Video: Leading role for Oyster 495 in film series

The Oyster 495 from Oyster Yachts takes the lead in a six-part film series that follows the build of this 50ft bluewater cruiser.

From the drawing board to the ocean, the series follows the build of the newest addition to Oyster’s fleet. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access, the episodes were filmed at the Oyster Yachts facility in Hythe, Southampton and at sea.

Double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson tells the story of the Oyster 495 through interviews with the people critical to the yacht’s development, including Oyster Yachts’ owner Richard Hadida, project manager Andrew Martin, lead designer Chris Lock, and naval architects Rob and Tom Humphreys.

The series culminates with the Oyster 495’s official launch at London Luxury Afloat and closes with Robertson sailing the Oyster 495 from Genoa to Palma.

Watch the first episode below:

“We were very aware of our unique perspective, being able to document the creation of the yacht from an outsider’s point of view,” comments Robertson. “From the pencil of the naval architect to the skilled chisel of the cabinet makers, we filmed every critical stage of the creation of the 495.

“Seeing first-hand what it meant to the team at Oyster was special; their fastidious attention to detail, the passion for getting it right, and knowing that 50 years of experience was all coming together in a boat that was promising so much, Tim and I could sense early on that this yacht was going to be a showstopper.

“My favourite shoot, of course, was the last one, sailing from Genoa to Palma, living onboard and sailing her on an entire passage, just as she was designed to do.”

The series was produced and directed by Vertigo Films in collaboration with Oyster Yachts. All episodes of “Building the Oyster 495” are available to view on the Oyster Yachts YouTube channel and website.