty Farr 115 charter yacht Sojana is undergoing repairs but the team will be racing RP78, Whisper for the regatta. Simonas Steponavièius Lithuanian team racing Volvo 60, Ambersail could be in contention but Ambersail will be sure to have a great battle with another Volvo 60, Cuba Libre sailing under the Austrian flag. Christian Potthoff-Sewing’s German Judel & Vrolijk 53 yacht Auliana II is making her Antigua Sailing Week debut.

Hector Velarde’s Peruvian NM92, Locura is one of the largest yachts but by no means the quickest. Jose Arozamena’s American Farr 73 sailing yacht Maximizer will be difficult to catch but former Antigua Sailing Week winner, British CNB 90 charter yacht Bristolian owned by Patrick Wynn with Antiguan expert John Burnie as crew boss, could well be the boat to watch. Venezuelan Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean will be impeccably sailed.

This year Antigua Sailing Week features a variety of fast surfing bowsprit boats. Philip Lotz’s American Swan 42 yacht Arethusa is a proven race winner. However Arethusa might struggle to keep up with some of the smaller rocket ships including Ian Hope-Ross’ Melges 32 sailing yacht Kick ‘em Jenny 2 from St. Maarten and the National Sailing Academy’s turboed Cork 1720, Digicel Challenger. RP37 Peake Yacht Services Slippery from Trinidad could also be one to watch. However, Richard Wesslund’s J/120 yacht Florida-based El Ocaso cleaned up at Antigua Sailing Week last time out and will be a favourite for class honours.

Twelve similar performance cruisers are grouped together. Lucy Reynolds’ British First 40 sailing yacht Southern Child has had a great season and should have a close tussle with British sister ship, Lancelot II skippered by Chris Jackson. Five First 40.7s will have their own private sparring match including: Sea Gal, Spirit of Athena, Coyote, Caipirinha and Visiooptik. Also Jonty Layfield’s British J/39 Sleeper may well feature after time correction.

With over a dozen displacement cruisers 51ft or under, you could call the selection the battle of the light heavyweights. Antiguan resident, Carlo Falcone will be racing Caccia alla Volpe but Christian Reynolds’ British Swan 51 yacht Northern Child will be a force upwind in waves. Several other elegant Swans will be trading places on the race track, including Shane & Basil Diethelm’s Australian Swan 48, Sumatra, Valerio Bardi’s well-travelled Italian Swan 46, Milanto and Swan 44, Selene skippered by Adrian Lower, Commodore of the Royal Burnham Yacht Club.

Philippe Falle’s Deep Blue Racing Team on Quokka should feature – the British Grand Soleil 43 is a weapon in light airs. Karl James, head coach of Antigua’s National Sailing Academy has selected Cliff Andrews to join the Quokka crew. Without doubt the favourite in the displacement light heavyweights is Ross Applebey’s British Oyster 48 sailing yacht Scarlet Oyster. Ross will be sailing with the same crew as last year, all from Guernsey in The Channel Islands.

Antigua Sailing Week is a truly international event with yachts coming to Antigua from all over the world and is also an occasion when Caribbean yachts race each other to settle the season’s bragging rights. Thomas Mullen’s USVI J95, Shamrock VII has had an excellent season and is sure to have a great battle with a clutch of Antiguan boats including Stephen Carson’s Dehler 34, Hightide, Geoffrey Pidduck’s converted six metre, Biwi Magic, Tanner and Shari Jones’ J/30 Blue Peter, Sandy Mair’s Beneteau 35, Cricket and Rick Gormley’s Beneteau 38, Elethea.

Thirty-two Bareboats and five Multihulls will be competing at Antigua Sailing Week but the last word must go to Antigua’s sailing icon, Sir Hugh Bailey, who once again will be proudly flying the Antiguan flag spinnaker on CS40, Yougo. Antigua Sailing Week would not be complete without Sir Hugh’s Antiguan flag spinnaker!

Oyster World Rally 2013: Voyage to French Polynesia

April 22, 2013

Heading west after leaving the Galapagos, the luxury yachts by Oyster, participating in the Oyster World Rally, have cruised more than 3,000 miles of Pacific Ocean to come to their new location of the French Polynesia.

