With just days to go before entries close, we’re excited to share some incredible news — the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge will feature a record-breaking fleet of EIGHTEEN skippers!

This makes the upcoming event the largest in the race’s proud history, surpassing the previous record of seventeen boats set way back in 1986. Nearly forty years ago, Bullfrog Sunblock skippered by Ian Johnston took line honours in six days and eight hours, while Alby Burgin’s Alstar claimed the fastest monohull in eight days and eleven hours.

Now, the challenge continues with a new course, new faces, and a new record waiting to be written — and Opua will be at the heart of it all. With sixteen monohulls and two multihulls on the start line, the 2026 fleet promises close racing, diverse designs, and plenty of stories to unfold.

This is a major event for Opua Cruising Club and our local community, bringing international attention and visiting sailors from across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. It’s a chance for us all to celebrate ocean racing, showcase our beautiful Bay of Islands, and get involved in something truly special.

Richard Grant fresh from the two-handed Melbourne Osaka race one of the Australians who has entered for his next short handed sailing challenge.

Richard Grant fresh from the two-handed Melbourne Osaka race one of the Australians who has entered for his next short handed sailing challenge.

Race Entrants (as of 21 October 2025):

With several Opua Cruising Club members among the entrants, this truly is our race — a chance to cheer on our sailors and show off the warmth and hospitality that make Opua special.

Get involved

The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge will bring a full week of celebrations, visiting yachts, and events to the Bay of Islands. There will be lots of opportunities to get involved — from helping with race operations to volunteering during the race village week.

If you’d like to be part of this historic event, get in touch with the Race Management Team to find out how you can help.

And there could still be more to come.  Entries close 25 October 2025, with late entries accepted until the end of March 2026.

Let’s make this one to remember — Opua, the home of the biggest Solo Trans-Tasman fleet ever!

Keep up with the race news on the event website – www.solo-tasman.co.nz
Contact race management race@transtasmanchallenge.org