Thunder in the Harbour – An hour of spectacle from New Zealand's top raceboats

With a win by Superboat Team Three at Napier the race for the Rayglass Superboat title for 2010 becomes even more intense. Four boats compete for the title; Doosan driven by Cary Gleeson and Sam Filmore of Auckland (1550pts), Fairview Windows & Doors driven by Warren Lewis and Steve Whitford of Auckland (1300pts), A1 Homes driven by Scott Lewis and Murray Tuffin of Auckland (1163pts ) and Team Three driven by Steve Nugent from Australia and Craig Archer from Auckland (1394pts).

Seven classes of boat take part in the national championship over two distances, and all battle fiercely to gain points to secure their place on the podium at the end of the season. Drivers and crews hold nothing back when preparing and racing these boats, and competition is fierce. Crew and boats are pushed to their limits, and the slightest problem can have a huge affect on the points table as points are awarded in order of finishing each race. The aim is to finish the race with the maximum points - with boat and crew intact.

Racing 100 miles are the top two classes; Superboats and Superboat Lites. Reaching speeds in excess of 180 km per hour they usually complete the distance in one hour. These boats have a crew of two - one responsible for the steering while the other controls the throttles. This may seem strange, but the driver has to be constantly looking for the next mark in the distance, and the throttleman has to deal with powering the boat over each wave, so needs to concentrate on what is happening directly in front of the boat.
The other boats compete in a 60 mile race with the popular Formula Hondas making up most of the field. Other classes include Super 60, Sports 60, Sports 60 restricted, and Classics. Apart from the Classic Class that are restricted to 80 miles an hour, there are no speed limits so racing is fast and furious. The 60 mile race is usually completed in one hour with boats reaching 100 km per hour in speed.

In the Formula Hondas competition is also fierce. Rayglass driven by Mike Smith and Matt Hopkins still lead the field on 1800pts but were bumped from their usual first place finish by the boys in Honda Marine Mike Knight and Yael Pook (1469pts) who are running in second place for the season overall.
The NZ Offshore Powerboat Association hold a family oriented event and are happy to talk to anyone who has questions about the boats and the way they are raced. The boats will be on display both before and after the race and it's free to wander around the "pit" area behind TePapa, and to watch the race from the foreshore or other vantage points.

This is the ideal opportunity to get up close to a “Batboat” or hear the engine of a superboat revved before a race. The boats are big, bright and loud and should appeal to anyone with an interest in motorsport.

With a predicted 20 knot North West wind the run out of Evans Bay should prove interesting, particularly if the wind is against tide causing the waves to stand up.

Excellent viewing of the arrowhead shaped course will be available, particularly on the point at Roseneath as the boats come out of Oriental Bay and turn at the point to go into Evan's Bay.

The boats are closest to shore along Evans Bay Parade, particularly at Greta Point.

The longest leg of the race is from Evans Bay out into the harbor where they turn to head back to Oriental Bay again.

Boats are on display from 9am Saturday morning at the Race HQ behind TePapa, where the Superboats will be craned into the water.

Boats depart from 12.30pm

Racing starts at: 1.30pm

Best viewing from Oriental Parade, Roseneath, Greta Point and Evans Bay Parade

Radio Coverage: Tune in to 88.3 FM for race commentary before and during the race

Event details and results are posted on the NZOPA website, www.nzoffshore.co.nz.

The Rayglass NZ Offshore Powerboat Championship continues in Whitianga on 10th April, Marsden Cove, Whangarei on 24th April and ends on Auckland Harbour on 8th May.