This is Part 1 a multi-part article. See Part 2.
TUE 2 JUN 202668 HOUR UPDATE
It’s just after 8am on Tuesday and 68 hours in, this race has hit a milestone. Guy Chester on his Crowther trimaran Oceans Tribute has passed the halfway mark — 715 nautical miles sailed, 523 to the finish, the Tasman more than half conquered. Sharon Ferris-Choat on Vixen Racing has done the same, 636 NM behind her and 588 to go. James Foster on the Mumby 48 catamaran Electron is right behind at 608 NM sailed, crossing halfway as this is written. All three are ahead of where the calculator said they’d be.
Chester’s night wasn’t entirely peaceful. “It was a not-relaxing 30-knot rain squall.” He’s been dodging rain squalls in an otherwise starry sky, moon up in the predawn. “Early last evening there were lots of fishing boats around — guess they like to go fushing.” A man comfortable with the Tasman at his most playful.
Sharon Ferris-Choat is drinking in the morning after a rough night. “What a contrast to last night. It’s been a stunning sunrise. We had thunderstorms and all sorts of things going on.” After days of fronts, squalls and headsail dramas, a sunrise like that would feel earned.
On corrected time, the PHRF standings have shifted significantly. Vixen Racing has moved to first, with a corrected elapsed of 5d 9h 51m against Malcolm Dickson’s Sarau‘s 5d 16h 58m — a gap of 7 hours and 7 minutes. This is a reversal from previous updates where Sarau held the lead, Vixen‘s superior pace on the water finally translating through the handicap calculation. Sarau is making just 113 NM per 24 hours against Vixen’s 187 NM — that pace difference is now showing clearly in the corrected standings.
| Pos | Boat | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vixen Racing | 0.941 | 588 NM | 636 NM | 8.4 kts | 187 NM | 5 Jun 06:05 | 5d 9h 51m 28s |
| 2 | Sarau | 0.798 | 699 NM | 496 NM | 6.7 kts | 113 NM | 6 Jun 15:38 | 5d 16h 58m 14s |
| 3 | Pacman | 0.840 | 715 NM | 480 NM | 6.5 kts | 114 NM | 6 Jun 21:48 | 6d 5h 16m 9s |
| 4 | Wave | 0.872 | 748 NM | 425 NM | 6.0 kts | 95 NM | 7 Jun 11:54 | 6d 23h 15m 5s |
| 5 | Camellia | 0.706 | 832 NM | 338 NM | 4.8 kts | 70 NM | 9 Jun 13:56 | 7d 2h 44m 4s |
| 6 | Roaring Forty | 0.919 | 742 NM | 438 NM | 6.1 kts | 90 NM | 7 Jun 09:23 | 7d 5h 57m 54s |
| 7 | Smoko | 0.685 | 861 NM | 318 NM | 4.4 kts | 65 NM | 10 Jun 13:39 | 7d 13h 54m 25s |
| 8 | Diablo | 0.660 | 892 NM | 297 NM | 3.9 kts | 51 NM | 11 Jun 19:48 | 8d 3h 9m 44s |
| 9 | Nautilass | 0.824 | 838 NM | 353 NM | 4.7 kts | 54 NM | 9 Jun 17:52 | 8d 10h 30m 42s |
| 10 | Catnip | 0.851 | 833 NM | 358 NM | 4.8 kts | 60 NM | 9 Jun 14:31 | 8d 14h 18m 17s |
| 11 | Fair Seasons | 0.696 | 962 NM | 257 NM | 2.9 kts | 11 NM | 16 Jun 05:51 | 11d 15h 37m 22s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 2 Jun 08:00 NZST. All times NZST.
On NZ Multihull Handicap (NZ Multihull Yacht Club), James Foster’s Mumby 48 catamaran Electron leads Oceans Tribute by 6 hours on corrected elapsed — 4d 17h 37m against 4d 23h 31m. Oceans Tribute leads on the water by 81 NM and is projected to finish nearly 18 hours ahead of Electron on elapsed time, but the rating gap continues to favour the catamaran.
| Pos | Boat | Class | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electron | Catamaran | 0.799 | 604 NM | 608 NM | 8.1 kts | 174 NM | 5 Jun 10:12 | 4d 17h 37m 16s |
| 2 | Oceans Tribute | Trimaran | 0.963 | 523 NM | 715 NM | 9.3 kts | 239 NM | 4 Jun 16:07 | 4d 23h 31m 28s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 2 Jun 08:00 NZST. All times NZST.
Oceans Tribute‘s 24-hour DMG of 239 NM is the standout number in the fleet, the trimaran pulling further clear as the breeze returned. Roaring Forty and Wave continue their close-quarters battle, 6 NM separating them — almost exactly the same gap as last evening’s 7 NM. These two have been sailing in near-perfect lockstep across the Tasman. Further back, Catnip lies 1 NM behind Camellia. Camellia has steeled her way overnight overtaking Catnip and Nautilass. Catnip and Nautilass have swapped places since last evening — Catnip now edges ahead by 5 NM after Nautilass held a 3 NM lead at the previous update. Five nautical miles after nearly three days of racing. Neither is giving anything away.
Kevin Le Poideven on Roaring Forty described the purgatory of the wind hole with vivid detail: “Three knots of unstable breeze and I can coax about 1.5 knots boat speed in the right direction. It’s painfully noisy with creaks, groans and bangs from the rigging and sails. All you want to hear is the boat go quiet when the breeze is strong enough to fill your heavy sails, and then you wait in anticipation. Is this just a puff, or is this the breeze that will get the water lapping the hull as you finally break free of the wind hole? At least the air show was entertaining.”
The gaps tell a two-speed story. At the front, Oceans Tribute and Vixen are covered by 65 NM, with Electron 16 NM further back. Below them, a 95 NM gap opens to Sarau in fourth. All up, 439 nautical miles of open water between first Ocean’s Tribute and last Fair Seasons.
Meanwhile on the tracker, Bill Kidman on Pretty Boy Floyd can be seen making his way back toward Opua, having passed much of the Southport-bound fleet. He’ll be clear of them soon, heading home alone.
| Pos | Boat | Class | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Est Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oceans Tribute | Trimaran | 523 NM | 715 NM | 9.3 kts | 239 NM | 4 Jun 16:07 | 5d 4h 7m 0s |
| 2 | Vixen Racing | Monohull | 588 NM | 636 NM | 8.4 kts | 187 NM | 5 Jun 06:05 | 5d 17h 59m 59s |
| 3 | Electron | Catamaran | 604 NM | 608 NM | 8.1 kts | 174 NM | 5 Jun 10:12 | 5d 22h 12m 15s |
| 4 | Sarau | Monohull | 699 NM | 496 NM | 6.7 kts | 113 NM | 6 Jun 15:38 | 7d 3h 38m 32s |
| 5 | Pacman | Monohull | 715 NM | 480 NM | 6.5 kts | 114 NM | 6 Jun 21:48 | 7d 9h 42m 5s |
| 6 | Roaring Forty | Monohull | 742 NM | 438 NM | 6.1 kts | 90 NM | 7 Jun 09:23 | 7d 21h 17m 53s |
| 7 | Wave | Monohull | 748 NM | 425 NM | 6.0 kts | 95 NM | 7 Jun 11:54 | 7d 23h 48m 7s |
| 8 | Camellia | Monohull | 832 NM | 338 NM | 4.8 kts | 70 NM | 9 Jun 13:56 | 10d 1h 50m 0s |
| 9 | Catnip | Monohull | 833 NM | 358 NM | 4.8 kts | 60 NM | 9 Jun 14:31 | 10d 2h 25m 34s |
| 10 | Nautilass | Monohull | 838 NM | 353 NM | 4.7 kts | 54 NM | 9 Jun 17:52 | 10d 5h 46m 0s |
| 11 | Smoko | Monohull | 861 NM | 318 NM | 4.4 kts | 65 NM | 10 Jun 13:39 | 11d 1h 33m 27s |
| 12 | Diablo | Monohull | 892 NM | 297 NM | 3.9 kts | 51 NM | 11 Jun 19:48 | 12d 7h 42m 1s |
| 13 | Fair Seasons | Monohull | 962 NM | 257 NM | 2.9 kts | 11 NM | 16 Jun 05:51 | 16d 17h 45m 25s |
| — | Pretty Boy Floyd (retired) | Monohull | Retired — returning to Opua | |||||
| — | Robbery (retired — safely in Mangōnui) | Monohull | — | |||||
Provisional results. Last position update: 2 Jun 08:00 NZST. All times NZST. Multihulls shaded blue.
