Oyster One Off now in the online auction. everyone can bid until 15 December 2025.
Oyster One Off 1978 – Ocean-Ready Sailing Yacht with History
The Oyster One Off from 1978 is a polyester sailing yacht with a rich history and a design focused on ocean sailing. This vessel, built by the renowned Oyster Yachts shipyard, is specifically adapted for solo sailing and participated in the 1988 BOC Challenge, a grueling solo sailing race around the world. The boat was sailed by Nigel Rowe at the time, who described his experiences with this vessel in his book where the "Piper Rising" plays a prominent role. This makes the yacht not only functional but also a piece of sailing history. Â The current color of the boat is blue, as seen in various photos. The photos with a yellow hull color are to give an impression of the boat in action.
Oyster One Off now in the online auction. Everyone can bid until December 15, 2025.
Dimensions and Construction
With a length of 12 meters, a width of 4.5 meters, and a draft of 2.7 meters, this vessel is designed for stability and seaworthiness. The hull is round-bilged and made of polyester, contributing to the strength and durability of the ship. The clearance height is 20 meters. Inside, there is a standing height of 1.75 meters, providing sufficient freedom of movement for most occupants.
Interior and Accommodation
The interior space is equipped with a dining area, mattresses, a refrigerator, oven, and a stove. There are two fixed berths and four additional berths available, making the ship suitable for longer trips with multiple occupants. The manual toilet is connected to an 80-liter waste tank, and the water supply is provided by a 200-liter tank. For comfort on colder days, there is hot air heating available.
Engine and Technical Equipment
The boat is equipped with a Vetus 4.17 inboard diesel engine with a power of 42 hp. The engine has four cylinders and approximately 1300 operating hours. The engine mounts were replaced a few years ago. The fuel tank has a capacity of 200 liters, providing a wide range. The cruising speed is around 8 km/h, with a maximum speed of 15 km/h. The electrical installation consists of three batteries, a battery charger, alternator, inverter, voltmeter, and shore power connection. The onboard voltage is 12v.
Navigation and Safety
For navigation, the ship is equipped with a wide range of equipment, including AIS, autopilot, depth meter, GPS, chart plotter, compass, log/speedometer, VHF radio, radar, and wind meter. This equipment makes the ship suitable for long trips on the open sea. Safety is further enhanced by a self-draining cockpit, an electrically operated bilge pump, and a liferaft. The boat has a single rudder and is steered with a tiller from the cockpit.
Sailing Equipment
The Oyster One Off has one aluminum mast and is equipped with three sails: a mainsail, genoa, and jib. Additionally, there is a storm jib and spinnaker available. The foresail is equipped with a furling system, making reefing and handling easier. All lines are led to the cockpit, making the ship suitable for solo sailing. This is an important feature that aligns with the ship's history as a solo ocean sailor.
History and Particulars
The boat has a unique background. Nigel Rowe, the previous owner, participated in the 1988 BOC Challenge with this ship. For this race, the ship was modified with watertight bulkheads in the front and rear of the hull, increasing buoyancy. The ship's documentation is fully available, including maintenance invoices and documents from Nigel Rowe. A sample of the hull is available for inspection, as well as photos of previous treatments. The boat has shown signs of osmosis in the past, for which a professional treatment was carried out. A special protective layer was applied, known by the owner as the best solution against osmosis. In the last photo of the boat presentation, the hull is visible; the green layer shows the applied protection.
Usage and Sailing Experience
The current owner has used the ship for recreational sailing at sea. The boat is designed for solo sailing and can be fully operated from the cockpit. This makes the ship suitable for sailors who want to make long trips independently. The cockpit is equipped with a cockpit table, swim ladder, fenders, lines, and a guardrail. No dinghy or trailer is included in the sale.
Conclusion
The Oyster One Off from 1978 is an ocean-ready sailing yacht with a remarkable history. The ship is designed and adapted for solo sailing at sea and is equipped with extensive navigation, safety, and comfort equipment. With its robust construction, spacious interior, and proven seaworthiness, this yacht offers opportunities for adventurous sailors looking for a ship with character and a story.
