Oyster 565 4AKOYA launch
by Alice Driscoll 18 Oct 2020 14:41 UTC
Launch of AKOYA © Alice Driscoll
You can't hold back an Oyster. Even with much of the world on pause, nothing could delay the launch of Oyster Yacht's latest build - Oyster 565 AKOYA.
Hugh Mullens took ownership of AKOYA at the handover ceremony in Ipswich. He chose the 565 for its exceptional build quality and long-distance bluewater cruising capability. "I've ended up with the most beautifully crafted boat - the quality of the workmanship is just outstanding," he said. "It's just the right yacht for me, it's fantastic...and I feel I've joined a real family with Oyster."
His dream of circumnavigation of the globe is now a definite plan - Mr Mullens and AKOYA are signed up for the 2022 Oyster World Rally. Their first outing was a little less ambitious, sailing from Ipswich to Lymington. "It was a combination of trepidation and sheer joy in a gusty Force 7," Hugh said. "And a good test of her ability to take on an uncomfortable sea."
Clearly thrilled with AKOYA, his parting words summed it up perfectly: "I feel like the luckiest man on the planet - she is just fabulous. I can't recommend Oyster more highly as a boatbuilder of ocean-going bluewater cruising yachts."