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Island Cruising New Zealand have launched their plans for the rally to the Pacific this year and are anticipating huge demand.
Departing from Northland in May, the Pacific Rally will sail to the pristine Minerva Reefs and then continue on to Fiji where rally participants will spread out and spend four months exploring at their own pace.
From there, maritime borders permitting, they will sail on to New Caledonia, with a possible stopover in Vanuatu along the way. In October, rally participants can either return home to New Zealand or continue on to Australia by joining the Go West Down Under Rally.
There is also an option for a feeder rally for boats keen to head to New Caledonia for the Groupama Race in June, and another option for those keen to head across to French Polynesia.
“Registrations are already rolling in," rally director Island Cruising owner Viki Moore said. "After two years of staying home, yachties are keen to get back out on their boats. We are here to help them fulfil their sailing dreams."
Safety is a big consideration with rallies and Island Cruising's preparation workshops are specifically designed to help skippers prepare the boat, their crew and themselves for the offshore passage ahead.
“Our weekly workshops have been extremely popular,” Moore said. “We break down all the Cat 1 safety requirements into a step-by-step process and we partner with expert marine suppliers to share their knowledge and provide great discounts and deals along the way.
"The content is available for members to access online in their own time and is complemented with webinars, templates to complete, weekly tasks, videos, events and written updates."
Moore is also passionate about protecting the environment and being culturally sensitive and supportive of the places they visit.
“Island Cruising have adopted the Tiaki Promise, which is a commitment to care for people and place," Moore said. "Our aim is to tread lightly and build positive connections with the places and people we meet along the way.”
Registrations for the rally are now open and the registration fee comes with a multitude of benefits, inclusions and sponsored discounts. Moore said rally participants can easily recover their entry fee by taking advantage of the deals offered by their partners.
To watch the rally launch, see the inclusions and to register for the rally, please visit the Island Cruising website here.
- Photo: Nigel Richards.
