Destinations

World Wanderers of the Oyster Rally

A circumnavigation by boat, like the 2022-2023 Oyster World Rally, offers unparalleled opportunities to see distant shores.

By Andrew Parkinson

August 1, 2023

The Oyster 625 Black Lion enjoys smooth sailing in Fiji. Ugo Fonolla/OYSTER

In the realm of extraordinary adventures, the thrill of a circumnavigation stands tall, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience by boat some of the most mesmerizing places on the planet. It is a voyage that redefines the boundaries of exploration and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who undertake this amazing odyssey. Combine the allure of such a voyage with the comforts of cruising in a group of like-minded sailors, and you have the Oyster World Rally. Over the course of nearly 16 months, 25 Oyster yachts’ owners and guests traversed approximately 27,000 nautical miles, visiting awe-inspiring destinations, creating cherished memories along the way, and forging bonds to last a lifetime through shared experiences, laughter, and the pursuit of a common dream. From the vibrant shores of the Caribbean to the secluded islands of the South Pacific and beyond, participants witnessed firsthand the sheer diversity and beauty of our planet, all with the assurance of safety and comfort, knowing that fellow participants were nearby to lend a helping hand or share in the joy of discovering remarkable locations. In the pages that follow, we invite you to join us on the voyage of a lifetime, as Oyster World Rally participants share the magnificence of sailing and exploration that can be experienced only in a circumnavigation.

These were among the most beautiful places we have visited, completely remote and untouched by tourism.

Oyster yachts crossing the Panama Canal.

For Louis Goor, owner of Oyster 655 Irene IV, the icing on the cake on the Panama Canal transit was an announcement over the loudspeaker as the fleet left the last Miraflores lock and headed under the iconic Bridge of the Americas: “Welcome to the Pacific Ocean, Oyster Rally fleet.” Sean Mac Rory

The South Pacific and Southeast Asia are home to some of the most remote places on the planet, including the inviting waters of Indonesia. The Oyster Rally fleet was humbled by the experiences available to them, all of which are almost impossible to unlock without access to a boat. Brian Carlin

Polynesian boy in Moorea, French Polynesia

The South Pacific, one of the most remote places on the planet, is home to some of the friendliest people on earth. Sean Mac Rory

Long days spent on passage were almost always rewarded with bountiful fishing and fresh dinner fare, pictured here aboard the Oyster 66 Archaeopteryx. Ugo Fonolla/OYSTER

The Oyster 575 Nikaia makes its way into the blue. On the 3,150-nautical mile Pacific passage from the Galapagos to the Marquesas, Trevor Hill, owner of the Oyster 725 Intrepid, mused in his blog about the immensity of the ocean: “To sail across the Pacific, when day after day, week after week, you see more of the same blue ocean that seems as if it will go on forever, you gain a different awareness of how big it is. I found myself comparing our journey to that of Magellan and the early explorers, who were going at half our speed and unsure of what awaited them; and imagining how in the future, traveling to Mars will be a similar experience. Max Herrmann

There were so many highlights on this trip ahead of us, but it was the prospect of adventure we were most looking forward to.

Flamingos in the Galapagos Islands. Sean Mac Rory

Oyster yachts at Nelson's Dockyard, Antigua

Twenty-five Oyster yachts hailing from around the globe assembled in Antigua, which hosted the official start and finish line of the Oyster World Rally 2022-23. Tomás Moya

Kangaroos in Australia. Photo credit: Nick Findlay

At the halfway point in Australia, some Oyster owners chose to fly home for a spell, while others opted to take a break from their yachts to explore the continent by land and see some of its photogenic inhabitants. Nick Findlay

Navigating to the south coast of South Africa can be challenging for even the most skilled sailors, and Cape Town off the starboard rail is always a welcome sight. Trevor Hill

Swimming with whale sharks off St. Helena in the South Atlantic. Sean Mac Rory

One of the magical things about sailing around the world is that you can reach places other people can’t in cruise ships; places that are tiny, with no infrastructure, and you get to experience these things that others simply cannot.

The whole fleet stopped at the San Blas Islands before meeting up to prepare for the Panama Canal transit. Leo Eccles, aboard Oyster 655 Man of War, recalled his family’s arrival: “We had made our way all the way from the South of France across, and the Caribbean is lovely, but we’d never experienced anything quite like the San Blas. Those little palm trees just popping up out of crystal-clear water. It was a real ‘wow’ moment. It’s quite emotional. It’s incredible.” Sean Mac Rory