At least a dozen yachts are now confirmed for the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge 2026, with the fleet spanning a wide range of sizes and nationalities. The smallest entry is Diablo at 8.7 metres, while Sarau holds the distinction of being the largest, and the average length across the fleet sits at just over 11 metres. Of the twelve confirmed entries, eight fly the New Zealand flag, four are Australian, and one is a multihull.
The Opua Cruising Club has a strong showing with three of its members lining up for the crossing. Bill Kidman brings his 12-metre Ross Pretty Boy Floyd, John Ross enters the 12.5-metre Elliott Odyssey, and Peter Nobbs will race the 11-metre B&G Smoko.
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Malcolm Dickson, who took line honours in the 2023 edition, has entered again. He is in the minority, though, as most competitors will be tackling the race for the first time. Among those newcomers are experienced sailors Glen Jeffrey, helming his Grand Soleil 50 Wave, and Will Horne, competing aboard his Tiller 35 Truxton. Tobias Swanson is set to campaign his Murray Burns Dovell 37 Dark and Stormy, Doug Esterman will race the Cavalier 39 Fair Seasons, and Samantha McGarth has entered her Sparkman & Stephens 34 Star Path. A particularly warm reception will be waiting in Southport, Australia, for Peter Elkington, who is racing his Young 11 Pacman home.
The fleet spans competitors aged from their fifties to their seventies, a reminder that solo offshore sailing is built as much on endurance, mindset, and seamanship as on youth.
www.solo-tasman.co.nz
