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2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge Concludes with Celebration at Southport Yacht Club

The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge officially ended on Sunday 14 June with a memorable prizegiving ceremony at Southport Yacht Club, celebrating not only the winners, but every sailor who took on one of the Southern Hemisphere's most demanding offshore challenges.
What began many months ago with boat preparation, safety inspections, seminars and planning culminated in an event that exceeded all expectations. Fifteen skippers crossed the start line in Opua, New Zealand, bound for Southport, Australia. Eleven successfully completed the crossing, while four retired during the race. Most importantly, every competitor returned safely.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from Southport Yacht Club Commodore Glenn Burrell, followed by acknowledgements of the competitors, volunteers, sponsors and supporters who helped make the event possible.
A Race That Captured Public Attention
One of the most remarkable aspects of the 2026 edition was the level of public engagement generated by the race.
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge attracted widespread media coverage across New Zealand and Australia, with thousands of followers tracking competitors across the Tasman Sea through the race's online tracker, website updates, Facebook coverage and media reports.
What started as a niche offshore sailing event became a story followed by people well beyond the sailing community, with race updates becoming a daily ritual for many supporters on both sides of the Tasman.

Recognising Every Starter

The race committee acknowledged all 15 starters, recognising the enormous commitment required simply to reach the start line.
Months of preparation, investment, training and sacrifice are required before a competitor can even contemplate a solo Tasman crossing. While four sailors were unable to complete the race, their efforts and seamanship were warmly recognised during the ceremony.
Special acknowledgement was given to:

  • Graeme Francis (Robbery)
  • Bill Kidman (Pretty Boy Floyd)
  • Glen Jeffery (Wave)
  • Kevin Le Poidevin (Roaring Forty)

Each retirement carried its own story of determination, perseverance and sound decision-making, demonstrating that offshore racing is ultimately about bringing both skipper and vessel home safely.

Celebrating the Finishers

The eleven finishers each received a commemorative plaque and keyring in recognition of their achievement.
The finishers were:

  1. Guy Chester – Oceans Tribute
  2. Sharon Ferris-Choat – Vixen Racing
  3. James Foster – Electron
  4. Malcolm Dickson – Sarau
  5. Peter Elkington – Pacman
  6. Ben Ball – Camellia
  7. Geoff Thorn – Catnip
  8. Terry Dunn – NautiLass
  9. Peter Bourke – Diablo
  10. Peter Nobbs – Smoko
  11. Doug Esterman – Fair Seasons

Each skipper had their own unique story of challenges overcome, from equipment failures and heavy weather to navigation decisions, sleep deprivation and the relentless demands of solo ocean racing.
Particularly moving was the recognition of Doug Esterman aboard Fair Seasons, who turned back during the race to stand by fellow competitor Graeme Francis after an EPIRB activation. Doug's actions exemplified the seamanship and camaraderie that define offshore sailing. He was awarded 7.2 hours redress.

Navigators Trophy

One of the most anticipated awards of the afternoon was the inaugural Navigators Trophy, handcrafted by Bill Kidman and presented on behalf of Opua Cruising Club.
The award recognises the skipper whose pre-race estimated finishing time was closest to their actual elapsed time.
The 2026 winner was: James Foster – Electron
James finished just 4 hours, 41 minutes and 14 seconds away from his predicted arrival time, a remarkable feat after more than seven days at sea.

First Female Finisher

The race also celebrated an important milestone in the event's history.
Sharon Ferris-Choat aboard Vixen Racing became just the sixth woman in the 56-year history of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge to complete the race.
In addition to this achievement, Sharon claimed Monohull Line Honours and finished second overall across the fleet.
Her performance joins an illustrious list of female pioneers that includes Annette Wilde, Kay Cottee, Jennifer Fitzgibbon, Trish Lewis and Lisa Blair.

NZ Multihull Handicap Winner

With one catamaran and one trimaran in the fleet, James Foster aboard Electron secured the inaugural New Zealand Multihull Handicap title.
The Mumby 48 catamaran proved both fast and reliable throughout the crossing, completing the race in 7 days, 10 hours, 43 minutes and 58 seconds.

PHRF Handicap Results

The PHRF Handicap division produced some exceptionally close racing.

  • Third Place: Peter Elkington – Pacman
  • Second Place: Ben Ball – Camellia
  • First Place: Malcolm Dickson – Sarau

Malcolm's victory was particularly significant. Nearly five decades after winning the handicap division in an earlier Solo Trans-Tasman race, he once again stood atop the podium, demonstrating that experience remains one of offshore sailing's greatest assets.

