Boating New Zealand Boat Reviews
Reviews
Boating New Zealand News
News
Boating New Zealand Sports
Sport
Boating New Zealand Lifestyle
Lifestyle
BOAT-REVIEWS-MOBILE
Boat Reviews
BOAT-NEWS-MOBILE
News
BOAT-SPORTS-MOBILE
Sports
BOAT-LIFESTYLE-MOBILE
Lifestyle
HomeRacingPowerboat RacingHigh-Speed thrills in Hawke’s Bay: The 2025 NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship begin

High-Speed thrills in Hawke’s Bay: The 2025 NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship begin

Published

The anticipation is palpable as Napier gears up to host the inaugural round of the 2025 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championship. Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawke’s Bay, this event promises high-octane thrills and a celebration of Kiwi sportsmanship.

Bookmark post
Bookmarked
Bookmark post
Bookmarked

Scheduled for the 25th and 26th of January 2025, the championship will feature races from 14:00 to 15:30 on both days.

The course stretches from Napier Port northwards along Ahuriri and Westshore, concluding just south of Westshore. This layout offers spectators exceptional viewing opportunities, with the steeply rising beaches providing natural grandstands.

Screenshot

Racing Classes

Competitors can enter two primary classes:

100-Mile Class

Featuring purpose-built race boats up to 11 metres in length, equipped with advanced safety features and engines delivering up to 1,200 horsepower. These vessels can reach speeds approaching 190 km/h. The Superboat, Superboat Lite, and Sports 100 categories fall under this class.

60-Mile Class

Comprising more conventional ski and trailer boats, including the Sports 60, Sports Classic, and Formula Honda categories. This class is designed to be more accessible, encouraging broader participation.

- Advertisement -

Notable Competitors

The championship will showcase a mix of seasoned racers and newcomers:

Rainbow Haulage (NZ1)

The current holder of the prestigious NZ1 title, driven by Colin Dunn, is renowned for its speed and spectacle.

Rainbow Haulage / Credit: New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing (Facebook)

Fury

Celebrating 50 years in the sport, Fury, driven by Owen Mackay, competes in the Sports 80mph category and continues to captivate audiences.

Fury / Credit: New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing (Facebook)

Gold Ship

A newcomer to the series, this Plylite Panther, driven by Tom Haycock, enters the 140hp class, exemplifying the sport’s growing inclusivity.

Gold Ship / Credit: New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing (Facebook)

Equalizer

Returning with a powerful 300hp engine, Equalizer, driven by Glenn Powell, boasts a rich history and striking design.

Equalizer / Credit: New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing (Facebook)

Espresso Engineers

Consistently delivering top performance, this team, led by driver Mike Gerbic, is a crowd favourite.

A photo of Espresso Engineers, captured by Jeremy Ward of Shot360 Photography NZ, earned Gold in the 2021 UIM Photographic Contest, an annual competition hosted by the International Powerboating Federation.

Weather Conditions

According to MetService, Saturday’s forecast for Napier includes mostly cloudy skies with breezy conditions in the afternoon, a high of 25°C, and a low of 19°C. Sunday is expected to be mainly cloudy with a couple of showers, a high of 25°C, and a low of 17°C. These conditions could present challenges for the racers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.

Innovations in the Sport

New Zealand leads the world in adopting digital GPS tracking for lap scoring, thanks to collaborations with Clipboard and NZBMC. This technology enhances accuracy and paves the way for future developments, such as live interactive maps for spectators.

The 2025 New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Championship in Napier is more than a race; it’s a time-tested proof to the nation’s rich maritime heritage and the enduring spirit of competition. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the sport, this event offers an unparalleled experience. Join us as we report on the thrill of New Zealand offshore powerboat racing over 2025.

SHARE:

Related Articles

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

2 COMMENTS

    • Hi Paula

      I have asked Ryan Archer, one of the organising committee. Sleepyhead is not on the list of boats but I know there have been some changes this week.

