Oyster Yachts, the renowned British builder of luxury bluewater sailing yachts, has officially announced the launch of the Oyster World Rally 2030–31, its flagship circumnavigation event and one of the most ambitious supported sailing adventures in the world.

Exclusively open to Oyster yacht owners and limited to just 30 yachts, the rally will depart from Antigua in January 2030. Participants will embark on an extraordinary 27,000-nautical-mile journey across three oceans, taking approximately 16 months to complete.

A Global Sailing Adventure

The Oyster World Rally has been carefully designed to follow favourable global weather systems, allowing participants to experience some of the most spectacular sailing destinations on the planet.

The route will take the fleet through iconic locations including the Galápagos Islands, the crystal lagoons of French Polynesia, the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean, the east coast of Australia, remote islands of the Indian Ocean, South Africa, Brazil, before returning triumphantly to the Caribbean.

Unlike traditional rallies, the Oyster World Rally is non-competitive. Participants are free to sail independently or in smaller groups, exploring remote anchorages and destinations along the route while still benefiting from the reassurance of professional support.

Professional Support from Start to Finish

The rally is supported by a dedicated team of experienced sailors and logistics specialists who assist participants from the moment they join the program.

Preparation begins around 18 months before departure and includes a comprehensive training programme covering:

  • Meteorology and ocean weather systems
  • Ocean navigation and passage planning
  • Yacht systems and maintenance
  • Medical and safety preparation
  • Provisioning and long-distance cruising logistics

Workshops, masterclasses and online seminars are included to help owners and crews build the skills and confidence required for a global circumnavigation.

During the voyage itself, Oyster technicians will be present at key ports to provide technical assistance. The rally team also coordinates berthing arrangements, immigration procedures and local logistics throughout the journey.

For major ocean crossings, a twice-daily fleet Safety Net operates alongside regular position reporting, ensuring reassurance both for the fleet and for those following the adventure from home.

Preparing for the Rally

Owners planning to commission a new Oyster yacht for the rally are advised to allow a three- to four-year preparation timeline. Yacht construction typically takes between 12 and 24 months, followed by an extensive shakedown period of sailing and training.

This preparation phase allows owners to gain experience with their yacht, refine onboard systems and build the confidence necessary for an ocean-spanning voyage.

A Unique Circumnavigation Experience

The Oyster World Rally has become one of the most respected circumnavigation events in sailing. Since its inaugural edition in 2013, several successful rallies have taken place, building a strong global community of Oyster owners who share the ambition of sailing around the world.

Each rally blends independence with structured support, allowing participants to explore the oceans at their own pace while benefiting from professional guidance and a shared adventure with fellow sailors.

Entries for the Oyster World Rally 2030–31 opened on 3 March 2026. With places limited and previous rallies reaching capacity quickly, strong demand is expected once again.

For more information about the rally, visit the official page:

https://oysteryachts.com/oyster