Luxury yachts by Oyster in the beautiful yacht charter destination - the French Polynesia

Luxury yachts by Oyster in the beautiful yacht charter destination - the French Polynesia

Divided among five archipelagos, the French Polynesian collection of 118 islands covers a vast area of the southeastern Pacific Ocean where the World Rally participants will explore and indulge in the beauty that makes up these precious isles.

Having just undertaken the substantial crossing, which forms a large part of the rally, Oyster owners and their crews were delighted to receive such a warm welcome from the natives of Nuku Hiva, which is the largest of the Marquesas islands, as they were treated to an inspired festival organized in honour by the people of the Taiohaie and Taipivai valleys.

Encapsulating the charisma of the islands, Oyster World Rally Event Manager, Debbie Johnson said, “After a week in the Marquesas we are running out of words to describe the beauty of the islands, and the welcome of its people. The towering cliffs are a feast for the eyes after the passage at sea and as you draw a little closer, the smells of the island awaken the senses; the smell of land, after over two weeks on the ocean is something that is difficult to describe to those who have not experienced it. Sailing into a Marquesan bay, the sight of green after weeks dominated by blue is completely refreshing. At first everything is a blur of green, but as the eyes adjust you can see that it is not one colour, but a thousand shades, and with a complete lack of pollution it almost feels that it is possible to see each individual leaf on every tree. Smells also begin to separate – damp earth, rich vegetation, undertones of wood smoke, and for those lucky enough to make landfall at dawn, the delicious scents of fresh French bread wafting from the bakery at the head of the bay.

“Once ashore the friendliness of the people is almost overwhelming; everybody has time to say hello, to ask where you have come from, how long you are staying, and what they can give to you. No walk is over until you are laden with gifts of fruit – kilos of sweet pamplemousse, mangoes, bananas and papaya all add to the ardour of the hike, but are impossible to refuse.”

Next stop is Tahiti, then from the Pacific the fleet will head to the Great Barrier Reef.

Oyster Caribbean Regatta 2013 hosted by C&N’s Port Louis Marina

April 19, 2013

Having concluded on April 13, the Oyster Caribbean Regatta has capped another successful season at Camper & Nicholsons’ Port Louis Marina, and confirmed the beautiful yacht charter location Grenada as one of the Caribbean’s prime destinations for its high quality sailing as well as its unprecedented welcome ashore.

The popular Caribbean yacht charter destination - Grenada Photo by Mike Jones

The popular Caribbean yacht charter destination - Grenada Photo by Mike Jones

The 19 Oyster yachts ranged in size from 45ft to 82ft and were treated to five days of spectacular racing in 15 to 20 knot trade winds, and five nights of lively entertainment in a selection of Grenada’s finest venues.

As the current high season starts to wind down, Port Louis Marina’s General Manager, Glynn Thomas, looked back on a season that also saw a visit from the World ARC fleet and the hosting of Grenada Sailing Week. “There’s no doubting the island’s popularity with cruisers and racers alike, and it’s been great to welcome back both the World ARC and the Oyster Regatta for return visits this year.”

David Tydeman, CEO of Oyster Marine, confirmed Grenada’s appeal: “This is the second time we’ve brought the Oyster regatta to Grenada and we’ll definitely come back again. The island makes us so welcome and the wonderful combination of superb marina facilities, great restaurants and perfect sailing conditions guarantees a top class and friendly event.“

Oyster Regatta 2013 hosted by Camper and Nicholsons Port Louis Marina

Oyster Regatta 2013 hosted by Camper and Nicholsons Port Louis Marina - Photo credit to Mike Jones

As the peak Caribbean season reaches its conclusion, Grenada and Port Louis Marina are gearing up for the annual arrival of boats seeking a safe home port for the hurricane season.

At 12°02′N the island is south of the main hurricane belt and is a popular location where yachts can stay on the water throughout the summer and autumn.

