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.

Courage, Competition and the Spirit of the Tasman

The first five competitors in the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge have crossed the finish line at Southport Yacht Club.

Each arrival has brought its own story of perseverance, seamanship, exhaustion, and triumph. From high-speed multihulls surfing down waves at over 20 knots to monohull skippers enduring days of relentless weather, these sailors have demonstrated exactly what the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is all about.

1st Across the Line – Guy Chester, Oceans Tribute

The honour of being first to Southport belongs to Guy Chester aboard the Crowther Design 93 trimaran Oceans Tribute.

Crossing the finish line on 5 June after 6 days, 7 hours, 34 minutes and 36 seconds at sea, Guy claimed Overall Line Honours and added another chapter to the remarkable history of the boat. Throughout the crossing, Oceans Tribute proved to be a formidable performer, consistently leading the fleet despite encounters with heavy squalls, lightning, steep seas and relentless spray.

As Guy reported in the closing stages, conditions were “wet, salty and lumpy,” a fitting description of the Tasman Sea during this year’s race. Despite the challenges, he maintained impressive speeds throughout the passage and never relinquished his lead.

Being first across the line in a solo ocean race requires more than a fast boat. It demands concentration, endurance and the ability to make sound decisions while fatigued and alone. Guy delivered on all fronts and deservedly took the first finish gun of the race.

First Monohull Home – Sharon Ferris-Coat, Vixen Racing

Just hours after Oceans Tribute arrived, Sharon Ferris-Coat aboard Vixen Racing etched her name into Solo Trans-Tasman history as the first monohull to finish.

After seven demanding days at sea, Sharon guided her Verdier 40 through the Gold Coast Seaway to a well-earned welcome from supporters gathered at Southport.

Her race was characterised by consistency, determination and remarkable pace. During the final stages she posted some of the best 24-hour runs in the fleet, charging towards Australia despite enduring hail, powerful squalls and some of the most challenging conditions encountered during the crossing.

As the only female competitor in this year’s event, Sharon’s achievement resonated strongly with followers of the race. Her finish was celebrated not only as a personal victory but also as an inspiration to sailors considering their own offshore challenges.

The first monohull home is always a significant milestone, and Sharon’s performance aboard Vixen Racing was nothing short of outstanding.

Third to Finish – James Foster, Electron

The third boat to reach Southport was James Foster aboard the Mumby 48 catamaran Electron.

In the final days of the race, Electron came alive. James reported surfing at speeds approaching 25 knots as favourable reaching conditions allowed the catamaran to unleash its full potential. The result was one of the fastest closing runs of the race, including an astonishing 220 nautical miles covered in a 24-hour period.

While visibly exhausted during his final communications with Race Management, James remained upbeat as he pushed hard toward the finish line. His combination of speed, skill and persistence saw him secure third place across the line and complete an exceptional Tasman crossing.

The performance of Electron highlighted the diversity of the fleet and demonstrated how quickly conditions can transform a race when weather and boat design align.

Fourth Across the Line – Malcolm Dickson, Sarau

Few stories captured the imagination of race followers more than the battle between Malcolm Dickson aboard the 55-foot Sarau and Peter Elkington aboard Pacman.

For days the two yachts traded positions as they charged toward the Australian coast. As the finish approached, less than a single nautical mile separated them on the tracker, creating one of the closest contests in the history of the event.

Malcolm’s campaign aboard Sarau was a masterclass in offshore racing. Consistently among the leaders on corrected time and always in contention, he demonstrated the value of experience, patience and tactical decision-making.

Crossing the line in fourth place after an intense duel with Pacman, Malcolm delivered one of the standout performances of the race and remained a major factor in the handicap competition throughout the crossing.

Fifth Across the Line – Peter Elkington, Pacman

Only 24 minutes and 22 seconds behind Sarau, Peter Elkington brought the Young 11 Pacman safely to Southport to complete the first five finishers.

For many followers of the race, Pacman became one of the most compelling stories of the crossing. Despite being significantly smaller than some of the yachts around him and overcoming several technical challenges during the race, Peter remained firmly in the hunt from start to finish.