DAY 3: MON 1 JUN 202655 HOUR UPDATE
The Crowther trimaran Oceans Tribute continues to lead the fleet on Line Honours. Chester is at 669 NM DTF and making 189 NM every 24 hours, so we expect him to cross the halfway milestone overnight. The finish itself is still several days away, projected for 4 June at 22:28.
Chester has been candid about what the fleet has been through to get here. “The 36 hours from North Cape until well past the front were the most brutal Oceans Tribute and I have had in over 40,000 nautical miles and our circumnavigation.” This evening he has the reefs in, the WattAndSea hydrogenerator fixed, and one eye firmly on the monohull behind him. “Sharon on Vixen Racing has been hot on our heels, trying to shake her off.”
| Pos | Boat | Class | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Est Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oceans Tribute | Trimaran | 669 NM | 566 NM | 8.9 kts | 189 NM | 4 Jun 22:28 | 5d 10h 28m 52s |
| 2 | Vixen Racing | Monohull | 707 NM | 515 NM | 8.2 kts | 173 NM | 5 Jun 09:12 | 5d 21h 6m 46s |
| 3 | Electron | Catamaran | 717 NM | 493 NM | 8.0 kts | 157 NM | 5 Jun 12:29 | 6d 0h 29m 47s |
| 4 | Sarau | Monohull | 771 NM | 422 NM | 7.0 kts | 130 NM | 6 Jun 08:54 | 6d 20h 54m 15s |
| 5 | Pacman | Monohull | 788 NM | 395 NM | 6.7 kts | 130 NM | 6 Jun 16:17 | 7d 4h 11m 28s |
| 6 | Roaring Forty | Monohull | 807 NM | 369 NM | 6.4 kts | 119 NM | 7 Jun 01:17 | 7d 13h 11m 17s |
| 7 | Wave | Monohull | 814 NM | 356 NM | 6.2 kts | 119 NM | 7 Jun 05:23 | 7d 17h 17m 4s |
| 9 | Nautilass | Monohull | 874 NM | 307 NM | 5.2 kts | 86 NM | 8 Jun 20:21 | 9d 8h 15m 49s |
| 10 | Catnip | Monohull | 877 NM | 310 NM | 5.1 kts | 88 NM | 8 Jun 22:49 | 9d 10h 43m 9s |
| 11 | Camellia | Monohull | 884 NM | 285 NM | 5.0 kts | 85 NM | 9 Jun 04:16 | 9d 16h 10m 56s |
| 12 | Smoko | Monohull | 910 NM | 266 NM | 4.5 kts | 70 NM | 10 Jun 04:40 | 10d 16h 34m 59s |
| 13 | Diablo | Monohull | 924 NM | 259 NM | 4.2 kts | 80 NM | 10 Jun 20:25 | 11d 8h 19m 16s |
| 14 | Fair Seasons | Monohull | 972 NM | 239 NM | 3.4 kts | 44 NM | 13 Jun 18:31 | 14d 6h 25m 58s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 1 Jun 19:15 NZST. All times NZST. Multihulls shaded blue.
The Verdier 40 Vixen Racing sits 38 NM behind Oceans Tribute and Sharon Ferris-Choat is projected to cross the halfway mark during the day tomorrow time. Electron, the catamaran sitting just 10 NM behind Vixen in third, is on track to cross halfway in roughly 24 hours. As Peter Elkington noted from Pacman: “Sharon will be smoking now, she’ll be out in the breeze now. She’s punched through this little trough and is going again.”
The mid-fleet is in a waiting game. Elkington described conditions from his Young 11 Pacman with characteristic calm: “I’ve got a few hours of nothing to do I think — hopefully three hours and then I’ll be going again.” The breeze is gone but not for long. When it returns, it’s coming back at 20 knots with gusts of 30. Pacman is sitting third on PHRF corrected time, sailing a clean race. “Boat’s perfect. I’ve been absolutely fine. No problems at all.”
Malcolm Dickson’s 55-foot Sarau currently leads PHRF corrected time.
| Pos | Boat | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarau | 0.798 | 771 NM | 422 NM | 7.0 kts | 130 NM | 6 Jun 08:54 | 5d 11h 35m 37s |
| 2 | Vixen Racing | 0.941 | 707 NM | 515 NM | 8.2 kts | 173 NM | 5 Jun 09:12 | 5d 12h 47m 14s |
| 3 | Pacman | 0.840 | 788 NM | 395 NM | 6.7 kts | 130 NM | 6 Jun 16:17 | 6d 0h 38m 26s |
| 4 | Wave | 0.872 | 814 NM | 356 NM | 6.2 kts | 119 NM | 7 Jun 05:23 | 6d 17h 34m 5s |
| 5 | Camellia | 0.706 | 884 NM | 285 NM | 5.0 kts | 85 NM | 9 Jun 04:16 | 6d 19h 55m 14s |
| 6 | Roaring Forty | 0.919 | 807 NM | 369 NM | 6.4 kts | 119 NM | 7 Jun 01:17 | 6d 22h 30m 43s |
| 7 | Smoko | 0.685 | 910 NM | 266 NM | 4.5 kts | 70 NM | 10 Jun 04:40 | 7d 7h 45m 34s |
| 8 | Diablo | 0.660 | 924 NM | 259 NM | 4.2 kts | 80 NM | 10 Jun 20:25 | 7d 11h 43m 55s |
| 9 | Nautilass | 0.824 | 874 NM | 307 NM | 5.2 kts | 86 NM | 8 Jun 20:21 | 7d 16h 47m 36s |
| 10 | Catnip | 0.851 | 877 NM | 310 NM | 5.1 kts | 88 NM | 8 Jun 22:49 | 8d 0h 56m 17s |
| 11 | Fair Seasons | 0.696 | 972 NM | 239 NM | 3.4 kts | 44 NM | 13 Jun 18:31 | 9d 22h 20m 0s |
Provisional results. Pretty Boy Floyd retired — shown for reference. Last position update: 1 Jun 19:30 NZST. All times NZST.
The tightest racing in the fleet is at the back of the top group. Terry Dunn’s Beneteau First 36 Nautilass and Geoff Thorn’s Beneteau First 45 Catnip are separated by just 3 NM — the most evenly matched pair on the water. Kevin Le Poidevin’s 1997 Lutra BOC Open 40 Roaring Forty and Glen Jeffrey’s Grand Soleil 50 Wave are 7 NM apart. The biggest active gap is 54 NM between Electron and Sarau in fourth, and 303 NM separates race leader Oceans Tribute from hero of the race, Doug Esterman’s Cavalier 39 Fair Seasons in 14th.
The apparent backward drift seen on the tracker from some boats — Nautilass, Peter Nobb’s B and G 36 Smoko, Fair Seasons — is the light air at work. With no wind and no momentum, a boat drifts. As Elkington put it: “I would suggest that they’re just going backwards in the current. Because if you pull out and you’ve got no wind, you’d turn your engine on. You look at Smoko — they’ve had a little dip in their track, gone back, then gone forwards.” Fair Seasons is making just 44 NM every 24 hours, about a quarter of what Oceans Tribute and Vixen are currently posting.
| Pos | Boat | Class | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electron | Catamaran | 0.799 | 717 NM | 493 NM | 8.0 kts | 157 NM | 5 Jun 12:29 | 4d 19h 27m 9s |
| 2 | Oceans Tribute | Trimaran | 0.963 | 669 NM | 566 NM | 8.9 kts | 189 NM | 4 Jun 22:28 | 5d 5h 39m 12s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 1 Jun 19:00 NZST. All times NZST.