      Best regards

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

More from Boating New Zealand

The final frontier: Vendée Glo...

As the leading skippers cross the finish line, the real test of endurance c...
Race Day ReportsVendee Globe - Round The World Yacht Race

Timber, tradition, and time-ho...

The Australian Wooden Boat Festival is one of the largest maritime celebrat...
Boating Festivals & Events

Reel real adventures exploring...

A story of passion, innovation, and adventure on New Zealand’s untamed coas...
News

Operation Resolution: Salvage ...

After 17 days of intensive work, salvors have reached a critical milestone ...
Incidents at Sea

The End of an Era: Royal Carib...

A beloved icon of the cruising world, Song of America has met its final cha...
Boating history

Missing jetskier in Cook Strai...

A jetski without its driver was discovered at Cook Rock, off the top of New...
Coastguard News
-- ADVERTISEMENT --

Follow Us

Weekly Newsletter

Stay up to date with the latest developments shaping New Zealand's Boating world.

Social Media

Follow us on social media to stay in the loop with the latest trends and news shaping New Zealand's boating scene!

-- THINGS WE LOVE --

GET
STARLINK
HERE

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

NZ Events Worth Adding to Your Calendar

Have an event you'd like to list on Boating New Zealand. Contact us with the details.

Catch all the action of the Vendée Globe Race, starting 10 Nov, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. Follow along with excitement at Boating New Zealand.

FISHING

White Pointer Boats 30th Anniversary Fishing Comp, 5 - 8 Feb 2025 in Waihau Bay

Makaira Trailer Boat Competition, 25 & 26 Jan 2025 in Whangaroa

Stabicraft Fish N Chicks Tournament, 6 - 8 Feb 2025 in Tauranga. Dress up theme is “Ladies of their Time”. Raising funds to help find a cure for Breast Cancer.

Surtees Annual Fishing Competition, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

Hook Me Up Fishing Competition - Matakana vs Hillside, 7 Mar 2025 in Whakatane

The Kubota Billfish Classic, 12 - 15 Mar 2025 in Mercury Bay, Whitianga

ITM Fishing Competition, 13 - 16 Mar 2025 in Whangaroa

NZ Lure Masters (Catch, Measure and Release competition), 3 & 4 Oct 2025, New Zealand wide

Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic, 25 - 27 Oct 2025 TBC in Te Anau Manapouri

REGATTAS

Rolex Sydney to Hobart, 26 Dec 2024 starts in Sydney, Australia

New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 in Auckland

Bay of Islands Sailing Week, 21 - 24 Jan 2025 at Bay of Islands

NZ Millenium Cup, 1 - 4 Feb 2025 at Waitemata Harbour

Toyota Youth International Match Racing Cup, 26 Feb - 4 Mar 2025 in Auckland

PIC Harbour Classic, 28 Feb - 1 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Sydney to Auckland Ocean Race 2025, starting 11 Oct 2025 TBC from Sydney Harbour

PIC Insurance Brokers Coastal Classic, 24 Oct 2025 TBC from Auckland to Russell

NZ Match Racing Championships, 2025 dates tbc in Auckland

HYDRO THUNDER

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Mangakino, 18 & 19 Jan 2025 at Mangakino

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Karapiro, 7 - 9 Feb 2025 at Karapiro

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Rotoiti, 8 - 9 Mar 2025 at Nelson Lakes

Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Race - Lake Twizel, 29 - 30 Mar 2025 at Twizel

JET BOAT RACING

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R2, 1 Dec 2024 at Featherston

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R3, 27 Dec 2024 at Wanganui

UIM World Jetsprint Championships, 25 Jan -2 Feb 2025 at Wanaka (25 & 26 Jan) and Wanganui (1 & 2 Feb)

2024/25 NZ Jetsprint Championship R4, 23 Feb 2025 at Wanganui

2025 NZ Marathon Coast-to-Coast, 16 to 25 Mar 2025 starting at Greymouth ad finishing at Christchurch

2024 Golden Homes NZ Jet Boat Marathon, 2025 dates TBC on Southland Rivers (Oreti, Waiau and Mataura)

National Jet Boat Rally 2024, 2025 date TBC at Oliver Road, Bendigo (near Cromwell)

