The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, Sir Rodney Williams, fired the cannon to the 27,000-mile, 16-month adventure that will take in some 27 destinations and explore some the world’s most spectacular cruising grounds. Oyster Yachts Chief Executive, Ashley Highfield, was also at the starting ceremony on Fort Charlotte, Antigua.
Ranging in size from 53 to 90 feet, the 21-strong fleet will meet again in Panama for their transit through the canal in mid-February. Some 18 yachts have been bought specifically for the Rally, and just under half the fleet are new Oyster yachts, which were launched in 2023 and built specifically for this once in a lifetime experience.
It has been an emotional and exciting build up to the start of the 16-month adventure. Some of the fleet arrived in Antigua in mid-December having taken part in the ARC Rally, the traditional delivery passage to the Caribbean for Europe-based yachts.
