In quite a different cross-Tasman yacht race than the Sydney to Auckland Ocean Yacht race which saw Lucky, the 29-metre KJ owned by Bryon Ehrhart smash existing records, we will see another cross-Tasman yacht race in 2026. This one from New Zealand to Australia, not crewed but ‘manned’ (or ‘womanned if you prefer). Yes, the biannual Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is definitely back on in May of 2026. A new start port, the biggest fleet on record, and a rule tweak that keeps the door open for capable small boats.
“We’re honoured to carry the torch for this remarkable race,” says Terry Dunn, Commodore of Opua Cruising Club. “The Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge is not just a test of seamanship — it’s a celebration of the unique connection between New Zealand and Australia. We’re proud to bring fresh energy, strong community involvement, and top-level support to the 2026 edition.”
A historic first: Opua start, same big ocean
For the first time in the race’s history, the fleet will depart from Opua, Bay of Islands, rather than New Plymouth. It shifts the line further north and west, but the brief remains unflinching: more than 1,200 nautical miles, solo, across the Tasman to Australia. The Opua Cruising Club takes over event stewardship from the New Plymouth Yacht Club, whose decades of service built the Challenge’s reputation for grit and good seamanship. Expect a practical pre-race programme in the Bay, followed by the quiet intensity of single-handed offshore sailing as each skipper clears the heads and settles into their rhythm.
Bigger than ever
Entries have closed at twenty, the largest field in the race’s proud history, surpassing the 1986 record of seventeen. Back then, Ian Johnston’s Crowther designed 40-foot trimaran Bullfrog Sunblock scorched across in six days and eight hours, with Alby Burgin’s monohull Alstar just behind in eight days and eleven hours. With a new start and strong fleet depth, there’s every chance we will see fresh benchmarks for both line honours and divisional titles.
Keeping the door open for capable small boats
An important amendment to the Notice of Race updates Clause 6.5 to allow boats under 9-metres to apply for entry, provided they meet the same Category 1 (or equivalent) requirements as larger yachts. It is a nod to race heritage. Smaller yachts have a rich Solo Trans-Tasman history, from Swirly World (5.49-metre) in 1994 to Wild Child (6.5-metre Mini-Transat) winning outright in 2002. The committee will weigh skipper experience and the boat’s soundness on any sub-9-metre application, with a written response provided.
Next up: a closer look at the twenty-strong fleet — the sailors, the boats, and the stories behind this record-breaking lineup.
