Meet the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Fleet
With entries now closed, we’re excited to confirm that 18 skippers will line up for the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, departing from Opua at midday on 30 May. As the organising authority, Opua Cruising Club (OCC) will for the first time, be at the heart of this iconic event and we’d love to see as many members as possible involved in the lead-up and send-off.
This year’s fleet is a fantastic mix of experience, ambition, and personality. From seasoned ocean racers to first-time solo competitors, each skipper brings their own story to the start line and together they make up a truly special group.
Proudly Representing OCC
We’re especially proud to have four OCC boats in the fleet:
- Terry Dunn – Marara
Our own Commodore, Terry, will take on his first major solo offshore passage aboard the much-loved S&S 34 Marara. With a lifetime of sailing experience and around 40,000 offshore miles (mostly crewed), Terry represents the heart and spirit of OCC—steady, capable, and quietly determined. - Bill Kidman – Pretty Boy Floyd
A lifelong sailor with experience across everything from dinghies to multihulls, Bill will be pushing his Ross 12m hard across the Tasman. For him, it’s about both personal challenge and representing his club on the international stage. - Malcolm Dickson – Sarau
The defending champion returns for his fourth Solo Trans-Tasman and he means business. Malcolm brings unmatched experience, including a win in the last race and podium finishes stretching back decades. Don’t expect him to take it easy. - Peter Nobbs – Smoko
A highly accomplished solo sailor, Peter has completed solo circumnavigations of New Zealand and even a short-course solo circumnavigation of the globe. For Peter, this race is as much about pacing himself as it is about performance and enjoying the journey.
Meet the Wider Fleet
Beyond our OCC contingent, the broader fleet is just as compelling:
- Samantha McGrath – Star Path
With over 15,000 offshore miles, Sam has sailed from the Pacific to the edges of the Southern Ocean. Her campaign is driven by a deep personal connection to the sea and a love of solo sailing. - Doug Esterman – Fair Seasons
After more than 12,000 miles on the water, Doug is stepping into his first solo offshore race. A new challenge, a new chapter—and the journey begins here. - Glen Jeffery – Wave
A hugely experienced sailor with multiple Tasman crossings and offshore campaigns under his belt, Glen returns with quiet confidence and a deep understanding of the ocean. - Peter Elkington – Pacman
A veteran of multiple Sydney to Hobarts, Peter combines performance and reliability in his Young 11 as he takes on a new solo challenge. - Guy Chester – Oceans Tribute
One of the most experienced sailors in the fleet, with over 120,000 nautical miles and solo circumnavigations to his name. His Crowther trimaran will be one of the fastest—and most exciting—boats to watch. - Peter Bourke – Diablo
Sailing one of the smallest boats in the fleet, Peter brings determination and proven endurance, having recently completed a solo circumnavigation of New Zealand. - James Foster – Electron
Another multihull entry, James brings over 20,000nm of short-handed experience. Managing speed and endurance will be key aboard his Mumby 48 catamaran. - Richard Grant – Magellan
With more than 50 years of sailing and a recent double-handed Melbourne to Osaka campaign (with his daughter), Richard brings depth, discipline, and experience. - Kevin Le Poidevin – Roaring Forty
A serious offshore competitor with global solo experience, including a 13,000nm non-stop passage. Kev will be one to watch for line honours—and is also racing for important causes. - Sharon Ferris-Choat – Vixen Racing
A standout in the fleet, Sharon’s résumé includes the Olympics and Volvo Ocean Race. Her Class 40 campaign brings a high-performance edge to the race. - Richard Raea – Baker Street
A previous Solo Trans-Tasman competitor, Richard returns with experience, perspective, and a love of the adventure as much as the competition. - Graeme Francis – Robbery
Back for his third crossing, Graeme brings resilience and long-term commitment to the race, with nearly four decades between his first and latest campaigns. - Geoff Thorn – Catnip
A strong performer in the 2018 race (4th place), Geoff returns with unfinished business and extensive offshore experience. - Ben Ball – Camellia
Celebrating a personal milestone, Ben is marking his and his boat’s 50th year with this long-held ambition—bringing a deep personal connection to the campaign.
What to Expect
With such a diverse fleet, the race will unfold at very different paces. The fastest boats could reach Australia in as little as four to five days, while others may take ten to twelve days—each skipper facing their own race across the Tasman.
Get Involved – Be Part of It
All boats and skippers will be in Opua for the two weeks leading up to the start, and this is where OCC members can really get involved.
We’ll be hosting a range of social events at the club, giving everyone a chance to meet the skippers, hear their stories, and soak up the atmosphere.
There will also be an Open Day at Opua Wharf on Sunday 24 May—a great opportunity to get up close to the boats, chat with the sailors, and bring friends and family along.
Whether it’s lending a hand, coming along to events, or simply being part of the send-off, your support makes a real difference.
A Shared Adventure
The Solo Trans-Tasman is more than just a race it’s a test of preparation, resilience, and spirit. And while each skipper will head off alone, the journey begins here, with the support of the OCC community behind them.
Let’s get in behind the fleet and make this an unforgettable event for Opua.
