Oyster One Off

Oyster One Off 1978 – Ocean-Ready Sailing Yacht with HistoryThe 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 shipyard Oyster Yachts, is specifically adapted for solo sailing and has participated in the 1988 BOC Challenge, a grueling solo sailing race around the world. The boat was sailed at the time by Nigel Rowe, 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.  The current color of the boat is blue, as can be 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 ConstructionWith 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, which contributes 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 AccommodationThe 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 EquipmentThe boat is equipped with a Vetus 4.17 inboard diesel engine with a power of 56 hp. The engine has four cylinders and approximately 1300 running 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 SafetyFor 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 EquipmentThe 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, which makes 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 ParticularsThe 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.Usage and Sailing ExperienceThe 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. There is no dinghy or trailer included in the sale.ConclusionThe 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.