Oyster Yachts, the iconic British builder of the world’s finest luxury Bluewater sailing yachts, has officially commenced the Oyster World Rally 2026-27. This fifth edition of the world’s only fully-supported circumnavigation, which is exclusively for Oyster owners, marks the start of a 16 month, 27,000-nautical-mile extraordinary journey, and a special moment for the brand as Owner and Chairman Richard Hadida joins the fleet for the first time with his family.
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.
Said Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke, CEO of Oyster Yachts, “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, allowing every crew to focus on the joy of sailing while our expert teams handle logistics and technical support. As Oyster continues to innovate and grow, the Rally remains the ultimate testament to the spirit of exploration that defines our brand.”
This year’s edition features 23 Oysters, with owners from eight countries including the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Netherlands, and Belgium. The fleet ranges from 50 to 90 feet and includes 15 new-generation Oysters: one Oyster 495, four Oyster 565s, seven Oyster 595s, two Oyster 675s, and one Oyster 885.
The Oyster team manages every step of the journey, from helping owners select the perfect yacht to preparing crews through a comprehensive training program developed exclusively for the Oyster World Rally. Once underway, the fleet is supported by expert Oyster Technical and Logistics teams at each stopover, ensuring owners make the most of their time.
Some yachts arrived in Antigua in mid-December after participating in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC and ARC+)—the traditional delivery passage to the Caribbean for Europe-based yachts. The ARC fleet performed exceptionally, with an all-Oyster top three in Cruising Class B. Ahead of the Rally adventure in Antigua, Oyster 565 Odisea, 595 Alpenglow, and 595 Carina reached Grenada first, second, and third, separated by just 16 hours in uncorrected times.
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