Island Cruising began in the 1980s when Don and Jenny Mundell set out to attract more sailors to Tonga. Their success quickly grew into the Island Cruising Association, which soon became well known in New Zealand, the Pacific, and beyond.
For 40 years, Island Cruising has helped sailors face the challenges of heading offshore. From handling customs paperwork to finding crew, each generation of owners has shaped the group into a trusted support hub for cruisers.
Brian and Joan Hepburn took over in 1995. They introduced preparation courses covering offshore safety, seamanship, and liferaft training. They also published respected books on South Pacific sailing. In 2007, John and Lyn Martin continued the tradition, leading rallies on their yacht Windflower and creating detailed cruising guides and databases that remain a vital resource today.
In 2017 Nigel and Amanda Richards purchased the business, operating it from their yacht Varekai. After COVID disrupted Pacific rallies, they passed the helm in 2021 to Canterbury sailor Viki Moore. Since then, Moore has expanded Island Cruising further, uniting it with Australia’s Down Under Rally to strengthen regional connections.
The last four years
Since taking over in 2021, Viki Moore has reshaped the rally into a more flexible format, enabling more sailors to take part. Previously led by a guide boat and fixed schedules, the rallies now emphasise preparation, training, and remote support for cruisers while they are offshore.
“It was mid-COVID. I was a solo parent, running a business, and had just finished my Offshore Yachtmaster. With a Young 88 I wasn’t in a position to disappear to the Pacific for months. So, I changed the model. The focus is on training sailors before they go, and supporting them while they’re away, rather than having everyone follow a lead boat.”
Her first South Island rally drew 30 yachts. By the second year 73 yachts joined, then 124, and this season over 240 vessels signed on. Each year the rally connects boats from New Zealand and Australia with international cruisers heading across the Pacific. Together they explore Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu and New Caledonia, before regrouping for the return passage south in October.
Challenges and resilience
Moore’s background in travel and politics has helped her manage logistics and advocate for sailors. She now also consults with the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime on Pacific cruising movements and maritime issues.
This year, another challenge arrived. Viki was diagnosed with Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. Six rounds of chemotherapy forced her to step back while staff stepped up. “It was really rough, but I was lucky to have a supportive team. I even managed to keep working from the couch.”
She has since received the all-clear and is now cancer free. Recovery continues, but her eyes are firmly set on summer sailing and a Pacific season aboard Bella Vita, her Cavalier 45.
40 years of Island Cruising
Over four decades the Island Cruising Pacific Rally has supported thousands of sailors. Boats have faced storms, breakages, and challenges, but also built friendships, celebrated parties, and created countless memories.
“It’s a privilege to do this job,” Moore says. “The community is amazing. Sailors support each other, respect the places they visit, and make a positive impact. I’m proud to help them achieve their dreams.”
Island Cruising’s 40th birthday will be celebrated on 29 November at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. The reunion promises to bring together sailors past and present, with a week of events leading up to the big night.
For more information visit islandcruising.nz.