WATERSPORTS

Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge, 2025 dates tbc Staged on the Waikato River between Cambridge & Taupiri, based in Hamilton, New Zealand

NON-MOTORISED SPORT

Waka Ama - 2025 National Sprint Championships, 12 - 18 Jan 2025 at Lake Karapiro, Cambridge

Waka Ama - 2025 Secondary School Nationals, 24 - 28 Mar 2025 at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua

ANTIQUE, CLASSIC & RETRO BOATS

25th NZ Antique & Classic Boat Show , 1 & 2 Mar 2025 at Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes

SHOWS

Moana Auckland - New Zealand's Ocean Festival, 27 Jan to 9 Mar 2025 in Auckland

Auckland Boat Show, 6 - 9 Mar 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15-18 May 2025 to be held at the Viaduct Events Centre and Jellicoe Harbour, Auckland

NZ Boat, Fish and Dive Show, 30 & 31 Aug 2025 to be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Waipa

-- DIRECTORY LISTING --

International Boat Shows

COMING EVENTS

Boot Düsseldorf 18 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held in Düsseldorf, Germany

New York Boat Show, 22 - 26 Jan 2025 to be held at the Javits Center, New York

Bahamas Charter Yacht Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at Nassau, Bahamas

Houston Boat Show, 29 Jan - 2 Feb 2025 to be held at the NRG Center, Houston, Texas

Dubai International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Feb 2025 to be held at the Dubai Harbour

Miami International Boat Show, 12 - 16 Feb 2025 to be held in Miami

Palm Beach International Boat Show, 19 - 23 Mar 2025 to be held along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach

International Multihull Show, 23 - 27 Apr 2025 to be held in Terre-plein Ouest du port La Grande-Motte (34), France

Palma International Boat Show, 30 Apr - 3 May 2025 to be held at the Superyacht Village, Palma, Spain

Barcaly's Jersey Boat Show, 3 - 5 May 2025 to be held in the Channel Islands

South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, 9 - 11 May 2025 to be held in Ocean Village Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The British Motor Yacht Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 to be held at the Swanwick Marina, Southampton, Hampshire

The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show, 15 - 18 May 2025 at Auckland Showgrounds, Auckland

Sanctuary Cove International Boat show, 22 - 25 May 2025 to be held in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland

Sydney International Boat show, 31 July - 3 Aug 2025 to be held at ICC Sydney & Cockle Bay, Darling Harbour

Hiswa Te Water, 3 - 7 Nov 2025 to be held in Bataviahaven Lelystad, The Netherlands

Southampton International Boat Show, 19 - 28 Sep 2025 to be held in Southampton, UK

International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX), 7 - 9 Oct 2025 to be held in Tampa, Florida

Annapolis Sail Boat Show, 9 - 13 Oct 2025 to be held at City Dock, Annapolis, Maryland

Newport International Boat Show, 20 - 23 Nov 2025 to be held in Newport, Rhode Island

Cannes Yachting Festival, 9 - 14 Sep 2025 at Cannes – Vieux Port & Port Canto

Genoa Boat Show, 18 - 23 Sep 2025 to be held in Genoa, Italy

Melbourne International Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held at New Quay Promenade Harbour Esplanade Seven Marinas

Biograd Boat Show, Oct 2025, TBC to be held in the City of Biograd, Croatia

Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show 29 Oct – 2 Nov 2025 to be held at several locations in Fort Lauderdale

METSTRADE 18 - 20 Nov 2025 to be held at the Rai, Amsterdam

Antigua Charter Yacht Show 4 - 9 Dec 2025 to be held at the Nelson's Dockyard UNESCO World Heritage Site, Antigua

Monaco Yacht Show, 24 - 27 Sep 2025 on Monacco