Louay Habib Caribbean blog: End of the Oyster World Rally

Oyster World Rally Family © Louay Habib

Having followed the Oyster World Rally for the past 16 months, all be it remotely. I have witnessed the amazing pictures, video and interviewed people in far flung locations. The route is not a new one, the rhumb line is the traditional blue water cruising route. Even so, places such as the Galapagos Islands are probably on any nature lovers bucket list for the incredible diversity of wild life and the Pacific Ocean is a part of the world that many sailors want to experience before they hang up their cap.

I was in Antigua to witness the start and the sailors taking part were a mixed bunch. Oysters with professional crew, husband and wife teams sailing just two-handed for most of the trip and even families with young children. The diversity of Oysters was just as remarkable, Oyster 885 Lush sailed by Eddie Jordan, was a brand new example of the new direction Oyster have taken in recent years. Capable of over 250 miles a day, Lush is an ocean thoroughbred with luxury accommodation and a professional crew. Andrew and Sussane Lock sailing Oyster 54, Pearl of Persia sailed the yacht short-handed the whole way around the course. Prior to the rally, Sussane found crossing the Solent challenging. Oyster 66, Valentine was a family yacht with three children on board all the way to Australia under 16 and a governess to keep up their schooling.

The Oyster World Rally was incredibly well planned and executed by the company. Eddie Scougall and Debbie Johnson from Oyster have incredible experience. Eddie has been with Oyster for over 14 years and knows every component of every boat and how to fix them. Debbie has project managed many new builds and like Eddie has sailed around the world previously. The couple spent two years planning the event and produced a comprehensive dossier of information as well as having all the logistics in place for each rendezvous.

Talking to various owners, after the finish, including some in depth interviews there were two reoccurring themes. Although the rally visited many places around the world, the real joy and excitement and fulfilment was felt at sea, rather than on land. "It is not about the destination but the journey." Joachim Riel sailing on Oyster 56, Mariela sums up this thought.

23 Oyster Yachts sailed around the world in the rally, a significant number achieving something that just about every offshore sailor yearns to do. The confidence and pride obtained is immeasurable and those strengths will stay with them throughout their lives but the real benefit of sailing around the world with a like-minded group of individuals, from all walks of life, is friendship. Watching the group enjoying the celebrations in Antigua, there wasn't much in the way of deep and meaningful conversation but the way they felt at home with each other and the knowingness that they all had a achieved a momentous achievement said more than words can ever do.

Next up, the Oyster Regatta Antigua. Four days of racing for 35 Oysters starts Tuesday 8th April with some spectacular parties!