Founded in 1973 by Richard Matthews, the British shipyard Oyster Yachts has established itself as a global benchmark in the construction of luxury sailing yachts dedicated to bluewater cruising. Since its inception, the company has continually evolved through innovation while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The Birth of Oyster Yachts
In the early 1970s, the leisure boating market experienced significant growth, driven by increasing demand for sailing yachts that combined performance and comfort. It was in this context that Richard Matthews founded Oyster Marine in 1973. A passionate sailor, Matthews partnered with naval architects Holman & Pye to design the UFO II, a 32-foot prototype that won the de Maas Cup at the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes in 1974. This success led to the development of the UFO 34, the shipyard’s first production model, which was warmly received in the market.
Key Moments in the Shipyard’s History
In 1978, Oyster Marine innovated by introducing the deck saloon concept with the launch of the Oyster 46, a 46-foot ketch designed by Holman & Pye. This feature, offering panoramic views and increased natural light, became the shipyard’s signature.
The 1990s marked a fruitful collaboration with naval architect Rob Humphreys, resulting in iconic models such as the Oyster 56 in 1998 and the Oyster 62 in 2002. These yachts, renowned for their performance and elegance, strengthened Oyster’s reputation on the international stage.
In 2018, after a period of financial difficulty, the shipyard was acquired by British entrepreneur Richard Hadida, who revitalized operations by rehiring many former employees and reaffirming Oyster’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The Shipyard Today
Today, Oyster Yachts holds a leading position in the luxury sailing yacht market for bluewater cruising. The shipyard offers a range of models from 56 to 125 feet, all designed to deliver exceptional performance and unparalleled comfort at sea. Oyster’s reputation is built on British craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a capacity to innovate while respecting traditional boatbuilding values.
Most Popular and Sought-After Models
- Oyster 56 (1998) – Naval Architect: Rob Humphreys
- Oyster 62 (2002) – Naval Architect: Rob Humphreys
- Oyster 46 (1978) – Naval Architect: Holman & Pye
- Oyster 53 (1999) – Naval Architect: Rob Humphreys
- Oyster 565 (2018) – Naval Architect: Rob Humphreys
These models illustrate Oyster’s evolution and adaptation to the demands of sailors, combining innovation, performance, and comfort while retaining the DNA that has defined the shipyard since its creation.