Pacific Rally sailors gathered in Nouméa this week to mark the closing weeks of the South Pacific cruising season, with Australian marinas joining local hosts to strengthen ties with crews heading west.
The celebration at Le Bout du Monde restaurant brought together participants from Island Cruising's Pacific Rally, which the organiser describes as the world's largest flexible yacht rally, supporting more than 260 yachts each season—nearly half the recreational fleet cruising the Pacific, according to Island Cruising. Representatives from Bundaberg Port Marina and Scarborough Marina attended alongside Port Moselle Marina's Sébastien Fellmann, with support from Sud Tourisme New Caledonia and New Caledonia Tourism.
Traditional cultural dancing, French food and wine were provided for crews reconnecting before their next passages to New Zealand or Australia.
"We are so grateful for the generosity and hospitality shown to our Pacific Rally crews," said Viki Moore, Owner and Managing Director of Island Cruising. "From the warm community welcome we had for our special rally arrival clearance in Lifou to this wonderful celebration in Nouméa, our hosts have made us feel truly welcome."
The evening served a practical purpose for sailors bound for Australia. Brett Hensler from Bundaberg Port Marina and Richard Barrett from Scarborough Marina used the gathering to introduce their facilities and answer questions about arrival planning.
"Making that connection before they arrive means we can help them understand the facilities and support available and make their next stage of cruising easier," Hensler said.
The Nouméa events followed a notable rally visit to Lifou in the Loyalty Islands, where Island Cruising arranged special port clearance not normally available to visiting yachts. Officials flew from Nouméa to facilitate two days of arrivals, allowing participants to explore the islands without the substantial backtrack otherwise required after clearing at Grande Terre.
At Drueulu village in Santal Bay, crews received a customary welcome ceremony, traditional dancing and a shared island lunch sponsored by New Caledonia Tourism, with the participation of Loyalty Islands Province and coordinated by Nouméa Yacht Services.
A city tour hosted by Sud Tourisme and New Caledonia Tourism brought nearly 100 rally participants ashore, while Marine Coraile chandlery provided transport for crews to visit its boatyard facilities.
