New Zealand sailor Viki Moore will make the trip to Port Stephens next March to attend the WWSA Gathering on the Bay 2026, bringing firsthand South Pacific cruising experience to one of Australia's most significant women's sailing events.
Organised by Women Who Sail Australia, the Gathering on the Bay runs over three days from 27 to 29 March 2026 at Port Stephens. The event draws women from every corner of the boating world, whether they are picking up a sheet for the first time, living aboard full-time, or competing offshore.
Moore heads Island Cruising as its Managing Director, a business built around helping sailors get ready for coastal and offshore passages through education, resources, and structured rallies. She took ownership of Island Cruising in 2021 and subsequently acquired the Down Under Rally, widening the pathway for sailors keen to venture beyond familiar waters.
Her presentation at the Gathering will cover the practicalities of preparing a yacht for offshore sailing, alongside a look at some of the most accessible cruising destinations in the region. New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand all feature on that list, and the session is likely to strike a chord with anyone weighing up their first serious offshore passage. Beyond the formal programme, Moore will be on hand throughout all three days for one-on-one conversations about cruising plans and rally participation.
Her sailing credentials span decades. An RYA Offshore Yachtmaster and lifelong sailor, Moore has served as Director of Yachting New Zealand, founded Women Who Sail New Zealand, and held the position of Regional Rear Commodore South Pacific for the Ocean Cruising Club. She has been recognised with multiple awards for her contribution to the sailing and cruising community.
