Past owners John and Lyn Martin and Nigel Richards joined current owner Viki Moore, offering a clear sense of continuity that has carried Island Cruising from its early years to today’s expanded programme. The event also acknowledged John and Leanne Hembrow, whose sale of the Down Under Rally to Moore in 2023 helped extend the Pacific Rally into Australia and strengthen the wider network of cruising support.
Guests included long-time supporters Peter and Angela Mott from Passage Guardian, known for keeping a steady watch on the Pacific Rally fleet, along with volunteer broadcasters Patricia and David from Gulf Harbour Radio, whose daily weather and passage updates remain essential listening for many cruising crews.
Since taking ownership in 2021, Moore has seen the Pacific Rally grow at an impressive pace. The 2025 edition reached 260 yachts, making it the largest rally of its kind anywhere. Its flexibility appeals to sailors choosing their own departure windows and routes, while still enjoying organised support from the Island Cruising team.
“This celebration is about the people who have shaped Island Cruising,” Moore said. “Former owners, members, rally crews, sponsors, and my team — Cecile, Tara, and Gemma — have helped build a community that’s stronger than ever.”
Sponsors received warm thanks for their ongoing backing, whether through specialist advice, discounts, or support during the build-up to each season. The rally’s success also reflects the energy of Island Cruising’s members, from first-timers preparing for their first ocean passage to experienced sailors returning for another season in the islands.
The evening carried a strong sense of direction. Island Cruising has always thrived on shared knowledge, encouragement, and the pull of the horizon. Forty years on, that spirit remains firm — and the next chapter across the Pacific already looks full of promise.
