Portfolio Companies

Oyster Yachts

Sector: Yachts, Superyachts, Motoryachts

Acquisition date: Febraury 2008

Location: UK

Status: Current investment

Founded in 1973, the company’s early years were spent developing and marketing a range of cruiser racers, with the emphasis on performance. The Holman Pye design UFO range got the company off to a flying start with many racing successes. Ten years ago Rob Humphreys took over as lead designer and created an in-house design team. At the same time Oyster expanded operations into the US. Today, the Oyster fleet represents several design generations, each one building on the experience and success of its predecessor.

Oyster yachts have a worldwide reputation for quality and performance and are recognised throughout the sailing world for their distinctive Deck Saloon configuration. Oyster has twice been awarded the Queen’s award for Industry. The current yacht range starts at 46 feet and includes twelve modern designs, including two new super yacht models – the Oyster 100 and 125 – which will be launched in 2010 and 2011. There are almost 1,200 Oyster yachts in commission and the company has a strong forward order book.

Although Oyster are primarily known for their comfortable live aboard cruising yachts, many of which have completed circumnavigations, in 2007 Oyster yachts were class winners in both the Fastnet and Sydney Hobart races. In 2009 the company reported a very active London Boat Show with enquiries substantially ahead of last year for new yachts and for the expanding fleet of Oysters available for charter.