Line Honours Awards

Multihull Line Honours: Guy Chester – Oceans Tribute
Guy's trimaran completed the crossing in just 6 days, 7 hours, 34 minutes and 36 seconds, setting a formidable benchmark for future competitors.
Monohull Line Honours: Sharon Ferris-Choat – Vixen Racing
Sharon's outstanding performance saw her become the first monohull across the finish line after 7 days and 9 minutes at sea.
Overall Line Honours – The Sir Francis Chichester Trophy
The pinnacle award of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge remains the Sir Francis Chichester Trophy, awarded to the first boat across the finish line.
The 2026 winner was: Guy Chester – Oceans Tribute
Guy's campaign to the start line was almost as remarkable as the race itself. After learning that the traditional New Plymouth event would not proceed, he delivered Oceans Tribute from the Caribbean through the Panama Canal before lining up in Opua for the revived race.
His victory ensures his name joins a distinguished list of offshore sailing legends stretching back to the race's origins in 1970.
Thank You

The success of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of many people and organisations.
Our sincere thanks go to:

  • Opua Cruising Club
  • Southport Yacht Club
  • The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Major Events Fund
  • Bay of Islands Marina
  • PredictWind
  • Riddlez Interactive Web Solutions
  • Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ)
  • Maritime Operations Centre (MOC)
  • NZ & Australian Boarder Patrols

Our sponsors and prize donors;

  • Tides Out Maps
  • Fiordland Discovery
  • Bay of Islands Snorkelling
  • Bay of Islands Parasail
  • BOI Auto and Marine
  • Signrightor Ltd
  • Beaufort
  • 36 Degrees Brokers
  • Flags Group
  • Quality Marine Clothing
  • Doyle
  • Calders Design & Print Co
  • Unforgettable Fun

Special thanks must also go to the Race Management team. This event was built on thousands of volunteer hours, countless meetings, difficult decisions, problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to creating something special for the sailors, our club, and our community. Every member of the team brought expertise, energy, and passion to the project, and the success of the race is a direct reflection of that effort.

  • Julie Kidman – Race Director
  • Celia Carson – Race Officer
  • David McIntyre – Protest Chair
  • Ian Templeman – Safety Officer
  • Malcolm Dickson – General Committee
  • Bill Kidman – General Committee
  • Lesley Lucas – General Committee
  • Sally Tait – General Committee
  • John Ross – General Committee
  • Terry Dunn - General Committee and OCC Commodore
  • Nigel Richards – Yachting New Zealand Representative
  • Dr Jen & Dr Dave – Race Doctors

Terry, as Commodore of OCC, deserves special mention he backed the event from the beginning, rolled up his sleeves whenever help was needed, and even entered the race to help ensure a viable fleet.

An excellent wrap up of the prizegiving shared by Vixen Racing.

Looking Ahead

As the final prizes were awarded and stories exchanged, discussion quickly turned to the future.
The revival of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has clearly reignited enthusiasm for one of offshore sailing's most iconic events. The 2026 edition has laid a strong foundation for future races and demonstrated the enduring appeal of solo ocean racing.
To all competitors, supporters, sponsors and volunteers—thank you for helping write the next chapter in the history of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
We'll see you on the start line again in 2029.

The Final Six Finishers Complete the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge

The final chapter of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has now been written, with the last six competitors safely crossing the finish line at Southport after battling the Tasman Sea's relentless mix of squalls, headwinds, equipment failures and exhaustion.
While the race winners may attract the headlines, these final finishers demonstrated the determination, resilience and seamanship that define offshore solo sailing. Every skipper who completed the challenge earned their place in the history of this remarkable event.

2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge. Friday 29 May. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
"Ben Ball - Camellia"

Camellia – 6th Across the Line

Ben Ball brought his Cavalier 36 Camellia home in sixth place, completing the race in 9 days, 2 hours, 37 minutes and 36 seconds.
Throughout the race, Ben endured a series of setbacks, including significant water ingress and difficult upwind conditions. Yet despite the challenges, Camellia steadily climbed the handicap standings and remained one of the stories of the fleet. Sailing one of the older boats in the race, Ben demonstrated exceptional perseverance and tactical sailing to secure sixth on line honours.

