YEAR 1989
DESIGN Holman and Pye
RIG Cutter rigged sloop with in-mast furling
ACCOMMODATION Nine berths in four cabins
JOINERY Teak
TAX STATUS * Not paid

LOA 20.57m (67’6”)
LWL 17.58m (57’3”)
BEAM 5.26m (17’3”)
DRAF T 2.10m (7’0”)
DISPLACEMENT 39,462kg (87,000lb)
AIR DRAFT 26.42m (86’8”)
LYING Barcelona, Spain

BROKER’S COMMENTS 

Designed by Holman and Pye, the Oyster 68 was conceived as a high-quality long range Bluewater cruising yacht. Well known for its capabilities and broadly documented for conquering adventures such as rounding Cape Horn and cruising the Petagonian Icecap, the 68 is built for anything.
Viking IV, built in 1989 is known as the flagship of the range, and truly demonstrates the capabilities of the bespoke design and engineering team at the time. Uniquely spec’d with an additional 1” foam insulation for travelling the Southern Ocean, twin Mercedes diesel engines, and a layout that is tailored for versatility, she is unlike any other Oyster. In addition, recent refits and constant upgrades, such as new teak decks, new canvaswork, new propellers, and standing rigging upgrades, to name a few, demonstrate that Viking IV is constantly improving and developing with time.

The vast deck space is ideal for long distance cruising, with handy secure-holds that make relaxing and moving around safe, whilst also practical for stowing additional equipment. The locker space is huge, without compromising on the headroom below. Whilst the rig set up and dual navigational controls above and below deck are fantastic for families, and those who fancy more challenging adventures without being constantly exposed to the elements. 
Below deck, the layout is carefully designed to optimise the space, and instantly feels much bigger than her size. The saloon offers comfortable seating around a large extendable table, a dinette with bench seating around a central table with serving access to a well-equipped galley, a chart table area with ample space to plan passages, plus the unique raised helming station with clear visibility through the coachroof windows. Accommodation allows for a remarkable nine guests in four cabins, which is fantastic for hosting family, friends, and even crew with ease. Build quality is evident from the offset, and feels opulent throughout with the cream leather upholstery and teak joinery.
Currently based in a marina close to Barcelona, Viking IV is currently in the process of undertaking additional upgrades on the back of a recent survey as conducted by the owner yet we are taking bookings for viewings so please get in touch if she is of interest.

Any unauthorised copying or publishing will constitute an infringement of copyright.

The items in italic highlight the non-standard items fitted during the build programme or added by the owner thereafter.

CAPTAIN'S COMMENTS

“It’s a serious boat for exploring remote places. Designed for sailors, driven by adventure.”

Captain of Viking IV.

The items in italic highlight the non-standard items fitted during the build programme or added by the owner thereafter.

1. CONSTRUCTION 
 
HULL NUMBER
Oyster 68.01.
 
HULL CONSTRUCTION
Moulded in GRP and Kevlar to Lloyd’s specification.
The GRP lay-up specification was in excess of Lloyd’s requirements and approved thereafter.
Insulation below waterline consisting on 1” foam, uniquely specified for this hull for travelling to Antarctica (also cooler in hot climates).
 
HULL FINISH
‘White’ hull with cove line and double boot top lines in ‘blue’.
‘Grey’ non-skid paint atop of coachroof.
Antifouling (new, summer 2024).
 
DECK CONSTRUCTION
Moulded in GRP with balsa core.
In load-bearing areas the core is replaced with plywood for additional strength.
 
DECK FINISH
Teak laid decks. 
Teak decks replaced (2022). 
Teak capping rail, plus teak on top of coamings.
 
KEEL
Shoal draft keel.
 
RUDDER
Fully protected skeg-hung rudder.
 
STERN DESIGN
‘Sugar scoop’ stern design with bathing platform trimmed with teak slats and stainless steel steps for access to the stern deck.
Fold-down stainless steel bathing/boarding ladders (bow and stern, new, summer 2024).

