Imagine challenging the world – not in a sprint, but in the longest, most daring marathon of all: circumnavigating the globe by sailboat, non-stop, without assistance, and faster than anyone ever has before. That’s the Trophée Jules Verne, a race inspired by the spirit of adventure in Jules Verne’s classic novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’. This race is about pure speed and endurance, pushing both sailors and boats to their limits.

Opua Cruising Club member Rebeca Gmuer-Hornell, who is now the fastest Kiwi to sail around the world, has recently returned to Opua after competing in the Jules Verne challenge.

She was part of an all-women crew who completed the race in 57 days, making Rebecca the fastest Kiwi for the challenge. Rebecca is a local girl who learned to sail with her dad and she has done some amazing sailing on the world stage.

Rebecca will be at Opua Cruising Club this Friday (13th March) at 7.30pm. This is going to be a great talk, so come along and hear all about her adventure.

As preparations continue for the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge, the Race Management team recently had the opportunity to visit two of New Zealand’s key maritime safety operations: the Maritime Operations Centre (MOC) and the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).

It was a fascinating look behind the scenes at the people and systems that help keep sailors safe when they head offshore — particularly when they’re doing it alone.

While the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is all about seamanship, endurance, and the adventure of crossing one of the world’s great ocean passages solo, a great deal of preparation goes on ashore to ensure the event is run as safely and professionally as possible.

Daily Race Skeds – The Role of the MOC

During the race, the Maritime Operations Centre will assist with handling the official race communications — known as the “skeds”. These scheduled radio check-ins are a long-standing offshore racing tradition and remain an important safety and reporting tool.

Each day during the crossing, competitors will call in at the designated time to report their position, weather conditions, and how things are going on board. For solo sailors, these skeds are an important point of connection — a moment to check in with race management and fellow competitors across the Tasman.

During our visit, Tony Graham from the MOC generously walked the team through the centre and explained how their communication systems operate. From a room filled with screens and communications equipment, the team monitors maritime activity across a huge area of ocean.

For the Solo Trans-Tasman fleet, it means that experienced professionals will be listening and recording the skeds and assisting race management in ensuring communications are received and logged correctly.

When RCCNZ Becomes Involved

The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand plays a different — but critically important — role.

RCCNZ is responsible for coordinating search and rescue operations across New Zealand’s search and rescue region, which is one of the largest in the world, covering millions of square kilometres of ocean.

For the Solo Trans-Tasman race, RCCNZ will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the event. Their role only comes into play if there is a genuine emergency — such as a competitor making a Mayday call or activating their EPIRB distress beacon.

During the visit, Sam Blackmore and Patrick William from RCCNZ gave Race Management an overview of how distress alerts are received and handled. The technology involved is impressive. Modern satellite systems detect EPIRB signals very quickly and can determine a vessel’s position with remarkable accuracy.

They also explained how rescue coordinators bring together information from multiple sources — satellite alerts, vessel tracking systems, weather data, and communications — to assess a situation and determine the appropriate response.

It was reassuring for the team to see the level of expertise and professionalism that sits behind New Zealand’s search and rescue system.

Technology Helping to Track the Fleet

While traditional skeds remain part of offshore sailing culture, today’s technology also provides additional ways to keep track of vessels at sea.

All competitors in the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge will be carrying Yellow Brick satellite trackers, allowing Race Management to monitor each yacht’s progress across the Tasman in real time.

The good news for club members and supporters is that you’ll be able to follow the race yourself. The tracker positions will be available on the race website, so everyone can watch the fleet make its way across the Tasman and see how the race unfolds.

It’s always fascinating to see how different boats and skippers choose their routes as they deal with the changing Tasman Sea weather patterns.

Appreciating the People Behind the Systems

One of the most valuable aspects of the visit was the chance to meet the people who operate these systems and hear about the work they do.

The Race Management team would like to extend sincere thanks to Tony Graham at the Maritime Operations Centre, and Sam Blackmore and Patrick William from RCCNZ, for their time and generosity in sharing their knowledge.

