Humphreys Yacht Design demonstrates breadth at SIBS with new designs for Oyster, Elan and Southerly

— 14 Oct 2009


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Humphreys Yacht Design is demonstrating its position as a leader in the design of fast and stylish production boats at this year’s Southampton Boat Show with no less than three new designs on show for three of Europe’s top production boat builders.

Top of the bill is the Oyster 625, with visitors to the Oyster display able to see for the first time details of this latest Humphreys-designed model. The selection of interior layouts allows for up to four guest cabins plus crew quarters in the bow, while optional vertical portlights can be incorporated to give amazing views across the water from the comfort of the saloon. Her distinctive styling identifies her instantly as the latest incarnation of the fourth-generation Oysters, and her performance is sure to satisfy those owners looking for a yacht that is both powerful yet manageable.

Star of the Northshore stand is the Southerly 49 – another blue-water design intended for comfortable, long distance cruising. The option of a swing keel allows her draft to reduce from 3.13m to just 0.86m at the touch of a button, while her fine entry and twin rudders ensure performance and control. Down below she features three double cabins and a generous saloon.

The third Humphreys design to be making its debut at Southampton is the Elan 310, which replaces the existing Elan 31. This latest addition to their performance range is also the smallest but looks every inch the part with her slab sides, open stern and expansive cockpit, and below the waterline lie twin rudders and a T-bulb keel, the latter giving her excellent stability. Yet for all her racing pedigree down below she has a good-sized double cabin aft and a layout suited to fast cruising as well as racing. The 310 is expected to be a very popular addition to the Elan range, giving fast and exciting sailing without breaking the bank.

The diversity of the Humphreys portfolio continues to keep it busy despite the current environment, with the team working on a range of additional projects including custom superyachts – both power and sail – and a number of racing yachts.


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