When Graeme Francis activated his EPIRB north of the Three Kings Islands in the early hours of Sunday 31 May, a coordinated response unfolded that would ultimately bring both skipper and yacht safely home to Mangōnui.
Francis, competing in the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge aboard his Wilson 36 Robbery, was found to be taking on water. The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) assumed command of the response, coordinating assets and maintaining contact with race management and Francis’s next of kin throughout the night.
EPIRB activated: rescue operation underway for Graeme Francis on Robbery in the Solo Trans-Tasman
The first to respond on the water was fellow competitor Doug Esterman. Sailing his Cavalier 39 Fair Seasons in his own solo Tasman crossing, Esterman immediately altered course and stood by Robbery until Francis had the situation under control. Once satisfied that Francis was safe, Esterman resumed racing. It was an act of seamanship that cost him miles he may never recover.
At 62 Doug Esterman takes on the Solo Trans-Tasman for the first time
As Robbery made her way south toward the coast, Coastguard Houhora launched their 4.8-metre Naiad RIB Endeavour Rescue. Crewed by four volunteers and two expert sailors from the Mangonui Cruising Club, the RIB was selected specifically because conditions were too rough for a larger vessel. The crew reached Robbery on Monday morning (1 June) and escorted the yacht safely into Mangōnui.
“The conditions were too rough for a big boat, so it was good to have a smaller boat we could launch,” said Coastguard Houhora skipper Greg Gemmell.
Graeme Francis is safely ashore and resting. Doug Esterman is back underway on Fair Seasons, doing his best to close the gap on the fleet. The Coastguard Houhora volunteers have returned to shore, ready for the next call.
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31 May, the Rescue Coordination Centre was alerted by the skipper’s brother that the yacht was in difficulty and had withdrawn from the race.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.
The incident is a reminder of what offshore sailing demands, and of the community that stands behind every skipper who crosses a start line.