Their willingness to talk through procedures, technology, and coordination processes has helped ensure that the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is well integrated with New Zealand’s wider maritime safety framework.

Our next Club BBQ is next Sunday the 15^th of March. It looks like we have a bit of a weather event coming our way this week but it should all be passed by next weekend.

Low water on the 15^th is conveniently at Lunchtime so I suggest we all meet again at the southern end of Onewhero Bay, which should be sheltered from the forecast south westerly winds and I have ordered some sunshine.

Any queries please call Ian on 0277126898.

Opua Cruising Club is proud to shine our spotlight this month on March’s sponsor of the month, Cater Marine.

Your One-Stop Marine Supply Hub in Opua

For half a century, Cater Marine has been helping boaties get the most out of their time on the water. Proudly serving the Bay of Islands for 50 years, this trusted local marine supplier is the Opua Cruising Club Sponsor of the Month for March.

Located in the heart of Opua Marine Park, Cater Marine has become a go-to destination for both visiting cruisers and the local boating community. Whether you’re preparing for a coastal adventure, refitting your vessel, or simply replacing everyday essentials, their knowledgeable team is ready to help.

Everything Your Boat Needs – All in One Place

Cater Marine offers an extensive range of marine products and services, including:

• Marine hardware and fittings
• Electronics and navigation equipment
• Maintenance and servicing supplies
• Safety gear and boating essentials
• Specialist parts and hard-to-find components

If an item isn’t in stock, the team can source and organise orders quickly, often with impressively short turnaround times—helping you stay on schedule and get back out on the water sooner.

Experience You Can Rely On

After 50 years in the marine industry, the team at Cater Marine understands the practical needs of boat owners. Their friendly, knowledgeable staff are always happy to share advice, recommend the right equipment, and help you find exactly what you need.

Their motto says it all: “All you need for your home away from home.”

Visit Cater Marine Today

If you’re cruising through Opua or part of the local boating community, make sure Cater Marine is on your list of essential stops. Supporting local marine businesses like Cater Marine helps keep the Bay of Islands boating community strong and thriving.

Drop in, say hello, and see why generations of boaties trust Cater Marine.

Cater Marine
Unit 16, Opua Marine Park
Baffin Street, Opua

0800 228 376 | +64 (0)9 402 8292
www.catermarine.co.nz

It was an outstanding result for Opua Cruising Club, with members Wayne Limbrick and Sally Tait securing third place at the 2026 Tornado National Championships at Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club — finishing just one point shy of second in a highly competitive fleet.

The regatta was won by Dave Shaw and his wife Susan, who delivered a dominant performance with eight straight race wins to claim the title. Second place went to Winston Ordish-Brenner and Shanae Ahern (Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club), narrowly ahead of the Opua pair.

For Wayne and Sally to be so close to second — separated by a single point — is an excellent achievement at national level and a fantastic result for Opua Cruising Club. The championship also added another accolade to Dave Shaw’s record, the defending and multiple-time A Class and Paper Tiger national champion.

You can read the article on yachtingnz.org.nz

Dave Shaw continued his dominance of New Zealand multihull racing, claiming the 2026 Tornado national championships at Tauranga Yacht and Powerboat Club

Fisher & Paykel Interclub / Russell Cup – This Sunday 12pm!

The rivalry continues this weekend as Opua Cruising Club takes on the Russell Boating Club in the annual Fisher & Paykel Interclub / Russell Cup, which returns to the waters of the beautiful Bay of Islands.

The Interclub series between Opua Cruising Club and Russell Boating Club is one of the most anticipated fixtures on the local sailing calendar, a proud tradition of competitive racing, good sportsmanship, and inter-club spirit.

Opua Cruising Club has held the prestigious Fisher & Paykel trophy for the past six seasons as Interclub champions.

We Need You on the Start Line

We need a minimum of four boats to enter the race. Whether you’re a seasoned racer or keen to represent your club and be part of the action, this is your chance to fly the OCC colours.

