Entries have now officially closed for the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge and what a fleet we have.

From seasoned offshore veterans to first-time solo adventurers, and from classic monohulls to high-performance multihulls, this year’s lineup showcases the true spirit of offshore sailing: diversity, determination, and a shared willingness to take on the Tasman alone.

We’re proud to see strong representation from both sides of the Tasman, with competitors from across New Zealand and Australia, and a particularly strong contingent from our very own Opua Cruising Club.

A Diverse and Dynamic Fleet

This year’s fleet ranges from compact, proven offshore designs like the S&S 34s, through to powerful ocean racers, including Class 40s and Open 40s, and even multihulls, bringing a different dimension to the race.

Boats span from 8.7m to nearly 17m in length, with sailors aged from their late 40s through to their 70s, proof that offshore ambition has no age limit.

We’ll see:

• Classic offshore pedigree (S&S, Cav, Sparkman & Stephens)
• Modern performance racers (Class 40, Open 40)
• Custom builds and one-offs
• Multihulls adding speed and tactical variation

It’s a fleet that promises fascinating racing and even better stories.

Meet the Skippers

Here’s a snapshot of the sailors taking on the Tasman:

Doug Esterman – Fair Seasons

A Tauranga sailor with a lifetime on the water and over 12,000 offshore miles. This will be Doug’s first solo offshore race—“the journey begins.”

Samantha (Sam) McGrath – Star Path

Based in Tasmania, Sam brings over 15,000 miles of experience, from Pacific passages to the Southern Ocean. A passionate offshore sailor chasing a long-held dream.

Tobias Swanson – Tevake 2

Representing Royal Geelong Yacht Club, Tobias campaigns a powerful Radford 13.7—one to watch in the performance stakes.

Glen Jeffery – Wave

An exceptionally experienced Kiwi offshore sailor with multiple Tasman crossings, Fiji races, and Round North Island campaigns under his belt.

Bill Kidman – Pretty Boy Floyd

Flying the Opua Cruising Club flag, Bill’s Ross 12m is a well-known local contender.

Peter Elkington – Pacman

Dual-club Australian entry bringing strong offshore pedigree in a proven Young 11 design.

Malcolm Dickson – Sarau

A true OCC stalwart sailing a striking Dickson 55—one of the largest boats in the fleet.

Peter Nobbs – Smoko

Another OCC local, bringing steady experience in his B&G 36.

Guy Chester – Oceans Tribute

One of the fleet’s multihulls—a Crowther trimaran that will bring speed and tactical intrigue.

Peter Bourke – Diablo

A compact but capable Sparkman & Stephens design—classic offshore DNA.

James Foster – Electron

A Mumby 48 catamaran adding serious pace to the multihull division.

Terry Dunn – Marara

Sailing the ever-reliable S&S 34—one of the most respected offshore designs in history.

Richard Grant – Magellan

Tasmanian competitor in a Knoop 39, bringing offshore experience across the ditch.

Kevin Le Poidevin – Roaring Forty

Campaigning a former BOC Open 40—built for exactly this kind of challenge.

Sharon Ferris-Choat – Vixen Racing

A standout Kiwi competitor in a Class 40—professional, fast, and highly competitive.

Richard Raea – Baker Street

Northland-based sailor representing Kerikeri with a well-prepared Sweden 340.

Graeme Francis – Robbery

A seasoned New Plymouth sailor in a Wilson 36.

Geoff Thorn – Catnip

A proven Beneteau First 45 bringing both comfort and performance.

Ben Ball – Camellia

Racing a Cav 36, representing SSANZ and adding depth to the Kiwi fleet.

Don’t Miss the Action

The countdown is now on.

Race Start: 30 May, 12:00pm
Departing Opua, heading across the Tasman

But the excitement starts well before the gun.

Festivities kick off Saturday 23 May
With a special Andrew Fagan live show at the Club—a perfect way to launch race week.

Follow the Race

All boats will be fitted with trackers, so members and supporters can follow every mile of the journey across the Tasman.

This is more than a race—it’s a test of seamanship, resilience, and spirit. And with such a diverse fleet, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most compelling yet.

We look forward to seeing you at the Club to support the skippers as they prepare to take on one of offshore sailing’s great challenges.

More info https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/

The magic is coming to Opua Cruising Club!

We’ve got the incredible Ngati Soul bringing his signature sound to the waterfront — think laid-back live music, good vibes and an easy Sunday evening with friends.

Come down, grab a drink, settle in and enjoy 🙂

Sunday 24 May 2026
From 6:00pm @ Opua Cruising Club
Free Entry

Full bar and bistro menu available.

Coming to Opua Cruising Club on Saturday, 23rd of May, join Andrew Fagan for ‘Time and Tide’ – a captivating evening of storytelling, live music, poetry, and a powerful visual journey sharing the raw reality of solo sailing in a 5.1 metre yacht.

