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:
- Guy Chester – Oceans Tribute
- Sharon Ferris-Choat – Vixen Racing
- James Foster – Electron
- Malcolm Dickson – Sarau
- Peter Elkington – Pacman
- Ben Ball – Camellia
- Geoff Thorn – Catnip
- Terry Dunn – NautiLass
- Peter Bourke – Diablo
- Peter Nobbs – Smoko
- 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
- 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.
Looking Ahead
As the final prizes were awarded and stories exchanged, the 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.