The fleet ranges from the smallest entry, Diablo (8.7m), to the largest, Sarau, with an average yacht length of just over 11m. Among the twelve confirmed entries are four Australian boats, eight from New Zealand, and one multihull. The Opua Cruising Club is well represented with three entries: Bill Kidman in his 12m Ross Pretty Boy Floyd, John Ross in the 12.5m Elliott Odyssey, and Peter Nobbs aboard the 11m B&G Smoko.
The 2023 line honours winner, Malcolm Dickson, has entered again, but most of the fleet are first-time participants, including seasoned sailors Glen Jeffrey in his Grand Soleil 50 Wave and Will Horne aboard his Tiller 35 Truxton. Other notable entries include Tobias Swanson in his Murray Burns Dovell 37 Dark and Stormy, Doug Esterman aboard Cavalier 39 Fair Seasons, and Samantha McGarth sailing her Sparkman & Stephens 34 Star Path. The finish line in Southport, Australia, promises a warm welcome, especially for Peter Elkington racing his Young 11 Pacman home.
The fleet includes sailors aged from their fifties to seventies, highlighting that solo sailing is about endurance, mindset, and seamanship as much as age.
www.solo-tasman.co.nz
