Tomorrow’s the day — and this is your last chance
It’s the night before the historic 2026 NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship kicks off, and if you’ve ever dreamed of racing offshore — this is it. Boats are rolling in, engines are warming up, and there’s still room for you on the grid.
Day entries remain wide open until 8:30 am tomorrow, so if you’ve got a capable boat, a helmet, and a bit of nerve, you can be on the water.
“If you’ve got a boat that seats two, you can race,” says organiser Owen MacKay. “Tomorrow’s your last call — don’t sit on the sidelines.”
Really, there’s nothing stopping you.
How to enter — Family Class day entries
If you’re new to racing, the Family Class is your gateway to the action — fun, friendly, and made for real-world boaties, not just the pros with flash gear. And ladies, this isn’t just a bloke’s game — the driver’s seat is yours too.
What you need:
- A boat (any alloy, fibreglass, cabin or ski boat seating two+).
- Fuel – fill up before you arrive (no refuelling between races).
- Helmets – motorcycle helmets are fine.
- Lifejackets for everyone onboard.
Complete the following before sign-up closes at 8:30 am:
- 2026 Day Entry Form
- Personal & Medical Form
- Indemnity Form
- Written Drivers Test
- Scrutineering Form (safety equipment checklist)
All forms and race details are online at NZOffshore.co.nz.
How it works
Before racing, each team nominates an average speed (minimum 40 km/h). You’ll complete a set number of laps — about 30 minutes total — while trying to stay as close as possible to your nominated speed.
Every km/h you go over or under earns an error point. The lowest total across both races wins — just like golf, consistency beats chaos.
“Smooth and steady wins the race,” says MacKay. “And anyone can win it.”
Race day schedule
Race HQ: The Hammerhead Reserve, Gulf Harbour
Viewing: The Hammerhead, Tiri Road Reserve, and Hobbs Bay Estate
Launching: Gulf Harbour Public Boat Ramp
Saturday 11 October 2025
6:30 am – Race Control setup
7:00 am – Sign-ups and scrutineering open
8:30 am – Entries close
9:00 am – Safety boat briefing
9:15 am – Driver briefing
11:00 am – Race 1: Auckland 100
12:00 pm – Race 2
2:00 pm – Water re-opened
4:00–4:30 pm – Prizegiving at Mainsail Bar
A return to Auckland waters
Tomorrow’s New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing marks a major milestone for both the sport and the Archer family.
Four decades ago, Ron Archer — now 92 and the second life member of the NZOPA — introduced the Archer Family Trophy for line honours in the Auckland Race. This year, that same trophy comes back into circulation, a proud symbol of the tradition, passion, and family spirit that have always driven the sport.
Carrying that legacy forward, Ron’s grandson Ryan Archer will compete in the fiercely contested Sports 200hp Class. “Seeing the trophy return is very special,” Ryan said. “It represents everything my grandfather stood for — dedication, teamwork, and a lifelong love of racing.”
Hopper Developments Ltd has opened its Hobbs Bay Estate site (Gulf Harbour) for spectators, providing one of the best vantage points over the course. The area will be open from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, offering sweeping views of the Gulf Harbour action.
Classes and boats
A selection of the boats that have entered this historic race.
Sports 140 Class
Affordable, entry-level racing with plenty of action.
- Gold Ship – Tom Haycock’s 16 ft Plylite Panther, repaired and ready.
- Coranto – the legendary Graeme Wingate-built 16-footer.
- Nakita – 2023 Carson Cup winner returning to the lineup.
Sports 200 Class
Standard production runabouts (max 200 hp).
- Supersonic – 2023 Rookie of the Year and 70 mph runner-up.
- Secret Agent – Stealth tunnel hull driven by Ryan and Brett Archer (Ryan is a Boating NZ contributor).
- Gen2, Triplet Rouble, and BC Racing also returning.
Sports Classic 80 mph Class
Power without limits — precision racing at 80 mph average.
- FURY – Owen MacKay’s historic 188-class boat, descended from Jim MacKay’s 1974 Fury II.
Get there early — and get in the race
Tomorrow morning, Gulf Harbour will echo with outboard thunder and Kiwi grit. The 2026 NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship is a celebration of speed, skill, and community.
If you’ve got a boat and a free Saturday morning, there’s still time to join.
Sign up before 8:30 am. Be ready. Be fast. Be part of it.
An impressive 60 years on. What does NZ Offshore Powerboating look like today?
