Design and Construction
The hull is built by hand lay-up in solid, non-cored GRP, using fiberglass predominantly but reinforced with Kevlar in critical areas, especially below the waterline, and isophthalic resin for enhanced resistance to water permeation anchor. Rigidity comes from conventional fore-and-aft stringers above and below the waterline with structural floors down low. The deck incorporates a balsa core for rigidity, weight savings and insulation, but where load bearing occurs the balsa gives way to marine-grade plywood, and all load-bearing fittings fasten across aluminum backing plates. The hull-to-deck joint uses an inward flange in the topsides to which the deck is bonded. At 70,547 pounds displacement with 20,723 pounds of lead in a short-chord fin and streamlined ballast bulb raked aft, the 29 percent ballast ratio and nearly nine-foot standard draft put the bulk of that mass low and central; a skeg picks up the rudder. The builder contended it had experience with carbon-fiber composite and vacuum technology but would not use customers as guinea pigs in adopting them.
Rig and Handling
The 62 carries an 86-foot masthead sloop rig spreading 2,067 square feet measured at mainsail plus 100 percent foretriangle, with a Sail Area/Displacement ratio of 19.4 and a Displacement/Length ratio of 189 that points to terrific speed potential in the light-to-moderate range. A true intermediate forestay is set up for a staysail or storm jib, and the stout three-spreader spar runs without running backstays but with redundant fore and aft lowers. Humphreys' aim, the builder noted, was a well balanced yacht light and responsive to steer yet tram-like in directional stability. On the water, test sailors found her able to bash to weather into a sharp chop at a solid 7.5 to 8 knots and about 40 degrees off the apparent wind, with hydraulic steering that provided feedback and made her fun to drive. Her race record underlines the design: easy class wins in the ARC, cruising line honours as first to finish among 178 yachts astern, and a clean sweep of all five races in Cruising Class 1 at Antigua Sailing Week.
Deck and Cockpit
A defining change came on deck with the introduction of a split cockpit: aft sits the working area with twin wheels, and forward one of the safest, family-friendly cockpits in a yacht of this size anchor. The deck plan revolves around the low-profile Deck Saloon cabin structure pitched aft from the mast base, opening onto a large central cockpit flanked by primaries and secondaries, with dual wheels and consoles port and starboard. The foredeck is nearly flush, the bow wide open and side decks clear, while behind the helm niche tiered fantail lounging runs all the way to the scooped boarding platform in the transom.
Accommodations
Below, Rob Humphreys' hull design is resolved in an accommodations package developed by interior designer Dick Young. The standard layout has a full-width deck saloon with a large oval settee and dinette to starboard and casual seating plus the nav station and communications center to port, finished in American white oak and cherry with traditional teak as an option. Three double staterooms sharing two heads reside forward and down a step, while a walk-through galley-cum-passageway to port leads to a stern owner's suite with vanity/office niche, commodious head and shower, and private egress to the fantail. A fifth double with over-and-under twins sits starboard aft of the dinette; the 62 also came with a four-cabin alternative, and Young suggested paring the body count with two ancillary doubles. Up to three head/shower compartments were offered, and the accommodation compares favourably with many much larger yachts.
Performance and Voyaging
Beyond the racecourse, the 62 is an accomplished circumnavigator, with 200-mile days in full cruising trim possible and excellent performance under sail. America's Cup and Fastnet winner Gary Jobson sailed one to the Arctic, reaching 80 degrees north, a testament to the hull's offshore range and the seakindly form that handles load and weather with composure.
The Verdict
The Oyster 62 is a considered evolution of the Oyster blueprint: a Humphreys-drawn Deck Saloon voyager that trades none of the marque's volume and comfort for the aggressive rig and light-moderate speed potential its numbers promise. Solid glass hull with Kevlar reinforcement and a disciplined deck-core strategy speak to durable offshore construction, while the split cockpit and documented race results mark her as a serious sailor's cruiser rather than a mere floating apartment.
Pros
- Taller rig, longer waterline and more volume than the Oyster 61, with proven 200-mile days and ARC class wins
- Solid non-cored GRP hull with Kevlar below the waterline and isophthalic resin for permeation resistance
- Split cockpit with safe forward family area and aft twin-wheel working cockpit
- Accommodation up to five cabins with a stern owner's suite and full-width deck saloon rivaling larger yachts
Cons
- At 35 tons and 189 D/L, she is no lightweight flyer despite the moderate SA/D
- Standard 8'6" draft limits shallow cruising grounds
- Five-cabin layouts may feel crowded versus the alternative four-cabin arrangement
