Design and Construction
The 885’s ocean-going hull is balanced and powerful, with a fine entry that helps the boat cleave through a seaway and a broad stern that keeps a high level of form stability. Oyster adds that Humphreys’ hull design incorporates a fairly fine entry to part the waves and a somewhat broad stern for better stability. A high-performance-bulb keel comes standard, giving the yacht a draft of 3.5 meters, while an optional centerboard configuration draws just over 7 feet. The Rob Humphreys design carries twin rudders for slick manoeuvring in harbour.
Rig and Handling
The Oyster 885 is a sloop carrying a stubby bowsprit that projects the asymmetric sail tack into better air. Broad aft sections combine with that bowsprit and the wide stern to promise exhilarating offwind performance, and the off-wind potential will rattle away the miles in any trade wind passage. Bow and stern thrusters are standard, easing the task of docking this large yacht. In-mast furling is available for owner-operators or crewed layouts.
Accommodations
With ample space for guests, the 885’s accommodation is fitted out with every luxury and practical liveaboard feature expected of the class, and a sumptuous owner’s stateroom anchors the plan. Three comfortable en-suite guest cabins were offered, of which one could be configured as either a study or lower saloon area, and the layout provides a feeling of space expected of a much larger yacht. In the reviewed arrangement there is a master stateroom, four guest cabins, and two crew cabins, with the latter accompanied by a crew galley and mess; clear separation of the galley and crew quarters ensures privacy for all. Owners could choose a deck saloon or raised saloon, and the owner’s stateroom offers direct access to the transom for what Oyster calls a terrace-on-the-sea effect. The huge, ergonomic split cockpit is perfect for al-fresco dining and relaxation on passage, and spacious open deck areas can be extended by a large hydraulic bathing platform.
Ownership and Charter Context
Conceived for buyers who want to charter out their yachts, the Series 1 offers the option to recoup part of the investment through chartering while remaining a proven ocean-sailing yacht. Hull number one belongs to the family trust of Eddie Jordan, the former Irish racecar driver and F1 commentator. Plans were revealed two years before the premiere at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2012, with the yacht launched a few weeks prior.
The Verdict
The Oyster 885 Series 1 is a maximally dimensioned sub-90-foot cruiser that turns MCA coding limits into genuine owner benefit, blending charter-grade practicality with a privately configured, roomy interior. The Humphreys hull and twin-rudder platform give it composure downwind and easy handling in port, while the layout flexibility suits both family and coded use.
Pros
- Designed to the MCA 24m Load Line limit for maximum sub-90ft volume
- Twin rudders and standard bow/stern thrusters aid close-quarters control
- Flexible guest-cabin-to-study layout with clear crew separation
- Broad stern and fine entry deliver form stability and sea-kindly motion
- Owner’s stateroom transom access for a terrace-on-the-sea effect
Cons
- 11'6" standard draft limits shallow cruising without centerboard option
- Large displacement demands disciplined sail handling and crew coordination
