26 June 2024

Luxury British yacht builder, Oyster Yachts, proudly sailed to victory over the weekend at this year’s Round the Island Race, with owner-skippered Oyster 595 XoXo winning the Silver Gilt Roman Bowl and Salver for ISCRS overall against over 400 boats, as well as placing 1st in her Class.

As well as first place in the ISRCS overall, XoXo was also first over the line. With an overall elapsed time of 06:57:49, she was over 10 minutes faster than her closest competitor, clocking the fastest time recorded in the overall ISCRS category in the last 10 years.

Conditions for Saturday’s race were tough, with wind speed of Force 7 and gusting Force 9 and the sea state choppy for the whole race, but XoXo remained steady and safe, taking the challenging conditions in her stride. The performance is testament to the design and uncompromising strength of construction of the Oyster 595. The fact that XoXo was built, commissioned and is equipped for cruising the world on the Oyster World Rally 2026-27 — with every kitchen appliance, a watermaker, air conditioning system, and all the comforts of home — makes this victory even more impressive.

Richard Hutchings, owner of XoXo, said: "We had a great Round the Island Race, improving on last year's 3rd place. She’s an incredible boat, fast and safe in those harsh conditions with the wind gusting Force 9 and 3 metre waves. We always felt secure and comfortable. Coming first across the line and first overall of the 400 boats in the ISC rating system is a testament to how good this boat is."

Oyster yachts open a world to adventure. With over 20 million bluewater miles and more than 100 circumnavigations, they have earned their reputation as the preeminent expert in bluewater cruising and luxury adventure. Oysters are effortless to sail, light and agile on the helm, delivering exhilarating performance and consistently fast, comfortable passage-making speeds. Built to last a lifetime — reassuringly safe, strong and uncompromising in her structure, Oysters feature exquisite time-honoured, hand craftsmanship, robust engineering and flawless quality. They are equipped to take owners anywhere in the world in unparalleled luxury, comfort and reassuring safety.

Ashley Highfield, CEO, said: “To have a third consecutive Oyster on the podium at the world’s largest sailing race is an incredible testament to our yachts. We have now podiumed with the Oyster 495 and 595, which demonstrates the capability of our yachts for speed as well as comfort, not to mention strength of construction. Oysters are fully equipped to sail around the world, packed with many extras that racing yachts aren’t equipped with, and yet they’re still fast enough to win this world famous event. Our congratulations go to Oyster 595 XoXo and her crew for their second podium in two years, what an achievement.”