Sailing Around The Globe: The 2026 Oyster World Rally
- By Lucia Johansen
- Jan 15
- 7 min read
An interview with Ali Hadida and Richard Hadida, Owner & Chairman of Oyster Yachts, ahead of their circumnavigation with their two-year-old son
By Lucia Johansen
Starting in Antigua this January, the Oyster World Rally sets sail on a 16-month, 27,000 nautical mile circumnavigation across the globe. This remarkable journey will sail to 27 remote and historic destinations, unveiling some of the world’s most breathtaking sights that remain beyond the reach of most travelers. Joined by 23 Oyster Yachts, the owners represent eight different nationalities, including USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Spain, Australia, Netherlands, and Belgium.
Years of careful preparation have gone into every detail. From an extensive pre-rally training program to the creation of onboard medical kits, the Oyster World Rally is an adventure that is not only extraordinary but thoughtfully planned.
After four successful World Rallies in 2013, 2017, 2022, and 2024, Oyster Yachts marks a new milestone this year. For the first time, Owner and Chairman, Richard Hadida, will be joining the Rally alongside his wife Ali, their two-year-old son Harry, and their crew aboard their Oyster Yacht, Lush. In our interview, Ali, a mother, clinician, and first-time bluewater sailor offers candid insight into what it takes to prepare for life at sea with their young child. Ali’s perspective embodies the heart of Oyster: making it possible for families to explore the world together in exceptional comfort.
For over 50 years, Oyster Yachts has been handcrafting the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailboats, designed for reliability, comfort, and life-defining adventures. Since becoming the owner in 2018, Richard Hadida has led the brand into a new era, overseeing the design and launch of the latest generation of Oyster explorer yachts while reinforcing the company’s commitment to consistency and sustainability.
The voyage gives experienced sailors the opportunity to refine their skills at the highest level, while also welcoming those with little or no prior sailing experience to fully immerse themselves in the journey under the care of Oyster’s crew. Driven by a sense of purpose, ultimate freedom, and adventure, the Oyster World Rally offers a rare chance to experience different cultures firsthand by crossing oceans, discovering remote islands and reaching parts of the world few ever see. More than just a yacht, an Oyster becomes the setting for the sailing adventure of a lifetime.
With years of experience on the water, the 2026 Oyster World Rally marks a significant new chapter for you. When did the idea for this voyage first emerge, and what inspired you to commit to such an ambitious journey?
Richard: It’s been my life’s dream to sail around the world and see every inch pass by. I’ve probably done enough airmiles to reach the moon and back, but whilst I've been all over the world, to get the context mile by mile as I sail quietly and consistently on is something that will be truly unforgettable.
Ali: It’s something Richard had always wanted to do, and once the opportunity came up, it just felt like why wait? There’s a big age gap between Richard’s older children and our son Harry, so it feels like this is our window before he starts school. We’re both healthy, Harry’s healthy, and you never know if you’ll get another chance to do something like this.
Given your extensive sailing experience, what feels new or unexplored for you on this voyage compared to past adventures?
Richard: I’ve owned Lush for 10 years and have sailed on her all over the world, spending one, two, or three weeks at a time aboard. But for the next 16 months, Lush will be my entire life. We won’t be coming back, and wherever she drops her anchor, that’s where I’ll call home. The thought fills me with an incredible sense of excitement, adventure, and freedom.
What is your philosophy about travel, taking risks, and venturing into the unknown?
Richard: For me, adventure today is less about how far you go, and more about how deeply you experience it. We live in a world where everything feels instantly accessible. You can “visit” almost anywhere from your screen, but that’s not living it. Adventure is about the discovery of places, yes, but also of yourself. Every passage tests you in new ways and reminds you what really matters: resilience, curiosity and connection.
Sailing around the world is a truly extraordinary experience. Can you describe your itinerary and the destinations you are most excited about exploring?
Richard: Our itinerary is a 16-month, 27,000-mile voyage beginning in Antigua. We’ll travel through the Panama Canal and cross the vast Pacific to the Galápagos, French Polynesia, and eventually on to Australia and Indonesia. From there, we’ll cross the Indian Ocean, round the tip of Africa, and head back across the Atlantic to complete the circumnavigation. Among many highlights, I’m especially looking forward to the Sand Blast Islands, the Panama Canal, the Galápagos, and French Polynesia, just to name a few.
Ali: The Galápagos, without question. I’ve always loved biology, and it’s such an iconic place for science and exploration. I never imagined I’d get to go; it always felt like something out of reach. So being able to sail there feels almost unreal.
