Powerboat racing is often thought of being an elite and expensive sport, and while this may true in some countries, it is a far cry from the truth in New Zealand, writes Ryan Archer.
New Zealand is home to two major series for long course power boat racing: The New Zealand Offshore (NZOPA) series and the New Zealand Boat Marathon Commission series (NZBMC).
NZOPA has ties right back to 1964 – almost 100 boats took part when they held their first event as a club, with no dedicated race boats making the start line. NZBMC was incorporated in 1973 and has always had a great mix of race and social boats. Today NZBMC still sees a good turnout of 50-60 boats throughout the season.
NZOPA is competed across North Island venues throughout the summer and NZBMC exclusively in the South Island during winter – it’s hard to hold an event on South Canterbury/Otago Lakes over summer as ever man, farmer and his dog are out on the lakes!
NZOPA has been a dynamic club in recent years, but has suffered from lower competitor numbers brought on by several factors. The once thriving series has shrunk to 20-30 entrants at most events throughout its season, so the community is very keen to see the sport return to its former glory.
With this goal in mind, NZOPA has made several accommodating class changes over the years. The 2023-24 season will see the return of the ever-popular 200hp class, which restricts entrants to a stock 200hp outboard with no speed limitations. The series will also have speed-restricted 70mph and 80mph classes, along with the Superboat Lite Class (600hp twin rig).
NZOPA turns no racer away, also offering a Family Class tailored specifically to the ‘give it a go’ boatie. Entrants nominate an average speed and are timed throughout the race with the winner being the boat closest to its nominated speed. Family Class is a great way to get out on the water alongside boats doing 110mph-plus!
NZBMC has horsepower-restricted classes from 90hp all the way to multi-engine 450hp-plus, so there’s a competitive class for everyone. NZBMC also runs a dedicated Nominated Speed race at many of its events which provides great entertainment for spectators and racers alike. Events are held at majestic South Island venues such as Lake Dunstan, Lake Tekapo and Lake Te Anau, to name a few. The series can often be as much about the journey getting there as the racing, with some surreal scenery.
NZBMC’s classes allow just about any boat to compete – you don’t need a dedicated race boat and your family cabin boat is more than welcome. But be warned: you may get the bug and find yourself sport boat shopping in no time!
Getting involved is easy. Turning up to an event with your boat, along with basic safety equipment (to be covered in later articles), will see you out on the water for a day of fun and adrenaline. And for those keen to experience it first-hand before making the commitment to enter a boat, the organisers would encourage you to walk the race pits on race days, or reach out to one of the organisations. There are almost always racers willing to take spectators out for a ride, or a race.
As an inclusive sport, the organisers always need assistance, whether it’s manpower on the day, or boats and drivers to act as patrol/pick up boats. (The word is that crewing a patrol boat lets you get closest to the action without actually racing!)
