Nominated speed racing opens the door to everyone as titles hang in the balance
The 2025 to 2026 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association Championship heads to Whitianga for its final round, with tight points battles, returning boats, and a unique racing format set to deliver a true season finale.
The championship comes down to the results from Whitianga, which takes place on 21 March, with Buffalo Beach hosting the final round. After four demanding events across Gulf Harbour, Taupō, Napier, and Gisborne, the standings show clear leaders, but several classes remain alive heading into the decider.
In Superboat 600, Rainbow Haulage, with Colin Dunn and Darren Butterworth, leads on 3900 points, holding a 975-point advantage over Langslow Engineering, driven by Paul Greenfield with Jason Way, on 2925. In Sports 200, GEN 2, piloted by Mikey Smith and Shane Rumens, sits on 3800 points, 856 clear of Triple Trouble, with Alex Smith and Mark Taiatini, on 2944. Supersonic, crewed by Ryan Archer and Joe Den-Hertog, holds third on 2350.
The closest contest remains the 60 Mile Overall. GEN2, with Smith and Rumens, leads on 3163 points, just 586 ahead of Cougar, raced by Grant Smith and Matt Hopkins, on 2577. Fury II, led by Owen Mackay, sits on 2375, only 202 points behind second. Triple Trouble (Alex Smith and Mark Taiatini) on 2246 and Supersonic (Ryan Archer and Joe Den-Hertog) on 2032 remain well within striking distance.
Elsewhere, Gold Ship, with Tom and Phillip Haycock, controls Sports 140 on 2650 points, while Cougar, driven by Grant Smith with Matt Hopkins, dominates Sports 70 on 4200. In Sports 80mph, Fury II, helmed by Owen Mackay, leads on 2375 after a strong run through the latter rounds.
Across the fleet, confirmed entries include Gold Ship, Nakita (Grant Henry and Jessica Morley), Coranto, GEN 2, Triple Trouble, Supersonic, Cougar, Fury II, Captain Caveman (Keith Riddell and Rodger Puttick), Rainbow Haulage, and Langslow Engineering. Several teams return after earlier DNS results, adding further uncertainty to the final round.
Beyond the championship fight, Whitianga introduces one of the most accessible formats in offshore racing, nominated speed racing. This is a class where precision and control matter more than outright horsepower. Boats capable of 40 km/h can enter, opening the door to everything from small RIBs to larger sports cruisers.
Entry is simple. Lifejackets and helmets are required, and a $50 fee puts competitors in contention for prizes. The variety is part of the appeal, with previous entries ranging from modest fishing boats to high-powered offshore machines.
The weekend begins on Friday evening with a public meet and greet at the Mercury Bay Game Fishing Club, followed by race day on Saturday with two races scheduled from 11am and 12pm. The event concludes with prizegiving and celebrations at the Whitianga Hotel.
With titles on the line and momentum building, Whitianga is set to deliver a fitting conclusion to the offshore season.
