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Dunkirk 'little ships' will open to the public in September
Dunkirk 'little ships' will open to the public in September

BBC News

time20 hours ago

  • Entertainment
  • BBC News

Dunkirk 'little ships' will open to the public in September

Several of the surviving Dunkirk little ships will be open to the public in September. The Classic Boat Festival organisers say attendees can step aboard the vessels which sailed across the Channel to rescue trapped Allied soldiers in 1940 as part of Operation Dynamo. In what Winston Churchill dubbed "the miracle of Dunkirk", about 1,000 little ships sailed through heavy enemy fire to rescue more than 338,000 British and Allied troops from Dunkirk's boats form part of more than 50 vintage vessels will assemble at The Classic Boat Festival in St Katharine Docks on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September. The little ships took part in 85th anniversary celebrations of Dunkirk in May, by recreating their voyage from Ramsgate to Dunkirk and back. In 1940, hundreds of small boat owners answered a call by the Admiralty to sail to the south-east coast to be used by the Royal Navy in its rescue mission. Also included in the free festival are motorboats from the Bates Star Craft range, historic tugs, and a commanding Navy P2000 vessel. In its 16th year the festival extends into the west basin, with larger vessels such as Thames sailing barges displayed along the public will also have the opportunity to step aboard some of the vessels and meet the owners who have preserved these nautical treasures, say organisers.

Oyster's Seductive New 805 Sailing Yacht Revealed At UK Private View
Oyster's Seductive New 805 Sailing Yacht Revealed At UK Private View

Forbes

time28-05-2025

  • Business
  • Forbes

Oyster's Seductive New 805 Sailing Yacht Revealed At UK Private View

Edging ever closer to the luxuries normally found on contemporary power yachts, this new 805 supersailor from Oyster Yachts whispers seductively in luxury's ear. It beckons those who demand authentic value for their investment, delivering rare and exclusive pillars of luxury: durability, craftsmanship, quality, and design. It is also rare, as the yachtbuilder releases between 20 and 30 yachts per year. At the London event, Oyster announced the 805 from the elegant St. Katharine Docks in early May during a Private View that also featured the Oyster 565, 595, 675, and 885 SII. Nicely fitting between Oyster's 745 and 885 Series II, the first 805 is expected to splash in 2027. A UK brand, leading the 50 to 90 foot range of luxury sailing yachts for more than 50 years, Oyster was acquired in 2018 by UK software entrepreneur Richard Hadida, moving the revered brand from a precarious financial position to a solid place of ownership with strong sales attributed to Oyster's reputation for quality sailing yachts. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, previous CEO at Rolls-Royce, was named Strategic Advisor, as announced at the London event. The 805 follows the form and function Oyster is known for, including the efficient plumb bow that slices through water better than raked designs, while creating a more spacious interior below deck. Another Oyster signature, the extended bow, allows the yacht to carry more sail area for faster passagemaking and cruising, easily handling code zeroes, spinnakers, and storm jibs. Also an Oyster feature, the flush, skyscape windows on the clean teak deck keep the lines defined and flowing while delivering natural light to the salon and guest spaces below. The 805 measures 83 feet in length with a beam just over 21 feet and a draft of between 11.2 feet on the standard keel and 8.7 feet on the shoal keel. The 805 is designed with a full-beam master cabin aft, with two additional guest cabins to port and starboard and one forward, all en suite, accommodating eight guests. The design can be customized to various layouts. The dual helm stations are placed a little further forward than most, offering improved views for the helmsmen. A slightly lowered helm position deck on the footing area, angled on the port and starboard sides of each helm, allows for a sturdy foot position when heeling. New wing stations to both port and starboard sides give guests and crew a great view of the path forward. A large aft deck with twin stair access to the swim platform emphasizes the spaciousness of the aft end of the yacht. On the 805's foredeck, a recessed tender well doubles as a casual lounge at anchor, when the tender is docked at the large, twin access swim platform. The center cockpit is fitted with an integrated daybed, transforming to an alfresco dining area. The cockpit can be fitted with a solar Starlight Bimini providing generous shade. A productive study in space and line, this bluewater cruiser displays Humphreys Yacht Design defined by a long, sleek profile, punctuated by three sets of three vertical windows interspersed with large horizontal hull ports. That continues the light, bright look of the saloon and guest cabins. Customization allows owners to prioritize the use of four guest cabins to their liking, designing for things like a gym, an office, or a library. That fourth cabin can also serve as part of an open space plan by day, converting to a cabin at night via a concealed door. The salon configuration can also include a day bar for convenient refreshment. Powered by a Cummins turbocharged B4.5 250, the engine operates at 186 kW (250 hp) at 2600 rpm. The sail area measures 3,721 square feet, including the 105 percent foretriangle, with the sail plan adjusted for choice of keel. Air draft measures 121'78" excluding antennae. Connected technology is supplied via Oyster Command™, an intuitive CZone digital switching system that integrates navigation, entertainment, and black box monitoring systems. Oyster Command™ controls all main systems, infotainment, satellite, WiFi options, and a dedicated home office via touchscreen or on the Oyster App. Delivery dates are currently scheduled at 26 months from date of order. Designed for performance without compromise, Oyster Yachts pride themselves on building yachts with robust engineering and powerful sail plans using vigorous sail handling systems. The luxurious interiors on this Oyster Yachts 805 a most comfortable bluewater passagemaker suited to long, intrepid adventures, but no one says it can't also be used for a leisurely afternoon sail. Either way, the 805 seems up to the task.

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