Matthews, founder of Oyster Yachts and a seasoned offshore campaigner, appeared at the Cowes press conference on Friday ahead of the centenary Fastnet, reflecting on his long history with the race and his continued enthusiasm for competition.
“I’m looking forward to it with the same enthusiasm as my very first,” he said. “Today’s boats are very different—this one sails like a big dinghy—but at least we’re competitive with the other 50-footers. And in a breeze, we’re fast off the wind. If we’re lined up with the TP52s, we should have an edge…but that remains to be seen.”
Oystercatcher XXXV is no ordinary offshore racer. Designed by Carkeek Design Partners and launched in 2021, the 52-footer was conceived as a lighter, stiffer, more powerful evolution of a TP52—unbound by the traditional box rule. Built by Fibre Mechanics and fitted out by Fox’s Boatyard in Ipswich, she sports a carbon fibre hull, twin rudders, wheel steering, and a water ballast system designed for lean offshore crews of around eight.
In her first year of racing, Oystercatcher XXXV delivered a string of wins and podiums across the East Anglian Offshore Racing Association (EAORA) series and beyond, including:
- 1st in the EAORA Class 1 Championship
- 1st in the Walker Challenge Cup
- 1st in Ramsgate Week (Class 1)
- 10th overall and 3rd in IRC 0 in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race
Though her racing appearances since have been limited—partly due to Matthews facing health setbacks—the boat remains one of the most potent offshore designs available today. She’s currently for sale, listed at £1.35 million, presenting a rare opportunity for a new owner to acquire a high-spec, IRC-optimised performer.
But for now, Matthews is focused on the race ahead. He fondly recalls one of his best Fastnets—sailing his SJ35 Oystercatcher X around the Rock and being told they were leading class and fleet.
“That felt pretty good,” he said. “Though we had to kedge a mile from the finish and lost the overall, we still won our class.”
Of course, there have also been darker moments. Matthews was there in 1979 during the tragic edition that claimed 15 lives.
“We always hold a one-minute silence aboard before the start,” he said, “to remember those we lost.”
This year, Matthews once again returns with a top-tier crew and one of the finest boats on the course. Whether or not he finishes on the podium, few can match his legacy—or his enduring passion—for the race that shaped offshore sailing.
