Richard Matthews Joins Oyster’s Board

14 JANUARY 2020: Bluewater yacht manufacturer Oyster Yachts is proud to announce that the company’s founder Richard Matthews has accepted an invitation to join its board. This is a testament to Matthews’ faith in the future of the company he founded almost 50 years ago and the direction in which it is heading under Richard Hadida’s ownership.

Matthews founded Oyster in 1973; the company has since been owned by two private equity entities before being bought by Hadida in 2018. Matthews continues to be a keen yachtsman whose activities in 2019 included winning the East Coast Offshore Championship and participating in his 23rd Fastnet Race. He is a highly respected figure in the sailing community and brings with him a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the marine industry.

Oyster enters the new decade with a healthy order book and increasing worldwide demand for its yachts. As a result, the company has vacancies at both its Wroxham and Southampton build yards to add to an existing workforce of skilled craftsmen and management, all of whom are deeply committed to the success of Oyster Yachts. It is with great excitement that everyone at Oyster welcomes Matthews on board, safe in the knowledge that he shares their determination for the future success of the business.

Speaking on Richard Matthews’ appointment, Oyster owner Richard Hadida said:

“It is hugely important to me personally that the founder of the brand I hold so close to my heart has given it his seal of approval by joining our board. Having restored the company to its former glory with the support of a fantastic team – from talented craftsmen to dedicated management – this feels like confirmation that Oyster is once again synonymous with quality and excellence, just as it was when Richard founded it back in 1973.”

Richard Matthews said,

“One of the most amazing things about Oyster is the extended “family” of Oyster owners who share my passion for these beautiful yachts. Rejoining Oyster is like coming home. In Richard Hadida, Oyster now has an owner with the resources to take the business forward. Above all his infectious enthusiasm for the brand convinced me that Oyster has a truly exciting future and I look forward to once again being part of it.”

About Oyster Yachts is the builder of the world’s finest bluewater cruising yachts. The company employs almost 300 people across shipyards in Southampton and Wroxham, and its facilities in Ipswich, Palma, and Newport Rhode Island.

Matthews will join a Board of Directors rich in business and sailing experience. Led by Richard Hadida and Becky Bridgen, with non-executive directors Eddie Jordan, Ivan Ritossa, Ashley Highfield (Chairman) and special adviser Rob Humphreys, the board has made strong progress in turning the business around since 2018. It has successfully invested in up to date production systems and facilities, scaled the workforce to meet growing demand and launched two new models – the award-winning Oyster 565 and the 1225 superyacht. Supported by a team of highly skilled time-served craftsmen and innovative designers, Oyster yachts continue to be recognised as being amongst the very best cruising yachts in the world. With a range of six models between 50 and 120 feet, there is an Oyster for every sailor, be that a family crew to super yachting with professional help; all sharing a heritage of great sailing performance, build quality and comfort.

Oyster will proudly present the new Oyster 565 at the Dusseldorf Boat Show 18-26 January, in Hall 16, Stand C58.