The New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing community came together last weekend for its annual prizegiving, capping off a fast and furious 2025 season with a night of celebration.
A night to recognise the community
The evening brought together drivers, co-drivers, crews, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate what makes offshore powerboat racing such a unique sport. From the committee members who organise each event to the patrol boat crews who ensure safety on the water, many were thanked for their tireless efforts.
“It was great to get everyone together off the water to celebrate,” was the shared sentiment of the night.
Sports class champions
The story of this year’s class champions had a bit of everything – fresh faces, old favourites, and boats with serious pedigree. In the Sports 140 division, Gold Ship, a Plylite Panther, made its debut on the circuit. With Tom Haycock at the wheel, the newcomer wasted no time in making an impression, showing it could match pace with the established names. Over in Sports 200, SuperSonic lived up to its name. Powered by a Mercury 200 and driven by Ryan Archer, the Sonic 1900ss carved its way through the season with sharp, consistent performances that earned it the title.
But perhaps the loudest cheers went to Fury in the Sports 80mph class. Turning 50 this year, the boat is a living legend – still thundering down the straights, still turning heads, and still bringing smiles as Owen Mackay kept it flying. The Sports 300 class saw the return of Equalizer, back on the water after time away, with Glenn Powell determined to prove it still had bite. And at the very top, in the Superboat 600s, it was Espresso Engineers that once again set the pace. Skippered by Mike Gerbic, the team carried on its strong record, showing exactly why it has become one of the dominant forces in the fleet.
Championship results
The long-distance championships added another layer of drama to the season, testing both stamina and reliability as much as outright speed. In the 100 Mile Championship, it was Espresso Engineers that rose to the challenge, powering through to claim first place. Hot on their heels came Rainbow Haulage, with Colin Dunn steering a determined campaign into second, while third went to Doric, a tough 26-foot Shifty Cat in the 600HP class that proved it could hold its own over the distance.
The 60 Mile Championship had its own share of excitement. Fury showed that age is no barrier, storming to first place and adding another accolade to its already remarkable 50-year story. SuperSonic took second, showing its consistency across classes, while the real heart-warming tale came in third. Chindt – originally built by Graeme Wingate back in 1972 – made a triumphant return to racing. After years away, the boat was lovingly restored and handed back into the Wingate family, closing the season with a result that felt as much about heritage as it did about horsepower.
Special awards
The night also saw recognition for individual achievement and character:
- Under 21 – Charlie Lewis
- Driver of the Year – Tom Haycock
- Co-Driver of the Year – Phil Haycock
- Carson Cup – Jason Way
- Patron Cup – Liss & Floss Mackay
- Best Presented Boat – Coranto
- Close Shave – Fury
- Hard Luck – Ryan Archer (SuperSonic)
- 60mph – Fury
- 100mph – Espresso Engineers
- Thunder on the Lake – Espresso Engineers
Looking ahead
With fresh faces joining the series and seasoned crews returning, the 2025/26 season promises even more action. A variety of locations are already on the calendar, setting the stage for another year of high-speed competition and community spirit.
The message from the prizegiving was clear: offshore powerboat racing in New Zealand thrives not only on horsepower but on people.
