The Island Cruising Pacific Rally sets sail for New Zealand & Australia
by Island Cruising NZ 21 Oct 2024 05:16 UTC
Rally boats at anchor in Neiafu Harbour - Tonga © Viki Moore
After a fantastic six months exploring the tropics, the Island Cruising Pacific Rally sets sail this week on the final leg of the rally from Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu & New Caledonia, bound for New Zealand or Australia.
"Thank you so much to all the many communities, businesses and organisations who have supported and welcomed us throughout our voyage" says Viki Moore - Rally Director.
This year's rally has been the biggest ever, with over 160 vessels (both yachts and power boats) enjoying an unforgettable adventure. Participants navigated through the stunning waters of the Pacific, exploring some of the most beautiful destinations in the world.
The rally runs each year from May through to the end of October. Cruisers mainly depart from the Bay of Islands in New Zealand or Southport in Australia and sail up to Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu or New Caledonia. With flexible dates and destinations, cruisers can pick and choose their own schedule and itinerary to suit their own interests and cruising style.
"The Island Cruising Pacific Rally is not just about sailing; it's about creating a community of passionate adventurers," says Moore. "We aim to provide a supportive and enriching experience that allows sailors to share their love for the ocean to connect with different cultures and explore the incredible landscapes of the South West Pacific together."
While up in the Islands the rally connects with international cruisers crossing the Pacific and encourages them to spend longer in this incredible part of the world. They then join the rally to Sail South to NZ or Go West to Australia in October at the end of the season.
The Rally welcomes sailors and power boat owners of all experience levels to join in on the adventure. Rally vessels range from 26' yachts through to 100' powerboats. Over the course of the journey, participants get thorough pre-departure preparation training, regular updates and get the opportunity to connect with fellow cruisers, discover hidden gems along the route, and immerse themselves in the rich cultures of the South Pacific.
The Rally is also excited to participate with a number of environmental and social projects.
This year in conjunction with Citizens of the Sea. With new digital tools and state-of-the-art devices, sailors were trained to collect and upload Ocean eDNA samples which were sent back for scientists to process and analyse. The goal is to build a platform that provides insights into shifting patterns of life in our oceans.
Cruisers collect environmental DNA, create 3D models of reefs, record biogeochemical data, maintain loggers and send richer data more cost effectively than has ever been possible. Citizens of the Sea will contribute valuable information for climate-related impact assessments and strategies to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. More information at citizensofthesea.org.
The rally also helps a charity called Days for Girls to transport sanitary kits which are hand made by volunteers in New Zealand up to Fiji. We partner with YWAM Koha and Sea Mercy Fiji who arrange distribution of these kits to remote communities, enabling girls to spend longer in school.
The rally also participates in beach cleans, delivering clothing for Rotary, and spending time and money in remote communities that regular tourists cannot get to.
"Rally participants love to help support these incredible organisations and the communities in the Pacific" Moore says.
There are also regular social events and get-togethers throughout the Pacific. The annual Musket Cove regatta is aways a favourite event on the social calendar, as well as the Vava'u Sailing Festival in Tonga and there are many brilliant cultural events in Vanuatu throughout the season too.
As the fleet crosses the ocean to New Zealand or on to Australia, rally participants are given daily weather updates and support on arrival with all the formalities and biosecurity requirements, along with arrival events and some great discounts from the rally business partners.
Registration for the 2025 Rally is now open, and with over 70 vessels registered already undertaking their pre-departure training, this is already shaping up to be another incredible event. Interested cruisers are encouraged to visit islandcruising.nz/upcoming-rallies for more information on all the different rally offerings, itineraries, and registration details.