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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.