Luxury yachts by Oyster competing in the Oyster Caribbean Regatta 2013

Luxury yachts by Oyster competing in the Oyster Caribbean Regatta 2013 - Photo by Mike Jones

Port Louis Marina provides full service facilities for yachts from 10m to 90m (33ft to 300ft) and, at just 15 minutes from Grenada’s international airport, benefits from direct flights from London, Miami and New York, as well as easy connections via Barbados, St Lucia and Antigua.

Oyster Yachts launches second Oyster World Rally starting in January 2016

April 16, 2013

The first Oyster World Rally kicked off in the breathtaking Caribbean yacht charter destination – Antigua on 6 January, 2013. The Oyster fleet is currently on their adventure in the Pacific Islands, having enjoyed the last three months in the Caribbean Sea, passing through the Panama Canal and visiting the Galapagos Islands.

First Oyster World Rally

First Oyster World Rally - Image credit to 2013 Oyster Yachts

In the next two months, Oyster is proud to say that the fleet has been so welcomed by parts of the Pacific Island community that hitherto ‘restricted areas’ are being specially and exclusively opened up for the Oyster fleet!

Responding to huge interest (and with more than 15 already on the preliminary entry list), Oyster has decided to launch a second World Rally starting in January 2016.

The second event will, as with the first event, be led in-house by Oyster’s management team and run by a dedicated project manager and technical support manager. Providing a service second to none, Oyster aims to facilitate one’s exclusive cruise in company around the world, offering a sense of comfort and support that only Oyster can provide.

Luxury yachts by Oyster - Image credit to 2013 Oyster Yachts

Luxury yachts by Oyster - Image credit to 2013 Oyster Yachts

Adding ‘Circumnavigator’ to sailing CV on completion of this great adventure, one will join a very exclusive group of Oyster Owners who hold the special award Oyster has proudly given out to nearly 50 Oyster owners thus far, and on completion of the first rally, this total will approach 75.

The Caribbean start will get the Oyster fleet through the Panama Canal and into the Pacific fairly quickly, maximizing the time visiting the Galapagos Islands and the beautiful Society Islands including Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. From the Pacific the fleet will head to the Great Barrier Reef, round the top of Australia, partying in Bali and heading west for Cape Town for Christmas and on to Brazil for the carnival before joining up for a final grand party with the Oyster Caribbean Regatta in April 2017.

The first of three complimentary two-day seminars planned to help participants prepare for the rally, will take place in early 2014 and will include key speakers on meteorology, downwind sails, medical and first aid, insurance, communications and electronics. As for the first event, Oyster will retain specialist weather, safety and medical experts who will be on-call ‘twenty-four-seven’ to add to one’s experience and confidence.

Last day of racing at Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013

April 14, 2013

The final day of competing at the Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013, sponsored by Raymarine, was once again marked by lively trade wind conditions. 20 knots of wind, gusting at times to 25 knots, offered lively conditions for the spectacular Oyster fleet. A 12-mile course with an offshore mark set to the west meant a downwind beginning, followed by a tight fetch to Glovers Island as well as a reaching finish towards Grand Anse Beach.

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Day 5 - Photo by Mike Jones

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Day 5 - Photo by Mike Jones

Class Two was away first and a very competitive start had Sue and Harvey Death’s British Oyster 56 yacht Sarabi hitting the line with pace alongside Richard & Angela Parkinson’s Oyster 575 sailing yacht Sophistikate but Oyster 53 yacht Star of India sailed by Ray & Birgitte Charmak judged the line to perfection to cross first. Class leader, British Oyster 575 yacht Dreamer of Hamble, skippered by Chris Glossop also got away well and the favoured pin end and stayed out of bad air to take up the lead. Beautifully sailed, Dreamer of Hamble opened up a lead that was never really compromised.

Taking line honours and the win for the third occasion, the Dreamer of Hamble crew raised their hands crossing the line to celebrate victory in the race and Class Two overall. Sophistikate held out to claim second in the race by just 12 seconds from Sarabi. However Sarabi finished in the top three every race and was second overall withSophistikate placed third for the regatta.

