Oyster and new ARC adventures

The crews of 25 Oyster yachts set off from Antigua on 9 January on the first leg of the Oyster World Rally, a 16-month fully supported circumnavigation. The 27,000-mile adventure comprises 25 stops around the world and is the third edition for the British brand. The first leg sails to Panama City, where the fleet will regroup in early February to transit the canal.

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There are five new yachts competing, including three of Oyster’s latest 565s and one 595.

Meanwhile 44 yachts set off from Gran Canaria on the first ever ARC January. The new rally is designed to give owners the option of a postChristmas start and a later crossing. Like the November ARC, it finishes in St Lucia, though there is no racing division.