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/