As many of you know from following along on our adventures, we recently made a trip to Ibiza, Spain to inspect & survey a 2015 Oyster 575 named “African Starling”.
The Sailing Yacht caught our buyer’s eye with its outstanding sailing capabilities, luxurious living space, and stunning aesthetics. Let’s just say she made quite the impression!
Meet The Buyers
The Lucys purchased a new Beneteau Oceanis 45 from us 9 years ago. Six years later they sold the Beneteau and took a break from boat ownership. However, the boating bug bite is hard to ignore, so the search began in early-2021, with Jon as the consulting broker.
Chris and Jon visited France to inspect an Amel 64 in July and in September the Oyster, listed with Oyster Brokerage in Palma, came into the picture. After initial inspection, followed by viewings of many other ‘candidates’ at the Annapolis Boat Show, an offer was negotiated, which led to the trip to the Spanish Island of Ibiza for survey and seatrial.
Meet The Surveyor
The surveyor, Tim Rowe has a lifetime of experience in many facets of the Marine Industry. He is based in Palma, Majorca and works regularly with the Oyster Brokerage. He wanted the boat hauled & power washed/cleaned the day before the survey. It hung in the slings overnight and he began his inspection of hull, keel and centerboard the following morning.
The Sea Trial
Late morning the boat was splashed and headed out of the harbor into the Mediterranean Sea for seatrial. The weather was mild, the wind was about 18 knots – perfect for putting an Oyster 575 through its paces – so we went yachting! It was tempting to keep on sailing…. Corsica here we come? After a couple of hours, it was agreed that the fun had to stop, so the surveyor could get on with his job. The next day and a half were spent inspecting the vessel and systems at the dock.
When the inspection was over, we all parted ways and headed home. Fast forward, and now the Lucys are preparing for their trip to take delivery of their new boat and to take it out for the first time as the new owners in March. They’ll leave the boat in the Mediterranean until the Fall at which time they plan to sail it home. Congratulations Chris & Nancy!