2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge. RACE START - Saturday 30th May. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
"Geoff Thorn - Catnip"

Catnip – 7th Across the Line

Geoff Thorn's Beneteau First 45 Catnip crossed the finish line in seventh place after a consistently strong passage across the Tasman.
One of the most memorable images of the race came from Geoff's chartplotter, showing Catnip sailing in close company with NautiLass and Camellia after several days at sea. In an ocean race spanning more than 1,200 nautical miles, the proximity of these competitors highlighted just how closely matched much of the fleet remained throughout the crossing.
Geoff's disciplined approach and steady pace kept Catnip firmly in contention from start to finish.

2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge. RACE START - Saturday 30th May. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
"Terry Dunn - NautiLass" OCC Commadore

NautiLass – 8th Across the Line

Terry Dunn, Commodore of Opua Cruising Club and one of the driving forces behind bringing the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge back to life, completed his own race aboard NautiLass in eighth place.
Balancing the responsibilities of event organisation with the demands of preparing for a solo ocean crossing is no small feat. Once underway, Terry settled into a determined and consistent rhythm across the Tasman, demonstrating the same commitment on the water that he brought to the organisation of the event itself.
For many supporters, seeing NautiLass arrive safely in Southport marked a fitting milestone in a race years in the making.

2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge. Friday 29 May. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
"Peter Bourke - Diablo"

Diablo – 9th Across the Line

Peter Bourke's Diablo proved that size is not everything.
At just 8.7 metres, the S&S-designed Diablo was the smallest boat in the fleet and the only wooden yacht to take part in the 2026 race. Despite giving away significant size and speed to many of her competitors, Diablo crossed the finish line in 10 days, 19 hours, 3 minutes and 57 seconds.
Peter's achievement captured the imagination of many followers throughout the race. Battling heavy weather and ocean conditions in a classic yacht, Diablo embodied the adventurous spirit that has always been at the heart of offshore racing. Her arrival in Southport was met with admiration from competitors and supporters alike.

2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge. RACE START - Saturday 30th May. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
"Peter Nobbs - Smoko" OCC Competitor

Smoko – 10th Across the Line

Peter Nobbs and his B&G 36 Smoko arrived in Southport after sailing 1,260 nautical miles alone across the Tasman Sea.
Finishing in 11 days, 3 hours, 12 minutes and 8 seconds, Peter quietly went about the business of completing one of the toughest offshore challenges in the Southern Hemisphere. Throughout the race he maintained a steady pace and demonstrated the patience and determination needed to complete a solo ocean crossing.
For every sailor who dreams of undertaking an adventure like this, Smoko's voyage was a reminder that success often comes through persistence rather than fanfare.

2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge. RACE START - Saturday 30th May. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
"Doug Esterman - Fair Seasons"

Fair Seasons – 11th Across the Line

The final finisher of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge was Doug Esterman aboard Fair Seasons.
Although eleventh on line honours, Doug's race may ultimately be remembered as one of the most admirable performances of the event.
Early in the race, Doug turned back and stood by fellow competitor Graeme Francis aboard Robbery when assistance was required. That decision cost valuable miles and time but reflected the fundamental values of offshore sailing, where the safety of fellow mariners always comes first.
Doug then faced a succession of additional challenges, including losing his Starlink system overboard, dealing with autopilot problems and battling illness during the crossing. Despite these setbacks, he continued on to Southport, completing the race after nearly twelve days at sea.
In recognition of his actions while standing by to assist Robbery, Fair Seasons will receive redress under the Racing Rules of Sailing. The Race Committee will determine the final adjustment as part of the official results process.

Awaiting the Final Results

With all finishers now safely in Southport and the fleet reunited for the first time since departing Opua, attention now turns to the Prizegiving Ceremony on Sunday.
Official handicap calculations, redress decisions and final placings are still being completed. The final results of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge will be published following Sunday's prizegiving.
Regardless of the final standings, every skipper who crossed the Tasman alone has achieved something extraordinary. Together they have helped write a new chapter in the history of one of the Southern Hemisphere's great offshore sailing challenges.
Congratulations to all competitors, supporters, volunteers, sponsors and host clubs who made the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge possible.

Oceans Tribute

First Five Home

First Five Home: Courage, Competition and the Spirit of the Tasman

The first five competitors in the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge have crossed the finish line at Southport Yacht Club.
Each arrival has brought its own story of perseverance, seamanship, exhaustion, and triumph. From high-speed multihulls surfing down waves at over 20 knots to monohull skippers enduring days of relentless weather, these sailors have demonstrated exactly what the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is all about.

