We believe Oyster has a uniquely talented group of designers who really do put Oyster in a different league from other constructors. We are constantly moving the design process forward but only by means of gradual refinement and careful development. The demands of the sea have not changed in thousands of years and, however important the latest styling feature might be, ultimately all our yachts are designed and built to cope with the worst weather ocean sailing can offer.
The hull lines of all the yachts in the Oyster range from the 46 to the 885 have been designed by Rob Humphreys, a long established naval architect with an excellent reputation. Rob's experience covers round the world and inshore race yachts, America's Cup, Dame Ellen MacArthur’s Kingfisher, and the very latest design for the Volvo Ocean Race.
Oyster's own in house team takes the Humphreys hull, rig and appendages to create a deck design and refine the generic styling of the vessel, while another specialist works to optimise the interior layout. Oyster's in house structural engineers complete the team.
Whilst design development continues, there are a number of proven fundamental details that are common to all our designs. An example is our policy to over-specify hull structure and hull laminate and to reinforce each hull with very substantial athwarthships floors and full length fore and aft stringers. For ultimate durability we also use a solid glass construction to create a hull that is stiff and really strong. Keel-stepped masts, substantial chain plates, massively reinforced mast steps and rudders hung on a full-length skeg are all common features.