Testimonials
Robyn
"Thank you Viki for all of your hard work in enabling people to go cruising in the Pacific. The workshops and support with paperwork requirements have been particularly helpful."
Monica
"The best thing about the rally is ….. you. We have so much appreciated you positive and engaging attitude and the prompt way you always answered our questions."
Fiona
As one of your boats currently out on the water. We can't thank you enough Viki. You have kept us very informed and helped us out no end both before departure and now on passage. So glad we joined and are with the Rally. Hate to think how we would be going and what we would be doing without you. SV Alidade. (diverted due to political unrest in New Caledonia)
Jacqui
"Thanks for all your help, advice, counselling, support, emails, sessions on line, all documents and templates and above all your amazing ability to be in 100 places at once always with a smile and always ready to help no matter where you were and how busy you were! You are amazing Viki! Highly recommend Viki and Island Cruising NZ!"
Nathan
"Being part of the rally gave us a huge confidence boost and the support we needed to turn our dream into reality. In particular your input has been amazing; we really appreciate the care you show to all the boats, and the way you create networks and pass on information. You are very good at what you do."
Peter
"You have absolutely blown this rally out of the water with your organization and info passed onto all the participants. I would highly recommended your rally to anyone new next year."
James
"Viki's hands-on assistance to all rally members is mind-blowing. What stuns me is Viki's knowledge-base. She knows so many people in the Pacific and will always give you an answer. If she doesn't know the answer, she will find out for you."
David
"Thanks for everything this year, I thought you did a fabulous job with the rally. Everything we needed when we needed it. Look forward to doing it all again next year."
Caroline
"We could not have done this trip without your support! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!"
Claire
"Just want to say that the workshops are excellent! If you’ve never studied the subject before it gives you an idea of what you need to research further and if you have then it is a great refresher."
Kirstin & Tom
"Our experience checking in to Australia and with Bundaberg Port Marina has been absolutely fantastic. Thank you for your comprehensive checklist and advice. There is no question in my mind that joining the Go West Rally saved me many hours of individual research and we were very prepared for the clearance formalities. We are generally not Rally joiners but I would absolutely recommend your rally to any cruiser."
Niki
"thank you for keeping a look out for us and for the excellent support package. We may have crewed for many years but I picked up so many tid bits that have become firm features in our future cruising passages too."
Stephen Cooke
"Excellent rally for boats wanting to cruise in company from New Zealand and back. Sailing with a fleet of all experience levels, something for everyone, from first time blue-water passage makers, to those who have been across oceans, the rally supports everyone. It gives great peace of mind to have other boats looking out for you. Weather planning, safety, checking in and out of all the various Countries, anchorages and passage planning were all given information, support and help. It will be a huge benefit in future years to make checking in and out of Countries like Tonga, and make the cruising permits much easier than going it yourself. It will go from strength to strength as they gain experience and friends throughout the islands. We loved the opportunity to meet like-minded adventurers, and have made friends for life."
Stephen & Jenn S.V. Close Encounters
"When preparing for offshore, skippers typically focus on safety and the first passage but in reality, good preparation is far broader. The offshore seminar included subjects that we didn't think too much about, such as communications, provisioning, local culture, water, and local laws. It is packed with information and beautifully delivered. The offshore preparation course is a must-do for anyone traveling offshore for the first time. Our offshore experience was made better because of this course as it gave us an accurate idea of what to expect. We can't recommend this course highly enough."
Jackie
"What a mine of information!
As a maritime course provider in Australia, I am always checking and comparing other country's requirements. New Zealand has many requirements for recreational cruisers. As a safety maritime nerd, I can see how they help reduce incidents on the water. Viki has presented the requirements and much more in an easy-to-follow format, with links and downloads to ensure the reader has a choice of format and plenty of information. With big-name sponsors offering discounts for members, it's the perfect place to learn, save money, meet like-minded people and not just dream about a rally - join in! A great resource."
Daniel
"I just want to say how awesome it was to do the rally with you at the helm organizing and providing so much valuable information and coordination. To be honest, I was really nervous leaving and knowing I'd be left alone once the hired crew jumped off in Fiji. It was the first time we've ever bluewater cruised so the learning curve was steep, but you made it comfortable and gave us peace of mind. The friends and contacts we've made through the rally have been incredible. So thank you for everything. Couldn't imagine a better rally than this one."
Greg
"My membership with Island Cruising has been extremely helpful in learning what is required and making compliance a little less overwhelming while preparing my boat to head offshore."
Helen
"We've loved being part of the South Island Rally. A huge thanks to Viki Moore for all she has done for us and other rally members in organsing the rally. Her information, enthusiasm and support has been second to none!"
Kathryn
"I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and your team for putting together Island Cruising NZ and Crewseeker. We have been able to find a perfect fit as crew on the Go East Down Under Rally to get our experience to meet the Cat 1 requirements to sail our own boat offshore next year from New Zealand. We are so happy to have found a wonderful boat and skipper to make this journey through Crewseeker."
Marie & Kim
"I want you to know that we think you have been fantastic. Your support and endless fight for the cruisers have been admirable."
Brent
"I wanted to say thank you. I am very impressed with the cruising preparation workshops and the great discounts from the rally partners. Excellent content and great value for money."
Lissa
"I just want to thank you for what you do and all the effort you put into the rally. It is really bloody cool! It is so nice having the support, information and the networking that comes with joining Island Cruising. Our trip has been made a whole lot easier because of you. You are enabling people to live their dreams and have the most amazing experiences. Thank You again and keep up the amazing work."
Alfred & Petra
We joined the rally for two main purposes: 1. Safety at sea 2. Support in NZ clearing in process. The support was outstanding, and our expectations were exceeded.
We especially liked your responsiveness, that was impressive and one of your personal behaviours that make the difference. Please keep that, it made us feel so well served! Our clearance process went very smoothly because of all the good information that you gave.
Christine - Sugar Shack
It was truly heartwarming to see how cruisers pulled together to help other cruisers. It completely restored my belief in humanity. We try to always step up to help others whether it be transporting items, providing information, helping with repairs or loaning boat parts. It wasn't until we lost our rudder that I saw all of that goodwill come back to us 10 fold. I've never felt as loved and cared for before that moment. Seeing the rally participants and the cruising community come together to help us will always be a highlight for us.
