Exciting time for Oyster Yachts

British luxury boat building company Oyster Yachts, established in 1973, had a hectic year in 2018:

• Oyster Yachts in Liquidation – February 6th, 2018
• Bankruptcy sale of Oyster Yachts – March 4th, 2018
• Bail out arrives for Oyster Yachts – March 20th, 2018
• Oyster Yachts steers new course – August 21st, 2018

And now, despite a global health crisis, their recovery continues:

(July 21, 2020) – Oyster Yachts has announced it is recruiting over 100 people to join its workforce. With shipyards in Southampton, Wroxham and Ashmanhaugh, as well as offices in Palma and the US, this will expand the UK based company’s headcount to over 400 people internationally.

The skills required are predominately within production, with the company looking for experienced laminators, joiners, finishers, electricians and engineers. There will also be opportunities for a number of apprentices to join the company and benefit from time honored experienced craftspeople within the business.

Oyster Yachts has a full order book for its hand-crafted bluewater sailboats which currently range from 56 to 120 feet and the company is announcing a new sub-50-foot model later this year.

Deputy CEO Becky Bridgen has reported that despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, Oyster Yachts has a full order book with positive international interest for its bespoke sailing yachts.

“Our growth strategy is firmly on track, driving demand for additional expert craftspeople across our shipyards,” said Bridgen. “We are realising our vision to create jobs for skilled craftsmen and women in the UK marine industry. It’s a proud moment as we start the next phase of our journey.”

The company started a recruitment drive in November 2019, at that time advertising for 150 new staff. Mujgan Trowbridge, Head of Group HR for Oyster Yachts said, “Despite COVID-19, we managed to hire 64 people, most of whom were required at our composite technology centre at Ashmanhaugh. We are now actively seeking a further 100 staff, 60 to join our Wroxham facility before Christmas 2020 and 40 in Southampton by March 2021.”

Speaking about the expanding workforce, Oyster CEO and owner Richard Hadida commented: “After two years at the helm this is a hugely exciting time for Oyster. I’m passionate about Oyster and the skills required to build our beautiful yachts. I will be delighted to welcome more of the very best master craftspeople to the team. In addition, we are continuing to invest in Oyster apprenticeships to grow and safeguard great British boatbuilding skills for the future.”