Mexican Night – August 1st

Live music from “Searching for Harmonies”

Prize for the best fancy dress.

Mexican style food from The Galley

Cocktail specials including Mojitos and Margaritas

Come and join the fun August 1st from 5:30pm !!

Join us at Opua Cruising Club this Friday 17th July for a fantastic evening of live music with the talented Michael Read-Percival from 6pm.

Sit back, enjoy great music, good company, and a relaxed waterfront atmosphere. Bring your friends, grab a drink or a meal, and make it a night to remember!

We’ve got the incredible evening lined up this Saturday with Charlotte ‘Rockstar’ Jones playing from 6pm. Live music, good vibes and a lively Saturday evening with friends.

Come down to Opua Cruising Club, grab a drink, have a bite to eat, settle in and enjoy 🙂

Saturday 11th July 2026
From 6:00pm @ Opua Cruising Club
Free Entry

Full bar and bistro menu available.

When the starting gun fired in Opua on 29 May, fifteen skippers set off alone across one of the world’s most demanding stretches of ocean with a common goal – to sail solo across the Tasman Sea to Southport, Queensland.

Just under twelve days later eleven remarkable sailors had completed the 1,200 nautical mile crossing, each with their own story of determination, resilience and seamanship.

The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge delivered everything the Tasman Sea is renowned for. Competitors faced strong headwinds, heavy seas, squalls, equipment failures, frustrating calms and the relentless challenge of making every decision alone. There was little sleep, countless sail changes, endless weather analysis and the constant focus required to keep both sailor and yacht safe.

Every finisher earned enormous respect.

Congratulations to our major prize winners:

• Line Honours and first multihull: Oceans Tribute – Guy Chester
• First Monohull: Vixen Racing – Sharon Ferris-Choat
• Monohull PHRF Handicap Winner: Sarau – Malcolm Dickson
• Multihull Handicap Winner: Electron – James Foster

But the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has never been just about who crosses the finish line first.

It is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

This year’s fleet included sailors returning to the Tasman decades after previous adventures, beautifully restored classic yachts sailing alongside modern designs, first-time competitors fulfilling lifelong dreams and experienced offshore sailors once again testing themselves against one of the Southern Hemisphere’s great ocean passages.

Every competitor who crossed the starting line demonstrated courage. Every competitor who reached Southport achieved something few sailors will ever experience.

To those competitors who were forced to retire, your stories are every bit as much a part of this event. Making the difficult decision to withdraw when circumstances demand it is a hallmark of good seamanship, and we sincerely hope to see you back on the starting line in the future.

Behind every solo sailor is an incredible team

Although this is a solo race, nobody gets to the start alone.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the families, friends and shore crews who spent months helping prepare boats, solving problems, providing encouragement and then following every mile of the race from home.

To our Race Management team, volunteers and officials – thank you.

From inspections and registrations through to race starts, weather briefings, safety management, communications, finish coordination and prizegiving, hundreds of volunteer hours were contributed to make this event possible.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Opua Cruising Club and Southport Yacht Club, together with Maritime New Zealand, the Rescue Coordination Centre, Far North Coastguard and everyone who helped ensure competitors completed their voyages safely.

Thank you to our supporters

Events like the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge simply could not happen without the generous support of our funding partners, sponsors, and supporters.

We sincerely thank:

• MBIE Major Events Fund
• Bay of Islands Marina
• Riddlez Interactive
• Fiordland Discovery
• PredictWind
• Tides Out Maps
• Calder’s Design & Print
• Quality Marine Clothing
• BOI Auto & Marine
• Flags Group
• Bay of Islands Snorkelling
• Flying Kiwi Parasail
• Doyle Sails
• Mountain Doctors
• 36° Brokers
• Bay of Islands Yacht Club
• Waterfalls Estate
• Dr Dave

Your support enabled us to deliver a safe, professionally managed international offshore yacht race while showcasing the Bay of Islands to audiences throughout New Zealand, Australia and around the world.

A community effort

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge belongs to more than the competitors.

It belongs to everyone who welcomed sailors into Opua during preparation, waved the fleet away from the Bay of Islands, tracked their progress across the Tasman, celebrated every arrival into Southport and joined us at the prizegiving to recognise the remarkable achievements of every skipper.

Throughout the event we were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the local community and by the incredible online following. Race updates, videos, photographs and stories reached well over 1.5 million digital views, allowing people around the world to experience the highs, lows and triumphs of this unforgettable adventure.

Looking ahead

As one race finishes, planning for the next one has already begun.

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge will return in 2029, bringing another fleet of determined solo sailors together to tackle one of the world’s great offshore races.

There will undoubtedly be new boats, new competitors and new stories waiting to be written.

For now, however, we simply want to say thank you.

Thank you to every competitor who accepted the challenge.

Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time.

Thank you to every sponsor and supporter who believed in the event.

Thank you to every family member who waited anxiously for the tracker to update.

And thank you to everyone who followed along, shared our stories and celebrated the achievements of these remarkable sailors.

We’ll see you on the start line in 2029.

Opua Cruising Club is proud to feature our July Sponsor of the Month, Marine Electrics Opua.

Based in the heart of the Bay of Islands, Marine Electrics Opua provides specialist electrical services for both recreational and commercial vessels. Their work covers a wide range of onboard systems, helping boat owners keep their vessels safe, reliable, and operating efficiently on the water.

Their services include marine electrical installations, fault finding and diagnostics, rewiring projects, battery and charging system setup, solar installations, navigation and communication systems, and general electrical maintenance and repairs. Whether it’s a new installation, an upgrade, or troubleshooting an issue at sea or in the marina, they support a broad spectrum of marine electrical needs.

In addition to providing electrical services for pleasure and commercial boats, Marine Electrics Opua also offer a variety of electrical services for your campervan, caravan, food-truck, trailer boat, golf cart, RV and more. From Solar installs or upgrades, Lithium installs or upgrades, complete re-wirings, survey work, electronics, alternator assessments or replacements/repairs, and even your car for battery replacements.

With a strong focus on quality workmanship and practical solutions, Marine Electrics Opua works closely with vessel owners to ensure systems are suited to real-world cruising conditions in New Zealand and international waters.

Want to discuss your next project? Drop in and see the team at Marine Electrics Opua, Unit 11, 15 Baffin Street, Opua Marina Park, Opua. Or drop them a line:
Ph: 09 402 7177
Em: info@marineelectricsopua.co.nz
w: marineelectricsopua.co.nz

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
  • 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.

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.

Congratulations to Terry Dunn, Commodore of Opua Cruising Club, on completing the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge aboard Nautilass.

Terry sailed 1,362 nautical miles from Opua to Southport, crossing the finish line in 9 days, 16 hours, 41 minutes and 31 seconds.

As Commodore, Terry helped lead Opua Cruising Club’s successful hosting of the largest Solo Trans-Tasman fleet in the event’s history. As a competitor, he took on his first major solo offshore passage, embodying the spirit of adventure, resilience, and camaraderie that has defined this year’s race.

Congratulations Terry on an outstanding achievement and a well-earned arrival in Southport. We look forward to celebrating with you and all our finishers.