2. DECK LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENT 
 
ANCHOR
Rocna 55kg (121lbs) anchor, with 91m (300’) of 12mm (7/16”) chain, and rode.
Recessed locker within the foredeck for anchor chain stowage, which is fitted with hinged lids each with a flush-fitting type locking device. 
 
WINDLASS
Lewmar 4000 vertical capstan type hydraulic anchor windlass installed on deck, with a direct feed to allow for the anchor chain to stow neatly in the chain locker below. 
The windlass is two-way and operated by hand switch controls.
Anchor windlass completely overhauled (2010-11).
 
DECK ACCESS
Midship gateway stanchions. 
Gate to pushpit.
Stainless steel bathing/boarding ladder (bow and stern, new, summer 2024).
2.5m (8’) carbon fibre passerelle (2011-12). 
 
HATCHES/WINDOWS
Oyster custom drop-down washboard system for main companionway.
Lewmar deck hatches.
Lewmar opening ports in coachroof sides.
Gebo opening hull ports.
Eight alloy-framed deck saloon windows in toughened glass - two forward windows open.
Hatches and catches re-chromed (2010-11).
Perspex covers over coachroof hatches to act as storm boards and additional weather protection. 
Additional hatches on transom for aft deck visibility. 
 
CANVASWORK
All canvaswork in ‘cream’ acrylic unless otherwise stated:
Large acrylic fold-down sprayhood fitted over custom stainless steel hoops, which stows neatly into a trough in the deck saloon roof. The hood incorporates see through panels in its forward portion, the central window is zippered and rolls up to be secured by ties (2023).
Bimini including fixtures. Large clear panel and flaps with securing ties over pedestal to view mainsail (2023).
Three awning curtains, port, starboard and aft, to protect against wind and sunray.
Canopy (2023).
Aft deck seating cushions refurbished (summer 2024). 
Thick insulation to hatches and aft area for extreme weather conditions.
Dinghy deck cushions (2011-12).
Dinghy and outboard covers (new, summer 2024). 
Cockpit cushions in ‘blue’ with ‘white’ stripes, with additional back supports.
PVC covers for all winches and hatches.
  
DECK PLUMBING
Hot and cold freshwater deck shower in transom locker.
Saltwater anchor/deck wash pump, with outlets forward and aft.
 
COCKPIT
Teak-laid, self-draining cockpit.
A large steering pedestal incorporates all the instruments and controls, including a mechanical double lever engine control. 
Useful handheld support is provided atop of the pedestal, on the cockpit table, aft of the coachroof coaming, and adjacent to the companionway hatch. 
Adjacent to the helm there are useful stowage areas with teak retaining bars.
 
COCKPIT TABLE
Gloss varnished teak-topped cockpit table with two fold-down leaves, permanently installed in a robust stainless steel frame, which incorporates fore and aft foot bars that provide useful support for crew when yacht is heeled. A lid gives access to an insulated GRP cool box.
The support of the table also provides additional cup holders and general storage below.  
 
STEERING
Remote Edson central pedestal with Morse steering controls, incorporating a 60.9cm  (24”) diameter stainless steel wheel. 
Steering wheel covered with ‘brown’ suede leather partially covering the spokes. 
 
OUTBOARD BRACKET
Transom mounted outboard bracket with stainless steel protection on the aft rail.
 
DAVITS
S300 Simpson Cooney stainless steel electric davits (2018).
  
GENERAL
Stainless steel pulpit and pushpit.
Stainless steel grab handles at side of cockpit, on coachroof, granny bars at mast, and on foredeck.
Mooring and cockpit cleats. Fairleads fitted through the bulwark.
‘White’, with ‘red’ painted dorade vents, two aft and four forward. The forward vents incorporating stainless steel guards.  
Windscreen wipers over port coachroof window above interior helming station. 
Various winch handle pockets located throughout. 
Two built-in self-draining deck stowage lockers with hinged lockable lids for deck gear stowage aft of the cockpit. There is capacity for the dinghy to be stowed atop of these. 
Large full-width aft lazarette locker with flush GRP lockable deck hatch with two lids, drain channels, plus rubber seal and positive closing.
Folding stern quarter pushpit seats in plyboard and stainless steel. Seats replaced (2011-12). 
Large aft gas locker for two bottles. This locker drains overboard and has a flush hinged lid. Gas supply system installed (new, summer 2024).
Ensign staff socket.
Stern post for navigation/communication antennae and windvane. Iron tube connection (new 2011-12).

