Responsible Cruising Presentation

On 2nd February 2026, Duncan and Larissa presented Free Range Ocean's ideas, tips and tools for cruising in an environmentally responsible way to members of the Island Cruising community who are planning a sailing season in the South Pacific later this year.

The event was organised by Island Cruising NZ, a long-standing support network for cruising sailors exploring Aotearoa and the wider South Pacific. Run by experienced offshore sailors, the organisation provides practical, real-world guidance on passage planning, weather windows, safety, regulations, and life afloat — alongside seminars, rallies, and a generous culture of knowledge-sharing. More than just logistics, Island Cruising NZ connects boats into a trusted community, helping skippers leave the dock better prepared and more confident, and fostering the kind of seamanship, self-reliance, and mutual support that make bluewater cruising both safer and more rewarding.

The session was led by Viki Moore of Island Cruising, who has run it since 2021 and serves as its Managing Director. Viki is a lifelong sailor and qualified RYA Offshore Yachtmaster with extensive experience in cruising support, and under her leadership the organisation provides rallies, preparation resources, and offshore-cruising support for sailors heading from New Zealand into the South Pacific and beyond.

Free Range Ocean was joined by Citizens of the Sea and International SeaKeepers Society to present inspiring projects cruisers can join in.

Background

The number of cruising boats is increasing everywhere, particularly in the South Pacific. As a community, our impacts are growing, and they are cumulative.

Responsible cruising can be viewed through three lenses:

•Environmental care

•Social and cultural respect

•Leading by example

Minimising our footprint not only has an environmental benefit; it also protects:

•Access

•Reputation

•Future cruising freedoms

Areas we talked about included:

• Why Responsible Cruising Matters

• Wildlife Interactions and Disturbance

• Anchoring, Moorings, and Seabed Protection

• Fuel, Oil, and Chemical Pollution

• Waste and Plastics

• Feeling Flush - Sewage

• Swabbing the decks (and the dishes) – Reducing Greywater Discharges

• Keeping Your Bottom Clean

• Boat Work

• The food we take – considerations on fishing and other food harvesting

• Sunscreen and Personal Care Products

• Noise, Light, and Visual Pollution

• Be a Citizen Scientist!

Responsible cruising isn’t about restriction. It’s about respect, awareness, and humility.

Responsible cruisers…

•Are observant, not entitled

•Ask questions

•Adapt behaviour

•Accept inconvenience

•Contribute

•

Let’s aim to be the kind of cruiser we’d want arriving in our own home waters!

We’re guests. Our wake lasts longer than we think.

The Pacific is generous — but not infinite.

Here's a copy of our presentation for those who missed it.