Electron‘s skipper James Foster has had a better day, staying in touch with the front of the fleet: “I have been incredibly lucky to stay in the wind today, which is keeping me in touch with Guy and Sharon. I’ve had a lovely day drying out the boat and clothes.” Lightning and storms are on the evening menu, with strong westerlies forecast ahead. On NZ Multihull Handicap (NZ Multihull Yacht Club) corrected time, Electron leads Oceans Tribute by approximately 10 hours — a gap that looks difficult but not impossible to close from here.
Ben Ball on his Cavallier 36 Camellia has had a frustrating day in the calm: “Tough day out here. I’ve only made about 10 miles in the last 6 hours. Got heaps done and cooked an epic feed but so frustrating. Just want to start the motor and get going.”
Two retirements have shaped the race. Graeme Francis and Robbery are safely in Mangōnui after the EPIRB incident. Chester noted the full scope of the response: “Thanks to RCCNZ, Coastguard, I think a NZ Air Force plane and the merchant ship Mate for diverting.” Bill Kidman on Pretty Boy Floyd has also withdrawn. Chester: “Very sad to hear Bill on Pretty Boy Floyd has retired.”
DAY 3: MON 1 JUN 202650 HOUR UPDATE
Graeme Francis and Robbery update
Coastguard Houhora, the northernmost Coastguard unit in New Zealand, launched their 4.8-metre Naiad RIB Endeavour Rescue with four volunteers and two sailors (both expert sailors) from the Mangonui Cruising Club to escort the stricken yacht Robbery safely back to Mangonui after she was found taking on water north of North Cape. The rescue highlighted the value of the unit’s newly established small vessel capability and the importance of thorough offshore preparation. Click for video.
Press Release
Coastguard Houhora Assists Yacht in Rough Conditions off North Cape
Coastguard Houhora — 1 June 2026
Coastguard Houhora has assisted a 36ft yacht after it encountered difficulty in rough conditions north of North Cape during the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge 2026.
At just after 3pm on Sunday 31 May, the Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted by the skipper’s brother that the yacht was in difficulty and had withdrawn from the race. The yacht was later reported to be taking on water while attempting to return to Doubtless Bay.
Coastguard Houhora vessel Endeavour Rescue, crewed by four volunteers and two members of the Mangonui Cruising Club, reached the yacht at 10am on Monday 1 June and safely escorted it back to Mangonui.
The successful outcome reflected strong contingency planning by the sailor, along with Coastguard’s rapid response and newly established small vessel capability, which proved well suited to the conditions.
“The conditions were too rough for a big boat, so it was good to have a smaller boat we could launch.”
Greg Gemmell, Skipper, Coastguard Houhora
The incident also highlighted the importance of reliable communication channels such as VHF radio, mobile phone, and Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), and thorough preparation for long-distance offshore sailing.
Day 2 update from Race Committee
After a demanding first 48 hours of strong winds and large seas, parts of the fleet are now reporting winds of just 6 knots. The Tasman has shifted gears completely.
The most remarkable story of the race so far belongs to Doug Esterman on Fair Seasons. When Graeme Francis activated his EPIRB, Doug altered course and headed back to stand by. The tracker now shows more than 264 nautical miles separating Vixen Racing and Fair Seasons — a gap that reflects the extraordinary spirit of offshore sailing, where looking after a fellow sailor comes before racing.
Race Director Julie Kidman put the conditions in context: “Some of the fleet has gone from strong winds and big seas to searching for breeze in less than 10 knots. That’s offshore racing on the Tasman. Every day brings a new challenge, and that’s part of what makes this race such an incredible adventure.”
With weather systems continuing to evolve and hundreds of miles still ahead, expect more twists before the fleet reaches Southport.
Update from Glen Jeffery and Wave
After days of storm front conditions, everything on a solo offshore boat gets wet. Not damp — wet. Inside and out, gear soaked, the boat a floating laundry of drying kit and minor repairs. That’s the reality of what the fleet has been through.
Glen Jeffery checked in on day three with the sun finally out and a beautiful morning on the Tasman. Solar power back on the cards after running the motor a couple of times each day to keep things ticking over in the light stuff. Eight knots of breeze, slow upwind progress, but the mood has lifted.
“Just going through and fixing a couple of minors after that storm front went through,” he said. One was the light on the life ring. “Got completely soaked when the big wave came through — had to take it inside, put it in the hot water cupboard, dry it off. It’s good to go back on now.”
The other casualty was altogether more critical to morale. “The cupholder arrangement — big wave came through and that got taken out.” An offshore essential, gone.
But the sun is out, the repairs are done, and Jeffery has just had his first hot shower of the trip. “Looking forward to the next couple of days.”
Update from Ben Ball and Camellia
The theme of day three is the same across the fleet: sun out, gear drying, damage assessed. Ben Ball on Camellia is in the same boat — literally. After two days that tested his patience, this morning brought blue skies and a chance to work through the repairs. Full sail up, but light headwinds mean progress is slow. 895 miles to Southport.
Update from Sharon Ferris-Choat and Vixen Racing
A cold and tired looking Sharon Ferris-Choat has tacked, Vixen Racing now pointed north-east on a determined line for Southport. The course change meant a reshuffled boat, weight moved forward, and Sharon has relegated herself to the beanbag on top of the sail. No complaints. “It’s safer, it’s lower, and I get warm from the engine box,” she says. The wind shift came in nicely, the tack went well, and she’s “super happy” with how things are looking.
DAY 3: MON 1 JUN 202648 HOUR UPDATE
Positions are essentially unchanged at the top — Vixen, Sarau, Pacman, Roaring Forty, Wave all hold their spots. That gap between Wave (5th, 825 NM) and Nautilass (6th, 880 NM) is still a substantial 55 NM. The back of the fleet continues to slow. Diablo‘s 24h DMG has dropped to 90 NM and Fair Seasons to 79 NM, both continuing to lose pace; both possibly related to the help provided to Robbery. Doug Esterman on Fair Seasons, who altered course to stand by Robbery during the EPIRB incident, is still making his way across at 3.9 knots.
On PHRF the first four monohull positions remain unchanged: Sarau, Vixen, Pacman, and Wave all hold their spots. The corrected time gap between Sarau and Vixen has nudged slightly — Sarau 5d 2h 16m vs Vixen 5d 12h 17m, a gap of 10 hours 1 minute, marginally wider than the 8h 14m at the 10:05 update. Vixen’s faster pace isn’t closing the gap as quickly now.
DAY 3: MON 1 JUN 202647 HOUR UPDATE
Graeme Francis and Robbery are safely in Mangōnui after an EPIRB activation overnight triggered a coordinated response from RCCNZ and Race Management. The standout moment: fellow competitor Doug Esterman on Fair Seasons immediately altered course and stood by to assist, all while competing in his own solo crossing. Heroes at sea! A reminder of what the offshore sailing community is made of.
Press Release
Graeme Francis and Robbery Safely Arrive in Mangōnui
1 June 2026 — Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge — Race Management
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge is pleased to confirm that competitor Graeme Francis aboard Robbery has safely arrived in Mangōnui, Doubtless Bay.
Following the activation of his EPIRB overnight, a coordinated response was initiated by the Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ), with Race Management working closely alongside rescue authorities and Graeme’s next of kin throughout the incident.
The safe outcome is a credit to the professionalism, dedication and commitment of everyone involved in the response.
Race Management would like to extend its sincere thanks to RCCNZ, whose staff maintained continuous monitoring and coordination throughout the night and into the following day. Their calm and professional management of the situation ensured that resources were available and ready should they be required.
We would also like to acknowledge the many vessels that stood ready to assist, and the crew at Coastguard Houhora, demonstrating the enduring tradition of mutual support that exists within the maritime community.