3. RIG AND SAIL HANDLING
 
MAST AND RIGGING
Cutter rigged sloop with double spreaders.
Aluminium ‘white’ painted mast and boom.
Hood Stoway in-mast furling system with hydraulic drive, and manual backup.
Additional mainsail controls (mainsail furler and outhaul) adjacent to the steering pedestal. 
Backstay and boom vang hydraulic and can be manually operated from helm pedestal. 
Stainless steel rod standing rigging. 
Standing rigging replaced (2017). 
Running rigging: Spectra/Kevlar/Poly made by Harken, Sampson.
Conduit for masthead instrument wiring.
Reckmann furling systems for mainsail, genoa and staysail overhauled, with parts replaced as required (2010-11).
 
MAINSAIL FURLING
Reckmann hydraulic in-mast furling system.
 
HEADSAIL FURLING
Reckmann genoa furling.
Reckmann staysail furling.
 
WINCHES
By Lewmar: 
Four x 55 electric, three speed, self-tailing winches adjacent to cockpit. 
Two x 70 electric, three speed, self tailing primary winches adjacent to cockpit. 
Two x 30 manual, self-tailing traveller winches aft of cockpit.  
Four x 55 manual, self-tailing halyard winches, mast mounted. 
One x 55 manual, three speed, self-tailing halyard winch, fitted on deck beside the mast. 
Size of winches to be confirmed. 
Winches completely overhauled (2010-11). 
 
SPINNAKER GEAR
Twin carbon spinnaker poles stowed vertically on mast. 
Jockey pole stowed on the port forward deck. 
 
SAILS
By Doyle Sails  : 
Mainsail – swing batten (2001).
Headsail – 155% genoa, 2000 crescent-cut roller furling, square weave 2-ply Dacron.
Staysail (2010).

By Hood Sails : 
Mainsail (spare) – heavy Dacron, vertical battens.
Headsail (spare) – roller furling genoa, heavy single ply Dacron. UV cover replaced (2000). 

By Reckmann: 
Storm trysail, heavy Dacron with hanks and attached sheet.
Asymmetric spinnaker, nylon, in sock. 
Symmetrical spinnaker, 1.5oz nylon sock.
 
GENERAL
Nine berths in four cabins, excluding the saloon. Sea berths have fitted lee screens with lanyards to through-bolted eyes.
Interior design by Sylvia Bolton. 
Interior joinery in teak. Cabin sole in teak and holly stripe veneers.
All joinery work, including locker doors and drawers features soft radiused corners with heavy nosings.
Fiddles and grab handles in suitable locations throughout.
Locker doors veneered on both sides, flush-fitting, and have positive finger catches. Cabin lockers have shelves and fiddles, as appropriate.
Galley worktop in Corian, ‘grey’. 
Master head compartment in Corian, ‘blue’. Aft head compartments in Corian, ‘white’. 
Tecma ‘easy fit’ marine toilets installed throughout (2015/16). Quality mixer taps and pull-out shower in each head compartment, together with matching towel rail, toothbrush mug holder, and toilet roll holder. Faucets replaced and new shower units added (with flexible hoses) (2010-11).
Headlining in ‘cream’ which is demountable for easy access. Galley headlining replaced (2010-11). 
Leather upholstery in ‘cream’. Upholstery replaced to saloon, dinette, helm/chart table (2010-11). 
Upholstery to master in patterned ‘blue/cream’. 
Canvas sole covers. 
Curtains on rail in ‘cream’ (2010-11). 
Electric fans throughout.
 
FORWARD V-BERTH TWIN CABIN
Forward crew quarters accessed via a large foredeck hatch, or via the port forward guest cabin en suite head. 
Configured with twin V-berths. 
Featuring a hanging locker, dressing table, mirror and washbasin. 
Watertight bulkhead.
Appropriate areas of interior stripped, sanded and varnished (July 2024).

