Issue date
This article was originally published in the September issue of Yachting & Boating Quarterly, Yachting New Zealand's new e-magazine. Click here to read more.
As warmer weather returns to New Zealand, so too will the first participants on this year’s Pacific Rally – with 89 boats the biggest in the event’s 40-year history. We caught up with rally director and Island Cruising New Zealand owner Viki Moore to find out about the highlights from this year, lessons learnt and what Kiwi cruisers can expect in the months ahead.
This year is the biggest Pacific Rally yet. What do you attribute the growth to?
Many sailors dream of setting sail to the South Pacific, and the lifestyle is amazing. You are effectively taking your house and everything you need with you – every day you can choose to wake up in a different bay, exploring some spectacular destinations.
You can interact with the locals and explore places that the usual tourist could never get to, learning more about their culture and way of life. Sailing across oceans can be hugely
challenging and equally rewarding. Cruising is also a more sustainable way of living for many people, you are effectively off the grid and out of the hustle and bustle of crazy life. There are no traffic jams out here!
There’s been a noticeable uptick in the number of families cruising this year.
Yes. This year, we have 19 boats with families and over 39 children on the rally. Cruising is an incredible experience for families to spend more time together – having a shared adventure, and the children absolutely thrive.
The local schools often open their doors and invite the children to come and spend time with them in class. Many of the children are doing homeschooling but also learning so much more – about boat maintenance, navigation, fishing, and real life experiences. Families are increasingly keen to show their children there is more to life than being glued to a device, to spend more quality time together, and to give their children a unique insight into a different way of life.
Are many new people getting into cruising, or is it the same crowd every year?
About a quarter of the people on the rally this year are returnees from last year. Some
families might just do one year to give their children the experience and then head back
to school and work again.
The rest of the rally group is made up of first-time cruisers and other very experienced sailors who are keen to tap into all the inclusions and be connected to the rest of the group.
What have been some of the highlights of this year’s rally?
After being closed for three years with Covid-19 and the volcanic eruption, the welcome we received in Tonga was incredible. The Lau Group entry into Fiji was another highlight, as well as visiting the Mount Yasur volcano and the Land Diving festival at Pentecost Island in Vanuatu, and
the annual Fiji Regatta at Musket Cove.
Viki Moore.
Do you have any advice for new cruising families considering taking a trip like this for the first time?
There is lots to do to get prepared, so start early! Signing up for the rally is a great way to lock in a date and get all the additional support and some great discounts to help you prepare for the
adventures ahead.
Spend plenty of time sailing your boat and ensuring all your systems are working and that you are confident with how everything works. The list of jobs to do on the boat pre-departure can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but that is where joining the rally can really help people get prepared.
What are some of the earliest opportunities for Kiwis to go cruising next?
We are lucky to be able to sail around our spectacular coastline all year round. We have got the South Island Rally running around New Zealand this summer. Also, the boats returning from the Pacific in October will be looking for crew if people are keen to get offshore sailing experience.
The 2024 Pacific Rally will depart in May next year.
Which destinations would you recommend Kiwis experience at least once?
The South Island is an incredible sailing destination and right on your doorstep. Marlborough and the Abel Tasman are particularly stunning with numerous protected anchorages, some excellent walks, remote resorts you can visit for a bite to eat, and interesting history and sights along the way.
For the more adventurous, Fiordland and Stewart Island are incredible, remote, and sometimes challenging cruising conditions, but spectacular places to visit.
Heading offshore – Tonga and Fiji are firm favourites of Kiwi cruisers with Vanuatu and New Caledonia popular with those who are keen to venture a little further afield.
We also have boats on the rally in French Polynesia and others heading to Indonesia and Australia, so the fleet is spread far and wide but still connected.
Overlooking Vanua Balavu, the third largest island in Fiji’s Lau archipelago. Photo / Supplied
Any activities that should be on the to-do list while cruising?
Swimming with the whales in Tonga, and the manta rays in Fiji. The Lau Group in Fiji is known for being one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth and I recommend immersing yourself in a local village, getting to know the people and learning about their way of life. It’s a more authentic way of connecting with the people, places and environment.
Where should new cruisers start their journey?
You can join Island Cruising as a member for just $129 per year. This gives you access to all our resources and each week you get some tips on bite-sized steps you can take to start on your cruising adventures.
Get experience sailing with different people and on different boats – joining in with your local yacht club racing scene is a great way to hone your sailing skills. Crew with others, firstly around the coast and then on an offshore passage and buy your own boat and learn as you go.
Once you are ready, sign up for a rally.
This means you’ve set a date and a target to aim for.
For more information, click here.
