The new 50-footer is intended to extend the yacht builder's upmarket blue water range downwards. This means that the British company's range currently includes no fewer than seven models from 15 metres to the mega yacht format with a hull length of 36 metres. And: Oyster yachts can be recognised as such from afar. There is hardly another brand that favours the visual homogeneity of its models as much as the shipyard in Southampton.
In collaboration with the Oyster design team, house designers Tom and Rob Humphreys have now transferred the brand's typical recognisable features to the latest and smallest model in the range. Characteristic features include the striking deckhouse with its dark-tinted and beautifully curved window strip, the foredeck that is completely unobstructed up to the mast passage with its flush recessed hatches and the eye-catching triple vertical hull windows. The general Oyster concept with the rather rare combination of centre cockpit and deck saloon is also transferred to the new 495. Like all recent Oyster models, the new ship will also be built with two rudder blades. The shipyard's unusual solution for a bathing platform is exciting. This is not hinged as usual, but extends horizontally and electrically from the stern at the touch of a button.
The Oyster 495 can be equipped with either a furling mast or a conventional rig and a fully battened mainsail. With shrouds attached to the outside of the hull, the size of the furling genoa is reduced to an overlap of 106 per cent. However, a self-tacking jib is not even provided as an option. An almost one metre long bow nose for additional sails such as Code Zero or gennaker with anchor holder is firmly attached to the hull. From the shipyard, the new 50-footer from Oyster will be fitted with a four-cylinder Yanmar diesel engine with saildrive and 110 hp output. Bow and stern thrusters and a generator are also on the list of options.
The interior design features a classic centre cockpit arrangement with a large master cabin aft and en-suite bathroom with shower compartment. The very spacious U-shaped galley is recessed on the port side at the companionway. Access to the aft cabin is via the starboard side, where the navigation system is also integrated. The saloon itself with the L-shaped seating area and an additional couch is raised in the centre. The large superstructure windows will ensure unrestricted views. There is an owner's cabin with an island bed and en-suite bathroom in the foredeck, as well as an additional guest cabin with two bunk berths.
Construction number 1 is already underway and should be ready for initial testing in the second half of the year. The shipyard has also already named a price: the Oyster 495 will cost around 1.31 million euros as standard ex shipyard, gross including 19 per cent VAT.