4. INTERIOR
 
PORT FORWARD TWIN CABIN
Situated forward to port with upper and lower bunk berths (new 2024).
Copious stowage provided, including a hanging locker. 
Access forward to en suite head/shower compartment.
 
EN SUITE HEAD/SHOWER
Accessed via the port forward twin cabin, or via the forward v-berth twin cabin. Incorporating a toilet, washbasin, mirror, and separate curtained shower stall with teak grating floor. 
Lockers for storage and a hanging rail. 
Soap dispenser and shower lotion tray. 
Watertight door forward. 
 
STARBOARD FORWARD TWIN CABIN
 Situated forward to starboard with upper and lower bunk berths. 
Copious stowage provided, including a hanging locker. 
Access forward to en suite head/shower compartment.
 
EN SUITE HEAD/SHOWER
Accessed via the starboard forward twin cabin. Incorporating a toilet, washbasin, and separate curtained shower stall with teak grating floor. 
Lockers for stowage and a hanging rail. 
Soap dispenser and shower lotion tray. 
 
DINETTE AREA
To port and aft of the forward guest cabins. Featuring a large ‘C-shaped’ dinette/lounge area with central table and bench seating either side.
Copious storage provided. 
 
GALLEY
Situated to starboard and aft of the forward guest cabins, and opposite to the dinette area. 
Featuring Corian worktops with upstands. Plentiful storage, including stowage for crockery and cutlery, plus a bulkhead mounted mug rack, storage rack, and a large rubbish bin.
Serving hatch access provided between dinette area and galley. 
 
SINKS
Twin stainless steel sinks.
 
COOKER/HOB
Gimballed Taylor 041 stainless steel gas cooker with two-burner hob, grill and oven.
Cooker hood with extractor fan.
 
REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER
Frigoboat BD35-50 24V refrigeration system to cool refrigerator and two freezers, repaired and re gassed (summer 2024).
Drinks fridge, mounted above main fridge (2011-12).
Compressor for refrigeration (replaced 2016). 
 
DISHWASHER
Whirlpool dishwasher.
 
INSIDE HELMING STATION AND NAVIGATION/CHART TABLE AREA
To port of the saloon there is an inside helming station, and navigation/chart table area.  
Both areas feature customised placement of the electronics and navigational equipment, which are strategically sited and flush-mounted. 
Plentiful stowage is provided throughout. 
The chart table is fitted with a gas strut to the lid. 
Seating is provided via a fixed upholstered chair at the helming station, and a swivelling chair to the chart table area. 
 
SALOON
Accessed from the cockpit via a set of timber companionway steps, is the light and airy saloon with good visibility, and plenty of headroom.
Featuring a U-shaped settee to starboard surrounding a large extendable saloon table, which incorporates stowage within the pedestal base.
Cupboards and bookshelves provided, along with additional storage beneath the settee.
Fridge to the aft bulkhead. 
 
AFT COMPANIONWAY
Accessed aft of the chart table. 
Featuring copious storage.
Access is provided to the engine room. 
 
WASHER/DRYER
Ariston washer/dryer (2012).
 
ENGINE ROOM
Accessed via the aft companionway leading from the saloon to the owner’s stateroom.  
The engine room is insulated with a polymeric barrier, foam and lead insulation.
Removable access panels have been fitted with rubber sealing strips to minimise noise, and are secured by positive catches.
With good headroom, even under the cockpit, the engine room is well equipped with a workable tool bench and tool chest for easy maintenance.
24V lighting, and 24V extractor fan ducted to the transom.
 
OWNER’S STATEROOM
Spacious owner’s stateroom configured with a double berth to starboard and single berth to port, separated by a settee along the aft bulkhead.
Featuring a dressing table with a mirror, hanging locker, ship’s safe, plus abundant drawer and locker space.
Door to port leads to aft passageway.
Access to starboard to en suite head compartment.

