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!

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. 

A Fleet Defined by Experience, Grit, and Purpose

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.

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.

Boats Built for the Challenge

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. 

The Stories Behind the Sailors

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/

More Than a Race

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.

Join the Build-Up in Opua

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.

Follow the Journey

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

The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge continues to attract the support of some of offshore sailing’s most respected figures, with Conrad Colman joining this year’s event in a coach and mentor capacity for competitors.

Best known for completing not one, but two solo circumnavigations of the globe, Conrad has built a reputation as one of New Zealand’s most accomplished offshore sailors. His experience at the highest level of solo racing brings a valuable perspective to an event that demands resilience, preparation, and sound decision-making in equal measure.

As part of his support for the 2026 Challenge, Conrad will connect with competitors in a dedicated pre-race briefing session, sharing insights drawn from his own offshore campaigns. The session will focus on practical aspects of solo sailing—ranging from preparation and risk management through to maintaining performance and wellbeing during extended periods alone at sea.

While the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is, at its heart, a test of individual skill and endurance, opportunities to learn from those who have faced similar challenges on a global stage are invaluable. Conrad’s willingness to share his experience reflects the strong culture of knowledge-sharing that underpins shorthanded sailing in New Zealand.

Reflecting on his connection to the event and the wider sailing community, Conrad noted, “my heart is clearly in New Zealand shorthanded sailing.”

Race organisers see this contribution as an important part of supporting competitors to arrive on the start line better prepared—not just technically, but mentally. Offshore solo racing presents a unique set of challenges, and learning from those who have successfully navigated them can make a meaningful difference.

Conrad’s involvement also highlights the growing strength and profile of short-handed offshore sailing in the Southern Hemisphere. As the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge continues to build momentum, connections like these help bridge local ambition with international experience.

Competitors will take to the Tasman with their own plans, strategies, and goals—but with the added benefit of insights from one of the sport’s most experienced solo sailors.

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Find out more about Conrad’s Sailing on his website - https://conradcolman.com/en

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news for the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge.

The event has secured funding through the Government’s Events Boost Fund, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This support is a significant vote of confidence in both the race and the wider impact it brings to our region.

The 2026 race will start from Opua in the Bay of Islands on Saturday, 30 May 2026, and will feature the largest fleet in the event’s history. A major milestone for one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most respected solo offshore challenges.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlighted the importance of events like ours in strengthening regional economies:

“This is one of many exciting events the Government is supporting in 2026. From world-class international and homegrown musical acts to sports fixtures and arts and cultural celebrations, these events will bring fans, visitors and a big boost to New Zealand’s economy.”

With sailors, support crews, families and followers travelling from around New Zealand and overseas, we expect the event to deliver a strong visitor boost to Northland and the Bay of Islands during the late autumn season.

A Proud Moment for Opua Cruising Club

As Organising Authority, the Opua Cruising Club (OCC) is immensely proud to be hosting the race.

OCC Commodore Terry Dunn says:

“We are incredibly proud that Opua Cruising Club has been honoured with hosting this remarkable event. The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is part of New Zealand’s offshore sailing heritage, and to see it return with the biggest fleet ever is hugely exciting. The Government’s support through the Events Boost Fund gives us confidence to deliver an event that not only challenges sailors but also showcases our region to the world.”

The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is woven into New Zealand’s offshore sailing story, a race that represents courage, preparation and a deep respect for the Tasman Sea.

A Race of Grit, Skill and Preparation

A single-handed crossing of the Tasman Sea is one of the ultimate tests of seamanship. It demands resilience, meticulous planning and mental toughness.

Race Director Julie Kidman says preparations are already well advanced:

“With the largest fleet in the race’s history, there’s a significant amount of preparation happening right now; from liaison with Maritime New Zealand, Yachting New Zealand and our destination club in Australia, Southport Yacht Club, through to logistics, communications and community engagement. We’re thrilled with the calibre and commitment of the skippers entered. The support from MBIE via the Government’s Events Boost Fund is not just financial backing, it’s recognition of the importance of offshore sailing to New Zealand’s maritime identity.”

She adds:

“We invite anyone with a love of sailing, adventure and big ocean stories to join us in Opua for the pre-race festivities. Come and meet the skippers and past skippers. Thanks to the support of Bay of Islands Marina, spectators will be able to see the boats up close and be part of the build-up to the start. There’s nothing quite like the energy in the days before a Tasman crossing.”

Join Us for the Build-Up in Opua

The pre-race period will include skipper presentations, safety briefings and community events, giving supporters and the local community the chance to connect with competitors before they head offshore.

With only 14 weeks to go until the start gun fires on Saturday, 30 May 2026, momentum is building for what promises to be a landmark edition of the race.

A record fleet. Government backing. Strong regional support.

The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is shaping up to be a standout moment on New Zealand’s offshore calendar, and we’d love you to be part of it.

• For more information see the event website - https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/
• To register interest and get involved email race@trasntasmanchallege.org