The Pacific Rally 2026 is officially underway, with nearly 190 vessels registered to depart from key staging points across New Zealand and Australia in early May, signalling the start of the South Pacific cruising season.
Organised by Island Cruising, the rally has grown into one of the largest organised yacht rallies globally, attracting a diverse fleet ranging from 30 to 75 feet in length, including both sailing yachts and powerboats. The rally’s flexible format allows participants to choose their own departure dates, routes, and destinations, while still benefiting from the support and resources provided by Island Cruising.
In preparation for their journeys, participants have engaged in regular online training sessions over the last six months. Recently, they gathered for briefings and social events at the Boat Works on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Marsden Cove Marina, and Bay of Islands Marina in New Zealand. Additional vessels are expected to join the rally, including yachts making their way from French Polynesia.
Popular cruising destinations for participants include Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia, with many planning onward passages to Asia or returning to New Zealand or Australia later in the season.
Viki Moore, Managing Director of Island Cruising, emphasised that the rally aims to instil confidence in participants. The organisation ensures that sailors are well-prepared, supported, and feel connected, which enhances safety and enjoyment. Moore liaises with border officials across the Pacific to assist participants with arrival formalities in each country along their route.
Rally participants benefit from extensive support, including pre-departure training, weather guidance, communication support, and access to a vast network of trusted marine partners. The rally fosters a strong community, both online and on the water, promoting safety and a shared cruising experience.
A significant focus of the rally is responsible cruising. In partnership with Citizens of the Sea, some participants volunteer to collect Ocean eDNA samples during their voyages, while all are encouraged to engage respectfully with local communities and contribute to environmental stewardship throughout the Pacific.
The success of the Pacific Rally relies on an extensive network of marine industry partners across New Zealand, Australia, and the South Pacific. These partners play a crucial role in preparing vessels for their journeys and ensuring participants are equipped with the knowledge and confidence needed for safe sailing.
As the fleet prepares to head offshore, anticipation builds for another season of connection and exploration across one of the world’s most iconic sailing regions.
For more information, visit: www.islandcruising.nz
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/islandcruising.nz
More about Citizens of the Sea: https://www.citizensofthesea.org/
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