Ahoy & Welcome To The Down Under Rally!

Since the Down Under Rally was founded back in 2014, we have assisted the owners and crew of Australian cruising yachts to prepare for and make the voyage beyond the horizon from Australia to the idyllic islands of the South Pacific.

Sailing from Australia to the South Pacific and cruising the islands is the dream for many Aussie adventurers. The warm weather, friendly locals, and laid-back lifestyle make it the perfect destination for those looking to broaden their horizons and experience a different way of life. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just starting out, the Down Under Rally has helped hundreds of sailors turn their cruising dreams into reality, and we can help you, too!

During this same period, the Down Under Rally has also assisted the owners and crew of hundreds of internationally flagged cruising vessels to sail to and experience the truly extraordinary and unique cruising grounds of the east coast of Australia.

As a cruising destination, Australia has it all! Tranquil rivers, inland waterways, the iconic Sydney Harbour, the remote and seldom visited pristine atolls and reefs of Queenslands Coral Sea Marine Park, the world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, the 100 magic miles of the Whitsunday Islands, the spectacular wilderness areas of Tasmania, and the Kimberley region of Western Australia exploring Australia’s vast coastline by yachts offers incredible diversity. In fact, as cruisers who have experienced much of what Australia has to offer, we believe that not visiting and spending time cruising in Australia would be a travesty. That is why the Down Under Rally encourages and assists members of the international cruising community to sail to Australia and experience all that our Land Down Under has to offer.


Become a Down Under Rally Member.

membership benefits

Down Under Rally Members Receive:

Discounts and Offers on a wide range of marine-related products and services.

Access to our Members Only Portal including our highly acclaimed Offshore Cruising Preparation Course & our Cruising Resources Library.

Your Own Personal Cruising Guide. John Hembrow has cruised extensively in Australia, New Caledonia, Vanuatu & Fiji. As a member, you can contact John for advice to assist you with voyage planning and cruising in these locations.


Join a Rally

Rally options

The Down Under Rally offers a variety of yacht rallies. Even if you are ‘not a rally person’ you'll benefit greatly from the support, guidance & advice we provide before departing whilst and sea and on arrival.


Courses and Training Options

courses & training

Whether you are a seasoned coastal cruiser looking to venture offshore for the first time or new to sailing and want to know where to start, we provide our members with access to a range of courses and training options.


Partner Businesses

discounts & exclusive offers

The Down Under Rally has formed relationships with businesses that we have personally used and recommended, many of which provide discounts and exclusive offers to our members.


Free Sailing Magazine

AHOY SAILING NEWS

Published monthly, our FREE AHOY Sailing News contains information about Sailing & Cruising in Australia & The South Pacific. AHOY also includes articles about preparing vessels and crew for extended coastal & offshore cruising.


Meet The People

aBOUT THE ORGANISERS

Aussies John & Leanne have been full-time cruisers since 2009. They first departed from Brisbane, Australia, with New Caledonia as their first overseas port. Since then, they have well over 50,000 ocean miles under their keels on sailing & power monohulls & multihulls.

Their voyages include a Pacific crossing from Panama to Australia. They have sailed from Australia to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, and Fiji on multiple occasions. Before heading offshore, they spent many years cruising the east coast of Australia from Sydney NSW, to Lizard Island in Far North Queensland.

In November 2014, John created the Down Under Rally and, since then, has assisted hundreds of sailors in achieving their cruising goals.

Pictured below are a few of the vessels John & Leanne have owned OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS.


AWARDS & recognition

rEGIONAL rEAR cOMMODORE

In 2022 the Ocean Cruising Club appointed John Hembrow to the position of OCC RRC AUS NE Region

AWARD

Recepiant of the OCC Award

Awards

Recipient of AIMEX innovation award.