A special mention must go to fellow competitor Doug Esterman aboard Fair Seasons. Despite being in the middle of his own Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, Doug immediately altered course and stood by to aid if required. His actions exemplify the spirit of seamanship and camaraderie that exists among offshore sailors.
While Graeme’s race has come to an end, we are enormously relieved that both skipper and vessel have reached shelter safely. We look forward to catching up with Graeme once he has had the opportunity to rest and recover.
The safety and wellbeing of competitors remains the highest priority of the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, and we are grateful for the outstanding support received from New Zealand’s maritime rescue community.
Race Management
Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge
DAY 3: MON 1 JUN 202646 HOUR UPDATE
Now that SailGP has finished we turn our attention back to the Solo Trans-Tasman.Bill Kidman retires from the race
Just before 10am the Organising Committee informed us that Bill Kidman had made the decision to withdraw from the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge and return to New Zealand after assessing a number of issues aboard Ross 12m Pretty Boy Floyd. He reports that he is safe and well.
It’s a hard outcome after the months of preparation that go into reaching the start line, and one that will sting — Kidman was running second on the water and chasing Vixen Racing hard when conditions turned against him. Race Management remains in contact and will continue to monitor his progress home. He’ll stay on the communication schedules as he heads back.
Robbery safely in Mangōnui
Graeme Francis has brought Robbery safely into Mangōnui in Doubtless Bay, ending the Wilson 36’s race. Race organisers have thanked RCCNZ for their work monitoring and coordinating the situation throughout, ensuring assistance was available as needed. We wish Graeme well.
Update from Guy Chester onboard Ocean’s Tribute
Guy Chester and Ocean’s Tribute continue to lead the race. Chester has taken Ocean’s Tribute further south than the rest of the fleet.
Guy Chester checked in Monday morning with sunrise just breaking, still leading the fleet and keeping things in perspective after a testing night.
The front came through Sunday afternoon, bringing 45-48 knot gusts on the edge before clearing to blue skies. Chester had to bear away, drop sails to get through it, then rebuild the sail plan on the other side. The night that followed was slower than he’d have liked, running a reduced plan of staysail and double-reefed main through the gusty conditions, before gradually unwinding as the wind settled, adding the jib and eventually pulling the main all the way up just before dawn.
“Quite hard to pull that main up,” he noted. “Unlike all of my close competitors, they’ve all got electric winches. Everything’s done manually here.”
He’s currently heading south-west and planning a port tack when the next trough arrives. The forecast is calling for 6-7 knots, possibly less, at some point today, which means the Screech will likely go up — a manageable sail he’s comfortable deploying and furling in gusts.
His bigger concern is what’s coming at the Gold Coast. A developing low, referred to by Predictwind’s Arno as L3, is tracking toward the fleet, with Chester’s routing model showing a south-west detour before coming back in from the south-east. He’s already thinking about whether he can skirt the worst of it.
“This is not a record-breaking trip, this is a boat-breaking trip,” he said. “In 50 knots you’re not racing, you’re just keeping going and hopefully in roughly the right direction. In 40 knots upwind, that’s survival mode.”
Storm jib or staysail reefed down are ready to go, though he doesn’t expect to need them until tomorrow afternoon. Monday morning, and all’s well on board.
Update from Sharon Ferris-Choat onboard Vixen
Sharon admitted it’s the worst wind she’s ever sailed in.
“It was the most wind I had ever sailed in!”Sharon Ferris-Choat, Vixen Racing
Potentially excellent practice for the 2026 Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race which Vixen Racing has already entered.
Update from Kevin Le Poidevin onboard Roaring Forty
Australian Kevin Le Poidevin who shared a pier with Vixen Racing back at Opua Marina is very relaxed, cooking up an omelette and Naxi Goreng.
Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge: Solo line honours standings at 46 hours
Sharon Ferris-Choat on her Verdier 40 Vixen Racing holds the monohull lead, 36 nautical miles clear of Malcolm Dickson in his Dickson 55 Sarau. That buffer is comfortable but far from decisive with the bulk of the Tasman still ahead.
Sarau has moved up to second on the water and continues to lead on corrected time by over eight hours. The mid-fleet battle is tight. Pacman and Kevin Le Poidevin 1997 Lutra BOC Open 40 Roaring Forty are separated by just 6 NM on DTF, with Glenn Jeffery in his Grand Soleil 50 Wave a further 7 NM back. All three are projecting finishes within hours of each other on 6 June. The 48 NM gap between Floyd in sixth and Terry Dunn’ Beneteau First 36 Nautilass in seventh is the largest single step.
At the back, Doug Esterman’s Cavallier 39 Fair Seasons is making 77 NM per day at 4.0 knots — the lowest active figures in the fleet and a projected finish of 11 June, nearly six days behind Vixen.
| Pos | Boat | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Est Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vixen Racing | 766 NM | 445 NM | 8.5 kts | 187 NM | 5 Jun 03:59 | 5d 15h 53m 48s |
| 2 | Sarau | 802 NM | 373 NM | 7.7 kts | 170 NM | 5 Jun 17:55 | 6d 5h 55m 3s |
| 3 | Pacman | 821 NM | 348 NM | 7.3 kts | 160 NM | 6 Jun 02:15 | 6d 14h 9m 0s |
| 4 | Roaring Forty | 827 NM | 343 NM | 7.2 kts | 152 NM | 6 Jun 04:53 | 6d 16h 47m 36s |
| 5 | Wave | 834 NM | 331 NM | 7.1 kts | 149 NM | 6 Jun 08:15 | 6d 20h 9m 8s |
| 6 | Pretty Boy Floyd | 836 NM | 350 NM | 7.0 kts | 115 NM | 6 Jun 09:30 | 6d 21h 24m 45s |
| 7 | Nautilass | 884 NM | 286 NM | 5.9 kts | 120 NM | 7 Jun 14:38 | 8d 2h 32m 55s |
| 8 | Catnip | 889 NM | 287 NM | 5.9 kts | 113 NM | 7 Jun 17:44 | 8d 5h 38m 57s |
| 9 | Camellia | 899 NM | 265 NM | 5.8 kts | 117 NM | 7 Jun 21:10 | 8d 9h 4m 24s |
| 10 | Smoko | 921 NM | 246 NM | 5.1 kts | 106 NM | 8 Jun 21:10 | 9d 9h 4m 16s |
| 11 | Diablo | 936 NM | 245 NM | 4.8 kts | 98 NM | 9 Jun 11:38 | 9d 23h 32m 17s |
| 12 | Fair Seasons | 973 NM | 226 NM | 4.0 kts | 77 NM | 11 Jun 12:03 | 11d 23h 57m 11s |
| — | Robbery (retired) | 1109 NM | 303 NM | 1.1 kts | -89 NM | — | — |
Provisional results. Multihulls excluded. Robbery retired — tracker not yet updated. Last position update: 1 Jun 10:00 NZST. All times NZST.
Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge: PHRF corrected standings at 46 hours
Sarau continues to lead on corrected time but the gap is closing, 1 hour 21 minutes in Vixen‘s favour. Vixen is eating into Sarau’s corrected time lead, which makes sense given she’s posting the best VMG and 24h DMG in the solo fleet.