Harvey & Sue Death and daughter Alice come from Cambridge in the UK and although Harvey loves motor racing, he has virtually never yacht raced before. “We didn’t commission Sarabi to race, next week Sue’s family are arriving and we will be cruising around Grenada and the Grenadines but I am competitive and I have really enjoyed the regatta, especially as the strong winds have definitely taught us a few things about how to manage the boat. All credit to Chris (Glossop), Dreamer of Hamble who has been so fast and a lot of that is down to the racing experience of his team.”

“We have had a smashing time in Grenada, it is my favourite Caribbean island.” Smiled Sue Death. “No racing next week though! It is time to chill out, relax and enjoy ourselves; swimming off the back of the boat in the beautiful locations we plan to visit, and firing up the barbecue and enjoying a sundowner in the cockpit.”

Luxury yachts by Oyster at the Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 - Photo by Mike Jones

Luxury yachts by Oyster at the Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 - Photo by Mike Jones

An identical course was set for the last scoring race of the regatta, which proved to be the most competitive in the four race series. The Oyster 82 yacht Rivendell, skippered by Benjamin Jackson sailed a superb race to take the gun with Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean crossing in second place less than a minute later. Bill Dockser’s American Oyster 82 superyacht Ravenous II was third over the line. However, after time correction, Starry Night of the Caribbean was awarded the win and effectively the class title.

‘It has been very competitive and we have thoroughly enjoyed the regatta.” Smiled Starry Night of the Caribbean skipper, Roger Whyld. “It is not that often that we can mix it up with three other Oyster 82’s and I am sure if Pandemonium was not participating in the Oyster World Rally, she would have been here too. Hopefully we can have another great turn out soon as it has been so much fun to sail with the Starry Night of the Caribbean crew and all on board have had a great regatta.”

An exhibition Pursuit Race was held after the last scoring race of the regatta with each yacht given their own start based on their performance during the regatta. Joe & Cathy Leitch racing Oyster 575, On Liberty held their nerve to win the Pursuit Race by a comfortable margin. John McTigue’s Oyster 56 yacht Blue Dreams was second and Roberto Bisiani’s Italian Oyster 72 luxury yacht Bill & Me was placed third.

After racing, Oyster Regatta sponsor Pantaenius represented by John McCurdy awarded the best starters of the day a celebratory bottle of champagne. John has done so every day at the Oyster Regatta. “Starts are incredibly important but also tinged with risk and it has been delightful to see that although this has been an incredibly competitive regatta, the competitors have acted in a safe and courteous way throughout. The Oyster Yachts are racing but the ethos of the regatta is that safety should always come first and rightly so.”

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Final Party - Photo by Mike Jones

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 Final Party - Photo by Mike Jones

The aptly named Victory Bar and Restaurant at the Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina was the venue for the final party for the Oyster family. Delicious canapés and cocktails by the pool with fire dancers lighting up the ensemble opened the evening followed by the final prize giving ceremony. Guest of honour was Senator Brenda Hood who was joined by Nikoyan Roberts from the Grenada Board of Tourism.

“It is a pleasure for me to be here and I would like to thank everyone for participating in the Oyster Regatta,” Commented Senator Hood. “The regatta brings a lot of revenue to Grenada and the people really appreciate that you have chosen our beautiful marina as your venue. I hope you have all enjoyed your second visit to Grenada and that you will come back again, we understand the importance of yachting to Grenada and we understand the trickle down effect that your regatta will do to promote sailing here. What you see here is what you get and for those of you who believe in the Almighty God, we say that when God wants a vacation, he comes to Grenada!”

David Tydeman opened the proceedings and was assisted by Oyster Shareholder, Klaas Meertens. “A warm thank you to Grenada for giving Oyster such fantastic support and friendship in organising and hosting the regatta but the biggest thank you of all must go to the Oyster owners. Without them we couldn’t have a regatta at all and we know that the Oyster regatta programme is incredibly popular.

The awards ceremony was followed by a plate served sumptuous taster menu accompanied by fine wine and was well received by the Oyster family. After dinner, a terrific firework display lit up the marina and for those who had enough energy, live music and dancing, concluded a week-long regatta with terrific sailing and social parties.