5. ENTERTAINMENT 
 
AUDIO VISUAL SYSTEMS
 
SOUND SYSTEM
Alpine FM radio/CD player.
Four Alpine six-disc CD players - saloon and guest cabins.
Cassette player in crew quarters.

6. ENGINEERING
 
ENGINE
Twin Mercedes OM352 diesel engines (each of 120hp). Last service and maintenance including new fuel filter (summer 2024). 
Gearboxes New Age PRM 750. New damper plates fitted, checked and reinstalled (summer 2024).
Engines completely overhauled with refitting of cylinder heads, new gasket, oil seal and pressure cables. Improvement to the cooling system switching to two radiators for oil temperature.
Overhaul of the two engine starters (2009). 
 
ENGINE HOURS
Port - approximately 7,929 at July 2023.
Starboard - approximately 7,862 at July 2023.
 
PROPELLER
2 x three-bladed feathering propellers (replaced winter 2023).  Inspection of shaft lines, bearings and prop, and new propspeed applied (summer 2024).
Last Drop drip-less shaft seals.
 
ROPE CUTTER
Spur Line Cutters on both shafts.
 
ALTERNATOR
Two alternators.
 
GENERATOR
Westerbeke 5kW at 1800rpm diesel generator (2009). Stripped down and refurbished (summer 2024).
 
GENERATOR HOURS
Approximately 3,287 at January 2024.
 
BOW THRUSTER
Lewmar Richfield (16hp) 300R retractable hydraulically operated bow thruster. system stripped, tuned, and new base plate for dongle installed (summer 2024).
 
STEERING SYSTEM
Edson cable steering system.
Steering gear system improved and simplified (2011-12). 
Hydraulic steering for autopilot. 
Autopilot s system reconditioned (2011-12).
 
HYDRAULICS
Lewmar Commander system to operate two Reckmann hydraulic headstay furlers, and Reckmann in-mast furling.

7. TANKAGE AND PLUMBING
 
FUEL
2,900 litres approximately (638 Imp gallons/766 US gallons) in two tanks. 
 
WATER
1,700 litres approximately (374 Imp gallons/449 US gallons) in one tank. 
 
TANK TENDER GAUGES
Tank tender gauges for all tanks.
 
HOT WATER 
From an insulated approximately 60 litre (13 Imp gallons/16 US gallons) tank heated by thermostatically-controlled 240V immersion heater element powered by the generator or dockside power.
Hot water tank (new 2018). 
 
PRESSURISED HOT AND COLD WATER SYSTEM
Hot and cold freshwater system based on a high capacity water pump with pressure accumulator tank.
 
HOLDING TANKS 
Two stainless steel (approximately 70 litres/17 Imp gallons/20 US gallons) toilet holding tank (new 2018), plumbed for gravity discharge, with additional ability to pump out from deck.
Tank fitted with capacity gauge.
 
GREY WATER
Showers and washbasins discharge into a grey water box, which is discharged overboard by an electric pump.
The galley sink discharges overboard via a pump.
 
MANIFOLD SYSTEM
All seacocks and hull fittings replaced (2011-12) and inspected (summer 2024).

8. ELECTRICS
 
SHIP’S SUPPLY
 24V.
 
RING MAIN
220V AC ring main with outlet sockets located as appropriate within the layout (combination of Euro and UK 3 pin sockets).
 
BATTERIES
Domestic: Bank of 12 OPzV 420 deep cycle cell batteries (new, summer 2024).
Engine start: Two Exide AGM 12V batteries (new, summer 2024).
Generator start: Exide AGM 12V battery (new, summer 2024).
 
BATTERY MANAGEMENT 
Victron Skylla TG 2/80H battery charger (new 2018). 
Victron Energy Phoenix 12/30 charger (new 2018). 
Battery charger (new 2018). 
Victron Energy 700S battery monitor (new, summer 2024).
Victron Atlas 24/1200 (new 2018). 
Quick charger 24v/80 amp (new 2018). 
Emergency link.
 
INVERTER
Two inverters - main unit is Victron Atlas 24/1200 unit.
 
SHORE POWER
23m dockside power cable and Hubbell socket.
 
