When the starting gun fired in Opua on 29 May, fifteen skippers set off alone across one of the world’s most demanding stretches of ocean with a common goal – to sail solo across the Tasman Sea to Southport, Queensland.

Just under twelve days later eleven remarkable sailors had completed the 1,200 nautical mile crossing, each with their own story of determination, resilience and seamanship.

The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge delivered everything the Tasman Sea is renowned for. Competitors faced strong headwinds, heavy seas, squalls, equipment failures, frustrating calms and the relentless challenge of making every decision alone. There was little sleep, countless sail changes, endless weather analysis and the constant focus required to keep both sailor and yacht safe.

Every finisher earned enormous respect.

Congratulations to our major prize winners:

  • Line Honours and first multihull: Oceans Tribute – Guy Chester
  • First Monohull: Vixen Racing – Sharon Ferris-Choat
  • Monohull PHRF Handicap Winner: Sarau – Malcolm Dickson
  • Multihull Handicap Winner: Electron – James Foster

But the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge has never been just about who crosses the finish line first.

It is about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

This year’s fleet included sailors returning to the Tasman decades after previous adventures, beautifully restored classic yachts sailing alongside modern designs, first-time competitors fulfilling lifelong dreams and experienced offshore sailors once again testing themselves against one of the Southern Hemisphere’s great ocean passages.

Every competitor who crossed the starting line demonstrated courage. Every competitor who reached Southport achieved something few sailors will ever experience.

To those competitors who were forced to retire, your stories are every bit as much a part of this event. Making the difficult decision to withdraw when circumstances demand it is a hallmark of good seamanship, and we sincerely hope to see you back on the starting line in the future.

Behind every solo sailor is an incredible team

Although this is a solo race, nobody gets to the start alone.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the families, friends and shore crews who spent months helping prepare boats, solving problems, providing encouragement and then following every mile of the race from home.

To our Race Management team, volunteers and officials – thank you.

From inspections and registrations through to race starts, weather briefings, safety management, communications, finish coordination and prizegiving, hundreds of volunteer hours were contributed to make this event possible.

We also extend our sincere thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Opua Cruising Club and Southport Yacht Club, together with Maritime New Zealand, the Rescue Coordination Centre, Far North Coastguard and everyone who helped ensure competitors completed their voyages safely.

Thank you to our supporters

Events like the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge simply could not happen without the generous support of our funding partners, sponsors, and supporters.

We sincerely thank:

  • MBIE Major Events Fund
  • Bay of Islands Marina
  • Riddlez Interactive
  • Fiordland Discovery
  • PredictWind
  • Tides Out Maps
  • Calder’s Design & Print
  • Quality Marine Clothing
  • BOI Auto & Marine
  • Flags Group
  • Bay of Islands Snorkelling
  • Flying Kiwi Parasail
  • Doyle Sails
  • Mountain Doctors
  • 36° Brokers
  • Bay of Islands Yacht Club
  • Waterfalls Estate
  • Dr Dave

Your support enabled us to deliver a safe, professionally managed international offshore yacht race while showcasing the Bay of Islands to audiences throughout New Zealand, Australia and around the world.

A community effort

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge belongs to more than the competitors.

It belongs to everyone who welcomed sailors into Opua during preparation, waved the fleet away from the Bay of Islands, tracked their progress across the Tasman, celebrated every arrival into Southport and joined us at the prizegiving to recognise the remarkable achievements of every skipper.

Throughout the event we were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the local community and by the incredible online following. Race updates, videos, photographs and stories reached well over 1.5 million digital views, allowing people around the world to experience the highs, lows and triumphs of this unforgettable adventure.

Looking ahead

As one race finishes, planning for the next one has already begun.

The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge will return in 2029, bringing another fleet of determined solo sailors together to tackle one of the world’s great offshore races.

There will undoubtedly be new boats, new competitors and new stories waiting to be written.

For now, however, we simply want to say thank you.

Thank you to every competitor who accepted the challenge.

Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time.

Thank you to every sponsor and supporter who believed in the event.

Thank you to every family member who waited anxiously for the tracker to update.

And thank you to everyone who followed along, shared our stories and celebrated the achievements of these remarkable sailors.

We’ll see you on the start line in 2029.