THE OYSTER 595

The boat we are building is an Oyster 595, a true bluewater cruiser that cannot be simply purchased from a showroom. Ours will be the twenty-second 595 ever built, which means if you want one, you must build it from scratch.

We knew we wanted a boat large enough to comfortably carry family and friends while still being manageable for just the two of us. This desire put us firmly in the sixty-foot range, where the list of serious builders becomes quite short. After extensive research and visits to multiple manufacturers, we ultimately chose Oyster, renowned for their exceptional Oyster yachts.

Oyster is an iconic British brand with a well-earned reputation. Since 1973, they have built more than one thousand sailing yachts, which together have logged over twenty million nautical miles. The design of the 595 is thoughtful and restrained; it is comfortable, exceptionally well laid out, and structured for long ocean passages, making it perfect for our sailing adventures.

This is a true bluewater cruiser, designed to go anywhere. One day, we hope to sail her to Antarctica.

Equally important is how the boat is engineered. Oyster yachts are robust without being overbuilt and refined without being fragile. Many systems are automated, allowing the boat to be safely and confidently handled by two people. That balance between capability and manageability was critical for us.

We were also drawn to Oyster’s culture. They do not just build boats; they actively encourage owners to use them. In 2028, we will be circumnavigating the globe as part of the Oyster World Rally. More than one hundred Oyster yachts have already completed global circumnavigations, which speaks volumes about both the boats and the company behind them.

We placed our deposit in August of 2023 to secure our place in the build queue for our bluewater cruiser. Manufacturing began in January of 2024, and we expect to commission the yacht in May of 2026, ready for our sailing adventures.

The build is slightly longer than average, largely because we opted to install a carbon fiber bimini. This will be the first of its kind on an Oyster yacht 595. In our research, the most common request from owners was more protection from sun and weather. This design can be fully open or fully enclosed, depending on conditions, and it also supports substantial solar generation.

At peak output, the system can generate over 1,200 watts of power. More than enough to comfortably support life aboard our bluewater cruiser while underway.

The hull was built at Oyster Composite Technologies in Norfolk, England. Despite the high-tech name, you reach the facility by driving through a cow pasture, which feels very on brand for England. The hull mold is green, which dominates the early build photos. At an inch and a half thick, the hull is immensely strong. That phase of construction took approximately three to four months.

From there, the boat moved to Wroxham, England, where the fit-out began. She will remain there until around March of 2026, when she splashes at Fox’s Marina in Ipswich. From that point, things accelerate quickly. The bimini is mounted, the mast and rigging go up, and final systems are completed. Commissioning and handover are scheduled for the week of May 25, 2026.

The photos you will see in this section follow the build chronologically.

Over the course of the build, there are hundreds of decisions to make. Fixed or adjustable keel? We chose fixed. Traditional or extended transom? We went extended. Cabin layouts, engines, electronics, sails, thrusters, navigation systems, anchors, Starlink, deck materials, fabrics, even where the boat is registered—all are part of the process for our Oyster yachts.

Every choice is documented in what Oyster calls a Master Work List. Ours is twenty-two pages long in ten-point font.

Some decisions are serious. Some are amusing. The boat, we were told, looks best with cashmere throws on the beds. They are strictly for aesthetics.

RayDar Love, a distinguished bluewater cruiser, is designed for safety, comfort, and extended sailing adventures at sea. She features four cabins and two full heads, accommodating eight guests comfortably, or ten if you include the saloon daybed. With a fuel range under power of approximately 1,500 nautical miles, her capabilities are impressive, depending on conditions.

On board systems include heating and air conditioning, a washer and dryer, a dishwasher, a refrigerator, an induction stove, a microwave, an ice maker, and a passarelle that allows for easy boarding without the awkward leap between dock and yacht.

The navigation system is highly automated, complemented by Starlink connectivity that ensures global access. There's even a gas barbecue for grilling whatever is caught during your sailing adventures.

Energy management is efficiently handled by six lithium iron phosphate batteries paired with 1,200 watts of solar generation, creating a well-designed system that incorporates redundancy and resilience.

For added enjoyment, RayDar Love includes several indulgences. Lighting for the mast, rigging, underwater hull, and interior can be controlled directly from an iPhone. The saloon television rises remotely when needed and supports FaceTime calls.

Her sails, crafted by North Sails using their innovative 3Di composite technology, include a furling mainsail, Yankee, staysail, and a helix furling gennaker displaying the RayDar Love logo. For our upcoming world rally, we will add twin furling headsails. All sail handling is managed by electronic winches with primary controls accessible directly at the helm. The typical cruising speed is eight to nine knots, with the potential for higher speeds depending on conditions.

For recreational activities, we carry full SCUBA gear, titanium folding bicycles, fishing equipment, an inflatable paddleboard, a Seascooter, and various floats for leisurely anchoring days. A fourteen-foot carbon fiber tender is stored on the stern davits for convenient trips ashore.

Boarding is typically via the passarelle onto the spacious extended transom, which provides ample room—enough for Ray to practice rhythm dancing. Forward of that is the cockpit beneath the carbon fiber bimini, featuring dual helms, guest seating, a table, and a small refrigerator.

Below decks, the saloon showcases Oyster yachts’ signature seascape windows, with tall vertical panes that allow you to watch the ocean rush by at eye level. The efficient and modern galley to port features a Quooker tap that delivers boiling water instantly.

The owner’s cabin is located aft, complete with a queen-sized berth, settee, and private head. Additional cabins consist of bunks, a double berth, and a forward VIP cabin.

The interior is elegantly finished in American walnut, accented with maple inlays in the sole, exuding a warm, understated, and timeless appeal.

RayDar Love is not about excess; it embodies intention. Every choice reflects how we want to navigate the world—thoughtfully, comfortably, and with genuine appreciation for the remarkable vessel that makes it all possible.