Tickets are just $15 available at the Opua Cruising Club. The club’s bar and the Galley Bistro will be open.

The Opua Cruising Club Easter BBQ Cruise was a small event this year. The weather hasn’t been great – indeed, at the time of writing, another weather bomb is due to make landfall this evening with warnings to expect 90 to 120 mm of rain and possible thunderstorms.

Still, despite the low turnout, a small group of regulars had a tasty BBQ at Indico Bay with only a brief shower of rain and a pleasant walk staying on Urupukapuka the following morning.

We hope everyone had a good Easter.

Opua Cruising Club is proud to shine the spotlight on our April Sponsor of the Month, Great Escape Sailing.

Discover the Bay of Islands with Great Escape Sailing Sail-Yourself Yachts

For over 20 years, Great Escape Sailing has been helping people experience the magic of sailing in the Bay of Islands. Based in Opua, this well-established sailing school and yacht charter company offers unforgettable on-the-water adventures for beginners and experienced sailors alike.

Whether you’re looking to learn the ropes, build confidence as a skipper, or simply enjoy the freedom of exploring under sail, Great Escape Sailing provides a unique way to experience one of the world’s great cruising destinations.

Learn, Sail, Explore

Great Escape Sailing specialises in hands-on sailing experiences that combine learning with adventure. Their offerings include:

• Learn-to-sail courses for complete beginners
• “Learn then sail yourself” adventures
• Private sailing experiences with your own instructor
• Bareboat yacht charters for experienced sailors
• Skill-building courses for those looking to advance

With a fleet of well-maintained Kiwi yachts and personalised instruction, you can go from novice to confidently sailing your own vessel in just a few days.

Experience You Can Trust

Great Escape Sailing is an accredited sailing school with certified instructors who bring thousands of miles of offshore and coastal experience. Their passion for sailing and deep local knowledge of the Bay of Islands ensure every trip is not only safe but truly memorable.

All experiences are tailored to your group, giving you the freedom to learn at your own pace while exploring secluded bays, sheltered anchorages, and some of New Zealand’s most stunning coastal scenery.

Your Sailing Adventure Starts Here

Whether you’re a local looking to build skills or a visitor wanting to experience the Bay from a different perspective, Great Escape Sailing offers something truly special.

Supporting local marine and tourism operators like Great Escape Sailing helps keep our vibrant boating community strong and thriving.

Step aboard, embrace the adventure, and discover why so many people fall in love with sailing in the Bay of Islands.

Since coming under new ownership in December 2025, Great Escape Sailing has celebrated a successful summer season alongside its long-standing team of instructors and is looking forward to building on that success in the future. The new owners, Chris and Erena, warmly welcome anyone who would like to get in touch or chat in person, by phone or email – call 021 2GR8 ESC (021 2 478 372), email info@greatescape.co.nz, or visit www.greatescape.co.nz.

Great Escape Sailing
W10 Main Wharf
Bay of Islands Marina
Beechey St, Opua

We Have Our Winners!

After receiving nearly 60 amazing entries, we’re thrilled to announce the winner of our Opua Cruising Club Wedding Venue Giveaway!

A huge congratulations to our lucky couple, Sefa and Anapela. We can’t wait to help bring your special day to life here at the club. Set right on the water’s edge in the stunning Bay of Islands, it’s a truly unforgettable place to say “I do.”

To everyone who entered, thank you so much for sharing your stories with us. We were blown away by the love, creativity, and heartfelt entries.

If you missed out this time, don’t worry, our venue is still one of Northland’s most beautiful and affordable waterfront wedding locations, perfect for everything from intimate gatherings to celebrations with up to 200 guests.

Get in touch to find out more about hosting your own special day at Opua Cruising Club.

This year’s Opua Cruising Club Easter Cruise will kick off on Good Friday at 5pm with a BBQ at Indico Bay on Urupukapuka Island.

Once we’re all there and well fed, the assembled group can then discuss what they plan to do for the next couple of days.

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Coming up on Saturday, the 11th April at Opua Cruising Club. An evening of amazing vocal talent, from local talent Thera van Poppel!

This Sunday’s Otehei Bay Cup Weekend Sailing Festival has been postponed due to the weather forecast. A tropical low is moving into the Tasman Sea and is set to bring strong northeasterly winds (up to 40kmp) and heavy rain to the Bay of Islands towards the end of this week.

Opua Cruising Club decided to postpone the weekend’s sailing until the weather improves. As soon as a new date is chosen, we’ll let you know!

Thanks, everyone and remember you can always drop into the club for a hot meal and a cold beer, no matter what the weather is doing!

Sunday’s Club BBQ in the Bay at the southern end of Onewhero Bay was a small, relaxed afternoon. Due to a slightly wobbly weather forecast, we only had five boats on the day. Luckily, the bay was sheltered from the southwesterly winds, the food was delicious, and a good time was had by all.