Oyster News 52 - Oyster Yachts

adjustment for me and went out of his way to
make everything as lovely and comfortable as
possible, to the point where beautiful flowers
arrived for me on VENTURE the morning after a
difficult night I’d spent alone onboard at the
mooring. He gently encouraged, instructed,
and never forced. He allowed my natural
curiosity and desire to learn evolve on its own.
His sense of humour, and the fact that he is not
now and never has been a screamer, smoothed
out potentially difficult situations. We’ve had
only one, ok maybe two, "Don’t take that tone
with me!!" conversations. In short, Peter’s
abilities, which are considerable, combined
with a superior Oyster yacht created an
environment from which everything else flowed.
Peter and I have many years of experience
running a business, albeit in extremely
different arenas. Peter’s area of expertise is
cutting edge high technology. Mine is interior
design. They’re obviously very different
disciplines. However, the connecting thread
is good people. We’ve both learned,
sometimes painfully, people can make or
break a business in a myriad of ways. We
share the belief that a business is only as
strong as its people. Fortunately for us,
Oyster has both an excellent product and
excellent people. Oyster distinguishes itself in
so many ways from the pack of 'Oyster
wannabes'. However, in my opinion, aftersales
customer service is one of their most
valued strengths. Will White, the man on the
scene, is an owner’s dream. He’s a delightful,
multi-talented, and highly able dynamo. I
want to adopt him! In providing a network of
support, which engenders confidence in me,
the Oyster people have unknowingly
contributed to my growth as a sailor.
Lest you think this a cloying Valentine to
Oyster, I will admit we had our differences
right from the beginning, some more serious
than others. Although we speak the same
language, there were moments, albeit very
few, when neither side understood the other,
due in part perhaps to subtle differences in
our cultural experiences. Conversations
sometimes ended with one or the other side
scratching their heads in puzzlement or
irritation. Fortunately, those were few and far
between and, without exception, they were
settled amicably and in short order. Our
respect and affection for the people at Oyster
and Southampton Yacht Services grew with
each interaction.
The luxurious owner's cabin
Alan Brook, Oyster’s Managing Director, was
true to his word when he promised at the
signing of our contract that Oyster wouldn’t
just build a yacht for us, collect their money
and vanish. He assured us that their after
sales service would be as outstanding as
their construction of our yacht. He was
correct on all counts.
We have so many wonderful memories of our
experience before and after we took delivery
of VENTURE. It would take more time than I
have here to share them all. Suffice it to say,
the Oyster group has been lovely to work
with and I, the former sceptic, do not have an
ounce of buyer’s remorse. I would repeat our
Oyster experience in a New York minute. I’m
still a bit disbelieving that I’ve loved it all as
much as I do. I realize all of this may sound
like an obsequious paid advert as the Brits
might say. No matter. I have nothing to gain
from singing the praises of Oyster Yachts
except the pleasure of sharing good news
the way a convert might, and encouraging
those faint of heart, as I once was, to give it
a go. Oyster makes the challenge easier.
Peter and I are happier with our Oyster than
we thought possible. Perhaps, this is a
Valentine after all.
I’m delighted this Sceptic could be
persuaded. Think of all the fun I would have
otherwise missed. This truly has been
An Affair To Remember.
Katherine Savage
Oyster 62 Venture