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013: Thrills and Spills

April 13, 2013

Following a lay day enjoying the fabulous beaches of Grenada, the Oyster fleet returned to racing action at the 2013 Oyster Regatta Grenada, with a tight as well as tactical triangular course just outside Camper & Nicholsons‘ Port Louis Marina. The proximity of the western coastline of Grenada offered a shifty, gusting racetrack and there was drama right from the beginning with thrills and spills throughout the day.

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 - Photo by Mike Jones

Oyster Regatta Grenada 2013 - Photo by Mike Jones

In Class One, Michael Hahn’s American Oyster 655 yacht Matawai was over eager and under race rules had to roll up their sails and watch the fleet get away. However, Matawai made a fantastic recovery to be the second boat to reach the top mark. Even after being put about by Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean, Matawai had a great first beat but shortly after the windward mark, the Oyster 82 superyacht Rivendell, skippered by Benjamin Jackson, was the first to risk a spinnaker on a tight angle and the ploy paid off as Rivendell became the leading boat on the water, closely followed by Oyster 82 superyacht Starry Night of the Caribbean, Matawai and Bill Dockser’s Oyster 82 yacht Ravenous II.

Starry Night showed great boat speed to take the lead and extend on the fleet and Rivendell stayed clear of trouble to remain second on the water. Meanwhile, Matawai and Ravenous II had an epic duel. The battle royal in Class One was too close to call, even after time correction Starry Night and Matawai could not be separated and both yachts were awarded first place, with one scoring race left tomorrow, the class title is going to the wire with both yachts on equal points. Rivendell took third place in the race and are now challenging Roberto Bisiani’s Italian Oyster 72 luxury yacht Bill and Me for third overall.

In Class Two, Chris Glossop’s Oyster 575 yacht Dreamer of Hamble was the last yacht to cross the start line today but took line honours and their second win of the regatta. The team on Dreamer of Hamble are all members or supporters of Ballyholme YC in Northern Ireland. “Not the best start!” Laughed Chris Glossop “But the team sailed well, and we have done many miles together over the years, which makes a big difference. We have enjoyed a great battle with Sarabi and loved having dinner with them the other evening but we hope to cap off a great regatta in style tomorrow.”

Luxury yachts by Oyster competing in the 2013 Oyster Regatta Grenada - Photo by Mike Jones

Luxury yachts by Oyster competing in the 2013 Oyster Regatta Grenada - Photo by Mike Jones

Dreamer of Hamble have opened up a slender lead at the top of Class Two, after Harvey & Sue Death’s Oyster 56 yacht Sarabi slipped to third today. Richard & Angela Parkinson’s Oyster 575 sailing yacht Sophistikate came second after a dramatic recovery. Sophistikate managed to get tangled up in a fishing net shortly after the start but quick action by Roger Cerrato from regatta sponsor Lewmar, limited the time lost and Sophistikate are now third in class with one scoring race to go, equal on points with Paul Bateman’s Oyster 56 yacht Stardust of Burnham.

“It was just one of those things.” Said Roger Cerrato after racing. “I managed to hang off the back of Sophistikate and cut us free, I am here to give support to Lewmar customers at the regatta but it is really beneficial to go out sailing with our valued clients and help them in any way I can. Even if it means getting a bit wet in the process, it is still fantastic to get out on the water!”

The penultimate venue for the Oyster family’s social programme was the unique tropical Aquarium Restaurant on Magazine Beach. The impressive waterside eatery is famous for seafood and local fish dishes melded from Grenadian and European recipes. The Oyster fleet enjoyed superb appetisers followed by a seafood barbeque and a freshly sliced carvery, all served by friendly staff in a delightful atmosphere. The Aquarium is considered as one of Grenada’s favourite restaurants and the al fresco beachfront location with striking sculptures was a magical location.

Two races are scheduled for the last day of racing with one scoring race and a non-scoring pursuit race planned. Class One hangs in the balance with a straight shoot-out between Matawai and Starry Night of the Caribbean yacht with a winner-takes-all final race.

In Class Two, Dreamer of Hamble is in pole position. However, if Sarabi can win the last scoring race of the Oyster Regatta Grenada, the team from the UK will take the class title.

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