Be Involved
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With 8 races held throughout the North Island, 35+ boats competing at each venue and crowds in excess of 15,000 at each event, you don’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity to become a part of the thrilling and entertaining world of Offshore.
Whether it’s the speed demons inside you wanting to get out there and give it a go, or watching from the safety of the shore is more your thing, there are plenty of ways to get involved...
GIVE IT A TRY!
We have a range of classes that your typical family and ski boats are likely to be eligible to compete in, have a look at the options below and see if there’s something for you...
Sports 60 and Sports Restricted Classes
These boats battle it out, along with the Formula Honda competitors, for the Overall 60 mile title.
Sports 60 boats must be a minimum length of 18ft and be powered by a single, “straight out of the box” 2 or 4 stroke engine, with a maximum manufacturers rating of 225hp, and 3.3L.
Sports Restricted competitors must be a minimum of 17ft, 10, and powered by a single, “straight out of the box” 2 or 4 stroke engine with a maximum rating of 200hp.
All boats need 2 crew members and have the correct safety gear to go and race, but don’t let this put you off, there are copious amounts of spare gear lying around between crews who are more than happy to make sure you meet the safety requirements and can get out there and race!
Day Licences are available, at a cost of $50 per competitor, and Race Entry fee is $250.
For more information on the specific boat, engine and safety requirements, check out our National Rules.
Formula Honda Class
Formula Honda is a one hull, one engine class based on the 1900SS Sonic hull rigged with a 150hp Honda 4-stroke VTEC outboard.
Detailed rules for this class are administered by Honda Marine and are available from the Formula Honda website www.formulahonda.co.nz
Family Class
By far the easiest, cheapest way to go racing! This is a nominated speed class open to all boats not eligible to race in the other classes. Competitors will be timed to complete a 30 mile course and the boat closest to their nominated speed (anywhere between 20 and 75 mph) wins the race.
Again, you will need certain safety gear, check out our National Rules to make sure you have everything required.
Day Licences cost $50 per competitor and Race entry is just $100!
VOLUNTEER PATROL AND MARK BOATS
Got a boat and keen to be out on the water, just not racing along at 80 mph?? We are always in need of volunteer craft to help mark and patrol the courses. If you are interested in learning a little more about Offshore and are keen to help us out for an afternoon, please contact us on admin@nzoffshore.co.nz.
SPECTATORS
Happy just to enjoy the excitement of it all from the safety of the shore? There is always plenty happening on race day with many of the teams running hospitality tents and providing a great atmosphere to watch the racing. Drivers and crews are often working on the boats but never too busy to answer a question or two, or to show you around the boats. There is food and drink, kids’ rides and entertainment and the best part about it? IT'S FREE! So make sure you come along to our next event and experience the excitement for yourself.
WILDCAT RACING
Can't wait to get out there and give it a go, but not quite old enough yet? Wildcat Racing is the newest addition to the NZ Powerboat Scene. Created as a stepping stone for junior enthusiasts, Wildcat racing provides those kids aged 8 -15 a safe and exciting learning environment.
Their events are scheduled to run in conjunction with the main NZ Offshore events and create the perfect morning curtain raiser before the big boats hit the water in the afternoon. For more information, check out the website www.wildcatracing.co.nz