Can you describe some of your previous voyages? How have these experiences prepared you for this adventure?
Richard: For the last ten years, I have tried to sail for at least 60 days a year, the majority of which has been in the Caribbean at Christmas time, and around Europe in the summer. But the majority of these trips have been within sight of land, or island to island crossings, so we've never really gone “beyond the reef” and engaged on a major blue water crossing until now.
Ali: The longest I’ve sailed nonstop is about 24 hours. So, the Oyster World Rally will be a big learning experience. The hardest part for me isn’t the sailing, it’s adapting to a smaller space and finding ways to keep Harry engaged without our usual routines.
Spanning 16 months and involving 23 Oyster Yachts, what level of preparation and planning was needed to ensure the success of the journey, particularly when equipping the yacht for family life with a young child on board?
Ali: To ensure the journey’s success, Richard, the crew, and I undertook an extensive level of preparation and planning for months leading up to the Rally. The crew made efforts to get the boat as technically ready and comfortable as possible for everyone living on board. Because Harry’s so young, most of my focus has been on safety and practicality. Testing life jackets in the pool, finding harness systems that let him move around but stay secure, and stocking up on endless stickers and small toys to keep him entertained. It’s been about making Lush not just seaworthy, but homey and fun for a toddler.
Can you explain your perspective about the importance of exposing your son to different parts of the world at such a young age?
Ali: For Harry, I hope it shows him the world isn’t too big or out of reach, that he can go anywhere and do anything. And for all of us, it’s a chance to connect as a family, away from work and distractions.
Ali, how did your background as a clinician shape your approach to health planning for this trip? In what ways will your expertise support your family while at sea?
Ali: It’s helped a lot. I’ve worked with Dr. Briggs, who builds medical kits for sailors, to create one tailored for a two-year-old. It’s meant figuring out dosing, sourcing liquid medications, and preparing for the things I think are most likely to happen. In medicine you’re thrown into the deep end constantly, so I’ve learned to stay calm under pressure and take responsibility. But I’ve also learned that you can’t prepare for everything, and that’s okay. This trip will be a balance between good preparation and being at peace with the chaos.
The Oyster company emphasizes responsible sailing and sustainability. How will you strive to minimize environmental impact and promote responsible exploration?
Richard: Oyster yachts are inherently sustainable, powered primarily by wind with minimal environmental impact. Modern models include solar panels and battery banks that support onboard systems without needing generators. I believe true sustainability is already built into the sailing experience—Oysters leave only a wake behind.
Oysters are built not for a few years but for a lifetime, making them far more sustainable than fast, disposable production boats. Ultimately, our owners sail because they love the ocean, and with that love comes a shared responsibility to protect it for current and future generations.
As a business owner, how will you continue to serve clients during the voyage while being away from the office?
Richard: Luckily, I have a fantastic CEO Stefan Zimmermann Zschocke, who operationally completely runs the business, so I do not get involved with the front-line duties. We have dual Starlink, so I can easily join any meetings that I need to. Additionally, as the Oyster World Rally has become such an important part of Oyster Yachts, I think it’s only right that the owner of the company should experience it and therefore understand it.
How have you prepared to navigate the challenges and embrace the adaptability required when encountering new cultures?
Richard: Traveling the world for 1.5 years does mean that we will see a myriad of cultures, and in each place that we land, we will see if there is any good we can do. Oyster is a pioneer of regenerative tourism, which is the evolution of sustainable tourism. In the Galapagos, we are involved with a major institute for preservation and the re-introduction of some extinct species under the guidance of Sarah Darwin (who is Charles Darwin’s great granddaughter). We are introducing the entire fleet to her organization to see how we can leave the Galapagos islands in better shape that we found them. We will research each place and see how we can get involved and make a positive impact as our global village tours the globe.
In what ways do you think this voyage will have an impact on the future of Oyster Yachts?
Richard: Our signature events, like the Oyster World Rally, bring owners together through unforgettable experiences and curated journeys, forging lasting friendships along the way. It’s that combination of personal connection, shared adventure, and tailored support that keeps our community so strong. As our customer base has grown more global and diverse, we’re also seeing a new generation of owners, often in their 40s and 50s, who are embracing the bluewater lifestyle earlier. That shift has shaped how we support and engage our community.
An Oyster represents more than sailing; it fosters shared experiences and meaningful memories. How will you document your voyage and which platforms will you use to bring others along on the journey?
Our voyage will be documented on social media, via Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.
Website: https://sailinglush.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sailing.lush/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sailinglush
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