Wave is the quiet mover, climbing two places to fourth on corrected time. The gap between Wave and Ben Ball’s Cavallier 36 Camellia in fifth is just 15 minutes on corrected elapsed — the tightest in the fleet and one that will likely swap back and forth before the finish. Pacman sits third, 1 hour 10 minutes ahead of Wave.
| Pos | Boat | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarau | 0.798 | 802 NM | 373 NM | 7.7 kts | 170 NM | 5 Jun 17:55 | 4d 23h 38m 3s |
| 2 | Vixen Racing | 0.941 | 766 NM | 445 NM | 8.5 kts | 187 NM | 5 Jun 03:59 | 5d 7h 52m 44s |
| 3 | Pacman | 0.840 | 821 NM | 348 NM | 7.3 kts | 160 NM | 6 Jun 02:15 | 5d 12h 50m 46s |
| 4 | Wave | 0.872 | 834 NM | 331 NM | 7.1 kts | 149 NM | 6 Jun 08:15 | 5d 23h 8m 27s |
| 5 | Camellia | 0.706 | 896 NM | 268 NM | 5.7 kts | 115 NM | 7 Jun 23:11 | 5d 23h 23m 1s |
| 6 | Roaring Forty | 0.919 | 827 NM | 343 NM | 7.2 kts | 152 NM | 6 Jun 04:53 | 6d 3h 46m 9s |
| 7 | Pretty Boy Floyd | 0.905 | 836 NM | 350 NM | 7.0 kts | 115 NM | 6 Jun 09:30 | 6d 5h 41m 54s |
| 8 | Smoko | 0.685 | 921 NM | 246 NM | 5.1 kts | 106 NM | 8 Jun 21:10 | 6d 10h 10m 25s |
| 9 | Diablo | 0.660 | 936 NM | 245 NM | 4.8 kts | 98 NM | 9 Jun 11:38 | 6d 14h 5m 42s |
| 10 | Nautilass | 0.824 | 884 NM | 286 NM | 5.9 kts | 120 NM | 7 Jun 14:38 | 6d 16h 18m 29s |
| 11 | Catnip | 0.851 | 889 NM | 287 NM | 5.9 kts | 113 NM | 7 Jun 17:44 | 7d 0h 11m 58s |
| 12 | Fair Seasons | 0.696 | 973 NM | 226 NM | 4.0 kts | 77 NM | 11 Jun 12:03 | 8d 8h 24m 55s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 1 Jun 10:00 NZST. All times NZST.
DAY 3: MON 1 JUN 202612:00AM
The organising committee has informed us that Graeme (see below) has the leak under control as he continues to return to Opua.
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026 10:30PM
Graeme Francis, 69, is at the centre of a rescue operation in the Tasman after activating his EPIRB on day two of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge. Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre has assumed control of the response. Francis remains aboard his Wilson 36 Robbery and is actively pumping water from the vessel. He had already withdrawn from the race before the beacon was triggered, with the fleet having encountered gusts above 55 knots overnight after rounding North Cape. Francis is making his third Trans-Tasman crossing, having first entered the race in 1986.
Updated 12:00am – Graeme has the leak under control as he continues to return to Opua.
EPIRB activated: rescue operation underway for Graeme Francis on Robbery in the Solo Trans-Tasman
Press Release
Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge — Rescue Operation Underway for Graeme Francis
31 May 2026 — Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, Race Management
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge confirms that competitor Graeme Francis, skipper of Robbery, has activated his Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) while participating in the race.
Maritime NZ’s Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) has assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue operation and is working closely with all available assets to ensure Graeme’s safety.
At the time of this release, Graeme remains aboard Robbery and is actively pumping water from his vessel.
The safety and wellbeing of Graeme Francis remains our highest priority. Race officials continue to support RCCNZ and maintain contact with all relevant parties as the situation develops.
Race Management
Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge
Clearly the weather is poor for the fleet, as at 23:30 Graeme and Robbery are taking around 30 knots of wind, with gusts between 40 and 45 knots.
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026 1 day and 6 HOURS INTO THE RACE
NZ Multihull Handicap (NZ Multihull Yacht Club)
The NZ Multihull Handicap (NZ Multihull Yacht Club) division is a two-boat mulithull contest between Electron and Oceans Tribute, the only entries carrying NZ Multihull Handicap (NZ Multihull Yacht Club) ratings rather than PHRF.
Oceans Tribute leads on the water by 13 NM and is posting a faster VMG at 9.7 knots compared to Electron‘s 9.2. On corrected time however, Electron‘s lower handicap of 0.799 against Oceans Tribute‘s 0.963 flips the result, putting the multihull 14 hours and 53 minutes ahead on corrected elapsed. Oceans Tribute would need to significantly extend her on-water lead to overcome that rating gap before the finish.
| Pos | Boat | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Est Elapsed | COR Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electron | 0.799 | 881 NM | 291 NM | 9.2 kts | 224 NM | 4 Jun 17:49 | 5d 5h 49m 32s | 4d 4h 32m 5s |
| 2 | Oceans Tribute | 0.963 | 868 NM | 318 NM | 9.7 kts | 226 NM | 4 Jun 11:51 | 4d 23h 51m 11s | 4d 19h 25m 7s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 31 May 18:00 NZST. All times NZST.
Monohull
Line honours
Bill Kidman’s Ross 12m Pretty Boy Floyd lies in second on DTF is now projecting a finish more than eight hours behind Sharon Ferris-Choat on the Verdier 40, Vixen. That gap has opened considerably since this morning’s razor-thin 2 nautical mile split.
Malcolm Dickson’s 55-foot Sarau sits third on the water, just 4 nautical miles behind Floyd and still very much in the mix. The top three are compressed into 20 nautical miles on DTF after 30 hours of racing.
The mid-fleet from Peter Elkington’s Young 11 Pacman (4th) through to Glen Jeffery’s Grand Soleil 50 Wave (6th) are separated by just 10 nautical miles, all projecting finishes on fifth or sixth of June. Kevin Le Poidevin’s 1997 Lutra BOC Open 40 Roaring Forty and Pacman have swapped places since the last update, with Pacman now ahead.
The back of the fleet tells a harder story. Graeme Francis’ Wilson 36 Robbery has withdrawn and is heading back to Opua on just 4.3 knots VMG. Peter Bourke and his little S&S 8.7-metre Diablo at running along at 5.0 knots and Doug Esterman’s Cavallier 39 Fair Seasons a little slower at 4.6 knots suggest a pocket of lighter air. Ben Ball on his Cavallier 36 Camellia has also slipped up from 10th to 9th on the water, her earlier handicap promise fading as the slower boats ahead of her have steadied.
Still plenty of miles to go.
| Pos | Boat | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Est Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vixen Racing | 890 NM | 291 NM | 8.9 kts | 216 NM | 4 Jun 21:28 | 5d 9h 22m 33s |
| 2 | Pretty Boy Floyd | 906 NM | 269 NM | 8.4 kts | 204 NM | 5 Jun 05:32 | 5d 17h 26m 27s |
| 3 | Sarau | 910 NM | 256 NM | 8.2 kts | 201 NM | 5 Jun 08:33 | 5d 20h 33m 1s |
| 4 | Pacman | 928 NM | 236 NM | 7.7 kts | 186 NM | 5 Jun 18:40 | 6d 6h 34m 38s |
| 5 | Roaring Forty | 934 NM | 234 NM | 7.5 kts | 182 NM | 5 Jun 23:19 | 6d 11h 13m 24s |
| 6 | Wave | 938 NM | 226 NM | 7.3 kts | 175 NM | 6 Jun 01:54 | 6d 13h 48m 38s |
| 7 | Nautilass | 967 NM | 199 NM | 6.4 kts | 151 NM | 7 Jun 01:46 | 7d 13h 40m 7s |
| 8 | Catnip | 969 NM | 201 NM | 6.3 kts | 148 NM | 7 Jun 03:23 | 7d 15h 17m 19s |
| 9 | Camellia | 975 NM | 188 NM | 6.1 kts | 148 NM | 7 Jun 09:48 | 7d 21h 42m 56s |
| 10 | Smoko | 987 NM | 178 NM | 5.7 kts | 140 NM | 7 Jun 23:20 | 8d 11h 14m 52s |
| 11 | Diablo | 1007 NM | 163 NM | 5.0 kts | 119 NM | 9 Jun 02:42 | 9d 14h 36m 35s |
| 12 | Fair Seasons | 1019 NM | 163 NM | 4.6 kts | 109 NM | 9 Jun 21:38 | 10d 9h 32m 27s |
| 13 | Robbery | retired | – | 4.3 kts | 97 NM | – | – |
Provisional results. Multihulls excluded. Last position update: 31 May 18:00 NZST. All times NZST.
