FRESHLY MINTED

AN EXCLUSIVE THREE-DAY TEST ON THE NEW BABY OF THE OYSTER RANGE SHOWS THAT BIG THINGS CAN COME IN (SLIGHTLY) SMALLER SIZES, SAYS TOBY HODGES

- TOBY HODGES

Tested by TOBY HODGES

Where: The Solent, English Channel and Channel Islands

Conditions: from 5-20+ knots in a range of conditions and waters

Model: hull number one, with carbon spars, an in-mast hydraulic furling mainsail and upgraded carbon Spectra sails

Good things come to those who wait. After tirelessly chasing the breeze for over 100 miles, we found our just rewards. It was a hazy, moody morning as I rose from the privileged comfort of the aft berth. Twin thrusters were pushing us effortlessly off the dock in Guernsey, our late night stopover, as I took my coffee from the galley espresso machine up on deck, noting how quickly and easily I was beginning to enjoy such creature comforts.

Once out past the harbour arms, white caps indicated a solid breeze. The sails were unfurled at the push of a button and Carpe Diem, Oyster 495 number one, began to heel and power up properly, as if finally set free. This was the moment for me that Oyster's latest design came alive and transformed into what is arguably the definitive modern day luxury distance cruiser.

It has been a long, highly publicised build up to the launch of Oyster's first boat fully conceived in the four years under software entrepreneur Richard Hadida's tenureship. This is a model the CEO has talked about from the start, one to widen the luxury brand's net and bring more, and younger, people on board. It seems that strategy is already working, as, out of the 15 already sold around the world, only two are to existing Oyster owners.

This is also the smallest yacht the Southampton firm has developed from scratch since 2005, and warranted a new yard in Hythe to take production in-house and build up to a schedule of 12 495s a year.

49FT FOR THE 49TH YEAR