Oyster 495 plays leading role in film series
by Oyster Yachts 26 Feb 2023 23:51 NZDT
Oyster 495 © Oyster Yachts
The Oyster 495, named European Yacht of the Year 2023, takes the leading role in a six-part film series that follows the build of this benchmark 50 foot bluewater cruiser.
From drawing board to bluewater cruising, the series follows the build of the newest addition to the Oyster fleet. With unprecedented access behind the scenes, episodes were filmed at the Oyster Yachts facility in Hythe, Southampton and at sea.
Shirley Robertson, the double Olympic gold medallist, shares her unique perspective and interviews critical people involved in the award-winning yacht's design, development and build. Oyster Yachts' owner Richard Hadida, project manager Andrew Martin, lead designer Chris Lock, naval architects Rob and Tom Humphreys, joinery managers, interior designers, and many more are interviewed by Shirley as she unveils the story of the Oyster 495.
The series culminates with the Oyster 495's official launch at London Luxury Afloat and closes with Shirley taking the Oyster 495 on an extended cruise from Genoa to Palma.
"We were very aware of our unique perspective, being able to document the creation of the yacht from an outsider's point of view. From the pencil of the naval architect to the skilled chisel of the cabinet makers, we filmed every critical stage of the creation of the 495. Seeing first-hand what it meant to the team at Oyster was special; their fastidious attention to detail, the passion for getting it right, and knowing that 50 years of experience was all coming together in a boat that was promising so much, Tim and I could sense early on that this yacht was going to be a showstopper," comments Robertson.
"My favourite shoot, of course, was the last one, sailing from Genoa to Palma, living onboard and sailing her on an entire passage, just as she was designed to do, safely, effortlessly and with impressive performance credentials eating up the miles whilst we all lived in luxury. The 495 is a real joy to sail, and I'm not surprised it's winning awards. I can't wait to get back onboard sometime soon," she concludes.
The series was produced and directed by Vertigo Films in collaboration with Oyster Yachts. All episodes are available to view either on the Oyster Yachts website or on the Oyster Yachts dedicated YouTube channel.