Government Events Boost Fund Support for 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news for the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge.

The event has secured funding through the Government’s Events Boost Fund, administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). This support is a significant vote of confidence in both the race and the wider impact it brings to our region.

As members know the 2026 race will start from Opua in the Bay of Islands on Saturday, 30 May 2026, and will feature the largest fleet in the event’s history. A major milestone for one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most respected solo offshore challenges.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlighted the importance of events like ours in strengthening regional economies:

“This is one of many exciting events the Government is supporting in 2026. From world-class international and homegrown musical acts to sports fixtures and arts and cultural celebrations, these events will bring fans, visitors and a big boost to New Zealand’s economy.”

With sailors, support crews, families and followers travelling from around New Zealand and overseas, we expect the event to deliver a strong visitor boost to Northland and the Bay of Islands during the late autumn season.

A Proud Moment for Opua Cruising Club

As Organising Authority, the Opua Cruising Club (OCC) is immensely proud to be hosting the race.

OCC Commodore Terry Dunn says:

“We are incredibly proud that Opua Cruising Club has been honoured with the responsibility of being the organising authority for this remarkable event. The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is part of New Zealand’s offshore sailing heritage, and to have the honour of being the organising committee with the biggest fleet ever is hugely exciting. The Government’s support through the Events Boost Fund gives us confidence to deliver an event that not only challenges sailors but also showcases our region to the world.”

The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is woven into New Zealand’s offshore sailing story, a race that represents courage, preparation and a deep respect for the Tasman Sea.

A Race of Grit, Skill and Preparation

A single-handed crossing of the Tasman Sea is one of the ultimate tests of seamanship. It demands resilience, meticulous planning and mental toughness.

Race Director Julie Kidman says event preparations are already well advanced:

“With the largest fleet in the race’s history, there’s a significant amount of preparation happening right now; from liaison with Maritime New Zealand, Yachting New Zealand and our destination club in Australia, Southport Yacht Club, through to logistics, communications and community engagement. We’re thrilled with the calibre and commitment of the skippers entered. The support from MBIE via the Government’s Events Boost Fund is not just financial backing, it’s recognition of the importance of offshore sailing to New Zealand’s maritime identity.”

She adds:

“We invite anyone with a love of sailing, adventure and big ocean stories to join us in Opua for the pre-race festivities. Come and meet the skippers and past skippers. Thanks to the support of Bay of Islands Marina, spectators will be able to see the boats up close and be part of the build-up to the start. There’s nothing quite like the energy in the days before a Tasman crossing.”

Join Us for the Build-Up in Opua

The pre-race period will include skipper presentations, safety briefings and community events, giving supporters and the local community the chance to connect with competitors before they head offshore.

With only 14 weeks to go until the start gun fires on Saturday, 30 May 2026, momentum is building for what promises to be a landmark edition of the race.

A record fleet. Government backing. Strong regional support.

The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is shaping up to be a standout moment on New Zealand’s offshore calendar, and we’d love you to be part of it.

• For more information see the event website – https://www.solo-tasman.co.nz/
• To register interest and get involved email race@transtasmanchallege.org

Planning and momentum are building fast for the 16th Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge, set to start from Opua on 30 May 2026. As the Organising Authority, Opua Cruising Club is stepping into an exciting new chapter, carrying forward the legacy of this legendary race while putting our club and community at the very centre of international sailing attention.

A Legendary Event

First held in 1970, the Solo Trans-Tasman is the longest-running singlehanded ocean race in the Southern Hemisphere and still the only one of its kind. With a reputation for testing courage, seamanship, and endurance over 1,200 nautical miles of Tasman Sea, it has produced countless stories of resilience and adventure. This is not a race for professionals chasing silverware, but for Corinthian adventurers — everyday men and women who prepare for years to test themselves against one of the world’s great oceans.

The Fleet is Growing

Since our last update, the fleet has expanded to nine confirmed entries – five from New Zealand and four from Australia – with strong interest from more than ten additional skippers, including veterans keen for another go. This is shaping up to be a true trans-Tasman contest, with Kiwi yachts taking the last two wins and Australian sailors hungry to bring the trophy back across the ditch.

With divisions for Adventure Monohull, Adventure Multihull, and PHRF, plus the prestigious Sir Francis Chichester Trophy for line honours, the competition promises to be fierce and diverse.

What It Means for OCC

Hosting the start from Opua brings many benefits:

• International profile for OCC as organiser of a world-renowned ocean race.
• Engagement opportunities for members to be involved in race management, shore activities, and festivities.
• Stronger connections with Southport Yacht Club, reinforcing the spirit of trans-Tasman sailing.
• Boosts to local economy and tourism through visiting competitors, supporters, and media.

In the week leading up to the start, OCC and the Bay of Islands community will enjoy a vibrant race village on the Opua Superyacht Dock, creating a celebratory atmosphere for sailors, members, and visitors alike.

Sponsorship – A Unique Opportunity

The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge offers businesses a chance to stand alongside one of the world’s great ocean races. Sponsorship provides:

• Brand visibility across New Zealand, Australia, and international sailing communities.
• On-water and online exposure through event websites, social media, merchandise, and race media coverage.
• Engagement opportunities in the pre-race village at Opua and post-race celebrations at Southport.
• Creative activations such as product showcases, customer competitions, and partnerships with competing skippers.
• Global digital reach through the official Virtual Regatta edition of the race, where thousands of eSailors will compete on the same course in real time.

Sponsorship can be tailored to suit companies of all sizes, from naming rights to supporting specific trophies, prizes, or digital initiatives. For local businesses and distributors, it’s a chance to connect directly with sailing and adventure audiences across both sides of the Tasman.

Looking Ahead

Entries are open until October 2025, with late entries accepted into March 2026. The Race Management team is working hard behind the scenes, and with the support of our members, sponsors, and community, this promises to be one of the most memorable editions yet.

We encourage all members to spread the word, get involved, and help us showcase OCC at its best. If you or your business would like to explore sponsorship opportunities, please get in touch.

Contact: race@transtasmanchallenge.org

—
Julie Kidman
Solo Trans-Tasman Race Management

For more information, visit solo-tasman.co.nz

We’re excited to share some big news: the Opua Cruising Club has officially been named the Organising Authority for the 15th Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, now scheduled to start on 30th May 2026.

This iconic race — the longest-running single-handed ocean race in the Southern Hemisphere — sees solo sailors navigate over 1,200 nautical miles across the Tasman Sea from New Zealand to Australia. First held in 1970, the event has earned a legendary reputation for testing the courage, skill, and endurance of those who dare to take it on.

“We’re honoured to carry the torch for this remarkable race,” says Terry Dunn, Commodore of Opua Cruising Club. “The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is not just a test of seamanship — it’s a celebration of the unique connection between New Zealand and Australia. We’re proud to bring fresh energy, strong community involvement, and top-level support to the 2026 edition.”

The Opua Cruising Club takes over from the New Plymouth Yacht Club, whose dedication and support over the years have helped build the event into what it is today. Planning is well underway, with a vibrant pre-race program in Opua leading into the main event — a solo adventure across the Tasman that promises to challenge and inspire.

Skippers keen to join the 2026 challenge can now find the Notice of Race (NOR) and Provisional Entry Form on the official race website. We’ll continue to share updates on logistics, race details, and how to get involved — so keep an eye on our News section and follow us on social media for the latest.

Whether you’re a sailor, a supporter, or just a fan of great maritime adventure — welcome aboard. The countdown to May 30th, 2026, has begun!

For more information, visit solo-tasman.co.nz