Scheduled for the 25th and 26th of January 2025, the championship will feature races from 14:00 to 15:30 on both days.
The course stretches from Napier Port northwards along Ahuriri and Westshore, concluding just south of Westshore. This layout offers spectators exceptional viewing opportunities, with the steeply rising beaches providing natural grandstands.
Racing Classes
Competitors can enter two primary classes:
100-Mile Class
Featuring purpose-built race boats up to 11 metres in length, equipped with advanced safety features and engines delivering up to 1,200 horsepower. These vessels can reach speeds approaching 190 km/h. The Superboat, Superboat Lite, and Sports 100 categories fall under this class.
60-Mile Class
Comprising more conventional ski and trailer boats, including the Sports 60, Sports Classic, and Formula Honda categories. This class is designed to be more accessible, encouraging broader participation.
Notable Competitors
The championship will showcase a mix of seasoned racers and newcomers:
Rainbow Haulage (NZ1)
The current holder of the prestigious NZ1 title, driven by Colin Dunn, is renowned for its speed and spectacle.
Fury
Celebrating 50 years in the sport, Fury, driven by Owen Mackay, competes in the Sports 80mph category and continues to captivate audiences.
Gold Ship
A newcomer to the series, this Plylite Panther, driven by Tom Haycock, enters the 140hp class, exemplifying the sport’s growing inclusivity.
Equalizer
Returning with a powerful 300hp engine, Equalizer, driven by Glenn Powell, boasts a rich history and striking design.
Espresso Engineers
Consistently delivering top performance, this team, led by driver Mike Gerbic, is a crowd favourite.
Weather Conditions
According to MetService, Saturday’s forecast for Napier includes mostly cloudy skies with breezy conditions in the afternoon, a high of 25°C, and a low of 19°C. Sunday is expected to be mainly cloudy with a couple of showers, a high of 25°C, and a low of 17°C. These conditions could present challenges for the racers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Innovations in the Sport
New Zealand leads the world in adopting digital GPS tracking for lap scoring, thanks to collaborations with Clipboard and NZBMC. This technology enhances accuracy and paves the way for future developments, such as live interactive maps for spectators.
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The 2025 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championship in Napier is more than a race; it’s a time-tested proof to the nation’s rich maritime heritage and the enduring spirit of competition. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this event offers an unparalleled experience. Join us as we report on the thrill of New Zealand offshore powerboat racing over 2025.
is sleepyhead competing this year:)
Hi Paula
I have asked Ryan Archer, one of the organising committee. Sleepyhead is not on the list of boats but I know there have been some changes this week.
Best regards