Oyster World Rally support partner
09 May 2016
SMY already has a proven track record with Oyster yachts
SUPPORT PARTNER: Stella Maris Yachting has been selected to become a partner of the Oyster World Rally, which starts in 2017.
The innovative yacht management and refit company will provide support to owners and their yachts to help them prepare their yachts for the epic three-year circumnavigation.
The company already has a proven track record in preparing long-distance yachts having prepared the Oyster 56, Raya and the Oyster 70, Toad for their global campaigns. Both are now on the far side of the world having put many sea miles under their keels since leaving SMY’s Southampton base.
“Ensuring a yacht is in first-class condition is the key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns and repairs along the way,” said James Miller of Stella Maris Yachting. “Preparation through planning and executing a comprehensive refit for the yacht and a full operational training package for the crew is essential. Our aim at Stella Maris Yachting is to work alongside the owners not just during the refit but for the duration of their world cruise.”
There are three World Rally Oyster yachts, a 53 and a 575 in the company’s Southampton undercover facility nearing the end of their winter refits in addition to an Oyster 46 in SMY’s facility in Sant Carles, Spain.
The rally starts from Antigua in January 2017, with most yachts expecting to leave Europe on the ARC rally in November 2016. From the Panama and Galapagos, they will visit Pacific islands, Auckland, Sydney and South Africa, then via St Helena and Brazil back to the Caribbean.