A shifty start with big ambitions
When Doric NZ, a 26ft Shifty Cat, first entered New Zealand’s offshore racing scene, few expected it to be competitive against the larger, more established boats in the 600HP class. Originally imported to compete in the now-defunct 400HP class, the catamaran was re-powered in 2023 with twin 300HP Mercury outboards to take on the fastest offshore boats in the country.
The transition wasn’t expected to be easy. With a shorter hull than most of its competitors—many exceeding 30ft—concerns were raised about its ability to hold pace, particularly in rougher conditions. However, Doric NZ wasted no time proving its doubters wrong, making a sensational debut at Lake Taupō in January 2024.
Right out of the gate, the little catamaran showcased blistering speed, romping home to a commanding victory in the opening round of the season. While its campaign didn’t end as planned—with two Did Not Starts (DNS) at Whitianga ultimately costing it a shot at the title—Doric NZ still managed a respectable fourth place overall.
Now, as the team prepares to return to Taupō for round two of the 2025 season, they sit third in the standings, just 175 points behind second place. With 475 points up for grabs in each race, the battle is far from over.
A boat built for speed
The Shifty Cat design, originating from Australia, has quickly become a standout in offshore racing. While it may lack the experience of its larger competitors in the 600HP class, it has already made its presence felt, especially in calmer conditions where its shorter hull length isn’t a disadvantage.
With its lightweight construction and aggressive power-to-weight ratio, Doric NZ is a rocket ship when the water is flat, effortlessly stretching away from the field. However, when the conditions turn rough, the limitations of its size become more apparent. The longer hulls of the competition provide greater stability and wave-cutting ability, whereas Doric NZ has to work harder to maintain control.
Despite this, the catamaran is still a force to be reckoned with. The 600HP class regularly sees speeds in excess of 100mph, with the fastest boats historically pushing the 115mph mark. Given its rapid development in the class, many are watching Doric NZ closely as it continues to refine its setup and push the limits.
The team behind the throttle
The Doric NZ crew is a true family affair. At the controls are father and son duo, Scott and Charlie Lewis—both highly experienced powerboat racers with deep ties to the sport in New Zealand.
Scott, who handles the throttles, brings years of expertise from the V8 inboard catamaran circuit and has also served as the president of the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association (NZOPA). His extensive knowledge of racecraft and boat setup has been instrumental in getting Doric NZ up to speed in the 600HP class.
Meanwhile, at the helm is Charlie, a rising star in New Zealand powerboat racing. Competing in the high-adrenaline world of F1 tunnel boats, he pilots a Mercury 280HP-powered race machine, showcasing his skill in one of the most demanding disciplines in the sport. The father-and-son team’s dedication extends beyond their own racing efforts, as both are passionate advocates for growing the sport and fostering new talent in New Zealand.
Eyes on Taupō
With round two of the season fast approaching, all eyes are on Doric NZ as they return to the waters of Lake Taupō. The venue was the site of their dominant debut victory in 2024, and if conditions are similar, they could be poised for another strong showing.
The unpredictability of offshore racing means anything can happen, but one thing is certain—this small but mighty catamaran isn’t backing down from the challenge. If the weather plays in their favour, Doric NZ has every chance of clawing back vital championship points and putting itself firmly in the title fight.
As the battle for offshore supremacy heats up, one thing is clear—never underestimate the Shifty Cat.
