New Zealand Offshore Powerboat Series- Race Five - Whitianga

by Cathy Vercoe on 2 Apr 2012
Whitianga provided some challenging conditions for the fifth race of the 2012 New Zealand Powerboat series with an onshore breeze that provided all the competitors with plenty of lift.

At times it was almost too much, with several of the Superboats and Superboat Lites performing huge leaps off the incoming swell only to find themselves suspended for an instant in an almost vertical pose, noses high in the air, before crashing and splashing back down. The momentum of their leap decided if the boat was going to fall back and land on its engines or continue the arc and nosedive into the sea ahead. Not something any of the drivers wanted to repeat and yet difficult to avoid with the bridge decks of the catamarans catching the breeze.

Like all the other 100 mile competitors Warren Lewis and Flea Koolen found driving 'Fairview' hard work, but they managed to put in a magnificent performance with another win for the season. 'Fujitsu Better Heat' driven by Tony Coleman and Chris Hanley were chasing hard but came unstuck when the buried their boat into a wave up to the cockpit after a particularly spectacular leap.

Chris Hanley said later that the engines shut down with water halfway up the engines and six inches deep in the cockpit. It took some time to pump out the water, but he was pleased to be quickly back up to speed, and back in the race. The Superboats were joined today by Wayne and Grant Valder in 'Profloors'. As local boys and experienced drivers they knew how to deal with the conditions and put on a fine display, finishing third behind 'Fairview' and 'Fujitsu Better Heat'. Schick Hydro looked to be managing the conditions well, with a determined effort to finish the race in one piece.

In the Superboat Lite class Red Steel appears to have the season sewn up with their fifth consecutive win. With their only competition in this class from 'Speedy 1' driven by Peter Jonas and Steve Bone they appeared to be having a fairly conservative race, not wanting to cause any damage to the boat in what could be hull shattering conditions. Despite this they still managed to put on a good display of tail stands, particularly on the run out to the island. 'Speedy 1' too managed some tremendous leaps, and no doubt found their first experience on the Whitianga race circuit challenging.

The monohulls appeared to be easier to control today with less surface area trapping the wind. They did however still have to contend with the large rolling swell, which grew as the boats raced further out into the bay. 'Energizer' had a fantastic start in the 60 mile race and were soon well ahead, literally in leaps and bounds. Jono Hanley and his sister Ashleigh have been strong contenders all season and it looked as if luck was on their side as they settled down at the front of the field. Their good fortune did not last however with engine problems seeing them stop several times on the course before finally succumbing to the need for a tow.

Mikey Knight in Auckland District Collections was in his element and was more than happy to take over the lead spot with the usual suspects 'Konica Minolta' driven by Mikey Smith and 'Total Oil' driven by James Taylor giving chase. CRD Automotive driven by Colin and Cory Dunn were never far from the action, joined by 'Triple Trouble' driven by Bob and Alex Smith.

Once again it was the two catamarans 'Yeah Naa' and 'Thin Ice' that seemed to be struggling most in the conditions, and despite taking it easy in some of the bigger swells were still able to get plenty of lift.

The Batboat 'Back2Bay6' driven by Glen and Chris Powell raced in the Super 60 class, but pulled out early in the race as the conditions were aggravating a back injury sustained in the last race at Napier. Mike Gerbic and Allan Branch were out this week in Mike's Batboat 'Espresso Engineers'.

Mike won the Super 60 championship with this boat last year, and after damaging his Superboat Lite by the same name at Napier a fortnight ago Mike decided it was time to dust off the cobwebs and get it out of the shed. Allan found his first experience racing in the Batboat exciting, but he came back with blisters on his hands for fear of being thrown from the cockpit in the unenclosed boat.

Auckland District Collections finished first in the 60 mile race with Konica Minolta in second and Triple Trouble in third place.

The NZOPA would like to thank their Key Sponsor - Whitianga Ice Supplies, as well as their supporting sponsors; the Coastguard, Shell Whitianga, The Blacksmith Bar & Kitchen, Marina Park, Smitty's Bar & Grill, Gull Whitianga, Fujitsu Better Heat and Pub Charity for their support in making the Whitianga Race possible.

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

Racing continues at Wellington on the 14th April, Auckland on the 28th April and the final race of the season at Tauranga on the 12th May