The 2025 to 2026 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association Championship has wrapped up after five rounds across Gulf Harbour, Taupō, Napier, Gisborne, and Whitianga, with points accumulation and clean finishes defining this year’s title winners.
In Superboat 600 and 100 Mile, Rainbow Haulage, driven by Colin Dunn and Darren Butterworth, claimed the championship on 4450 points. The pair delivered strong results at every round, building a decisive 1375-point margin over Langslow Engineering, helmed by Paul Greenfield with Jason Way on throttles, who finished on 3075.
Sports 200 saw GEN2, piloted by Mikey Smith and Shane Rumens, emerge as clear champions on 4350 points. Their ability to consistently score across all five events proved crucial. Triple Trouble, driven by Alex Smith and Mark Taiatini, secured second on 3394, while Supersonic, with Ryan Archer and Joe Den-Hertog, completed the podium on 2500.
In Sports 140, Gold Ship, with Tom and Phillip Haycock, dominated the class on 3200 points, finishing well ahead of Nakita (Grant Henry and Jessica Morley) on 1925 and Coranto on 1800.
The Sports 70 class was controlled throughout the season by Cougar, raced by Grant Smith with Matt Hopkins, finishing on 4750 points. Their near-perfect campaign left Chindit trailing on 525.
In Sports 80mph, Fury II, skippered by Owen Mackay, secured the title on 2525 points despite early and late season setbacks. Captain Caveman, helmed by Keith Riddell and Rodger Puttick, completed a remarkable rebuild mid-season to finish on 700.
The most competitive division, the 60 Mile Overall, was won by GEN2 on 3713 points. Cougar finished second on 2952, with Triple Trouble (2696) and Fury II (2525) completing a tightly contested top four. Strong performances from Supersonic (2182) kept pressure on throughout the season.
Across all classes, the championship highlighted the importance of finishing races and managing conditions. DNFs proved costly, while teams that maintained consistency across the five rounds rose to the top.
With strong fleet numbers across most of the meets, competitive racing, and growing participation, the 2025 to 2026 season has set a solid foundation for the future of offshore powerboat racing in New Zealand.
We now look ahead to the Championship prizegiving.
