Oyster Yachts to end production at Southampton’s Saxon Wharf site

Oyster Yachts is preparing to end production activity at its Southampton Saxon Wharf facility by the end of 2026, marking one of the biggest strategic shifts in the luxury yacht builder’s modern history as it consolidates manufacturing around its Norfolk operations. The luxury yacht builder says owners and boats currently in build will not be affected.

“This is a strategic decision,” says a spokesperson for Oyster Yachts as it enters a formal redundancy consultation with employees in Southampton. The company’s proposing a plan for “a phased end to production activity” at its leased facility at Saxon Wharf, Southampton, by the end of 2026.

Oyster began moving production activity from its leased facility at Hythe Marine Park during 2025 as part of a broader operational efficiency programme intended to support a more focused operating model, concentrating investment and resources across its remaining UK operations. That process has now completed.

The company is widely regarded as one of Britain’s best-known bluewater sailing yacht brands, with owners found worldwide.

Formal redundancy consultation begins

“We have entered a formal redundancy consultation process with our employees relating to a number of production, support and overhead roles,” says the spokesperson.

A significant proportion of the luxury yacht makers UK manufacturing and refit operations – undertaken by exceptional craftsmen – are currently located at Saxon Wharf.

It is unclear the precise numbers of employees expected to be affected.

“As this process is ongoing, we are not commenting on specific numbers at this stage,” says the spokesperson, but adds that the redundancy consultation process is taking place with employees and their representatives.

“During that process it would not be appropriate to pre-empt outcomes that are still being worked through with the people most affected.”

Oyster Yachts does not publicly disclose how many people it employs specifically across its Southampton operations, but available figures suggest the south coast sites remain one of the company’s largest employment centres. While Oyster has not published a current Southampton-only headcount, the scale of production activity at both south coast sites suggests the combined Southampton workforce likely accounts for a sizeable proportion of the company’s global 600-plus workforce (see below).

Oyster pivots manufacturing focus to Norfolk

With the news about Saxon Wharf ending production, the company’s very focused on stressing its Norfolk capabilities.

The move is being billed as supporting a focused and resilient approach which will simplify the Oyster’s footprint and concentrate investment.

The spokesperson adds: “This reshaping activity supports a more focused and resilient operating model, concentrating investment around Wroxham, Norfolk as Oyster’s centre of excellence for UK manufacturing.

“Future yachts will continue to be built in our Wroxham shipyard.”

What happens to boats currently in build?

While the spokesperson didn’t reveal the exact number of boats currently in build in Southampton, Oyster says: “There is no impact on yachts currently in build or future orders. We continue to build and deliver yachts as planned.”

The company also says it “remains fully supported by owner and chairman Richard Hadida and the board,” adding: “Yacht production at Wroxham, Norfolk continues as planned.”

“UK Manufacturing remains at the heart of the company, reinforcing our deep commitment to British quality, craftsmanship and heritage.”

The ‘strategic decision’ and proposals are intended to strengthen the company’s long-term manufacturing approach in the UK by consolidating future production and investment.

Oyster Yachts’s Wroxham operation sits at the heart of the brand’s Norfolk boatbuilding heritage, with Oyster tracing many of its earliest manufacturing roots to the Broads and long-standing local partners. Today, the Wroxham site operates as a major production facility where prospective buyers can tour yachts at multiple stages of construction, from hull moulding through to near-complete vessels undergoing final fit-out. Oyster’s website places heavy emphasis on preserving ‘time-honoured’ boatbuilding skills at the yard, with generations of local craftspeople specialising in joinery, laminating, engineering and commissioning while passing traditional marine trades on to apprentices entering the industry.

Oyster insists owners will not be affected

Oyster Yachts is adamant that this news will not affect owners.

“We remain fully committed to supporting both existing and future owners,” says the spokesperson.

“Owners and customers will be unaffected by this move. Owner support, the global service network and the full programme of Oyster services continue without interruption, including full support for the World Rally fleet currently at sea.” Twenty three Oyster yachts departed Antigua in January 2026.

“These proposals are part of a long-term plan to create a more focused and resilient business aligned to current and future market conditions, while continuing to invest in model development, including the forthcoming introduction of an all-new 50-foot model, as well as manufacturing capability and the support services for our owners,” concludes the spokesperson.

