After the first round of the 2025 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championships was called off on the second day due to high attrition rates and challenging weather conditions, all eyes are now on the second round. The highly anticipated event is set to take place at Lake Taupō on February 15 and 16, 2025, and is shaping up to be an exciting competition.
The Taupō weather forecast looks promising, making it an excellent opportunity for newcomers to get involved and experience offshore powerboat racing firsthand. Spectators can expect high-adrenaline action as some of the best powerboats in the country take to the water.
Support the teams at Taupō
With teams eager to make their mark, the Taupō event promises thrilling action on the water. Whether you’re a dedicated offshore racing fan or new to the sport, this is the perfect chance to witness high-speed competition and support the participating teams.
Racing starts at 12pm Saturday and Sunday and can be viewed anywhere along the lake frontage in Taupō township. Race pits are down at 2 Mile Bay where the public are more than welcome to wander freely and get up close in person with the machines and teams. Several of the teams are only too happy to have kids and parents step aboard for a closer look as well.
Or if you’re keen to get involved in another way, organisers would love your help as volunteers after a few marker/patrol boats had to withdraw. If you or someone you know is available to help, please get in touch with the event organisers. Your support will be invaluable in ensuring the success and safety of the race.
Final preparations underway
Boats such as Coranto and Chindit have been spotted down at Lake Taupō conducting test runs in preparation for the big event. With last-minute tuning and adjustments being made, teams are gearing up for an intense competition. This will be exciting after the close racing in Napier.
In addition to the championship racing, two exciting boats—Blue Pill and Coranto—are returning to the series.
The Blue Pill set to race at Taupō
The Blue Pill will be at Taupō. Competing in the Sports 200 class, standard 200HP powerheads/ECU’s and no speed restrictions. Owned and driven by Mike Knight, very much a well respected Veteran of the sport. Mike obtained Driver of the Year in 2023 as well as the National Title of NZ1 when at the helm of Espresso Engineers driving that to outright victory. At round one in Napier he was called on to jump into the current NZ1 Rainbow Haulage and drive/helm that; they pulled off a respectable 2nd in both races before racing on Sunday was cancelled in conditions that very much suited the Victory catamaran.
The Blue Pill is a 19ft Sonic 1900SS built by Chris Bartlett and in fact it was the last hull Chris built for himself to race in back in 1999. Since then the boats had quite a sheltered life being used prominently recreationally for skiing and eventually sporadically for Ski Racing. It’s had all manner of engines on it in it’s lifetime from Mercury’s Premier 300x 300Hp performance outboard, to 225x race outboards and stock fishing EFI motors as it currently has down at 200HP.
In Mike’s case the 200HP EFI is currently set on top of a 20”offshore mid-section with open exhaust and a sportsmaster racing gearbox beneath that – a serious tool for going fast! Given the boats relaxed history it presents as one of the tidiest race-built Chris Bartlett Sonics surviving today and is a real credit to Mike and it’s previous owners for keeping it in such a presentable shape. Mike is also no stranger to these Sonics or racing in general. His family have been competing in the circuit on and off almost since it’s conception and those close to Mike would call him a formidable competitor in a sonic, one of the best.
Coranto makes its first start line in Taupō
Designed by Rex Henry (same designer as the infamous Chindit) and build by Graeme Wingate in 1972. Coranto has made its way back into the hands of the Wingate’s and has undergone and extensive renovation. Unfortunately, not quite ready in time for Napier and with the Wingate’s having other commitments it was missed at the opening round. This said, it’s making its first start line in Taupō this weekend racing in the Sports 140HP class. Coranto, 52 years later will be driven this weekend by Graeme’s Grandson, Michael Wingate in what will be his first race in the 140HP class.
Coranto’s restoration has been extensive after being purchased as Wings; it’s undergone a full rebuild of the hull including a striking paint job back to it’s heritage original colours of orange over white. Coranto will be pushed along by an older 1980’s Johnson V4 Looper 140hp outboard. Running in their class will be class winners from Napier, Tom Haycock with brother Hamish Haycock in their modified Plylite Panther Gold Ship powered by a Yamaha V4 140Hp.
Three families, multiple generations will compete in Taupō
We’re hoping to see Chindit out on the water with father Peter Wingate behind the wheel at Taupō where we will uniquely feature three families with multiple generations competing in different boats/classes. These include Peter and Michael Wingate in Chindit and Coranto, Mark Helms and Mike Knight in CRD Automotive and The Blue Pill and Brett and Ryan Archer in Secret Agent and Supersonic respectively.
The stage is set for an unforgettable weekend of offshore powerboat racing at Lake Taupō. With favourable weather conditions, a competitive lineup, and the return of classic boats like Coranto and The Blue Pill, spectators are in for an entertaining and exhilerating spectacle. The unique presence of multiple generations competing across different classes adds an extra layer of excitement and legacy to the event.
Whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or just looking for an action-packed weekend, Taupō is the place to be. Don’t miss the chance to witness these powerful machines in action, meet the teams, and immerse yourself in the thrill of offshore powerboat racing. With racing kicking off at 12pm on both days and plenty of viewing spots along the lakefront, it’s an event not to be missed.
See you at the water’s edge!