PHRF
Malcolm Dickson’s Sarau continues to lead on corrected time, and her gap over second-placed Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Vixen Racing has widened to 9 hours 35 minutes, up from around 3 hours at the 11:00 update. That’s a significant extension — Vixen is now first on the water but third on corrected time, her 0.941 handicap unable to keep pace with Sarau’s 0.798 rating as the hours accumulate.
Bill Kidman on Pretty Boy Floyd is on third on corrected time, 12 hours behind Sarau, despite sitting second on line honours. The handicap arithmetic is punishing the faster boats.
The most notable mover is Peter Nobb’s B&G (Luis Gouveia and Roberto Barros) 36 Smoko, climbing to seventh on corrected time despite sitting 10th on the water, her low 0.685 handicap doing considerable work. Roaring Forty has dropped to eighth on corrected time despite being fifth on line honours.
| Pos | Boat | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarau | 0.798 | 910 NM | 256 NM | 8.2 kts | 201 NM | 5 Jun 08:33 | 4d 16h 9m 33s |
| 2 | Vixen Racing | 0.941 | 890 NM | 291 NM | 8.9 kts | 216 NM | 4 Jun 21:28 | 5d 1h 44m 34s |
| 3 | Pretty Boy Floyd | 0.905 | 906 NM | 269 NM | 8.4 kts | 204 NM | 5 Jun 05:32 | 5d 4h 23m 2s |
| 4 | Pacman | 0.840 | 928 NM | 236 NM | 7.7 kts | 186 NM | 5 Jun 18:40 | 5d 6h 29m 6s |
| 5 | Camellia | 0.706 | 975 NM | 188 NM | 6.1 kts | 148 NM | 7 Jun 09:48 | 5d 13h 56m 21s |
| 6 | Wave | 0.872 | 938 NM | 226 NM | 7.3 kts | 175 NM | 6 Jun 01:54 | 5d 17h 36m 39s |
| 7 | Smoko | 0.685 | 987 NM | 178 NM | 5.7 kts | 140 NM | 7 Jun 23:20 | 5d 19h 13m 29s |
| 8 | Roaring Forty | 0.919 | 934 NM | 234 NM | 7.5 kts | 182 NM | 5 Jun 23:19 | 5d 22h 39m 1s |
| 9 | Nautilass | 0.824 | 967 NM | 199 NM | 6.4 kts | 151 NM | 7 Jun 01:46 | 6d 5h 41m 42s |
| 10 | Diablo | 0.660 | 1007 NM | 163 NM | 5.0 kts | 119 NM | 9 Jun 02:42 | 6d 8h 12m 9s |
| 11 | Catnip | 0.851 | 969 NM | 201 NM | 6.3 kts | 148 NM | 7 Jun 03:23 | 6d 11h 58m 43s |
| 12 | Fair Seasons | 0.696 | 1019 NM | 163 NM | 4.6 kts | 109 NM | 9 Jun 21:38 | 7d 5h 40m 50s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 31 May 18:00 NZST. All times NZST.
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026 1 day and 5 HOURS INTO THE RACE
Update from the race organisers: Graeme Francis helming the Wilson 36 Robbery has withdrawn from the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge. We are awaiting an update.
“shit day out here. went from proper punishment sailing to wind all over the place and torrential rain. everything is soaked. Camellia is only doing 2 knots and not in the right direction. No sun at all today. Very much testing my patience.”Ben Ball, Camellia
Guy Chester on the trimaran Ocean’s Tribute admitted it’s “pretty gnarly.” He did spot Three Kings Islands in the moonlight an hour before midnight last night. At about 1am this moring the winds steadily increased from 20 to 35 knots over a period of 20 minutes. Then the gusts arrived, over 55 knots. The main came down. And Ocean’s Tribute punched through the swells doing over 20 knots. The staysail remained reefed, the only sail used. A slight lull in the morning brought the decision to pull up the mainsail to the R4. That was all, no reefed staysail. That has been his day. Chester sees a slight easing of the wind so the jib has gone up as well. But Chester remains conservative in this sailing. He is expecting the wind to drop this evening and lighter again tomorrow, with, he says “sun to dry out.”
“too much cloud and water over the solar panels for charging and the pull down cord on the watt and sea hydrogenerator has chafed so its floating/planing behind not making amps. So engine charging today.”Guy Chester, Ocean’s Tribute
This is an early video sent through from Aviator Ocean Racing (Kevin Le Poidevin on 1997 Lutra BOC Open 40 Roaring Forty) looking across to Terry Dunn, Commodore of the Opua Cruising Club sailing the Beneteau First 36, Nautilass. It’s amazing, after so many nautical miles they’re still sailing in close proximity to each other.
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026 24 HOURS INTO THE RACE
An update from the race organisers.
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026 23 1/2 HOURS INTO THE RACE
An update from New Plymouth’s 69-year old Graeme Frances from onboard Robbery, the Wilson 36.
“A bit windy and lumpy seas out here. Hoping that it eases off soon.”Graeme Francis, Robbery
The morning’s big story is Sharon Ferris-Choat. Vixen Racing has clawed back from fourth to third since the 07:00 update, clearly having resolved the overnight headsail drama. She is now posting 9.2 knots and sits 2 NM ahead of Pretty Boy Floyd on DTF, a reversal from three hours ago when Floyd had the edge. That 2 NM gap is razor thin and the estimated finish times tell the story: Vixen is projecting 4 Jun 17:18, Floyd 4 Jun 18:40, just 82 minutes apart after nearly a full day of racing.
Oceans Tribute remains comfortably out front, stretching her lead to 16 nautical miles over Electron and 23 nautical miles over Vixen. She has slipped slightly from 10.6 to 10.2 knots but the gap to second has actually grown since the 07:00 update.
Malcolm Dickson in Sarau has dropped from fourth to fifth, with the two Australian skippers Kevin Le Poidevin in Roaring Forty and Peter Elkington in Pacman now separated by less than 1 NM on DTF and projecting finishes within 22 minutes of each other on 5 June.
There is still over four days of racing for these two so we won’t get ahead of ourselves.
PHRF monohull analysis (11am)
Malcolm Dickson’s own-designed and build Dickson 55 Sarau holds the corrected time lead, and her gap over the Ross 12m Pretty Boy Floyd has actually widened slightly to 4 hours 33 minutes, up from 19 minutes at the 07:00 update.
“Wind gusts over 40 at times but no real problems.”Malcolm Dickson, Sarau
PHRF monohull analysis (11am)
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026 21 HOURS INTO THE RACE
An update from Sharon Ferris-Choat on Vixen Racing after her forced headsail change.
“Here she is, the new J2. Waves are picking up a little bit, we just did a big surf at 20 knots, so we’re not going slow. Need to get out here and clean up the cockpit. But it’s nothing urgent. Sea state’s building. Got another 7 hours of this really windy stuff and then it should start to ease, hopefully. We’ll get through the front with the rain and then we’ll get through the other side and we can get sorted again.”Sharon Ferris-Choat, Vixen Racing
And an update from James Foster on the catamaran, Electron. He was surfing down waves at first light this morning.
“Electron has been plodding along ok… It got a bit hectic early this morning with some solid 40 knots and 4m seas. Set a new Electron speed surf record of 22.1 knots before calling it and fore-reaching to slow down. Currently banging upwind at 7 knots in 40 knots. Expecting conditions to ease this afternoon.””James Foster, Electron
From Peter Bourke from Diablo, the little 8.7m Sparkman & Stephens, the smallest yacht in the race.
“Had a tough night. Now just have a jib up and cabin closed down. Time to catch up on sleep and leaving the heavy work to Diablo. She’s coping wonderfully.””Peter Bourke, Diablo
DAY 2: SUN 31 MAY 2026TWENTY HOURS INTO THE RACE
Oceans Tribute was one of the overnight stories, stretching her lead at the front of the fleet while attention was focused on the drama behind her. Guy Chester is running at 10.6 knots and sits 22 nautical miles clear of Bill Kidman’s Pretty Boy Floyd, with the Tasman in no mood to cooperate for those further back.
