Following four highly successful editions, and as the 2026 fleet settles into the early chapters of its own global voyage, Oyster once again invites a new generation of owners to join sailing’s most profound journey.
Open only to Oyster owners and limited to just 30 yachts, the 2030–31 Rally will begin in Antigua in January 2030, covering 27,000 nautical miles and crossing three oceans. The Rally route has been meticulously planned to align with favourable global weather systems, ensuring owners experience each destination at its very best. From the wildlife-rich waters of the Galápagos Islands to the lagoons of French Polynesia, the vastness of the Pacific, Australia’s east coast, the Indian Ocean islands, South Africa, Brazil and a triumphant return to the Caribbean, the Oyster World Rally is a modern-day voyage of exploration. Carefully structured yet inherently flexible, it is designed to offer both the reassurance of professional support and the freedom for owners to shape their own adventure.
Richard Hadida, Owner and Chairman of Oyster Yachts, who is currently participating in the 2026-27 Rally with his wife and their two-year-old son, said, “The Oyster World Rally represents the very essence of our brand. Oyster yachts are built to cross oceans in safety, comfort and style, and the Rally is the ultimate expression of that capability. But beyond the yachts themselves, it is about enabling extraordinary life experiences. To see owners commit to a dream that may have been decades in the making, and to support them as they realise it, is something very special. The Rally embodies our belief that time is the greatest luxury of all.”
Unlike traditional rallies, the Oyster World Rally is non-competitive and does not require participants to sail in close formation. Owners are encouraged to explore independently if they wish, forming smaller groups organically, venturing off to discover remote anchorages or rejoining fellow participants further along the route. It is this distinctive balance of independence, community and meticulous planning that defines the Rally experience and sets it apart.
At the heart of the Oyster World Rally is a dedicated, sailor-led team providing comprehensive logistics, technical and concierge support from the moment owners sign up. Preparation begins 18 months before departure with an extensive training programme included within the entry fee. Through in-person workshops, masterclasses, and regular online seminars, owners and crew build the knowledge, skills and confidence required for a circumnavigation. Training covers meteorology, ocean navigation, yacht systems, medical and safety preparation, provisioning and passage planning, and is open to everyone on board. Each yacht also receives the comprehensive Oyster World Rally Guide, drawing on insights and experience gained from previous circumnavigations.
Throughout the voyage, Oyster technicians are present at key destinations to provide specialist support tailored specifically to Oyster yachts, working alongside the logistics team to manage berthing, immigration and customs formalities, and on-the-ground coordination. A twice-daily fleet Safety Net operates during major ocean passages, alongside regular position reporting, offering reassurance to participants and those following the journey from home. This level of structured, end-to-end support is rare and reflects Oyster’s long-standing commitment to its yachts and their owners wherever they sail.
Allie Smith, Director of Oyster Rallies and Training, said, “The Oyster World Rally is about community above all else. Every owner joins for a different reason, and every Rally develops its own character shaped by those taking part. We begin supporting participants from the moment they commit, guiding them through training, preparation and yacht set-up so they feel confident long before the start line. Our team are all experienced sailors, from logistics to technical support, and that shared experience builds real trust. What makes this Rally so special is the balance it offers: complete freedom to explore at your own pace, combined with the reassurance that our team is with you every step of the way. Watching owners grow in confidence, form lifelong friendships and complete a circumnavigation remains one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
Owners planning a new build for the 2030–31 Rally are advised to allow a three-to-four-year preparation timeline. Depending on model and specification, construction typically takes between 12 and 24 months, with production capacity carefully managed and build slots often allocated well in advance. Once launched, a dedicated shakedown and familiarisation period, ideally around 12 months, allows owners to sail extensively, refine systems, complete formal training and develop an instinctive understanding of their yacht. The final stage is positioning for the January departure from Antigua, often involving an Atlantic crossing in the preceding autumn. Viewed as a whole, the build-up is not merely preparation, it is an integral, deeply personal progression toward circumnavigation.
Added Oyster Yachts CEO Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke, “The Oyster World Rally is a defining pillar of our long-term vision for the company. It demonstrates not only the technical excellence of our yachts, but also the strength of the ecosystem that surrounds our owners, from build and aftersales to training and global support. From the Caribbean and Panama Canal to the South Pacific, Australia and beyond, it brings that vision to life in some of the world’s most extraordinary sailing destinations. Each edition builds on the experience of the last, refining our processes and strengthening the community that makes Oyster unique. The 2030–31 Rally reflects our continued commitment to delivering world-class ownership experiences that extend far beyond the point of sale.”
Entries for the Oyster World Rally 2030–31 are now open, starting 03 March 2026. With places strictly limited, and with previous iterations filling to capacity, Oyster once again anticipates strong demand from owners planning their ultimate adventure.
Request an Information Pack below.
