
Oyster, long a revered yacht in the luxury class, has just been honoured again with their new Oyster 625 winning 'Best Luxury Cruiser' in the 2012 European Yacht of the Year awards. So what is the new Oyster like? The Oyster 625 was designed to bring some significant improvements to the already successful pedigree of the Oyster 61 and 62.
A new hull design, again by Rob Humphreys, with increased performance and handling, options for a sportier rig, several interior layout options and increased space in the master cabin by utilising the fuller aft sections are just some of the enhancements being launched with this new design.

This is a large yacht for two people to handle, so, while it is designed for comfortable live-aboard family and friends sailing, the 625 interior options also allow for a forepeak layout to be set out for a full-time crew member. The main areas in the yacht feature two forward cabins, each with its own heads and shower, a spacious owners suite and a fourth cabin that can be configured as a workshop, guest cabin or a children’s cabin with access from the master cabin.
When comparing the differences between the Oyster 62 and the new model, some things stand out. The 62 had a fairly tall and upright deckhouse, flatish windows and sharp angles.

The 625's deckhouse, on the other hand, has much more flowing lines, without losing that distinctive 'O that must be an Oyster' appearance. The plan view shows that the 625 carries more beam aft than her predecessor does, which, combined with flatter sections, gives the yacht more bearing — an increase in lift — allowing her to surf more easily than her ancestor did. The waterline has been lengthened - great for an extra knot or so of speed, and there is some added freeboard, good for stability. So the speed and handling are improved, while offering more volume, better living below decks. The cleaner, more modern bulwark profile, with its integral stanchions and mooring cleats, creates spacious, uncluttered side decks, whilst the smoother, flush lines of her foredeck produces more deck space than the Oyster 62.
There is also the option of three large vertical portlights in the hull, to port and starboard, to further enhance the views out from the saloon giving this new Oyster real superyacht quality.
Article by Des Ryan "European Yacht Of The Year 2012: The Oyster 625" is featured from SailWorld.com