Solo-Trans Tasman: Graeme Francis reaches safety. Second competitor withdraws
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 31 May 22:33 BST
Graeme Francis aboard Robbery - Wilson 36 - Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge - June 2026 © Graeme Francis
Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge organisers have confirmed that competitor Graeme Francis and his Wilson 36 have arrived safely in Mangonui, Doubtless Bay at the far North of New Zealand.
They have also advised that Bill Kidman, sailing the well-known Ross 12 Pretty Boy Floyd has also withdrawn from the race from Opua to Southport.
After carefully assessing a number of issues aboard "Pretty Boy Floyd", Bill Kidman has made the prudent decision to withdraw from the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge and return to New Zealand.
Bill is safe and well, and while this is undoubtedly a disappointing outcome after the months of preparation required to reach the start line, the decision reflects the sound seamanship and judgement that offshore sailing demands.
Race Management remains in regular contact with Bill and will continue to monitor his progress home. He will also continue participating in the race communication schedules (skeds) as he makes his way back to New Zealand.
May 31, 2026 - 2330hrs : Graeme Francis, a competitor in the Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge, who earlier activated his EPIRB, after withdrawing from the race has advised race organisers that he has the water ingress under control.
Race officials say that Maritime RRCNZ will continue to monitor the yacht's progress and will coordinate any required assistance.
Earlier event organisers advised:
The Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge can confirm that competitor Graeme Francis has activated his EPIRB and a rescue operation is now being coordinated by Maritime NZ’s the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).
At this stage, Graeme remains aboard Robbery and is actively pumping water from the yacht. However, water continues to enter the vessel and Graeme is uncertain how long he will be able to remain aboard before potentially needing to abandon ship.
RCCNZ is coordinating with several rescue assets
The Whangarei rescue helicopter is on standby for a possible take-off in the morning. Our thoughts are with Graeme as he works through this challenging situation. We thank RCCNZ, the crews of the assisting vessels, and everyone involved in the response.
Earlier in the date the race organisers confirmed that one of the 13 competitors, Graeme Francis has withdrawn from the 2026 Solo Trans-Tasman Yacht Challenge.
"At this stage, race management is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular communication with the appropriate parties."
At that point, Robbery a Wilson 36 (11mtrs) was returning to New Zealand, and at 2300hrs was 30nm off the top of the North Island and making 6.5kts, and appeared to be on a safe course, with plenty of sea room off a potential lee shore.
From the Yellow Brick tracker, the issue was first noticed around 1100hrs on Sunday morning, Robbery reached north, before returning to New Zealand.
An experienced sailor, Graeme Francis (69yrs) is from the New Plymouth Yacht Club with over 19,000 offshore miles and another 2,000 coastal miles to his credit.
He has extensive short-handed and solo experience.
Winds at a recording station at Cape Reinga (elevation of 214metres) was reporting an average wind speed of 30kts, gusting 40kts from the NE. Winds are expected to ease through the night.
The prestart forecast was for the fleet to encounter a front with strong NE winds on Monday, and it would seem that Robbery has passed through this zone.
The race continues to be led by Oceans Tribute, skippered by Guy Chester (AUS). The Lock Crowther trimaran is one of several competitors who have taken a more southerly course, presumably to avoid the strong NE winds forecast for Monday.
Second on the water and first monohull would appear to be the Open 40 Vixen Racing sailed by Sharon Ferris-Choat, which has also headed south. Earlier in the day her Predictwind DataHub showed she had experienced 50kt winds, gusting to 60kts for a brief period.
YB Tracking: pro.yb.tl/solott26