Glen Hurd walks us through a proven Caribbean charter cat with a huge galley, four en suite cabins, and easy sail handling.
Broker Glen Hurd of Catamaran Gurus welcomes us aboard S/V Osprey, a 2011 Voyage Yachts 520 lying in Tortola. The successor to the well-regarded Voyage 500, the 520 refines a proven charter platform with a wide beam, generous social spaces, and a sea-kindly ride that Hurd — who has sailed several of her predecessors — describes as a genuine pleasure under sail.
The tour begins at the helm, an open and airy station well connected to the cockpit. From there, guest flow into the saloon is effortless, with big tinted windows framing the West End sunset and a hard bimini overhead keeping the space cool.
A Galley That Anchors the Boat
The galley is the standout feature of the interior. Even on a 52-footer, its scale is striking: a four-burner Italian stove and oven, three sink areas (two in stainless), a top-loading freezer with a heavily frosted cold plate, a double fridge, and a second top-loading freezer with twin plates on the far side of the breakfast bar. Deep drawers with positive-acting locks and abundant storage make it as practical for long passages as it is for entertaining. A breakfast bar seats three to four, flowing into an L-shaped settee and a nav station that doubles as a workstation. An ice maker rounds out the amenities.
Four Cabins, All En Suite
Down the starboard companionway, a small crew or kids’ bunk sits at the base of the stairs. Forward and aft are queen-berth cabins, each with its own en suite head, side-opening portals, and overhead hatches. The port hull mirrors the layout, with an added day/crew head amidships. Reading lights and mechanical fans are fitted in every cabin, and the whole boat is air-conditioned.
Sailing and Deck
Osprey carries Raymarine electronics and Andersen winches — five electric in total, three primaries and two secondaries — making sail handling manageable short-handed. The mainsail is tamed by a stack pack and lazy jacks, and the relatively low boom contributes to the 520’s noted sailing performance. Forward, webbing trampolines are kinder underfoot than rope, and a centerline gangplank walkway simplifies mooring pickups and anchor snubber work. Aft, generous swim platforms sit close to the waterline with wide ladders port and starboard — ideal for divers gearing up or simply dangling your feet.
Where the Market Sits
The Voyage 520 remains a niche but active segment. A quick look at current inventory gives useful context for buyers weighing Osprey against her sisters.
| Active 520 listings | 4 |
|---|---|
| Asking range | $375,000–$645,000 |
| Median asking | $422,500 |
| Inquiries, last 30 days | 6 (vs. 0 prior 30) |
Interest has clearly picked up, and with only a handful of boats on the market, well-kept examples like Osprey stand out.