1st Across the Line – Guy Chester, Oceans Tribute

The honour of being first to Southport belongs to Guy Chester aboard the Crowther Design 93 trimaran Oceans Tribute.
Crossing the finish line on 5 June after 6 days, 7 hours, 34 minutes and 36 seconds at sea, Guy claimed Overall Line Honours and added another chapter to the remarkable history of the boat. Throughout the crossing, Oceans Tribute proved to be a formidable performer, consistently leading the fleet despite encounters with heavy squalls, lightning, steep seas and relentless spray.
As Guy reported in the closing stages, conditions were "wet, salty and lumpy," a fitting description of the Tasman Sea during this year's race. Despite the challenges, he maintained impressive speeds throughout the passage and never relinquished his lead.
Being first across the line in a solo ocean race requires more than a fast boat. It demands concentration, endurance and the ability to make sound decisions while fatigued and alone. Guy delivered on all fronts and deservedly took the first finish gun of the race.

First Monohull Home – Sharon Ferris-Coat, Vixen Racing

Just hours after Oceans Tribute arrived, Sharon Ferris-Coat aboard Vixen Racing etched her name into Solo Trans-Tasman history as the first monohull to finish.
After seven demanding days at sea, Sharon guided her Verdier 40 through the Gold Coast Seaway to a well-earned welcome from supporters gathered at Southport.
Her race was characterised by consistency, determination and remarkable pace. During the final stages she posted some of the best 24-hour runs in the fleet, charging towards Australia despite enduring hail, powerful squalls and some of the most challenging conditions encountered during the crossing.
As the only female competitor in this year's event, Sharon's achievement resonated strongly with followers of the race. Her finish was celebrated not only as a personal victory but also as an inspiration to sailors considering their own offshore challenges.
The first monohull home is always a significant milestone, and Sharon's performance aboard Vixen Racing was nothing short of outstanding.

Third to Finish – James Foster, Electron

The third boat to reach Southport was James Foster aboard the Mumby 48 catamaran Electron.
In the final days of the race, Electron came alive. James reported surfing at speeds approaching 25 knots as favourable reaching conditions allowed the catamaran to unleash its full potential. The result was one of the fastest closing runs of the race, including an astonishing 220 nautical miles covered in a 24-hour period.
While visibly exhausted during his final communications with Race Management, James remained upbeat as he pushed hard toward the finish line. His combination of speed, skill and persistence saw him secure third place across the line and complete an exceptional Tasman crossing.
The performance of Electron highlighted the diversity of the fleet and demonstrated how quickly conditions can transform a race when weather and boat design align.

Fourth Across the Line – Malcolm Dickson, Sarau

Few stories captured the imagination of race followers more than the battle between Malcolm Dickson aboard the 55-foot Sarau and Peter Elkington aboard Pacman.
For days the two yachts traded positions as they charged toward the Australian coast. As the finish approached, less than a single nautical mile separated them on the tracker, creating one of the closest contests in the history of the event.
Malcolm's campaign aboard Sarau was a masterclass in offshore racing. Consistently among the leaders on corrected time and always in contention, he demonstrated the value of experience, patience and tactical decision-making.
Crossing the line in fourth place after an intense duel with Pacman, Malcolm delivered one of the standout performances of the race and remained a major factor in the handicap competition throughout the crossing.

Fifth Across the Line – Peter Elkington, Pacman

Only 24 minutes and 22 seconds behind Sarau, Peter Elkington brought the Young 11 Pacman safely to Southport to complete the first five finishers.
For many followers of the race, Pacman became one of the most compelling stories of the crossing. Despite being significantly smaller than some of the yachts around him and overcoming several technical challenges during the race, Peter remained firmly in the hunt from start to finish.
The final battle with Sarau showcased everything that makes offshore racing so captivating. Two solo sailors, separated by little more than eyesight distance after more than 1,300 nautical miles at sea, pushing their boats and themselves to the limit.
Peter's determination, resilience and refusal to give up made Pacman one of the heroes of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge. His fifth-place finish was celebrated almost as enthusiastically as any podium result.

