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UPDATE:
A little after 10:30 this morning the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing updated their Facebook page with the following statement: “Due to wind and sea conditions and the requirements of our insurances, there won’t be any New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing today.” We will keep you updated with any further notifications.
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A day of attrition and close racing
The unforgiving conditions and intense competition took their toll on the fleet. Several boats faced significant mechanical issues, leading to retirements, while others relied on ingenuity and grit to stay in the game. Despite the challenges, day one showcased the tight racing that offshore powerboating is known for, with razor-thin margins and nail-biting finishes.
100-Mile Championship
The 100-Mile Championship saw the same podium results for both races, but the battle at the front was anything but predictable:
- 1st: Espresso Engineers (a frequent competitor, this Sports 600 is driven by Mike Gerbic)
- 2nd: Rainbow Haulage (current New Zealand offshore champion, NZ1, this Sports 600 driven by Colin Dunn)
- 3rd: Doric NZ (driven by Scott Lewis)
Espresso Engineers, driven by Mike Gerbic, delivered a commanding performance, but Colin Dunn driving Rainbow Haulage kept the pressure on. Race 1 was highly competitive less than five seconds between Espresso Engineers and Rainbow Haulage.
 Rainbow Haulage / Credit: Ryan Archer
60-Mile Championship
The 60-Mile Championship delivered some of the most thrilling action of the day, with lead changes and unexpected podium finishes:
Race 1
- 1st: Midnight Express (driven by Craig Wormald)
- 2nd: Fury II (driven by Owen Mackay)
- 3rd: Supersonic (driven by Ryan Archer)
Race 1’s dramatic conclusion saw the lead change in the final 400 metres, with Midnight Express taking the victory ahead of Fury.
Race 2
- 1st: Fury (driven by Owen Mackay)
- 2nd: Equalizer (driven by Glenn Powell)
In Race 2, Craig Wormald’s Midnight Express retired early with mechanical issues, paving the way for Fury to claim first place.
Supersonic, driven by Ryan Archer, faced significant challenges after its trim system failed on lap one of Race 1. Despite this, Archer’s strategic racing—staying just behind the larger, 1,000hp-powered Midnight Express and Fury—earned Supersonic a hard-fought third place. However, the boat’s rear cowl mounts broke in Race 2, forcing a retirement. Archer relied on some classic Kiwi ingenuity, fashioning a repair with 4×2 timber and bolts to prepare for today’s race.
Mechanical woes
Day 1 also highlighted the mechanical challenges inherent in offshore powerboating. Several teams faced setbacks:
- Gold Ship (driven by Tom Haycock): The 16ft Plylite Panther destroyed its steering in Race 1 but managed to finish before retiring.
- Man’s Ruin (driven by Tim Fellows): Man’s Ruin (a late entry) suffered a catastrophic gearcase failure on lap one, forcing an early retirement. This year, collaborations between the New Zealand Offshore Powerboating Association, the New Zealand Boat Marathon Commission (NZBMC), and Clipboard saw the introduction of digital GPS tracking for lap scoring, which also provides enhanced accuracy. This has worked in Tim Fellows advantage, as today, Fellows and his team are using the GPS data, and a transducer to recover the gearcase from the 5-metre deep water of the harbour, with repairs set to begin soon after.
- Legend (driven by Ross Leger): A broken transom saw the team retire before Race 2.
- Midnight Express (driven by Craig Wormald): A snapped blower belt and other mechanical issues ended their day early in Race 2.
Despite the difficulties, these teams embody the spirit of New Zealand offshore powerboating: perseverance, innovation, and a passion for racing.
A glimpse ahead to Day 2
Today’s (Day 2) racing promises another thrilling round, with Espresso Engineers, Rainbow Haulage, and Doric NZ expected to battle fiercely throughout the 100-mile race. In the 60-Mile Championship, Fury and Midnight Express are favourites for the top spots, but third place will be closely contested among the Sports 300-class boats and others.
As today unfolds, all eyes will be on the teams as they navigate the challenges and push their boats to the limit. Let’s hope for more thrilling finishes and fewer mechanical setbacks as the championship heats up.
