Oyster 53 – 'Making Time'
Best-equipped example
Ocean Passage ready
Recent refit
The Oyster 53 is one of the world’s most celebrated bluewater cruisers, renowned for its combination of performance, comfort, and quality. Making Time, launched 2005 (hull laid 2004) built by New Zealand’s premier yard, McDell Marine, exemplifies this pedigree with exceptional engineering, meticulous joinery, and a thoughtfully optimized layout for single-handed or family cruising.
Designed by Rob Humphreys with interior ergonomics by Holman & Pye in collaboration with Loughborough University, the raised-saloon, centre-cockpit layout maximizes comfort, safety, and visibility while offshore. Making Time has been maintained to the highest standards, with an extensive USD 240,000 refit in 2019 and ongoing upgrades, ensuring she is a turn-key bluewater yacht capable of safe and fast ocean passages.
With a light American oak interior, 32,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning, and accommodation for up to eight in four cabins, she offers spacious and practical living for extended voyages. The yacht is RCD Category A (Ocean) and remains a proven performer in conditions from light winds to 22 knots offshore.
Owner’s Comments
“We have cruised extensively aboard Making Time, from Hong Kong to the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. She has performed impeccably in all conditions, with ample power and stability. She is optimised for single-handed sailing with redundant systems for enhanced safety... she remains a delight to handle with family and friends. We maintain extensive spares onboard which enable confident access to remote locations while allowing us to stay ahead of the maintenance schedule. Born in New Zealand, her McDell Marine build quality is evident in every detail. We have invested heavily to ensure she’s not just seaworthy, but exceptional in every way."
Broker’s Comments
“We know this Oyster 53 well having sold her to her current owner in 2014. She represents a rare opportunity to acquire a fully equipped, turn-key bluewater cruiser with a meticulous maintenance history. The quality of construction, combined with modern upgrades to rigging, electronics, sails, and deck equipment, make her ready to cruise anywhere in the world. She is one of the finest examples of the model currently on the market.”
Owner will consider delivery worldwide by negotiation.
Key Features
- Fully equipped and turn-key bluewater cruiser
- Raised deck saloon and centre-cockpit design
- Optimized for single-handed sailing
- Extensive 2019 refit with ongoing upgrades
- Accommodation for 8 in 4 cabins, 2 heads
- RCD Category A (Ocean)
- Teak decks (2019)
- Bow thruster (Sleipner SP155) and advanced autopilot system
- Modern electronics including radar, chartplotter, AIS, and autopilot
- 32,000 BTU reverse-cycle air conditioning (2019 upgrade)
- Proven offshore performance, excellent motion in heavy seas
