The second day of the First Series of the New Zealand Offshore Championships in Napier was met with disappointment as worsening sea conditions forced organisers and competitors to abandon the day’s racing. While the weekend started with promise, the challenges of Saturday and Sunday combined to make this a true test of resilience and team spirit.
Saturday’s races proved punishing for both boats and teams. Of the ten competing vessels, four were forced to retire: Tim Fellow’s Man’s Ruin lost a gearcase early in the day, Ross Leger’s Legend suffered a broken transom, Tom Haycock’s Gold Ship was sidelined by steering failure, and Craig Wormald’s Midnight Express snapped a blower belt, rendering it unable to compete further.
Meanwhile, Ryan Archer and his team on Supersonic dug deep into Kiwi ingenuity, working late into Saturday night to carry out running repairs on a broken cowling mount and trim system. This grit ensured they’d be ready to race on Sunday, should conditions allow.
As dawn broke on Sunday, it became clear the weather was not on the side of the competitors. A patrol boat ventured out early to assist with the ongoing search for Man’s Ruin’s lost gearcase using sonar and divers. They returned with a sobering report: the sea state was a challenging 2 to 2.5 metres, with a short, choppy swell and 20 to 30-knot winds.
The six remaining teams convened to assess the situation. Despite receiving clearance from the Harbourmaster to proceed if deemed safe, the group collectively decided it was unfair to expect support boats to endure the rough conditions for the sake of six competitors. Of the remaining teams, only Supersonic and Rainbow Haulage were fully committed to racing, with two teams undecided and two opting not to compete.
Ultimately, the decision was made to cancel the day’s races and award points according to the Association’s rule book for entered racers. Additional points were granted to Supersonic and Rainbow Haulage for their willingness to compete.
With the Napier leg behind them, teams now turn their focus to the next event on the calendar: the Taupō series, scheduled for 15th-16th February at 2 Mile Bay Boat Ramp. Expectations are high for a strong turnout, with the following boats expected: three 600hp Superlite Cats, three to five 80mph V8 inboards, three 300hp sports class boats, up to ten 200hp sport boats, and three 140hp boats.
Taupō has earned a reputation as a highlight of the season, offering spectacular viewing opportunities from the lake’s foreshore. Its freshwater environment is kinder on the boats, but the conditions can still be unpredictable. Over the years, Taupō has delivered everything from flat races to rough, foggy challenges, keeping teams on their toes.
This year’s event will also feature a nominated speed category, encouraging participation from a broader range of boats, including cabin vessels, with cash prizes up for grabs.
While Napier may not have delivered the weekend’s full racing schedule, with Taupō on the horizon, the season promises more thrilling action ahead.