INTERIOR LIGHTING
Overhead lights throughout accommodation.
Reading light for each berth.
Chart table lighting.
Engine room and lazarette lights (TBC).
Red night lights in passageway.
LED lighting in dinette area, galley and saloon.
 
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Spreader down lights. 
Bow and stern navigation lights. 
Steaming/deck floodlight. 
Tri-white anchor/navigation light at masthead. 
Mast mounted remote control searchlight.

9. NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATION
 
COMPASSES
Flush-mounted Ritchie steering compass. 
Electronic handheld compass.
 
SAILING INSTRUMENTS
By B&G - Hercules 2000 sailing instrument system for speed, depth, wind and navigation data.
 
RADAR/GPS AND CHART PLOTTER
Chart plotter and fish finder (2011-12).
B&G hybrid touch chart plotter at inside helming station. 
Furuno (24m range) radar system.
Two Furuno GPS navigation systems.
Radar and GPS (2017). 
 
AUTOPILOT
B&G Segatron automatic pilot system.
 
WINDEX
Windex at masthead.
 
NAVTEX
SkyMate communication system (email and weather).
 
VHF RADIO
Horizon OMNI VHF radio.
Icom handheld VHF radios.
 
SATELLITE PHONE
Inmarsat satellite telephone communication system.
Sky-mate radio (e-mail and weather). 

10. SAFETY
 
LIFE RAFT
Viking eight-person life raft. 
 
EPIRB
ACR EPIRB.
 
BILGE PUMPS
Two electric bilge pumps. One replaced, and one re-built (summer 2024) with complete new pipe system professionally fitted.
Manual bilge.
 
DECK SAFETY
Stearns ‘yellow’ life ring.
6 x 165 offshore rated life jackets with harnesses (new 2024).
2 x offshore rated life jackets (serviced 2024).
Stainless steel U-bolts for harness attachment in cockpit.
MOB button.
Emergency tiller.
 
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Various including two automatic extinguishers in engine bay.
Carbon dioxide extinguisher overhauled (2011-12). 
3 x 2kg ABC fire extinguishers (new 2024).
3 x 1kg ABC fire extinguishers (new 2024).
Fire blanket in galley.
 
ALARMS
Gas alarm.
Engine temperature and oil pressure alarms.
 
OTHER SAFETY FEATURES 
Pyrotechnics to Med zones 2 and 3 (new 2024).
Watertight bulkhead and door.
 

11. GENERAL
 
RIB/DINGHY
Mercury dinghy (five-person).
Evinrude 6hp 4-stroke outboard motor (2015). 
 
WARPS AND FENDERS
Warps and fenders.
 
COMPRESSOR
220V dive compressor and one 10 litre Technisub dive tank.
 
CROCKERY
Crockery.
 
CUTLERY
Cutlery.
 
SAFE
Safe with dial combination in aft master cabin.
 
ASSORTED TOOLS, SPARES AND MANUALS 

NB: All personal belongings and all other items not expressly listed in the above inventory are excluded from the sale.
Viewing through Oyster Brokerage.
Name ‘VIKING IV’ to be retained by the vendor. 
Inventory not verified by the owner.
Draft Issue 8 (GO/YE/lh)

In this case we are acting as Brokers only. Whilst every care has been taken in their preparation, the correctness of these particulars is not guaranteed. The particulars are intended only as a guide and they do not constitute a term of any contract. A prospective Buyer is strongly advised to check the particulars and where appropriate, at their own expense, to employ a qualified Marine Surveyor to carry out a survey and/or to have an engine trial conducted, which if conducted by us shall not imply any liability for such engine on our part. Life-saving appliances do not form part of the inventory and it is for the buyer to ensure they are in date and suitable for their purposes.

*The tax status of the vessel is an indication only based on the Seller’s understanding, for which The Oyster Group and its subsidiaries can accept no liability. Prospective Buyers are strongly advised to seek appropriate qualified independent advice concerning any taxes or duties which may be payable in their own, or any other jurisdiction.
Damage disclaimer information yet to be verified. 

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