With a strong turnout from racing enthusiasts and an array of competitive boats across multiple classes, the regatta lived up to its reputation as a cornerstone of New Zealand’s powerboating calendar. Below, we dive into the highlights and celebrate the weekend’s champions.
Gold Cup division: Simon Morrison shines
The pinnacle of the event, the Gold Cup division, saw Simon Morrison claim victory in Window Solutions, outpacing the competition with precision and power. Simon Watkins in Typhoon earned a commendable second place, while Brendon Cornes piloted Total Chaos to third. Blair Gaudin (Hells Bells) and Steve Mathieson (Midnight) rounded out the top five in a fiercely competitive field.
Reflecting on his win, Morrison expressed gratitude to his team and sponsors, noting the challenging conditions on the long river course.
Division Highlights
North Island Formula 3: Dan Hall, racing in Iron Maiden, dominated the Formula 3 division, securing first place ahead of Carter McAdam (Velocity) and Blair Murray (On The Edge). Hall’s consistent performances across multiple classes highlighted his versatility and determination.
Bob Dunlop Memorial Trophy: In the thrilling Unlimited V8 Flatties category, Simon Watkins (Typhoon) claimed victory, with Blair Gaudin (Hells Bells) and Hamish Buttimore (Bold Move) finishing second and third, respectively. The sheer power and speed of these boats always captivates the crowd; and they did not disappoint this time.
Sally Nagel Memorial Trophy: Dan Hall once again emerged victorious, this time in the Mod H Hydroplanes and Series 3000 racing runabouts category, piloting Iron Maiden to a first-place finish. Allan Steiner (Misty Blue) and Raymond Forsythe (Valhalla) completed the podium, showcasing tight competition in this popular division.
Formula V Series: Mason Dunlop in Kausin Havoc claimed the top spot in Formula V, with Luke Dunlop (Snaggletooth) and Jake Burgess (Assassin) securing second and third places, respectively. The Formula V boats delivered some of the most thrilling head-to-head battles of the weekend.
Challenges and comebacks
Not every competitor had a smooth weekend. Black Listed Racing faced setbacks when their boat’s battery failed during the final race, despite qualifying with solid performances in earlier heats. The team shared their disappointment but vowed to regroup and aim for better results at the upcoming national championships.
Similarly, Total Chaos had its share of challenges but, as always resilient, managed to clinch third in the Gold Cup division.
A Community Celebration
The regatta wasn’t just about racing; the 53rd Gold Cup was a celebration of New Zealand’s powerboating community. Families, friends, and sponsors gathered to support the competitors, creating an electric atmosphere at Whirokino. The event was further bolstered by its strong community ties, with local businesses like Levin Cars providing vital support.
Looking ahead
With the 53rd Gold Cup now in the books, competitors are already setting their sights on the upcoming national championships. The regatta highlighted both the depth of talent in New Zealand’s powerboating scene and the enduring appeal of this historic event.
For fans and participants alike, the weekend reinforced why the Gold Cup remains a hallmark of the sport—a thrilling mix of speed, skill, and community spirit.
Keep en eye out for the next power boating national event:
- Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Nationals: This event will take place on February 7–9, 2025 at Lake Karapiro.
