Oyster 54, SHALEN

Broker’s Comments

Oyster 54 SHALEN is a first-class example of a world-class bluewater cruiser. Like all Oyster Yachts, she is built to an exceptional standard – robust, dependable, and designed to inspire confidence when conditions become more challenging.

SHALEN features a secure centre cockpit, ideal for long-range cruising, offering both protection and excellent visibility. She is easily managed short-handed, and her current owners have regularly sailed her as a couple, highlighting her practicality and ease of handling.

Meticulously maintained by her present custodians, SHALEN is a credit to their ownership. She comes comprehensively equipped with spares and is truly turnkey – ready to set sail on her next adventure.

Owner’s Comments

SHALEN is our fourth boat, the last two being Oysters.

Ten years ago, while on a business trip in the UK, my wife Sharon and I decided to “pop into Oyster at Ipswich” and see what was new. I had always had the dream of sailing around the World. There we saw SHALEN, and in Sharon’s words, “it was love at first sight”. There still was one last spot for the upcoming Oyster World Rally, and I asked Sharon if she would sail around the world on an Oyster 54. She immediately replied Yes!!! and on the spot, I bought our beautiful Oyster 54, we named it SHALEN (Sharon and Len).

That decision was the best I ever made. We spent three and a half years living the dream and sailed 30,000nm and completed our circumnavigation.

I thought, having sailed the Med for 30 years by then, that I had 30 years sailing experience, but when we left Antigua on the Rally, I realized that I had one year’s experience 30 times. On the Rally, Oyster accompanies you with a technical team. They taught me every nook and cranny on SHALEN, how she works, how to maintain her, how to sail her, how to repair her when at sea on your own and most important proper seamanship. I finally became a “real sailor”.

I could go on for pages, but the key points about an Oyster 54, is that she can very easily be sailed by a couple. Everything is basically electric and she has everything on board that you need to live comfortably. A freezer, for the fish you catch, a washing machine to keep the wife happy, water maker with no bathing restrictions, enough spare cabins for guests, A/C for those stifling hot days, an engine for up to 1000nm in the doldrums, and of course you are always out in the front with all the other yachts since she sails like a classy lady.

Why are we selling? Mixed feelings, “seeing your mother-in-law driving over a cliff in your new Mercedes” but for a serious moment. This year I turn 80, healthy and well, but they all tell me that you should stop when you are still having fun.

So, we hope that whoever buys SHALEN will love her and care for her like we did and have at least as much fun and love on the beautiful seas.