Past owners John and Lyn Martin and Nigel Richards joined current owner Viki Moore at the celebration, a gathering that captured the thread of continuity woven through four decades of Island Cruising. The event also took time to recognise John and Leanne Hembrow, whose decision to sell the Down Under Rally to Moore in 2023 helped extend the Pacific Rally into Australia and strengthen the wider network of cruising support.
Among the guests were Peter and Angela Mott from Passage Guardian, long-time supporters known for keeping a steady watch on the Pacific Rally fleet. Volunteer broadcasters Patricia and David from Gulf Harbour Radio were also present, their daily weather and passage updates a familiar and valued resource for crews heading offshore.
Since Moore took ownership in 2021, the Pacific Rally has grown at an impressive pace. The 2025 edition reached 260 yachts, making it the largest rally of its kind anywhere. Much of its appeal lies in the flexibility it offers sailors, who can choose their own departure windows and routes while still drawing on the organised support that Island Cruising provides.
"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 continued backing, whether through specialist advice, member discounts, or practical support during the build-up to each season. The rally's success also reflects the energy of the membership itself, from sailors preparing for their first ocean passage to experienced cruisers returning for another season among the islands.
The evening carried a strong sense of forward momentum. Island Cruising has long thrived on shared knowledge, mutual encouragement, and the pull of the horizon. Forty years on, that spirit remains as firm as ever, and the next Pacific season already looks full of promise.