The Journey Continues

While the first five finishers have now safely reached Southport, the race is far from over. Competitors remain at sea, continuing their own battles with weather, fatigue and the vastness of the Tasman.
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has always been about more than results. It is about individuals willing to take on one of the world's great offshore passages alone, relying on their preparation, their boats and their determination.
The first five finishers have set a remarkable standard, and every competitor still racing is writing their own chapter in the story of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
Congratulations to Guy Chester, Sharon Ferris-Coat, James Foster, Malcolm Dickson and Peter Elkington. Your achievements have inspired sailors on both sides of the Tasman and provided a fitting showcase of courage, seamanship and the enduring spirit of solo ocean racing.

8 June AM 2026

Smoko 260530_SOLO TRANS-TASMAN_Live Sail Die_-138

48 Hours Into the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge

Forty-eight hours after departing Opua, the fleet competing in the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has already experienced the full spectrum of Tasman Sea conditions.
After an opening 24 hours dominated by strong winds, large seas, and strong gusts. For the second 24 hours, across much of the fleet, the wind eased dramatically, leaving skippers searching for every knot of breeze as they continued their westward push toward Australia.
For some, the transition was anything but smooth.
Overnight thunderstorms kept competitors alert and constantly adjusting sails. Fleet leader Vixen Racing reported thunderstorms throughout the night, while Wave described a "hard night, from becalmed to upwind in 30 knots." Further south, Roaring Forty encountered gusts approaching 40 knots and reported a "sporty" night at sea with plenty of slamming as the boat powered through the conditions.
The varying reports highlight one of the defining characteristics of the Tasman Sea: no two competitors are ever experiencing exactly the same race.
While some skippers were dealing with squalls and strong winds, others were left frustrated by the lack of breeze. Nautilass summed up the mood of many competitors with a simple message during the morning radio schedule: "All good on board, just frustrated with the breeze."
The lighter conditions have begun to compress parts of the fleet and place greater emphasis on tactical decision-making. Every course adjustment, sail change, and weather-routing decision now has the potential to influence the outcome of the race.
At the front of the fleet, Vixen Racing continues to set the pace among the monohulls, maintaining an impressive run across the Tasman. The handicap battle remains equally competitive, with Sarau, Pacman, Wave, and Roaring Forty all remaining firmly in contention as the fleet settles into the rhythm of offshore racing.
One of the most encouraging aspects of the race has been the condition of the competitors themselves. During the latest communications schedule, reports from across the fleet consistently carried the same message: "All well on board."
Whether battling thunderstorms, enduring frustrating calms, or managing gusty overnight conditions, the skippers continue to demonstrate the preparation, resilience, and determination required to take on one of the Southern Hemisphere's most demanding solo ocean races.
The fleet has also shown the spirit that makes offshore sailing unique. When Robbery started taking on water, competitors, support vessels, RCCNZ, and maritime authorities worked together to ensure a safe outcome. Graeme Francis and Robbery are now safely in Mangōnui, while fellow competitor Doug Esterman aboard Fair Seasons sacrificed valuable race miles to stand by and assist if required.
Pretty Boy Floyd has also withdrawn from the race.
Withdrawals are always disappointing after the months, and often years, of preparation required to reach the start line. The Race Committee acknowledges the effort and commitment that every competitor invests in taking on the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
With more than 600 nautical miles still remaining for some competitors and many days of racing ahead, the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is proving exactly what it has always been: a race where endurance, seamanship, strategy, and perseverance matter just as much as speed.

