Oyster Yachts has welcomed the arrival of the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 fleet into Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront, South Africa.
After 11 months at sea, the fleet of 21 yachts have crossed two of the three major oceans – the Pacific and the Indian Ocean – and will be taking on the Atlantic Ocean, starting with a visit to St Helena, in January 2025. Sailing an epic 18,000nm and visiting over 19 destinations since departing from Antigua in January, the journey has taken the fleet two-thirds around the world.
Highlights have included transiting the Panama Canal in February before visiting the volcanic Galapagos Islands, home to some of the world’s most diverse plant, nature and animal species. The longest passage of the circumnavigation, a 3200+nm sail to the Marquesas Islands, displayed Oyster’s uncompromising performance and seaworthiness, with Oyster 885GT Babiana completing it in high speed despite lacking strong winds.
Sailing the South Pacific Ocean has been well-renowned as a highlight of previous Oyster World Rallies, and this year’s fleet is no different. Spending four months exploring the breadth of landscapes and destinations on offer, French Polynesia proved a popular cruising spot as the fleet dropped anchor in The Marquesas, The Tuamotus, Tahiti, Bora Bora and, before setting sail towards Australia, visiting Tonga, Fiji and Vanuatu en route.
In August, the fleet partied in style to celebrate the halfway point of their circumnavigation on Australia’s Whitehaven Beach. With further stops in Cairns and Darwin, they then crossed into the Timor Sea. They explored Indonesia, and then onto the second major ocean, the Indian Ocean, to reach the remote paradise of the Cocos Keeling Islands, Mauritius and La Reunion.
Sailing towards South Africa and Durban meant tackling the infamous Agulhas Current. Facing tough weather fronts, the leg is notorious for producing difficult passage planning challenges, but with support from weather expert Chris Tibbs and the Oyster World Rally support team, every step of the way was assisted. After a short stopover in Durban, the fleet continued sailing south, heading around the Cape Agulhas and the Cape of Good Hope into Cape Town, where they will celebrate Christmas and New Year before setting sail into the Atlantic in early January.
Throughout every destination and stopover, the fleet have been supported by Oyster’s world-class Rally Support Team made up of experienced logistical and technical experts. The team support with practical matters including technical yacht support, berthing arrangements, events and excursions, clearance procedures and protocols, weather provision, local liaison and more.
Talking of their passage to Cape Town, Owner of Oyster 745 Mexican Wave, Gabby Covill, said: “Indian Ocean complete – what a trip! We knew this passage would be a tough one and the Agulhas current did not disappoint. We were faced with sustained Force 6 westerly winds, very strong currents and big seas, but the good ship Mexican Wave kept us safe. It was fantastic.”
Director of the Oyster World Rally, Allie Smith, said: “Reaching Cape Town is an exciting time for the fleet as it is one of the most iconic ports in the world and one on every offshore sailor’s bucket list. Sailing into Table Bay with the backdrop of Table Mountain is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion that most never get the chance to experience.”
Staying at the fantastic V&A Marina, the fleet are warmly welcomed by marina manager Joshio Fisher and his team, who will look after them during their stay over Christmas and New Year. Preparations for the final ocean crossing and the final months of the Oyster World Rally are vital and the fleet make good use of the superb facilities and suppliers available in Cape Town. St Helena, Salvador, Fernando de Noronha and Grenada await them before we welcome them back to Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, and celebrate the completion of their circumnavigation in early April 2025.”
