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The 2025 Pacific Rally has officially set sail, with the first wave of New Zealand-based participants departing from Marsden Cove and the Bay of Islands on Saturday. Organised by Island Cruising, the annual rally sees dozens of yachts and powerboats making the 1,100-nautical-mile journey to Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia - a passage expected to take about a week for most vessels.
Crews spent the past week at Marsden Cove Marina and the Bay of Islands Marina completing final preparations and bonding through a series of social and educational events. The programme included workshops on sail repair at sea, fishing, engine maintenance, sail trim, and provisioning, as well as weather briefings, marina insights, and visits to marine businesses like the OC Tenders Factory and Henri Lloyd.
"I'd love to thank all our generous partners who have put on an incredible programme of events," said Island Cruising managing director Viki Moore.
In the nine months leading up to departure, participants had access to a robust training programme covering safety, navigation, crew health, weather, passage planning, and cultural protocols. Resources included webinars from industry experts, templates, checklists, and detailed guidebooks to support a safe and enjoyable voyage.
Kerry Kirk is the skipper of Olmari - at 30 feet, the smallest boat in this year's fleet. Photos / Jacob Fewtrell Media
The Pacific Rally is known for its flexible format, allowing vessels to choose their departure points - New Zealand, Australia, or the Pacific Islands - and preferred destinations. While many will explore the islands for up to six months before returning to Australia or New Zealand in October, others will continue north toward the Solomon Islands, the Louisiade Archipelago, and Indonesia. International cruisers already in the Pacific are also invited to join through the "Go West to Australia" or "Sail South to New Zealand" packages, launching soon.
Once in the islands, crews are warmly welcomed by local marine businesses offering support and discounts. With over 175 vessels participating throughout the Southwest Pacific, camaraderie and mutual assistance are a core part of the rally, Moore said.
"I'm humbled by how much everyone works together, and the strong friendships formed along the way are incredible."
In partnership with Citizens of the Sea, rally participants also contribute to ocean conservation by collecting environmental DNA samples during their voyages. Last season, over 600 samples were collected across 1.5 million square kilometres of ocean, providing vital data for scientists monitoring oceanic biodiversity and change.
The Boatyard Vava'u's Joe Caesar briefs participants. Photos / Jacob Fewtrell Media
Now one of the world's most successful yacht rallies, the Pacific Rally 2025 fleet includes a diverse mix of vessels ranging from 30 to 75 feet, with 47 children, 18 women skippers, and more than 100 crew members matched to assist with ocean crossings.
Despite undergoing cancer treatment, Moore continues to lead the rally remotely, supported by staff members Cecile de Ruijter and Gemma Dooley, who are coordinating events on the ground."
"My diagnosis was a huge shock, and it's a reminder that life is short," Moore said. "If you’ve been dreaming of cruising the South Pacific - don’t put it off."
The cost to join the Pacific Rally is $1,795 per vessel, with substantial savings available through discounts and services. "The information you receive in the rally content is invaluable," said participant Victoria Murdoch. "It's a big safety factor, a fun social community, and a fantastic way to prepare."
For more detail on the 2025 Pacific Rally, click here.
