Solo-Trans Tasman: 50kt wind gusts hit solo sailors on the first night
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 31 May 14:52 NZST
Sharon Ferris-Choat (NZL) - Vixen Racing - Start - Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge - May 30, 2026 © Jacob Fewtrell/Insight Media/Insightmedia.co.nz/
1200hrs May 31, 2026: 24 Hours Into the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge
From Race Management: The first 24 hours of the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge have delivered exactly what was forecast – big seas, strong winds, and an early test of both sailors and their boats.
Overnight, competitors crossed an active weather front and reported gusts of more than 50 knots. Despite the challenging conditions, we're pleased to report that all competitors are safe and every boat remains in the race.
A couple of skippers are managing minor issues, but both continue to make steady progress across the Tasman. Offshore racing is as much about resilience, problem-solving, and determination as it is about speed.
At the front of the fleet, Oceans Tribute continues to lead the charge for line honours, while Vixen Racing and Pretty Boy Floyd are currently locked in a thrilling battle for monohull honours, although Pacman is closing in fast. The handicap standings are equally competitive, with Sarau and Pretty Boy Floyd both spending time at the top of the leaderboard.
For those following Electron, the yacht has switched to a spare Yellowbrick tracker. If you spot a stationary "Electron" still sitting in the Bay of Islands, don't panic—that's simply the old tracker. All is well onboard, and Electron is making good progress toward Southport.
As always, tracker movements and communications can occasionally be affected by offshore conditions. We ask supporters to avoid speculation and wait for official race updates before drawing conclusions.
PredictWind tracker positions are updating every hour on the hour, so keep watching as this incredible fleet continues its adventure across the Tasman.
2315hrs May 30, 2026: Oceans Tribute, the race leader in the Solo Trans-Tasman Challenge 2026, passed the Three Kings group 30nm off North Cape, after 11 hours of sailing.
Australian skipper Gary Chester's 13.85m (44ft) Lock Crowther multihull was sailing at 12.5kts in a breeze gusting to 25kts.
Strong NE winds gusting to 32kts had been predicted for Cape Reinga, to the east of North Cape, and the 15 boat fleet were looking forward to a rough first night or two at sea.
Second on the water is another multihull, James Foster sailing Electron - a Mumby 48 (14.6mtrs). The Australian entry was sailing at 11.2 kts in a breeze averaging 19 kts, gusting to 30 kts.
Vixen Racing, a VPLP Verdier Class 40, is the first New Zealand entry, skippered by double Olympian and top offshore sailor, Sharon Ferris-Choat. She was making 8.7kts in a breeze, averaging 25kts, gusting 27.5kts.
Fourth on the water was the Ross 12m Pretty Boy Floyd skippered by Bill Kidman from the Opua Cruising Club, getting along at 9.7kts in a 23kt breeze, gusting 26kts.
Winner of the 2023 Solo Trans Tasman race, Malcolm Dickson was 5th on the water and the most northerly of the lead group. His 55fter was making 8kts sailing in a 29kt breeze, gusting 36kts.
Website: www.solo-tasman.co.nz
YB Tracking: pro.yb.tl/solott26