PM 2 June 2026

Pretty Boy Floyd

Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge – 24 Hours into the Race

Just over 24 hours after the start of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, the fleet has already faced exactly what was forecast – strong winds, big seas, and a demanding first test of both sailors and their boats.
The good news is that all competitors are safe, and every boat remains in the race.
As the fleet crossed an active weather front overnight, competitors reported gusts exceeding 50 knots. These conditions have required constant attention and careful seamanship as skippers balance performance with the need to look after both themselves and their boats.
A couple of competitors are managing minor sail issues that have reduced their speed, but both continue to make steady progress and remain firmly in the race. This is all part of offshore sailing, where resilience, problem-solving, and determination are often just as important as outright speed.
As competitors settled into their offshore routines, Race Management also worked through a few minor communications issues. Supporters following the trackers may have noticed an unusual situation involving Electron. The yacht has switched to a spare Yellowbrick tracker, meaning a stationary "Electron" may still appear in the Bay of Islands. Rest assured, this is simply a tracking anomaly. All is well onboard, and Electron is currently making good progress towards Southport at speeds exceeding eight knots.
At the front of the fleet, Oceans Tribute continues to hold the overall line honours lead, while the battle for monohull honours remains fiercely contested. Vixen Racing and Pretty Boy Floyd have traded the lead on several occasions, highlighting just how competitive this year's race is proving to be.
The handicap competition is equally close, with Sarau and Pretty Boy Floyd both spending time at the top of the leaderboard as the fleet works its way west across the Tasman.
While the leading boats are beginning to emerge from the worst of the conditions, the majority of the fleet still has plenty of wind and sea state to contend with over the coming hours. The race remains very much in its early stages, and there is still a long way to go before anyone can begin thinking about the finish line.
A reminder to supporters following the race online: offshore yacht racing can produce some unusual tracker movements and temporary communications gaps, particularly during challenging weather. We ask everyone to avoid speculation regarding the status of competitors and instead wait for official updates from Race Management. This helps ensure accurate information is shared and prevents unnecessary concern for families, friends, and supporters.
For those of you glued to the race tracker, PredictWind positions are currently updating every hour on the hour, providing a fascinating window into the progress of the fleet as they take on one of the world's great offshore sailing challenges.
Stay tuned for further updates as the adventure across the Tasman continues.

2026 solo trans-tasman Harbour Master Advice

The Countdown is On for the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Race Start

The wait is nearly over as the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Race prepares to set sail from Opua Cruising Club on Saturday 30 May 2026.
A fleet of 15 solo sailors will take on one of the world’s great offshore challenges, racing single-handed across the Tasman Sea to Australia.
The first start for the two multihulls will take place at 1200 hours, followed by the monohull fleet of 13 boats at 1206 hours. The race start line will be located off the Opua Cruising Club, providing excellent viewing opportunities both from the water and ashore.
Supporters, locals, and visitors are warmly invited to join the atmosphere at the club, which will be open from 10.30am with food, refreshments, and front-row views of the action as competitors make their final preparations before heading offshore.

Harbourmaster Safety Advice for Spectator Vessels
To ensure the safety of competitors, officials, and all harbour users, the Harbourmaster has issued the following navigation advice for on-water spectators between 0900 and 1230 on Saturday 30 May:

  • Do not anchor or remain within the marked channel in a line 100m off the northern end of Opua Wharf, extending to Tapu Point, and east to a line between the Waikare port beacon and Motutokape Island.
  • Vessels transiting the area during this time should navigate with caution through adjacent mooring areas and within 100m of Opua Wharf.

The race promises a spectacular send-off as these determined sailors begin their solo journey across the Tasman. Everyone is encouraged to come along, support the competitors, and be part of this iconic offshore racing event.

Northern Advocate Bay News

Bay of Islands set to host hardy sailors in iconic solo challenge

Written by Sandy Myhre

Sharon Ferris-Choat is aboard Vixen Racing, a Class 40

The Trans-Tasman Solo Challenge yacht race has had several last-minute withdrawals from the event – but not too many.
As of last week, 17 entrants had registered, with three withdrawing, including one from the USA. Still, 17 is more than the New Plymouth Yacht Club – the previous hosts – had in the 15 years the race was under its management since 1970, setting a record.
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is held every four years and is the second-oldest continuously run single-handed ocean race in the world.

Sarau

The oldest competitor in this year's solo trans-Tasman yacht race is also one of the favourites to take the title

NEW PODCAST: The Detail – RNZ

Today’s episode of The Detail shines a spotlight on the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge — and it’s a great listen for anyone following the race.

Hear from legendary solo sailor Malcolm Dickson as he prepares for his fourth crossing of the Tasman, sharing insights from a lifetime at sea and what keeps drawing him back to this iconic challenge.

You’ll also hear from Race Director Julie Kidman, talking about why Opua is such a special place to start this journey — and the robust safety systems supporting skippers as they take on one of the world’s toughest solo ocean races.

From preparation and experience to safety and community, this episode captures what makes the race so unique.

If you’re following the race, this is a must-listen — and a great one to share with friends and supporters!

Malcolm Dickson Image by RNZ

Catnip

Meet the Fleet: 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge

Entries are now officially closed for the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, and the fleet is set. Eighteen sailors will depart the Opua Cruising Club at midday on 30 May, bound for the Southport Yacht Club on Australia’s Gold Coast, each taking on one of the world’s great solo offshore challenges.

