The New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Racing community gathered last weekend to mark the end of a thrilling 2025 season, with its annual prizegiving bringing together the many people who make the sport what it is.
Drivers, co-drivers, crews, volunteers, patrol boat crews, and committee members were all recognised on the night, with widespread appreciation for the work that goes into organising each event and keeping competitors safe on the water. The mood summed itself up simply: "It was great to get everyone together off the water to celebrate."
Among the class champions, the variety of stories was part of what made the evening so compelling. In Sports 140, Gold Ship, a Plylite Panther making its circuit debut, arrived without fanfare but quickly proved it could hold its own against established competitors. Tom Haycock was at the wheel throughout, and the newcomer's performances turned heads from the outset. The Sports 200 title went to SuperSonic, a Sonic 1900ss powered by a Mercury 200 and driven by Ryan Archer, whose sharp, measured campaign across the season made the championship a well-deserved reward.
The most sentimental reception of the night, though, was reserved for Fury. Turning 50 this year, the Sports 80mph champion is a genuine piece of racing history, still thundering down the straights with Owen Mackay at the controls and still drawing the kind of reaction from a crowd that only a boat with that history can. The Sports 300 class brought its own narrative with the return of Equalizer, back on the water after an extended absence and steered by Glenn Powell with something to prove. At the top of the fleet, in the Superboat 600s, Espresso Engineers confirmed its standing as one of the division's dominant forces. Skippered by Mike Gerbic, the team maintained the relentless consistency that has become its trademark.
The long-distance championships provided yet another dimension to the season, demanding reliability and endurance alongside raw pace. Espresso Engineers rose to the occasion in the 100 Mile Championship, crossing first ahead of Rainbow Haulage, with Colin Dunn steering a determined campaign into second place. Third went to Doric, a 26-foot Shifty Cat in the 600HP class, a result that underlined its credentials over the longer haul.
The 60 Mile Championship produced its own memorable moments. Fury led the way again, adding further glory to its half-century of racing. SuperSonic followed in second, showing consistency across the different formats. The most affecting result of the championship season came in third, where Chindt made its return to competitive racing. Originally built by Graeme Wingate in 1972, the boat had been lovingly restored and brought back into the Wingate family, closing out a result that carried as much meaning in terms of heritage as it did in terms of horsepower.
The special awards rounded out the evening's formalities, with recognition handed out across a range of categories.
Under 21 honours went to Charlie Lewis, while Tom Haycock claimed Driver of the Year and Phil Haycock took Co-Driver of the Year. The Carson Cup was awarded to Jason Way, and the Patron Cup went to Liss and Floss Mackay. Coranto took Best Presented Boat, while Fury featured again in the Close Shave category. The Hard Luck award went to Ryan Archer from SuperSonic. Category speed awards saw Fury take the 60mph honour and Espresso Engineers claim the 100mph prize, with Espresso Engineers also taking out Thunder on the Lake.
With fresh talent joining the series and experienced crews returning for another crack, the 2025/26 season looks set to build on what has already been a memorable year. Events are already confirmed across a range of locations, and the appetite within the community is clearly strong.
The prizegiving sent a straightforward message: the health of offshore powerboat racing in New Zealand depends as much on its people as on the machinery they race.