“Had steady over 40 for 6 hours gusts to 55+!”Guy Chester, Ocean’s Tribute
The bigger surprise was Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Vixen Racing slipping to third overnight, dropping behind Pretty Boy Floyd on corrected time after a 40-knot squall forced a headsail change that turned messy. She remains firmly in contention, but has ground to claw back.
At 8:16 NZDT this morning, Bill Kidman checked in from Pretty Boy Floyd.
“Been a wild ride so far chasing the Vixen. Very wet out and inside as well, me and the Floyd are good, actually looking forward to the high to settle down and get a hot meal.”Bill Kidman, Pretty Boy Floyd skipper
The entire fleet has rounded Cape Reinga and are in the Tasman Sea.
Camellia passing Three Kings at 7am, Sun 31 May
20-hour standings
Guy Chester’s Oceans Tribute leads the fleet after 20 hours, covering 214 nautical miles at an average VMG of 10.6 knots and sitting 956 NM from the finish. Bill Kidman helming Pretty Boy Floyd holds second, 22 NM back on distance to finish, with Vixen Racing a further single mile behind in third after a rough night on the water.
Sharon Ferris-Choat, Vixen Racing’s skipper reported a 40-knot squall that forced a headsail change, with the J2 fouling around the J1 before she could get it under control. The halyard still needs sorting when daylight allows. She lost ground in the process, slipping from second to third, but remains well in contention.
Sarau sits fourth, 19 NM adrift of Vixen, with Roaring Forty, Pacman, and Wave bunched closely between fifth and seventh, all within two NM of each other and projecting finishes around the same time on 5 June.
The mid-fleet from Catnip (8th) to Diablo (14th) are separated by 30 NM on DTF, suggesting little positional change is likely without significant wind variation. Electron in 15th potentially has a corrupted tracker reading.
The smallest boat in the fleet, Peter Bourke’s Diablo, is currently tracking to finish in 8 days 12 hours 45 minutes 27 seconds, currently this is much faster than his predicted 12 days. By enlarge the fleet is sailing faster than most of the skippers predicted earlier this week.
| Pos | Boat | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Est Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oceans Tribute | 956 NM | 214 NM | 10.6 kts | 201 NM | 4 Jun 01:18 | 4d 13h 18m 16s |
| 2 | Pretty Boy Floyd | 978 NM | 185 NM | 9.5 kts | 180 NM | 4 Jun 13:57 | 5d 1h 51m 2s |
| 3 | Vixen Racing | 979 NM | 188 NM | 9.5 kts | 179 NM | 4 Jun 14:33 | 5d 2h 27m 58s |
| 4 | Sarau | 998 NM | 165 NM | 8.4 kts | 160 NM | 5 Jun 05:47 | 5d 17h 47m 20s |
| 5 | Roaring Forty | 1005 NM | 157 NM | 8.0 kts | 152 NM | 5 Jun 12:07 | 6d 0h 1m 43s |
| 6 | Pacman | 1006 NM | 154 NM | 8.0 kts | 152 NM | 5 Jun 12:26 | 6d 0h 20m 39s |
| 7 | Wave | 1007 NM | 155 NM | 7.9 kts | 150 NM | 5 Jun 13:49 | 6d 1h 43m 10s |
| 8 | Catnip | 1021 NM | 142 NM | 7.2 kts | 137 NM | 6 Jun 04:12 | 6d 16h 6m 49s |
| 9 | Nautilass | 1023 NM | 139 NM | 7.1 kts | 135 NM | 6 Jun 06:21 | 6d 18h 15m 25s |
| 10 | Camellia | 1030 NM | 131 NM | 6.7 kts | 127 NM | 6 Jun 16:30 | 7d 4h 24m 20s |
| 11 | Robbery | 1038 NM | 130 NM | 6.3 kts | 119 NM | 7 Jun 03:10 | 7d 15h 4m 28s |
| 12 | Smoko | 1046 NM | 117 NM | 5.9 kts | 111 NM | 7 Jun 17:22 | 8d 5h 16m 5s |
| 13 | Fair Seasons | 1050 NM | 112 NM | 5.7 kts | 107 NM | 8 Jun 00:06 | 8d 12h 0m 23s |
| 14 | Diablo | 1051 NM | 112 NM | 5.7 kts | 107 NM | 8 Jun 00:51 | 8d 12h 45m 27s |
| 15 | Electron | 1318 NM | 196 NM | -8.5 kts | -161 NM | 17 Jun 15:14 | 24855d 3h 14m 7s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 31 May 07:00 NZST. All times NZST.
Malcolm Dickson helming Sarau leads the monohullls on corrected time despite sitting fourth on the water, her low handicap of 0.798 doing the heavy lifting. On elapsed time she has just 19 minutes over Bill Kidman’s Pretty Boy Floyd, and the two are separated by 20 NM on distance to finish, so this is far from settled.
Pretty Boy Floyd and Sharon Ferris-Choat’s Vixen Racing are locked together at the top of the fleet, matching 9.5-knot VMGs and sitting within a single NM of each other on DTF. On corrected time Vixen is almost five hours behind Pretty Boy Floyd, a consequence of her higher handicap and the miles lost overnight in the headsail drama. She has pace to recover but needs a clean run from here.
Ben Ball on Camellia is currently the handicap story to watch. Sitting 10th on the water with a 0.706 rating, the corrected elapsed calculator has her fifth, only 29 minutes behind Peter Elkington’s Pacman in fourth.
Graeme Francis’ Robbery in 13th sits last on both line honours and corrected time, carrying the only 1.000 handicap in the division with no rating advantage to offset the miles she is conceding up the fleet.
| Pos | Boat | Handicap | DTF | Dist Sailed | VMG | 24h DMG | Est Finish | Corrected Elapsed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarau | 0.798 | 998 NM | 165 NM | 8.4 kts | 160 NM | 5 Jun 05:47 | 4d 13h 57m 20s |
| 2 | Pretty Boy Floyd | 0.905 | 978 NM | 185 NM | 9.5 kts | 180 NM | 4 Jun 13:57 | 4d 14h 16m 29s |
| 3 | Vixen Racing | 0.941 | 979 NM | 188 NM | 9.5 kts | 179 NM | 4 Jun 14:33 | 4d 19h 14m 26s |
| 4 | Pacman | 0.840 | 1006 NM | 154 NM | 8.0 kts | 152 NM | 5 Jun 12:26 | 5d 1h 14m 57s |
| 5 | Camellia | 0.706 | 1030 NM | 131 NM | 6.7 kts | 127 NM | 6 Jun 16:30 | 5d 1h 43m 6s |
| 6 | Wave | 0.872 | 1007 NM | 155 NM | 7.9 kts | 150 NM | 5 Jun 13:49 | 5d 7h 4m 2s |
| 7 | Roaring Forty | 0.919 | 1005 NM | 157 NM | 8.0 kts | 152 NM | 5 Jun 12:07 | 5d 12h 21m 44s |
| 8 | Nautilass | 0.824 | 1023 NM | 139 NM | 7.1 kts | 135 NM | 6 Jun 06:21 | 5d 13h 41m 59s |
| 9 | Smoko | 0.685 | 1046 NM | 117 NM | 5.9 kts | 111 NM | 7 Jun 17:22 | 5d 15h 7m 43s |
| 10 | Diablo | 0.660 | 1051 NM | 112 NM | 5.7 kts | 107 NM | 8 Jun 00:51 | 5d 15h 8m 24s |
| 11 | Catnip | 0.851 | 1021 NM | 142 NM | 7.2 kts | 137 NM | 6 Jun 04:12 | 5d 16h 15m 24s |
| 12 | Fair Seasons | 0.696 | 1050 NM | 112 NM | 5.7 kts | 107 NM | 8 Jun 00:06 | 5d 21h 59m 18s |
| 13 | Robbery | 1.000 | 1038 NM | 130 NM | 6.3 kts | 119 NM | 7 Jun 03:10 | 7d 15h 4m 28s |
Provisional results. Last position update: 31 May 07:00 NZST. All times NZST.
