28 November 2024

Oyster Yachts, a luxury British bluewater sailing yacht builder, returned to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, this November as the Oyster Technical Support Team were back in action, offering continued complimentary support to the fleet of Oyster yachts participating in this year’s ARC and ARC+ events.

Oyster’s team of technical and logistical experts are on the ground, delivering complementary health checks, electrical testing, system, hydraulics, sail and rig checks, and advice to those undertaking the Atlantic crossing this year. With Oysters from 45 to 80 feet to care for, the team are using their expert experience and knowledge to ensure owners have peace of mind that their yachts are in their best shape before taking on the Atlantic Ocean crossing.

The ARC and ARC+ are two of the most popular sailing events for those wishing to cross the Atlantic. This year, 10 Oysters are taking on the voyage, with four having departed on the ARC+ on Sunday November 10th, and six having departed on the ARC on Sunday November 24th. In 2023, 25 Oysters took part in the event, which saw a high proportion of the Oyster World Rally 2024-25 yachts begin their journey to the start line of their circumnavigation of the world.

Owner of Oyster 72 Clarelsa, Nigel Martin, said: “The team did an outstanding and helpful job, everyone was with us and a terrific help. As a member of the Oyster family in a certainly not new yacht, this service and the advice is simply outstanding.”

Oyster CEO Ashley Highfield, said: “The complimentary expert service that our Technical Support team provides, both at the ARC start and on the Oyster World Rally, is just one of the many benefits of being an Oyster yacht owner. Our team works tirelessly to check every aspect of the Oyster yachts taking part, and provides complete confidence in the vessel ahead of this challenging crossing. The ARC 2024 marks the 24th year that we have proudly supported Oyster yacht owners before their ARC crossings. This unique, world-class support and care, combined with the unparalleled quality and strength of construction of our bluewater cruisers is what encourages Oyster owners to go further and explore the world on their terms.”

The start of the ARC+ has proved to be incredibly quick for the Oyster yachts taking part. Oyster 595 Carina made landfall in Cape Verde in the early hours of Friday 15th November, and was the first monohull over the line – a fantastic achievement and testament to the performance and outstanding bluewater capability of the Oyster 595. 

Owner Andy Heppel, said: “It was very reassuring to have the rig and major systems, like the steering and generator, thoroughly checked by Oyster experts before departing for our first ocean crossing in our new (Oyster) 595. A huge thanks to the Oyster Technical support team."