The final battle with Sarau showcased everything that makes offshore racing so captivating. Two solo sailors, separated by little more than eyesight distance after more than 1,300 nautical miles at sea, pushing their boats and themselves to the limit.

Peter’s determination, resilience and refusal to give up made Pacman one of the heroes of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge. His fifth-place finish was celebrated almost as enthusiastically as any podium result.

The Journey Continues

While the first five finishers have now safely reached Southport, the race is far from over. Competitors remain at sea, continuing their own battles with weather, fatigue and the vastness of the Tasman.

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has always been about more than results. It is about individuals willing to take on one of the world’s great offshore passages alone, relying on their preparation, their boats and their determination.

The first five finishers have set a remarkable standard, and every competitor still racing is writing their own chapter in the story of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.

Congratulations to Guy Chester, Sharon Ferris-Coat, James Foster, Malcolm Dickson and Peter Elkington. Your achievements have inspired sailors on both sides of the Tasman and provided a fitting showcase of courage, seamanship and the enduring spirit of solo ocean racing.

OPUA CRUISING CLUB INC – ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

23 June 2026 at 7pm at the Club Room

All Members, both Full and Social, are encouraged to attend this year’s Annual General Meeting. Under the new Club Constitution every adult membership now includes a voting entitlement.

The Commodore will report on the past years activities and the Treasurer will present the Financial Statements and questions are invited.

Voting will then take place to elect Officers and Committee Members.

Other business will include Membership Fees for the new Membership year commencing 1st July 2026.

Nomination forms for Committee positions are available at the Club or they can be emailed on request. Please note that completed Forms MUST reach the Club Office by 12 noon on the day of the AGM.

Contact Sheila – 09 402 6924 – Mornings 9am – 1pm.

Opua Cruising Club is proud to shine the spotlight on our June Sponsor of the Month, CMC Design.

Based in Opua, CMC Design is a specialist cabinetmaking, marine fitout and custom woodworking company creating exceptional projects throughout Northland and beyond.

CMC Design have shed space at their Opua workshops for boat restorations and can fit vessels up to 36 foot / 12 meters long and 11 foot /3.5 meters wide.

All your restoration work, both large and small projects, upgrades and paintwork can be done onsite.

Master boatbuilder Craig McInnes has been in the industry for nearly 40 years and has worked on many classics including the Lady Crossley, Otehei, Alma G II and Marline as well as many, many other sailing and motor vessels.

Anything over this size can be booked into sheds or hard stand at the nearby Bay Of Islands Marina, where they can work on your boat in situ.

Their most recent restoration out of the shed was the 75 year old Marline. A beautiful classic kauri launch built by Leon Warne and lovingly cherished by a further two generations of the Warne family.

Marlines current custodian Kennedy Warne was thrilled with the result, as was his father Ken Warne who made a special trip to see Marline relaunched in fine form.

Kennedy noted:

‘For me, one of the great benefits of putting Marline in the hands of the CMC team is that the team not only has deep expertise in boatbuilding, but also in cabinetmaking. The two skill sets come together when the requirement is not just in functional aspects of the vessel (such as a new anchoring system, or a walk-through at the transom) but in creating beautiful interior features that are consistent with the period in which Marline was built (a new skylight featuring native timbers, new galley cabinetry and benches.)’

For enquiries or to discuss an upcoming project, contact CMC Design on 09 402 5020, email info@cmcdesign.co.nz, or visit their website at www.cmcdesign.co.nz.

Photo credit: Dean Wright

The Race Committee formally confirmed the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge will start as scheduled at noon Saturday. Sixteen solo sailors will leave the Bay of Islands for Southport Yacht Club on Queensland’s Gold Coast, 1,170 nautical miles across the Tasman Sea. It will be the first time the event has started from Opua Cruising Club..

Click this link to read the full article.

The Solo Trans Tasman Race will start at Midday this Saturday. Opua Cruising Club’s bar and restaurant will be open from 10.30am

Great viewing of the start from OCC, on the Opua Wharf and on headlands on the way down the Veronica Channel.

Boat owners are welcome to join the fleet on the water. For those on the water, please keep clear of competitors. And observe the exclusion zone around the start area (see below).

Click this link for a larger version.

Check out the boats and meet the skippers before they race to Australia!

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.