This is the new boat of F1 super engineer Adrian Newey

A real passion for sailing is rampant among the Formula 1 pits. After Ferrari took to the water aboard Giovanni Soldini’s new super boat, Adrian Newey, technical director of Red Bull Racing, is also ready to cast off his moorings aboard an Oyster 885. A somewhat unusual choice for a man accustomed to adrenaline and speed. With 13 world drivers’ titles won, 12 constructors’ titles and more than 200 grand prix wins, Adrian is one of the best engineers in Formula One history and the most successful designer of all time.

The documentary on the history of the Oyster 885

In a documentary made by the shipyard, Newey and Oyster project manager Matthew Townsend tell the story of this project and the design solutions adopted to realize Adrian’s dream. Townsend commented,“Although motor racing and sailing seem like two different worlds, the quest for efficiency and aerodynamics is the same on the track and at sea.”

Newey’s new Oyster 885, currently on site in Southampton, has been custom-made for him. And with delivery scheduled for 2024.

A personalized Oyster 885

“I was looking for a boat suitable for deep-sea sailing that could be very comfortable and also allow for long voyages, possibly around the world,” Adrian comments. “I wanted a boat that met all these requirements within the Oyster range. Actually, the choice was quite easy.

You could choose between the Raised Saloon or the standard one. I opted for the Raised one because I wanted a more spacious and bright environment inside the boat. The Raised Saloon offers a panoramic view of the ocean and a feeling of freedom that really won me over.

I made three changes from the standard specifications of the Oyster 885. The first was a slight restyling of the interior, particularly the cabins, to suit my personal taste. This resulted in some changes in woodwork, colors and furniture details.

The second modification was to add a folding extension to the aft platform, increasing its length by 50%. This choice allowed us to create a larger and more functional outdoor space that is distinctly unique and ideal for overwater dining.

Finally, the third change was dictated by our desire to minimize the use of generators on board, focusing on more sustainable solutions. We opted to install a hard top with solar panels, covering an area of about 22 sq. m. This will allow us to make maximum use of solar energy to power the electrical systems on board, minimizing dependence on generators.”

The other Oyster 885 in Formula 1

Adrian Newey is not the first prominent figure in Formula 1 to choose Oyster yachts; in fact, in 2010, Eddie Jordan – founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix, a Formula 1 team that operated from 1991 to 2005 – commissioned a model of the same line, delivered in 2012 under the name “Lush”. Jordan sold it in 2018 to Richard Hadida, current CEO of Oyster.

Oyster 885 – Data Sheet

Overall length 27.08 m
Hull length 26.06 m
Maximum width 6.33 m
Draft 2.30/3.50 m
Standard displacement 71,500 kg
Sail area 387.19 square meters
330 hp Cummins turbo-charged QSL-330 engine
Fuel tank 3500 liters
Water tank 2000 liters
Contact oysteryachts.com

James Barbaro