This race is more than just points on a board — it’s about heritage, teamwork, and the thrill of lining up against our friendly rivals from across the water.

Let’s turn out in numbers, defend the trophy, and show why Opua remains the club to beat.

If you can race, please confirm your entry as soon as possible.

See you on the start line!

On a glorious summer’s day with a light westerly breeze, 25 Opua Cruising Club members and their friends gathered on Baylys Beach (Onewhero Bay) last Sunday for our February Club BBQ.

It was a splendid day with the BBQ sizzling, people swimming, dogs digging in the sand and a very keenly contested game of beach skittles.

Great fun was had by all and we’re all looking forward to the next BBQ in the bay.

The club’s next BBQ is scheduled for March 15^th. Watch this space for details.

Opua Cruising Club is proud to shine our spotlight this month on February’s sponsor of the month, Seapower.

Located right on the waterfront at Opua Marine Estate, Seapower are Opua’s dedicated marine engineering, service and repair specialists. Their experienced marine engineers and technicians offer a full range of marine services to boat owners from all over New Zealand and overseas.

Whether you have a mechanical, electrical, plumbing or boat repair challenge, the Seapower team have the skills, gear, and local knowledge to keep you moving on the water. They can help with:

• Mechanical engineering
• Outboard sales, service & repair
• Engines & generators
• Gearboxes
• Propellers & drive shafts
• Fuel & Steering systems
• Electrical systems
• Spares & parts
• Electronic equipment
• Plumbing systems

Opua Cruising Club members and visitors alike consistently praise Seapower’s workmanship and friendly service. Whether it’s routine servicing or complex system upgrades, you’re in good hands.

Next time you’re in Opua, pop in to say hello and support the local business that keeps our boats in peak condition and helps our club community thrive!

Seapower
Unit 15 Opua Marine Estate
Baffin Street, Opua

Ph: +64 9 402 8820
Em: accounts@seapower.co.nz
www.seapower.co.nz

Last Sunday’s Opua Cruising Club ‘BBQ in the Bay’ at Motuarohia (Roberton) Island was a great success, with a solid turnout of boats and crews making the most of this beautiful and much loved Bay of Islands spot.

The weather was warm and pleasant despite a little cloud cover, and the island provided the perfect backdrop for a relaxed day ashore. An outgoing morning tide gave everyone a helpful push on the way over, while a gentle afternoon sea breeze made for an easy sail back to Opua.

On the beach, members and friends enjoyed a classic club BBQ lunch with plenty of good food, great company, and the chance to unwind and catch up — a reminder of how special these simple island gatherings can be.

The club’s next BBQ in the Bay will be on Sunday the 15th March. Watch this space for details.

Imagine challenging the world – not in a sprint, but in the longest, most daring marathon of all: circumnavigating the globe by sailboat, non-stop, without assistance, and faster than anyone ever has before. That’s the Trophée Jules Verne, a race inspired by the spirit of adventure in Jules Verne’s classic novel ‘Around the World in 80 Days’.

The Trophée Jules Verne isn’t a traditional race – it’s a challenge. Competitors choose their own departure window, set off from a defined line in the English Channel between the Créac’h Lighthouse (off Ushant) and Lizard Point (Cornwall), and attempt to sail around the world as fast as possible. The course takes them eastward, leaving the Capes of Good Hope, Leeuwin and Horn to port, before returning to the finish where they started.

This race is about pure speed and endurance, pushing both sailors and boats to their limits. It’s open to virtually any sailboat and crew size, provided the vessel can make it around the world without outside assistance.

A huge shout out goes to our now famous Opua Cruising Club member Rebeca Gmuer-Hornell who is now the fastest Kiwi to sail around the world!

This was accomplished on a 100ft trimaran as part of an 8 female crew competing in the Jules Verne Trophy. The crew went non-stop around the world in 57 days… an absolutely awesome achievement!

Well done Becs, we’re so proud of you and can’t wait for you to come home and tell us all about it!