Priced for a quick sale before the summer hauloutIona Bess is a late model Oyster 45, number 25, launched in 2001 during an eight-year production run from 1996 to 2004.Design and BuildShe was the last Oyster designed by Holman and Pye, replacing their legendary 435. The design features greatly enhanced interior volume, making her more spacious while retaining the bulletproof build quality for which Oyster is known. Key construction details include:
Hand-laid single skin hull construction
Lead fin keel massively bolted to a deep keel stub
Keel stepped mast
Interior and LayoutFeaturing the legendary Oyster deck saloon with eyebrow styling, the now classic three cabin layout includes:
Beautiful teak interior
Secure centre cockpit
The 45 is a sleek and comfortable world cruising yacht, easily handled by a couple.Sailing FeaturesEquipped with:
Electric in-mast furling
Electric headsail furling
Electric primary winches
Electric coachroof winch
Sail handling is mostly push-button. The standing and running rigging was all replaced in 2019 and optimized for bluewater sailing. Additional features include:
Removable inner forestay for storm jib
Twin poles on the mast for twistle twin poled-out furling genoa downwind headsails
Retractable bowsprit for the cruising chute
Ownership and MaintenanceWith only three owners, this boat has been cherished from new and maintained in remarkable condition. She primarily cruised the English Channel until entered in the 2019 ARC Portugal rally, after which she was professionally delivered to Antigua. The current owner has since cruised the neighboring islands.Engine and ElectronicsThe Volvo diesel engine has only done 2,200 hours. Additional features include:
New saildrive
Brunton autoprop
Bowthruster for ease of boat handling
The batteries and most of the electronics were replaced following an extended covid-layup. She has since been lightly cruised around the islands for the last three winter seasons.LocationLying in Antigua.