DAY 1: SAT 30 MAY 2026Five hours in
At this point in the race, the tracker is little more than a speed snapshot. Conditions, routing decisions, and whatever the Tasman throws at the fleet over the next week will render today’s positions irrelevant.
But for now, Oceans Tribute leads on distance to finish, having covered 54 nautical miles at 10.4 knots, the fastest VMG in the fleet. Vixen Racing and Pretty Boy Floyd sit second and third on corrected elapsed, separated by just two hours.
On PHRF handicap, Sarau leads after five hours, her 0.798 rating doing the heavy lifting despite sitting fourth on the water. Vixen Racing and Pretty Boy Floyd round out the top three on corrected time.
DAY 1: SAT 30 MAY 2026Start of the race
Challenge day starts
The Boating New Zealand team had been keeping a close eye on the weather in the days leading up to the start of the Challenge.
At 8am yesterday, conditions were nothing short of spectacular. After several cooler, cloudier days, the Bay of Islands turned on one of its best mornings, with clear skies, sunshine and relatively light winds.
This morning told a slightly different story.
While conditions remained favourable, there was noticeably more cloud overhead and a little more breeze filtering through the harbour. It wasn’t enough to dampen the atmosphere on the waterfront, but it was a reminder that the fleet was heading into an ocean race.
The Boating New Zealand team arrived at Opua just after 10am to find the waterfront already packed with spectators. The atmosphere was electric, with friends, family and sailing enthusiasts jostling for the best vantage points overlooking the start line.
Was it safe enough to start the Challenge?
There had been plenty of discussion since Thursday’s Safety and Weather Briefing about the conditions awaiting the fleet. Was it safe to send the boats across the Tasman, or was the forecast pushing the limits?
One person who put the question into perspective was Sharon Ferris-Choat. Speaking with Boating New Zealand yesterday, she offered a characteristically measured assessment of the situation.
“I always have a saying as a mother. If what I’m about to do has a potential to create motherless children, and if that’s even entering my head, we need to have a serious look at the responsibility of what we’re about to do. We’re not there. We’re not in that situation.”
Ferris-Choat backed those words with action. When the start horn sounded at midday, Vixen crossed the line with the rest of the fleet.
For us, that says plenty. These are experienced sailors making informed decisions based on the information available to them. The Tasman will undoubtedly deliver its challenges, but the consensus among those heading offshore was clear: the race could be sailed safely.
Sharon Ferris-Choat: two lows, a routing call, and no regrets about leaving
The Opua Cruising Club, a great location
The course start was positioned directly off the side of the Opua Cruising Club. One end of the line was marked by an orange buoy sitting just beneath the club’s side-deck eaves, while the second was a yellow marker attached to the nearby jetty. Draw an imaginary line between the two and you had the start-line trajectory to the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
It was an ideal setup for spectators, who had a clear view as competitors departed the quarantine berth and made their way into the pre-start holding area. Launches and dinghies were all out on the water for the start of the Challenge. The spectator conditions were near-perfect.
Leading up to the start
The morning’s final hurdle for skippers was clearing Customs. Once officials had completed their inspection of a yacht, the skipper was effectively sealed aboard. No crew, supporters or visitors were permitted on board, and the skipper could not return ashore.
Among the early arrivals in the gathering area were Sharon Ferris-Choat aboard Vixen, Malcolm Dickson on Sarau, Peter Bourke’s Diablo, and the fleet’s two multihulls — James Foster’s Electron and Guy Chester’s Ocean’s Tribute. Other competitors were also making their way onto the water, although distance made identification difficult from shore.
As the morning progressed, more yachts emerged from the quarantine pier following their Customs clearance. With around 30 minutes remaining before the start, the entire fleet was finally assembled on the water and ready for the challenge ahead.
Boating New Zealand was fortunate to secure a prime position for the start, courtesy of a beautifully maintained retro trailer boat, more a trailer launch, powered by twin 90hp outboards. Also on board was race umpire David McIntyre, whose presence meant our vessel served as the outer start-line mark. It proved to be the perfect platform, providing an uninterrupted view across the line and a front-row seat to the opening moments of the race.
In the hour or so before the start, the fleet split into two distinct groups. Some boats gathered below the start line, closer to shore, while others positioned themselves above it in more open water where there was room to stretch out and build speed.
As midday and the start approached, the fleet gradually converged behind the line.
The Challenge begins
The multihulls were first away, enjoying a five-minute head start on the monohulls. Guy Chester aboard Ocean’s Tribute approached from above the line with purpose, carrying good speed, but having to turn before the start to head north. By contrast, James Foster on Electron adopted a more relaxed approach, slowly working his way forward from behind the line.
When the start horn sounded, Chester was gone. Ocean’s Tribute accelerated quickly and immediately opened a gap on Electron. Within minutes both multihulls had disappeared down the course and out of sight.
Solo Trans-Tasman 2026: fleet away on schedule, Guy Chester first over the line
Attention then turned to the monohull fleet.
The boats were spread behind the start line, each skipper carefully managing position and timing. The final minute before a race start is a delicate balancing act. Approach too early and you are forced to slow, stall or turn away. (Ahem, ETNZ in the final of the AC40 regatta just held in Sardinia.) Ideally, a yacht arrives at the line at full pace, charging through the start on a rolling run rather than trying to accelerate from a standstill.
Malcolm Dickson aboard Sarau and Sharon Ferris-Choat on Vixen appeared to execute that strategy particularly well. Both used the available space to briefly pause before building speed and charging towards the line.
Not everyone judged it perfectly. Several boats found themselves a little too close to the line before the gun and were forced to ease off and wait.
When the monohull start horn finally sounded, however, the fleet was cleanly away. Every yacht remained on the correct side of the line, with the closest still around 20 metres short at the signal.
Sarau was first across, Dickson timing his run to perfection. Vixen in pink followed in second, while Bill Kidman’s distinctive red-hulled Pretty Boy Floyd crossed third as the fleet began its long journey across the Tasman.
Australian Peter Elkington on Pacman and finally Kiwi Peter Nobbs with Smoko brought up the rear.
Solo Trans-Tasman underway! Monohulls away at 12:06, Malcolm Dickson first over the line at 79
BNZ Photos from the start line
Photos from Insight Media
Our good friend Jacob Frewtrell and his team from Insight Media here in the Bay of Islands were on the water
The 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge fleet gets away
Once the fleet was away, the retro launch carrying the Boating New Zealand team powered out towards Moturoa Island to get a closer look at the competitors as they settled into the race.
Leaving the shelter of the harbour quickly changed the feel of the day. The relatively calm conditions inside gave way to rolling ocean swells of around one to 1.5 metres, arriving every five seconds or so. Photographing the yachts became considerably more challenging as our boat climbed the crests and dropped into the troughs. Around us, the fleet rose and fell on different parts of the swell cycle, no two boats seemingly moving in unison.
“Pretty bumpy slog out of the Bay of Islands. Sheets eased now and heading north. No doubt I will lose reception soon. Next stop Southport.”Ben Ball, Camellia
By the time we caught up with Vixen, Sharon Ferris-Choat had moved into the lead among the monohulls, making an early statement in the race. Further ahead, both multihulls had already stretched their legs and were either on the horizon or beyond it.
The fleet was making the most of the breeze, yachts heeling comfortably as they settled into the long passage north. While conditions offshore were manageable, the forecast suggests they will deteriorate before improving again. Competitors will be hoping the worst of the weather has passed through by the time they round North Cape and turn towards the long crossing of the Tasman.
Early tactical choices were also becoming apparent. Malcolm Dickson aboard Sarau opted to stay closer to the Paihia side of the course, while Bill Kidman in Pretty Boy Floyd and Glen Jeffrey aboard Wave favoured the Russell shoreline.
From our vantage point on the water, the Russell side appeared to be offering the better conditions. Then again, this is a 1,170-nautical-mile race. What looks like an advantage in the opening hours can easily disappear over the days that follow.
As we headed back into port, we passed Smoko who was bringing up the rear.
The only certainty at this stage is that there is still a very long way to go.
