Oyster 495 nominated for European Yacht of the Year 2023

Oyster 495 © Oyster Yachts

Oyster Yachts is delighted to confirm that the newest, and smallest, addition to the fleet, the Oyster 495, has been nominated for the Oscars of boatbuilding, the European Yacht of the Year.

The Oyster 495 has been placed in the luxury cruiser category of these prestigious awards. Now in their 20th year, the candidates are nominated by twelve jury members from across Europe, renowned for their extensive knowledge and respected as leading voices in the industry. The jury members spend several days at sea, gathering data on the boat's performance, design, sail plans and manufacturing quality. The results are assessed and the final winners announced at the Düsseldorf Boat Show.

The new Oyster 495 is the latest collaboration between Humphreys Yacht Design and Oyster's inhouse design studio. She combines innovative design, excellent sailing characteristics, quality materials and superb British craftsmanship in a thoroughly modern 50-foot bluewater sailing yacht.

Rewriting the rulebook of what is expected from a yacht of her size, the Oyster 495's range of features are distilled from the luxury bluewater builder's larger yachts. The iconic Oyster styling is obvious; she is effortless to sail; delivers consistently fast passage speeds; and features contemporary new generation luxury interiors.

Toby Hodges, Technical Editor of Yachting World, and a European Yacht of the Year jury member, recently commented: "The yard has managed to include so many of its big boat features into a 16m yacht, which can be handled by a couple without a crew... For liveaboard voyaging, in a luxury monohull of this size, the 495 sets a new standard."

With clean hull lines and carrying her beam well aft, the 495 offers excellent stability and sailing performance. Her twin rudder configuration makes her light and easy on the steering in even the most boisterous of conditions. Protected twin helms offer excellent visibility, and an array of innovative, automated sailing technology means she is a joy to sail.

There are four interior styles to choose from, each tastefully considered for practicality and comfort. The hull provides excellent volume and luxury accommodation for six guests, with ensuite facilities.

A well-equipped, u-shaped galley naturally integrates with the spacious, light, and airy saloon. The truly impressive master cabin, with Oyster signature Seascape windows, is light and spacious. She features Oyster's latest technology, entertainment, proprietary mood lighting and onboard systems, all managed by Oyster's digital switching system, Oyster Command™.