Neha Mehrotra
05-Nov-2025
Richard Hadida, Owner & CEO of Oyster Yachts, reimagines bluewater adventure through the new Oyster Explorers Club Rallies – a bespoke series of luxury sailing rallies.
Globally, adventure tourism is forecasted to surge to almost $2 trillion by 2032. As more and more travellers seek meaningful and adventurous experiences over traditional getaways, Oyster Yachts is answering the call. As one of the world’s finest luxury bluewater sailing yachts–known for their Oyster World Rally–has launched the new Oyster Explorers Club Rallies. It is for those who dream of far horizons and the camaraderie of fellow adventurers but don’t have the time to commit to a full circumnavigation.
(Richard Hadida, Owner & CEO of Oyster Yachts)
Part of the newly launched Oyster Explorers Club, this innovative series invites modern sailors to experience the world from Arctic glaciers to sun-drenched Pacific atolls to the raw drama of Cape Horn and more. To delve deeper into the rallies and know more about the exciting adventures, we got into a conversation with Richard Hadida, Owner & CEO of Oyster Yachts.
Read the Excerpts Below:
1. How would you describe a true bluewater sailing experience and what makes it so distinctive from other forms of luxury travel?
Bluewater sailing is freedom in its purest form. You’re self-sufficient, guided and powered by the wind, with the whole world as your horizon. Every passage brings a sense of achievement and discovery that no flight or hotel can replicate, and the comfort of a beautifully crafted yacht paired with the thrill of true adventure is both raw and refined.
What makes bluewater sailing distinctive is the connection to the ocean, to your crew and to yourself. Out there, luxury isn’t defined by excess; it’s defined by authenticity. That’s what Oyster has always stood for – craftsmanship that safely takes you anywhere and experiences that stay with you forever.
2. What inspired the creation of the Oyster Explorers Club and the introduction of these new rally formats?
The idea for the Oyster Explorers Club came from listening closely to our owners. The Oyster World Rally has always been incredibly popular, but it’s a major commitment — 16 months away from ‘normal life’, with many weeks of preparation too, and not everyone can step away for that long. We noticed a real appetite for adventure, exploration and the camaraderie that the Rally provides, just in a more flexible format.
That inspired us to create these curated, shorter, more flexible rallies. Whether it’s sailing to the high latitudes on the Arctic Rally or Viking Rally, or discovering remote Pacific islands on the Pacific Rally, or taking on one of sailing’s greatest challenges on the Cape Horn Rally, the goal is the same: to offer our owners unforgettable experiences that deepen their love of the sea, the yacht, and the Oyster community.
3. Of the new routes unveiled, which one personally excites you the most?
The Arctic Rally would be my next choice after I’ve done the Oyster World Rally!
4. Could you share some of the on and offshore experiences that guests can look forward to at these rallies?
The special thing about the rallies is that they really are what you make of them – whether you want to embrace the quieter life that ocean passages grant you or if you want to explore everything that each destination boasts – the sky is the limit. On the water, you can expect to encounter wildlife in their natural habitats, from arctic walruses and polar bears lazing on the snow-covered plains of Svalbard to the whale sharks and manta rays of French Polynesia.
On land – from luxury, bespoke safari packages to see the Big Five in South Africa to personal and respectful experiences with indigenous tribes in Panama, we are going to be guided by the wants and wishes of the owners taking part in the journey. It’s an incredibly exciting prospect to not only explore some of the world's most remote and beautiful destinations onboard your luxury yacht but to also do it in a completely bespoke way.
5. Many travellers love the idea of sailing but are daunted by the time commitment of a full circumnavigation. How will these rallies make bluewater adventure more accessible?
That’s exactly why we created them. Not everyone can take 16 months off to sail around the world, but that doesn’t mean they should miss out on the experience. These rallies offer shorter, fully supported adventures. It’s a way to enjoy the freedom, challenge and community of bluewater sailing without the long-term commitment. It’s a bluewater adventure, reimagined for modern life.
6. Community lies at the heart of Oyster’s philosophy. How does the shared fleet experience enhance the sense of connection and camaraderie among participants?
Community has always been central to Oyster. When you’re part of a Rally or an Oyster Explorers Club adventure, you’re not just travelling; you’re travelling together. There’s something powerful about sailing alongside other owners, sharing the challenges and triumphs of each passage, and discovering new places together. It fosters camaraderie that goes beyond friendship. It becomes a network of people who understand and share your passion for the sea. Those connections, forged over meals on deck, under the stars, or through teamwork in challenging conditions, last a lifetime. That sense of belonging, that shared adventure, is at the very heart of what Oyster offers.
7. Looking ahead, what’s next for Oyster Yachts?
Looking ahead, Oyster Yachts is focused on expanding its horizons, both in terms of the yachts we build and the experiences we offer.
The first hull of the Oyster 805, a 24-metre yacht that blends superyacht luxury with bluewater capability, is expected to launch in 2027 and will be built to order, underscoring Oyster’s bespoke approach and attention to detail. Designed in collaboration with Humphreys Yacht Design, the 805 offers unparalleled customisation, from a private office to a day bar, catering to the evolving needs of our owners. We’re also enhancing the ownership journey through initiatives like the Oyster Explorers Club, offering curated global voyages, and the Bluewater Academy, providing tailored training to help owners maximise their sailing potential.
Additionally, we’re placing greater emphasis on personalised, immersive experiences that offer deeper insights into the Oyster lifestyle and world-cruising heritage. This includes hosting exclusive events and masterclasses.
8. What’s your idea of luxury?
To me, luxury isn’t about excess or opulence; it’s about freedom, quality and meaningful experiences. It’s about quality and stories to tell, the comfort of a beautifully crafted yacht combined with the thrill of exploration, having the time to savour a sunset at sea, or the joy of sharing a new adventure with friends and family. At Oyster, we see luxury as the combination of freedom, connection, and discovery – a life that’s rich in experience, not just possessions.
