An Oyster for your world

British boatbuilder Oyster Yachts has just launched it latest offering for well-heeled sailors who fancy a bit of serious cruising as well as taking out family and friends for a weekend jaunt.

The Oyster 725 is a development of the company's popular Oyster 72 but with changes that make it closer to today's modern superyachts than the more traditional offering the company is known for.

Oyster made its name with solid, beautifully finished, deck saloon cruising yachts that rapidly became fixtures in remote locations around the world. While the company still builds a range of yachts in that style, the Oyster 725 has the super-luxury feel of space and light that is the hallmark of all European-style superyachts these days.

The most striking addition to the yacht is the inclusion of three “seascape” vertical windows in either side of the hull to give views and light to those sitting in the main saloon. Combined with the already generous windows in the deck saloon styling, this gives an impression of almost not being aboard a yacht but rather relaxing is an airy waterside house.

The clear aft deck is also an innovation the company tried successfully in its Oyster 65 a few years ago. The twin steering positions have been moved forward to be adjacent to the sprawling cockpit and thus there is a vast area at the stern for sunbaking and entertaining. The main sheet is also anchored in this area, so the cockpit is virtually free of any ropes that may trip or hinder novice boaters. All deck hatches are flush mounted so there are no bumps that might snare an unwary toe.

Below decks, the modern design and furnishings are in keeping with the rather stark and uncluttered style now found in so many European yachts in the over 60 foot range. New composite construction techniques have been used to make the hull and superstructure both lighter and stronger.

Accommodation is split into two areas. Aft is a huge owner’s stateroom that spans the boat and forward of that are a double and a twin guest cabins that both have their own ensuites.

The saloon, which features a high/low table that can be used for dining or cocktails, is followed by the very large and well-equipped galley. Forward of the galley is another big area that can be split into two ensuite twin cabins if the yacht is fully crewed or quickly converted into a huge VIP double cabin if the owner and his mates are doing everything themselves.