From Fort Charlotte, the Governor General of Antigua, the Oyster team, and fellow guests watched as the Rally fleet slipped their lines to begin their adventure, accompanied by traditional Antiguan dancers, steel pan, and the vibrant energy of the marina on departure day. The sailors will visit the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds and sailing destinations, crossing multiple oceans along a carefully curated route. Timed precisely to make the most of global weather patterns, the route ensures that the fleet experiences the best each location has to offer, with plenty of cruising time at the end of each passage.
Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke, Oyster Yachts CEO, said: “The Oyster World Rally is more than just a circumnavigation, it’s a celebration of our community, craftsmanship, and passion for bluewater sailing. Each edition brings new adventures and strengthens the bonds between our owners worldwide. We are proud to support this incredible journey, ensuring that every crew can focus on the joy of sailing while our expert teams handle the logistics and technical support. As Oyster continues to innovate and grow, our Rally remains the ultimate testament to the spirit of exploration that defines our brand.”
This fifth edition of the Oyster World Rally features 23 Oysters whose owners span eight different nationalities around the globe, including UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Netherlands, and Belgium, and a fleet of Oysters ranging from 50 to 90 feet. Amongst the Rally fleet, there are 15 new generation Oysters: one Oyster 495, four Oyster 565s, seven Oyster 595s, two Oyster 675s, and one Oyster 885.
The Oyster team seamlessly manages every step of the journey, from helping owners select the perfect Oyster to thoroughly preparing owners and crew through a comprehensive training programme developed exclusively for the Oyster World Rally. 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.
Some of the fleet arrived in Antigua in mid-December, having taken part in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) and ARC+ rallies, the traditional delivery passage to the Caribbean for Europe-based yachts. The ARC fleet mustered excellent success, with an all-Oyster top three in Cruising Class B. Ahead of their Rally adventure in Antigua, Oyster 565 Odisea, 595 Alpenglow and 595 Carina arrived into Grenada first, second, and third respectively, separated by just 16 hours in uncorrected times.
Richard Hadida, Owner and Chairman of Oyster Yachts, is also taking part in this year’s edition of the Oyster World Rally. Richard, his wife Ali Hadida, and their two-year-old son Harry are taking on the Oyster World Rally together, living aboard their Oyster 885 Lush as they sail across three major oceans and visit some of the world’s most stunning and remote destinations. With Ali new to sailing and Harry still very young, the adventure ahead promises a new rhythm of living, with time and space to experience the world from a fresh perspective. For Richard, joining the Rally with his family is a chance to experience firsthand the adventure and bond he has seen so many Oyster owners enjoy.
“It’s been my life’s dream to sail around the world and see every inch pass by. I’ve probably done enough airmiles to reach the moon and back, but whilst I've been all over the world, to get the context mile by mile as I sail quietly and consistently on is something that will be truly unforgettable. For the next 16 months, Lush will be my life. We won’t be coming back, and wherever she drops her anchor, that’s my home. That gives me an incredible sense of excitement, adventure and freedom,” said Hadida.
