Armacup Offshore Powerboats on Auckland Harbour

by Sail-World on 12 May 2006 This week saw the return of offshore powerboat racing to the Waitemata for the first time in 13 years.

In a spirit of cooperation the RNZYS moved the race area for the opening race of their winter racing series to allow the powerboats to race off Westhaven Marina with the course lapping through beneath the harbour bridge.

All other harbour users worked with the Harbour Master and race organisers to create a race course close to spectators along the harbour edge, making a spectacular event.

The event started in the morning with Thundercat racing and ski racing, and then a spectacular aerobatic performance from a beautifully presented P51 Mustang.

The main event got underway just after 1pm. The seawall along the harbour was packed with spectators who were thrilled by the three-way battle of the big Superboats thundering past only 30m away at 112mph.

Winner on the day was the locally designed and built 'Sleepyhead' of former champion Peter Turner. Yacht designers Bakewell-White Yacht Design who are better known for their sailing yachts penned this carbon composite catamaran, and they appear to have made a seamless transition from Supermaxi to Superboat racer.

Turner now goes into next week’s final championship round with a small points lead and the possibility of lifting his 5th title.