This year’s lineup is as diverse as it is impressive. From seasoned campaigners and past champions to first-time solo racers, the fleet spans a wide range of experience, boats, and motivations. Some of the fastest entries could complete the crossing in as little as four to five days, while others are expected to take ten to twelve, every finisher will be a winner. 

Among the standout entries is defending champion Malcolm Dickson (Sarau), returning for his fourth Solo Trans-Tasman campaign. At 79, he brings unmatched experience—including a win in the last edition—and remains a serious contender.

Malcolm Dickson

Bringing multihull speed to the fleet, Guy Chester’s Crowther trimaran (Oceans Tribute) will be one of the most exciting boats to watch with line honours and the race record clearly in site. 

The fleet also features world-class talent such as Sharon Ferris-Choat (Vixen Racing), a two-time Olympian and Volvo Ocean Race veteran, alongside highly experienced offshore sailors like Kevin Le Poidevin (Roaring Forty), whose résumé includes global solo campaigns and more than 13,000 nautical miles non-stop.

There’s no single path to the start line, just a desire (and perhaps a bit of a mad streak) to take on the Tasman alone.

From classic monohulls to high-performance multihulls, the 2026 fleet showcases an incredible range of designs.

  • Proven offshore classics like the S&S 34 (sailed by both Samantha McGrath – Star Path and Terry Dunn – Marara) sit alongside modern performance yachts like the Class 40 Vixen Racing.
  • Compact challengers like Peter Bourke’s Diablo (8.7m) will go head-to-head with larger, more powerful yachts such as the Dickson 55 Sarau.
  • Multihulls add another dimension, with Guy Chester’s Crowther trimaran Oceans Tribute and James Foster’s Mumby 48 catamaran Electron bringing speed—and complexity—to the race.

Each boat reflects the personality and philosophy of its skipper: some built for outright pace, others for reliability and endurance.  There will be both line honours and handicap prizes. 

What truly defines this race are the stories behind each competitor.

  • Samantha McGrath (Star Path) follows a deep personal calling to the sea, with over 15,000 offshore miles and a passion for solo sailing.
  • Glen Jeffery (Wave) returns with multiple Tasman crossings and a lifetime of offshore racing experience.
  • Peter Nobbs (Smoko) brings a remarkable solo sailing résumé, including circumnavigations of New Zealand and beyond.
  • Guy Chester (Oceans Tribute) has logged over 120,000 nautical miles, including solo circumnavigations—bringing both speed and philosophy to the race.
  • Ben Ball (Camellia) marks a personal milestone, celebrating both his and his boat’s 50th year with this long-held ambition.
  • Bill Kidman (Pretty Boy Floyd) is set to achieve a lifelong ambition andbrings a a  competitive streak honed in a wide range of sailing events. 
  • Peter Elkington (Pacman) Sailing the proven Young 11 with multiple Sydney to Hobart races completed. 
  • Richard Grant (Magellan) looking for a new challenge after a successful  double-handed Melbourne to Osaka Yacht Race with is daughter. 

Others, like Geoff Thorn (Catnip), Richard Raea (Baker Street) and Graeme Francis (Robbery), return to the race with unfinished business—drawn back by the unique pull of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.

For detailed competitor profiles check out our website – https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/2026-entrants/

For many, the Solo Trans-Tasman is not just about results—it’s about the journey.

As one skipper put it, “If you have to ask why, you wouldn’t understand the answer.”

It’s a test of preparation, resilience, and mental strength. A chance to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with the fundamentals of seamanship. And for all eighteen sailors, it’s an opportunity to write their own chapter in the race’s rich history.

All boats and skippers will be based in Opua for the two weeks leading up to the start, creating a unique opportunity for supporters and the public to get involved.

There will be a range of social events hosted at the Opua Cruising Club, offering a chance to meet the sailors, hear their stories, and be part of the build-up.

An Open Day at Opua Wharf will be held on Sunday 24 May, where visitors can get up close to the boats, meet the skippers, and experience the atmosphere ahead of departure.

From the moment the fleet leaves Opua, the focus shifts to the Tasman Sea—unpredictable, demanding, and unforgettable.

Whether it’s a four-day sprint or a twelve-day endurance test, every skipper will face their own race.

Follow their journeys as they prepare, depart, and take on the challenge of sailing solo across one of the world’s great oceans. 

There will be a race tracker page on the website. 

Race news and updates on our Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/SoloTransTasmanYachtChallenge

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