Offered as a new build between 2002 and 2017, the 825 evolved naturally from the Oyster 82 and has proved to be some 10 per cent faster. Humphreys Yacht Design drew the hull lines, while the Oyster Design team handled the styling and engineering. Deck Saloon and Raised Saloon versions were available through the Oyster Custom and Refit teams in Southampton.
Design and Construction
The 825’s easily driven hull form is the work of Humphreys Yacht Design. The result is a modern 24-metre yacht that test sailors found light and nimble, as well as remarkably easily driven when sailing.
She measures 25.15 metres overall, with a waterline length of 21.97 metres, a beam of 6.31 metres and a draft of 3.42 metres. Displacement is 56,000 kg, and the yacht was designed to sit just under the 24-metre loadline rule.
The Raised Saloon or Deck Saloon configuration creates more room for the engine space beneath the saloon sole. High topsides allow the deck to run without steps fore or aft, while outboard chainplates help keep the side decks clear of obstructions.
Rig, Handling and Sailing Performance
The sail plan is arranged to keep the decks clean and make the yacht manageable with a short-handed sailing crew. All winches sit aft of the steering pedestals, and the two-to-one mainsheet runs below deck from the end of the boom. A blade jib keeps the jib tracks at the aft end of the foredeck, with its sheets led close to the coachroof coamings. Runners and an inner forestay provide extra security in heavy weather, but both can be removed.
The arrangement proved effective even in very light air. With the breeze hovering between 2.5 and four knots, the yacht hoisted an in-boom furled mainsail and unrolled the blade jib. Gently trimmed, she made close to five knots at 30 degrees apparent wind.
Owners report surfing at 16 knots on the passage past Portugal without much effort. On long passages, the yacht can cover 250 miles per day without drawing breath. The racing record of individual 825s also shows that the platform is no slouch.
Cockpit and Deck
The practical, spacious cockpit separates guests from sail handling. Its large guest area is kept away from lines, sheets and sailing controls and includes a generous folding teak table with a built-in fridge.
Forward and aft, broad flush decks provide clear lounging areas. With the tender removed, the forward deck becomes a substantial open space that complements the broad, flat aft deck. Removable dinghy chocks carry a 4.5-metre tender forward, launched using a pole system on the mast. An optional forced-air system removes the need for foredeck dorades, helping to keep this area clear.
Hooks and eyes in the deckhead for lee cloths underline the yacht’s seaworthy intent, even within the finished décor.
Accommodation
The layout is built around a clear separation between guest and crew spaces. Below, a full-width saloon creates a remarkable sense of light and space. A side-sliding glass companionway and Oyster’s signature vertical Seascape windows add to the effect. In the lower saloon, three distinctive vertical hull ports on either side are positioned to give a water-to-horizon view.
Owner and guest accommodation is aft. The arrangement includes a full-beam owner’s double cabin toward the stern and three double cabins aft for owners and guests. A fourth guest double can also serve as the captain’s cabin.
Up to four professional crew have separate accommodation. A longitudinal galley links the guest areas with a crew space containing a small laundry, twin cabin, head-cum-wet room and a watertight hatch leading to a large foredeck sail locker.
The interior can be extensively customised. One Oyster 825 used the entire aft section as a single owner’s apartment, while another replaced a guest double cabin with the galley. As a result, individual yachts can differ substantially in layout and specification.
Fuel Consumption and Range
Under power, the 825’s fuel consumption is restrained for a yacht of this size. At cruising speed, with everything running, she uses 12 to 14 litres per hour.
Maegan carried 3,000 litres of fuel, giving her transatlantic range under motor at nine knots. With the throttles eased back while motor-sailing, she had the potential for transpacific range. Oyster claimed that the 825 offered twice the tankage capacity across the board of similar yachts.
The Verdict
The Oyster 825 is a serious bluewater cruiser that combines the feel of a superyacht with the character of a genuinely lively sailing boat. Her easily driven Humphreys hull, clean deck and rig arrangement, and highly flexible interior make her a compelling platform for private or charter use.
The main caveats are her size and complexity. At 82 feet and 56 tonnes, she calls for professional crew or a very competent owner. Her custom layouts also mean that no two examples are necessarily specified alike.
Pros
- Easily driven Humphreys hull with a light, nimble sailing character
- Clear separation of guest and crew spaces, with accommodation for up to four crew
- Highly customisable interior with multiple saloon and cabin configurations
- Strong passage-making range under power with modest fuel consumption
Cons
- At 82 feet and 56 tonnes, requires professional crew or a highly experienced owner
- Custom layouts create substantial differences in specification between individual yachts
- High topsides and 11' 3" draft limit access to some harbours and anchorages
