23 Oyster yachts embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure on the fifth edition of our fully-supported circumnavigation. With eight nationalities and a fleet of Oysters ranging from 50 to 90 feet, this Rally is set to be a voyage of discovery packed with life-changing experiences.
Travelling across three oceans, covering 27,000 nautical miles over 16 months, the route visits the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds and sailing destinations. Timed precisely to make the most of global weather patterns, the route ensures that the fleet experiences the best that each location has to offer, with plenty of cruising time at the end of each passage.
The Oyster team are on hand from the very start of the journey, from helping to choose the perfect Oyster all the way to ensuring that owners and crew are fully trained and prepared before setting off. Once underway, the fleet is supported by expert Oyster Technical and Logistics teams on the ground, allowing them to make the best use of their time at each stopover.
OYSTER WORLD RALLY LIVE 2026-27
DISTANCE TRAVELLED
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Rally live
2026-27 RALLY
The first 12 yachts are safely tied up at the bottom of the canal after a memorable transit.
Transits either take a whole day, leaving early and arriving in the Pacific at teatime, or are split over 2 days, anchoring overnight in Gatun Lake. This seems all to depend upon the availability of the Advisors and Pilots.
The first three Oysters to transit the Panama Canal were Oyster 675 Pura Vida, 595 Welcome and 595 Viva, which were tied together to form a ‘nest’ and worked together to hold station in each lock before passing under the Bridge of Americas, the gateway to the Pacific. Each yacht has to have a minimum of five people aboard – four to attend to the lines, and one to skipper the vessel.
The Rally fleet have had to share the locks with cruise liners, freighters, oil tankers, container ships as well as tugs, passenger ferries and general cargo ships.
The fleet have arrived at Shelter Bay Marina, at the top of the Panama canal, to a wonderful welcome from the marina staff. They have a busy programme whilst in Shelter Bay awaiting their canal transit, including undergoing formalities and paperwork checks for the passage, plus some exciting events for them to experience. From local dance shows to exploring Panama City and the charming Casco Viejo district, through to bird watching down the river in Portobelo and visiting the indigenous Emberá tribe, everyone is enjoying their time exploring Panama and its surroundings before the epic canal transit.
Most of the fleet have left the Caribbean islands and are heading west to Panama. Many have stopped to enjoy the idyllic San Blas Islands, an archipelago consisting of 360 islands north of Panama, on their way to the Panama Canal.
The Oyster World Rally fleet set their course in every direction to make the most of their free cruising time in the Caribbean sea, exploring Bonaire, Curaçao, BVIs, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Martin, Colombia, Isla de Providencia, San Blas Islands and Barbuda. From sunshine to blue skies and bluer seas, mountain hikes and surfing waves, the first week of their circumnavigation has truly been about freedom and enjoyment.
And they're off!
The Oyster World Rally 2026-27 fleet have crossed the line and started their sailing adventure around the planet!
From Fort Charlotte, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, the Oyster team, and fellow guests watched as the Rally fleet slipped their lines to begin their adventure, accompanied by traditional Antiguan dancers and the vibrant energy of the marina on departure day.
The fleet will meet again in Panama for their transit through the Canal in mid February.
Final preparations are underway, last-minute provisions are being stocked, and anticipation is building at the Antigua Superyacht Marina. The Oyster World Rally 2026-27 fleet are just one week away from the start of their circumnavigation, and spirits are high amongst the group.
With only seven days before the start line, this week the fleet will be undertaking their final Sea Survival Courses and briefings before beginning their adventure.
Antigua touchdown! The first yachts have arrived in Oyster's spiritual home in the Caribbean. Just one month to go until the rally start, the countdown is on and the excitement is really mounting in Antigua now.
The rally boats are exploring the blissful Caribbean islands, from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, through to Martinique and Guadalupe.
The first rally boats have started arriving in Grenada having completed the ARC + from Las Palmas via the Cape Verdes. Congratulations to all the teams on their transatlantic crossing!
Amongst the eighteen Oyster yachts participating in this year's ARC and ARC+ events, twelve of these will head on towards Antigua, where we will see them for the start of the Oyster World Rally 2026-27 and the beginning of their circumnavigation.
Oyster’s team of technical and logistical experts are on the ground in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, offering continued complimentary support to the fleet. The team are using their expert experience and knowledge to ensure owners have peace of mind that their yachts are in their best shape before taking on the Atlantic Ocean crossing.
Wishing fair winds to all Oyster yachts taking part in the 2025 ARC Crossing!
Many thanks to the World Cruising Club for sharing these amazing photos.
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RALLY FLEET
SAILING LUSH
Follow Richard Hadida and his family as they set off for a complete circumnavigation on board Oyster 885 Lush.
