Boating New Zealand will be following this weekend’s racing offshore at Napier. Join us throughout the weekend for developing results, and the latest action.
We are even looking at trying a very first, for us. Boating New Zealand’s own powerboat writer, Ryan Archer in Supersonic, has an Insta360 mounted on the front of his boat, and assuming the technology does not let us down, we will literally take you on the water.
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Offshore powerboat racing made its New Zealand debut in 1964 with a 100-mile (161-kilometre) race on Auckland Harbour. (Image above.)
By the 1970s, these events became dominated by purpose-built offshore powerboats, often driven by powerful outboard motors.
In December 1986 Auckland Harbour was taken over by the Powerboat World Championship. An iconic event, for sure, as the world’s top powerboat racers converge to battle for the prestigious Sam Griffith Memorial Trophy in the Open Class World Championship.
Competitors hailed from powerboating hotspots such as Florida and California, as well as Japan, Australia, England, and Italy. The Italian team really wanted to win, as they brought nine boats with them, including five sleek catamarans for calm waters and four robust V-hulls designed to withstand rough seas. These vessels, equipped with cutting-edge high-speed diesel engines and roaring V12 Lamborghinis, were built for speed and endurance.
Among the international heavyweights, New Zealand’s lone entrant, Graeme Sutherland’s “Warlord,” stood tall. With throttleman Kevin Green and navigator Jim McKie onboard, “Warlord” represented Kiwi ingenuity and determination. The championship spanned three thrilling races, each demanding exceptional skill and resilience. The competition was not without its dangers, as unpredictable conditions caused serious incidents, though fortunately, none were as grave as they first appeared.
Initially, the Italian catamarans dominated the field, leveraging their speed and agility in smooth water to claim the top positions. However, the final race introduced an unexpected twist. Though rough conditions were forecast, the day brought calm seas that again favored the nimble catamarans. Despite this, “Warlord” engaged in a gripping 200-mile battle with the Italian V-hulls, showcasing the remarkable endurance and versatility of the V-hull design, even in conditions that typically suited their competitors.
This unforgettable chapter in powerboating history encapsulates the sport’s essence: high-speed drama on Auckland’s challenging waters, behind-the-scenes preparation, and fierce international rivalry.
Amidst the world’s best, “Warlord” defied the odds, finishing as the top V-hull and securing an impressive fifth place overall. This achievement stands as a testament to Kiwi craftsmanship, determination, and the enduring spirit of competition. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@ApachePowerboats on Youtube.)
1989 saw a six day offshore marathon race between Auckland and heading further north in Whangaroa, in the Bay of Islands. The fifth part of the race is below. (Keen to find more then check out Ange Buttimore’s Youtube channel https://www.youtube.com/@skiffracer3000.)
In 1993, Napier-based racing saw the late Graeme Horn’s EIT Mover, Sleepyhead & Black Magic racing. Why Napier? It features a lovely open bay with few boats that remain inshore. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@FootlooseMusic on Youtube.)
Twenty years ago in 2005 the NZ Offshore Powerboat Championships were memorialised on video (and now available to view on Youtube). Ironically, for a trip down memory lane, the domain name “YouTube.com” was activated with video upload options being integrated, both in 2005. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@NZOffshore on Youtube.)
In 2008, Offshore Powerboating went to Maraetai, Wellington, and Tauranga. Below is Round 4 of the Cougar Marine / Inex Metals Offshore Powerboat Championship, Wellington. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@kelsjsmith on Youtube.)
2012 saw Round 2 of the 2012 Season of the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championship come from Gisborne. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@GBDavies on Youtube.)
In 2016, Round 6 came to Marsden Cove. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@evinrudenewzealand206 on Youtube.)
In 2021, it was Whitianga’s turn. (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@expandingtravels6856 on Youtube.)
Three years ago in 2022… (Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@Alchinlong on Facebook.)
In 2023, the approach of Cyclone Gabrielle (and no-one really knew the full devastation Cyclone Gabrielle would bring) in the Hawkes Bay kept the big superboats away, along with several entries in other classes, but the challenging sea conditions made for thrilling racing.
“Although conditions on Tūranganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay looked calm from the shore, it was a different story out on the water,” said local organiser Chris Lankshear. “Heading out towards the top mark, the boats were battling two-metre swells.”
The Superboat 600 class delivered a nail-biting contest between Auckland teams Espresso Engineers (who are racing this year (2025)), and Langslow Engineering. Espresso claimed victory in both races, but only by mere seconds.
In contrast, the Sports 80mph class saw a decisive win by Wild Child, helmed by Lankshear himself, over Bonbon from Whakatāne. Adding an extra layer of competition, Bonbon’s crew included Lankshear’s daughter, Molly-Kaye. “It turned into a bit of a father-daughter showdown,” Lankshear said.
In other results, Rainbow Haulage (also racing this weekend) from Auckland claimed third in the Superboat 600 class. In the 400 class, Doric NZ (racing this weekend), also from Auckland, was the sole finisher, taking the win. The Sports 70mph class saw Supersonic⏤Boating New Zealand’s very-own Powerboating writer Ryan Archer⏤of Auckland take first place, followed by Hypersonic of Hamilton in second and Nikita of Auckland in third.
Despite the reduced field, the event proved that even in challenging conditions, offshore racing can deliver edge-of-your-seat excitement.
(Thanks to https://www.youtube.com/@gisborneherald on Youtube.)
