About ALTAIR
Altair is an Oyster 475, hull #02. She was built in England and delivered to us in Newport, Rhode Island in July 2015. The papers were signed in September 2013, and we were very involved in the build process. The 475, a newer model for Oyster, was designed by Rob Humphries. It is an update of their popular 46’ model. Altair, with a length overall of 48’7”, is big enough to handle the offshore sailing we plan to do while still being manageable for an older, shorthanded crew.
Why an Oyster? Our first boat was a Sabre 362. Incentive was very seaworthy and comfortable for a young family of four. We cruised the New England coast for years, did 2011 Marion Bermuda Race, and became captivated with sailing and the cruising life.
Whenever we spotted an Oyster, our joint reaction was always “dream boat”. The Oyster is a sleek, beautiful offshore yacht. We are not racers, we are cruisers. Over the years we have done research on so many boats, but we always came back to Oyster. When we sold the Sabre and began our search in earnest for the new boat, we ultimately zeroed in on Oyster. The fact that we could start from scratch with Oyster for the build process and specify every minute detail was a definite advantage. Our choices and decisions were made with long term offshore voyaging in mind.
Technicalities:
- Length of hull: 47’6”
- Beam: 14’6”
- Engine: Yanmar 4JH4-TE, 75hp
- Fuel: 198 US gallons
- Water: 172 US gallons
- Draft: 7’1” standard keel
- Leisure Furl in-boom furling
- Cutter rig, manual Furlex furlers for both head sails
- 3 cabins, 2 heads
- Generator, water maker, refrigerator, freezer, microwave, 4 burner propane stove and oven
- Windlass, primary anchor Rochna 40, (88 lbs.), 300 feet of chain
- Second anchor with 400 feet of nylon rode and 50 feet of chain
- 12’ F-Rib with a hard fiberglass bottom that folds into 3 sections, 15 horse power 4-cycle Honda outboard, Simpson davits