2001's major project was a total refit of Oyster Marine boss Richard Matthews' 12 Meter Crusader, to return her to proper 12 Meter trim and configuration for the America's Cup Jubilee Regatta.  This followed the very successful season Richard had with his Corby 41 Barlo Plastics (now Hummingbird).

Crusader was designed by Ian Howlett for the 1987 British America's Cup challenge in Perth, but had since been converted into an offshore CHS/IRC racer.

The refit included removing the engine and gutting the inside completely, even shot-blasting the bare aluminium to replace the retrofitted wooden furniture with a day racing interior; dismantling and rebuilding the rig, steering and deck gear; reinstalling the complex hydraulics; refitting the wings and refairing the entire outside; complete re-measurement and re-optimising for the 12 Meter rule.

Improvements to the original spec included North 3DL and B & G Racevision.

We entered eight 12 Meter regattas in 2001 culminating in winning a race at the Prada World Championships where we were top British 12.