The restructuring marks another major turning point for Oyster as it attempts to balance traditional British boatbuilding heritage with modern manufacturing realities. While Southampton production activity winds down, the company is simultaneously pushing forward with new model development, global owner experiences and a next-generation 50-foot yacht designed to signal Oyster’s future direction.

Estimating the size of Oyster’s Southampton workforce

Oyster says it now has ‘a growing team of over 600’ globally, spread across its manufacturing and service operations, according to the company’s website. In 2018, MIN noted that around 160 staff worked at Oyster’s Saxon Wharf yard in Southampton during the company’s administration process, before subsequent expansion under new ownership.

In 2020, Oyster said it planned to expand its international workforce to more than 400 staff, while in 2024 the company noted further workforce growth across Oyster’s Southampton facilities at Saxon Wharf and Hythe Marine Park alongside its Wroxham operation in Norfolk. While Oyster has not published a current Saxon Wharf-only headcount, the scale of production activity suggests the combined Southampton workforce is likely significantly higher than the previously reported 160-person Saxon Wharf figure, potentially accounting for a sizeable proportion of the company’s global 600-plus workforce. But this is not corroborated.

How Oyster rebuilt after administration

Oyster Yachts was founded in 1973 by entrepreneur Richard Matthews and grew into one of Britain’s best-known luxury sailing yacht builders before changing ownership several times over the following decades. The company entered administration in February 2018 after severe financial pressures linked to cashflow problems and the fallout from the 2015 sinking of Oyster 825 Polina Star III. At the time of the collapse, Oyster employed around 420 people across Southampton and Wroxham.

Oyster was subsequently acquired in March 2018 by British entrepreneur Richard Hadida, founder of Evolution Gaming Group, through a rescue deal intended to secure the future of the brand and rebuild operations. Hadida formed Oyster Yachts as a new company after acquiring the assets out of administration, later restarting production at both Southampton and Norfolk sites while rehiring former staff.

Richard Hadida’s turnaround strategy

Hadida’s era has been defined as a long-term turnaround project focused on rebuilding the workforce, restoring profitability and investing in new models and manufacturing capability. In 2021 Oyster returned to profit following the administration crisis, with much of the original workforce rehired and new apprentices recruited as the company rebuilt production.

Hadida has remained closely involved in ownership and governance, returning as chair in 2023 after Ashley Highfield became CEO.

Oyster’s next phase under Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke

The company’s latest phase began in 2025 with a leadership transition designed to support further expansion under owner Richard Hadida. Former HanseYachts AG executive Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke was appointed chief executive in September 2025 following the departure of Highfield after seven years in the role. The appointment was part of Oyster’s next phase of growth, with Zimmermann Zschocke focusing heavily on manufacturing processes, operational efficiency and customer experience as the company expands its model range and owner programmes.

Oyster continues to invest in high-profile experiential projects such as the 2026–27 Oyster World Rally. Hadida joined the circumnavigation with his family onboard, underlining the owner-led identity that has shaped the company since the 2018 rescue deal.

Inside Oyster’s upcoming 50-foot yacht development

Oyster builds highly customisable, hand-crafted luxury sailing yachts ranging from 50 to 90 feet in length.

The company recently revealed a glimpse of a new yacht within the 50-foot range that is now in development. The concept ‘reimagines onboard space’, particularly the aft deck, creating a more open, light-filled interior. The design is said to reflect Oyster’s bluewater DNA, balancing Mediterranean versatility with genuine offshore capability.

Zimmermann Zschocke says the new 50-foot development is a clear expression of modernisation. “For Oyster, that means merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary values, without losing sight of what defines us . . . raising the standard of space, usability and onboard experience while staying completely true to what an Oyster is.

“At the same time, we are continuing to expand our ownership ecosystem, creating a more connected, supported and enriching experience both on and off the water. This is an early indication of where we are heading, with much more to come in the months ahead.”

In conversation with strategic advisor Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Zimmermann Zschocke reinforced that for Oyster, craftsmanship, iconic design and understated luxury are not features to be refreshed, but principles to be protected.