'Doosan' Dominates Tough Maraetai Offshore Powerboat Race

After two races dominating the superboat class of the Rayglass Offshore Powerboat Series, 'Fairview' were prevented from completing their hat trick by the impressive return of 'Doosan' who had struggled in the previous two races with ballast issues. Determined to re-establish their place as champion racers both Cary Gleeson ands Sam Fillmore of 'Doosan' looked focused and confident on the dockside this morning, they knew they had identified and fixed the problem that had plagued them for the previous two races. They more than proved their point by leading down the starting straight and maintaining their lead for the entire race, finishing nearly a lap ahead of the next boat.

The start of the race was marred by a collision between the two Super 60 boats. Mike Gerbic and Dave Vazey of 'Espresso Engineers' fell victim to the conditions in the opening straight of the race, tripping off a wave, and submarining, which rendered the driver unconscious. The boat then speared off at an angle before colliding with their rivals 'Back2Bay6'. Mike Gerbic sustained head injuries after his helmet was wrenched off in the crash, and was transferred by ambulance to hospital for observation. The boat itself appeared relatively unscathed apart from some paint missing from the bow. The same however cannot be said for 'Back2Bay6' which sustained serious damage after being 'T-boned'. Father and son team Chris and Glenn Powell were both shaken by the incident, with Chris sustaining a strained neck, but had little time to consider themselves as the collision had ripped a gaping hole in the side of their boat and the team had to make a hasty run for shore to prevent sinking in the middle of the bay.

Racing continued as the Marine Paramediical Services and coastguard attended to the injured driver and towed 'Espresso Engineers' from the course.

In the Superboat Lite class the battle continued between 'NZ Blokes' and 'Red Steel'. The lead appeared to change every lap with the two boats almost side by side for large parts of the race. Whether it was sheer grit and determination or just good luck, Bob Smith and Andrew " Flea" Koolen grabbed the lead in the last lap and held on to get their hat trick with three victories from the first three races of the season.

'Konica Minolta' also won their third race after the retirement of 'Gull Force 10' who will be deeply disappointed with their inability to compete in the rough conditions that they love.

By far the most riveting spectacle was the Honda and Sports Restricted Classes with boats spending almost as much time out of the water as in it. With a fast, but choppy sea the smaller boats leapt around the course and many of the drivers will be lamenting their bruises, and no doubt in some cases, damage to their boats, as the huge impact of repeatedly hitting the water takes its toll.

In the Sports Restricted class Mikey Knight in 'Auckland District Collections' put on a magnificent performance to come second in the 60 Mile race overall. He literally flew around the course, as did Jono Hanley from 'Marineworkz' who had to work hard in the conditions to maintain speed.

Mike Urquhart from 'Auckland District Collections 2' racing in the Honda class also gave an outstanding performance as he took third place in the 60 mile overall race. He, like all the Honda drivers will be sporting some battle scars from the rough conditions. 'Rayglass' with Mikey Smith at the wheel, seemed to relish the challenging sea state and held out 'CRD Automotive' for second place. 'Total Oil' and 'The Gambler' also put on some spectacular displays as the leapt over the waves, racing hard for the finish with 'Total Oil' just ahead.

The NZOPA would like to thank the Maraetai Beach Boating Club, Maraetai Coastguard, Pine Harbour Marina, Energizer, AB Marine, Marine Paramedical Services and MarineWorkz for their support in making the Maraetai Race possible.

They also acknowledge the ongoing support of the series sponsors Rayglass.

The remaining four rounds in the 2011 series are: Napier (26 Feb), Whitianga (12 March), Marsden Cove outside Whangarei (26 March), Auckland (9 April) and the final round in Wellington on 23 April.

More information and updated championship points table can be found on the New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Association website www.nzoffshore.co.nz.