On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the first group of Australian participants in the Island Cruising Pacific Rally departed Southport, Queensland, heading to Nouméa, New Caledonia. The 800 nautical mile journey is expected to take most vessels 5 to 6 days to complete.
The Island Cruising Pacific Rally, formerly the Down Under Rally, has become one of the world’s largest and most successful yacht rallies. With over 175 vessels registered, the fleet includes yachts, powerboats, and monohulls of varying sizes, with 47 children and 18 women skippers. More than 100 crew members have been matched to assist with the ocean passages.
A key feature of the rally is its flexibility. Participants can select their departure dates and destinations, with major stops including New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Tonga. Over the past nine months, participants have received comprehensive training on safety, weather, navigation, crew health, and more, ensuring a well-prepared fleet.
The rally also offers valuable discounts and advice from marine businesses to help participants prepare their vessels. This weekend, the Australian fleet gathered at the Boat Works on the Gold Coast for final preparations and social events, including workshops on boat care, safety, and maintenance.
Despite undergoing cancer treatment, rally director Viki Moore continues to oversee the event remotely. She encourages participants to pursue their cruising dreams, saying, “Life is short, so don’t put off your plans to explore the South Pacific.”
Upon arrival in New Caledonia, participants will be welcomed by local tourism and marine businesses. From there, they can continue to Vanuatu or Fiji, joining other rally fleets sailing from New Zealand. Most participants will cruise the Pacific islands for about six months before returning to Australia or New Zealand. Some will continue on to the Solomon Islands and Indonesia, while others will invite international cruisers to join future rally legs.
Moore emphasizes the rally’s strong community spirit, noting the support and camaraderie shared among participants. “With over 175 vessels in the Southwest Pacific, it’s incredible how everyone comes together to help each other,” she says.
The rally’s entry fee of NZD$1795 per vessel offers excellent value, with participants benefiting from training, resources, and discounts. “The rally makes cruising safer and more enjoyable with its support network and shared experiences,” says participant Victoria Murdoch.
Next weekend, the New Zealand fleet will gather in Northland for preparations and another series of events before embarking on their own Pacific adventures.
