Gisborne delivers decisive results as NZ offshore season builds to final round

Following earlier rounds in Gulf Harbour, Taupō, and Napier the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association completed the fourth round of its 2025 to 2026 season on 14 February in Poverty Bay, Gisborne.

Racing proceeded after unsettled early conditions; teams arrived to find debris on the course. This was cleared prior to racing, ensuring a safe and competitive track for the fleet.

Conditions settled enough for racing to begin on schedule, with race one at 11am and race two at midday. Across both heats, consistency proved decisive, with several crews delivering clean, two-race sweeps.

In Superboat 600, Rainbow Haulage, driven by Colin Dunn and Darren Butterworth, set the benchmark with two race wins to secure 950 points. Langslow Engineering, helmed by Paul Greenfield with Jason Way on throttles, followed on 750 after a pair of second-place finishes.

Sports 200 saw GEN2, piloted by Mikey Smith and Shane Rumens, dominate with a perfect 950-point result. Triple Trouble, driven by Alex Smith and Mark Taiatini, claimed second on 750, while Supersonic, with Ryan Archer and Joe Den-Hertog, completed the podium on 600.

In Sports 80mph, Fury II, headed by Owen Mackay, delivered a flawless performance to match the maximum 950 points. Cougar, driven by Grant Smith with Matt Hopkins alongside, secured first on 950.

Sport 140 was controlled by Gold Ship, with Tom and Phillip Haycock taking two wins and 950 points. Coranto followed in second overall after consistent finishes across both races.

The Family Class featured Purple Rain as the sole entry, completing the event unchallenged.

In the 60 Mile Overall standings, Fury II again proved the standout performer, topping the leaderboard with 950 points. GEN2 secured second on 750, followed by Triple Trouble on 600. Supersonic, Cougar, Gold Ship, and Coranto rounded out the results, highlighting strong cross-class competition.

With one round remaining in the 2025 to 2026 season, the Gisborne results reinforced a clear trend. Teams that deliver consistent finishes across both races are the ones building championship-winning campaigns.