Two races, a midday start and three shore vantage points. Here is the timetable, the course and what you need if you want to race your own boat.
Gulf Harbour offshore powerboat racing opens the 2026/2027 season on Saturday 17 October. The first race is the Auckland 100, starting at midday. A second race follows an hour later.
If you are watching from shore, launching a boat to race, or just keeping clear on the water, here is what you need to know.
Gulf Harbour offshore powerboat racing timetable
| Day | Time | What is happening |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 16 October | 5.30pm | Meet and greet, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club. Buffet from 6pm, $40 per head, numbers to NZOPA by Monday 12 October |
| Saturday 17 October | 6.30am | Race Control sets up at The Hammerhead |
| 7.30am | Scrutineering of day entries | |
| 8.30am | Day entries close | |
| 10.00am | Briefing at Race HQ | |
| 12.00pm | Race 1 start, the Auckland 100 | |
| 1.00pm | Race 2 start | |
| 2.00pm | All boats off the course. Water reopens | |
| 4.00pm | Prizegiving, Mainsail Bar |
Mainsail Bar is about a minute's drive from the boat ramp, with parking on the grass out front. It also has a bistro for dinner afterwards.
The course
Racing starts and finishes off Kotanui Island, also known as Frenchmans Cap. From there the course runs a long loop along the southern shore of the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, towards Manly and Arkles Bay.
Five course marks set the route. Nine more mark exclusion zones, each watched by a marshal vessel.
The Harbourmaster has reserved the course from 11am to 2pm. During those hours the 5 knot rule is suspended for the race boats and emergency craft only. If you are out on your own boat, stay outside the marked area until the water reopens.
Where to watch Gulf Harbour offshore powerboat racing
Organisers name three shore vantage points:
- The Hammerhead Reserve. The shore base for the day, including the race pits and trailer parking once boats have launched.
- Tiri Road Reserve.
- Hobbs Point.
Organisers ask drivers to park with care at The Hammerhead and watch for pedestrians in the park. Expect the Gulf Harbour public boat ramp to be very busy through the morning.
Racing your own boat
Day entries are open on the morning. Scrutineering for day entries starts at 7.30am and entries close at 8.30am.
| Day entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| Family Class or nominated speed | $100 |
| 60 mile and Classic classes | $250 |
| 100 mile classes, up to four races | $1,000 |
| GPS tracker hire | $25 |
The 100 mile class needs a full NZOPA race licence for both driver and co-driver. A day licence does not cover it. Day entries race without scoring championship points.
Scrutineers check every boat before it races. For 60 mile boats, the checklist includes:
- Helmets and race vests.
- A fire extinguisher, distress flares and a first aid kit.
- A compass or GPS, a tool kit and knife, and two oars or paddles.
- A suitable tow line and an orange retirement flag.
- An engine kill switch and positive buoyancy.
- Secure seats, steering, tanks, batteries and outboards.
- Every team member also takes a breath test.
Boats launch from the Gulf Harbour public ramp. Organisers have allocated berths in Gulf Harbour Marina for scrutineered boats. To use one, send NZOPA a copy of your boat's insurance certificate first. No insurance, no marina entry.
Organisers suggest a third person to drive the tow vehicle, and a handheld VHF aboard if possible. After racing, larger boats get priority at the ramp while the tide is full. Boats wait outside the breakwater until they are called in by VHF.
What to watch for
Both races are short, sharp affairs. In a two race day, each race has a 40 minute limit. Boats cannot refuel between races unless the Officer of the Day allows it in exceptional circumstances. Fuel planning matters.
To be classified, a boat must complete at least 70 percent of the class winner's laps.
In Family Class and nominated speed, the fastest boat does not automatically win. Crews are judged on how close they finish to the speed they declared.
Last season's class champions included Rainbow Haulage, GEN2, Gold Ship, Cougar and Fury II. Whether they will all be at Gulf Harbour will be clearer on race day.
Full details are in the race pack on nzoffshore.co.nz. NZOPA posts updates and results on its Facebook page, New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing.
