Oyster 74.5

Wansworth

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Our intrepid skipper once again at the helm while the Mrs lounges by he mainsheet,don’t people with big yachts have friends,looking back at recent forum debate of management of big boats with small crew Oyster are convinced it’s the way to go.
 

Minerva

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One would presume it's more important to show that a large crew is not needed to handle a larger boat.
 

Fr J Hackett

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Our intrepid skipper once again at the helm while the Mrs lounges by he mainsheet,don’t people with big yachts have friends,looking back at recent forum debate of management of big boats with small crew Oyster are convinced it’s the way to go.

It's a big boat and I doubt in anything other than ideal conditions that it could be handled by two people. Looking at the brochure and video there were 3 involved in tacking, no mention of reefing. Great play was made about it being a family boat implying more than 2 pairs of hands and also lots of mention of crew quarters.
It does however look a nice boat designed for warmer waters.
 

rotrax

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First Mate and I, both in our mid 70's and with some mobility issues handle our easy to manage 12 metre, 17 ton Motorsailer as a couple.

The vessel was chosen as it lends itself to this.

Attributes are :- Easy on, easy off by the integral swim platform, 0ne Lewmar 40 power winch handles all outhaul, furling and sheeting of standard sail plan plus the Starboard side outhaul/furling and sheeting of our new 175% Code Zero/Reacher sail. A Lewmar 45 Evo self tailing manual winch does the Port sheet.
Commodious accomadation with a walk round bed in the main cabin. 1 Metre draught so good for shallow areas.

Shortcomings are:- Poor sailing ability - but we have a 110HP Yanmar - and this is used if the wind wont serve. Severe leeway close to the wind dur to shallow draught long keel. 'Interesting' close to handling and going astern. We are now in our seventh season with her and are getting a handle on it at last.

If the technology is there, is affordable and is proven to be reliable, why not take advantage of it.

Our current boat will keep us sailing far longer than our previous choice without the all attributes listed.
 

Supertramp

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First Mate and I, both in our mid 70's and with some mobility issues handle our easy to manage 12 metre, 17 ton Motorsailer as a couple.

The vessel was chosen as it lends itself to this.

Attributes are :- Easy on, easy off by the integral swim platform, 0ne Lewmar 40 power winch handles all outhaul, furling and sheeting of standard sail plan plus the Starboard side outhaul/furling and sheeting of our new 175% Code Zero/Reacher sail. A Lewmar 45 Evo self tailing manual winch does the Port sheet.
Commodious accomadation with a walk round bed in the main cabin. 1 Metre draught so good for shallow areas.

Shortcomings are:- Poor sailing ability - but we have a 110HP Yanmar - and this is used if the wind wont serve. Severe leeway close to the wind dur to shallow draught long keel. 'Interesting' close to handling and going astern. We are now in our seventh season with her and are getting a handle on it at last.

If the technology is there, is affordable and is proven to be reliable, why not take advantage of it.

Our current boat will keep us sailing far longer than our previous choice without the all attributes listed.
The Oyster is 3x the displacement and 3x the draft. Stick with what you've got and enjoy it.

Electric winches are just an extension of the anchor winch concept, more to make it easier on smaller boats than because the loads are impossibly large.

The shortcomings you note on your boat can all be dealt with or avoided without compromising safety or overall function.

A friend completed the full round the world race several years ago and said that notwithstanding the reality of racing it was very hard work and everything had to be done as a team as things were too big and heavy alone.

There is a sensible maximum size for simple unassisted sailing and 74.5ft is beyond it.
 

Supertramp

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And imagine replacing a halyard. Bet that doesn't appear in the marketing info.

What happens to these boats as they grow old?
 

Obi

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74.5 feet is a long way to run with your roving fender!
Hitting the nail on the head.

I skippered a 57 with a novice crew. Berthing stern-to in strong cross winds does need a few hands because the bow blows off so quickly. Out on the sea, it is a little easier. Would not fancy berthing short handed on a 75, but they probably do not need to go into port (or cannot) very often.
 
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LONG_KEELER

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Hitting the nail on the head.

I skippered a 57 with a novice crew. Berthing stern-to in strong cross winds does need a few hands because the bow blows off so quickly. Out on the sea, it is a little easier. Would not fancy berthing short handed on a 75, but they probably do not need to go into port (or cannot) very often.
Yes. Length and/or draft can be a problem. Some are starting to have a lift keel option to get into Med marinas.

Oyster do a round the world rally every few years which might appeal.
 

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Our intrepid skipper once again at the helm while the Mrs lounges by he mainsheet,don’t people with big yachts have friends,looking back at recent forum debate of management of big boats with small crew Oyster are convinced it’s the way to go.
Its a bit of a tease not to provide a link or copy the photo into your post. Was it this couple? Maybe they had a falling out over the cushion cover choice? or she's having doubts about him since her friends man got a bluer ensign.

1660203377985.png

Its like those photos of holiday resorts that they take at 4 in the morning when there are no screaming children running around the pool. They know people don't like sharing with other people so they make it seem like its going to be your exclusive experience. OR people with this much money can pay people to crew for them who agree to run down below and hide between each tack!
 

Wansworth

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Its a bit of a tease not to provide a link or copy the photo into your post. Was it this couple? Maybe they had a falling out over the cushion cover choice? or she's having doubts about him since her friends man got a bluer ensign.

View attachment 140566

Its like those photos of holiday resorts that they take at 4 in the morning when there are no screaming children running around the pool. They know people don't like sharing with other people so they make it seem like its going to be your exclusive experience. OR people with this much money can pay people to crew for them who agree to run down below and hide between each tack!
Sorry not internet savvy yet but as itwas a banner adon ybw I thought eagle eyed yachtsmen/women would know what I was referencing.I like your comments and expose of holiday destinations taken off season?
 

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Hitting the nail on the head.

I skippered a 57 with a novice crew. Berthing stern-to in strong cross winds does need a few hands because the bow blows off so quickly. Out on the sea, it is a little easier. Would not fancy berthing short handed on a 75, but they probably do not need to go into port (or cannot) very often.
Its whats always put me off a 75, too big for many places but yet not quite big enough to have a internal rib stowage hold option for going ashore. Standing on the deck working the foot pump every time i want to get a loaf of bread isn't my bag.
 

Fr J Hackett

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It's neither a couples cruiser or a super yacht, would a couple want to have a deck hand and cook / chef stowed away up front I doubt it. It is a charter yacht for an aspirational couple or two couples that can sail in nice warm waters at the right time of year.
Smaller is the right size for a well heeled couple that want to cruise with land based luxury and no crew 60 foot give or take imo.
 
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