NZ Offshore Powerboats Pay Tribute to Earthquake Victims

NZ Offshore Powerboats Pay Tribute to Earthquake Victims

It has been a solemn week for New Zealand, as almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by the recent earthquake. At the start of the race all competitors turned off their engines and, joined by the spectators, observed a minute of silence in memory of the lives lost.

NZ Offshore Powerboats

Napier once again provided plenty of spectacle with the 4th race of the Rayglass New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series. There was plenty of local interest with a great turnout to support local boat 'Red Steel' which competed in the Superboat Lite class.

'Red Steel' put on a great display for their home crowd. Cathy vercoe LuvMyBoat.com

While the 60 mile fleet were the main source of entertainment at the last race, this week was all about the superboats with close competition in both classes.
Conditions were fast with a rolling ocean swell and just enough breeze to keep the larger boats on their toes or, in some cases, on their props, with several of the boats appearing to prop walk through the water at times.

After the domination displayed by Doosan at Maraetai, the boot was on the other foot this week with 'Fairview' putting on an impeccable performance, giving everyone a driving lesson.

'Fairview' put on a winning performance at Napier. Cathy Vercoe LuvMyBoat.com

Fairview driven by Warren Lewis and Chris Hanley were determined to regain their status as the fastest superboat and set a cracking pace around the course - Warren said, "Mate, we were doing 114 mph in one corner, the boat was running perfectly". 'Doosan' driven by Cary Gleeson and Wayne Carson (filling in for the Sam Fillmore who is normally behind the wheel) worked hard to catch up, but were unable to make any dent in Fairview's lead. Cary later said "It was frustrating, we put the wrong prop on and had trouble getting more speed." 'Profloors' had a fantastic race and finished in third place ahead of 'Schick Hydro'.

In the Superboat Lites 'Red Steel' put on a fantastic display chasing hard to catch 'NZ Blokes' who had won the last three races. Bob Smith and Andrew ' Flea" Koolen in 'NZ Blokes' were determined to maintain their place at the top of the table, and while racing was close for several laps, they managed to establish a lead that Red Steel's Tony Carson and Brook Faulkner could not break. 'NZ Blokes' ran flat and fast, and like Fairview put in an impeccable performance.

Four consecutive wins for 'NZ Blokes'. Cathy Vercoe LuvMyboat.com

It was great to see 'Topaz' back out on the water after encountering problems at Taupo. Three classics lined up this morning, but only 'Konica Minolta' and 'Topaz' were able to finish as 'Gull Force 10' once more ran into problems with their engine.

Mike Gerbic and Dave Vazey were back out on the water in 'Espresso Engineers' after crashing at Maraetai. Mike sustained a lot of cuts and bruises and the team were a lttle tentative today, determined to finish, but keen to keep the big jumps to a minimum.

The Hondas and Sports Restricted classes had a somewhat calmer race today after the spectacular leaps and jumps provided by the short chop at Maraetai. The Honda Class was once again filled with battles and duels as the boats raced closely to get into the best position. Mike Urquhart in Auckland District Collections 2 was just able to overtake Rayglass at the end of the last lap, getting his fourth consecutive victory in the process.

Auckland District Collections was also successful for the fourth time, winning the Sports Restricted Class from Marineworkz.

The NZOPA would like to thank the Napier Sailing Club, Energizer, AB Marine, Marine Paramedical Services, Hawkes Bay Wine Country and Red Steel for their support in making the Napier Race possible.

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

The remaining four rounds in the 2011 series are: 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.

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