The Opening round for 2026 saw the return to Gulf Harbour for the first time in 16 years. The date and weather were picked months in advance, and what a day it turned out to be. 10-15 knot NW breeze largely sheltered by the Hibiscus Coast’s southern cliffs. A few season and day entrants ruled out the day before the race due to mechanical gremlins saw a projected field of 25 down to 18 boats, however, this didn’t disappoint the 100-150 spectator craft that took to the water to witness the sports return to Auckland.
A day of two races saw the first race in lighter wind; however, the shorter inshore course, plus traditional Gulf Harbour wash machine water, caused an uncomfortable short chop for both races.
Locals and race favourites Fury II were ruled out in the opening lap of race one with a blown engine. Captain Caveman not far behind them with a few litres of oil present in the bottom of the bilge,  pulled the pin to spare the engine (good call). The 30ft Superboat Superstitious then left to run home for the win in Sports 80 in both classes. The 140HP class saw four on the start line. A few laps in mechanical failure saw Mad Max dead in the water. Close racing saw Gold Ship followed by Coranto then the repowered Nakita taking third in both races with only 4kmh in speed separating 1st and 3rd – it will surely be a class to watch!
In the Supercat Lite, Rainbow Haulage had the speed over Langslow Engineering in both races taking a comfortable win. With Chindit out due to a broken engine mount it left the return of Grant Smith in Cougar to take line honours in both races for the 70MPH class. The real action then took place in the 200HP class. With the return of Mikey Smith and Shane Rumens, Mike Knight and Bryce Helms, Mark Taiatini and Alex Smith joining Ryan Archer and fill-in crew, Charlie Lewis the class was set to be a spectacle. Chirs Haegaer and Brett Archer rounded out the field to make a 6-boat strong entry list. Brett Archer ruled out before the race to mechanical gremlins, left a 5-boat strong field to go hammer and tong. Flag dropped and Ryan Archer showed all a clean pair of heels and maintained the lead for the entire first race, much to the surprise of the team in Gen 2 who flat spun the boat in spectacular fashion several times pushing hard. Gen 2 picked up second and Mike Knight third.
Race two again, some close racing between Supersonic and Gen 2 before Gen 2 made a pass late in the race to take the win, leaving Supersonic to take second and Mark Taiatini to beat Mike Knight into 3rd. These 200’s gave Superstitious a real run for it’s money with Archer managing to beat it in the first round and Mikey Smith coming close in the 2nd race.
The addition of Family Class saw two new entrants take water, both of whom have got the bug and will be back. Sadly, neither survived both races, but each loved every minute. The return of Nominated Speed saw everyone attend Prizegiving with the $1000 cash prize on the line. 1st and 2nd place, separated by a mere two error points, saw a suspenseful award. With Mike Knight and Grant Henry at the front of the room, first prize was handed to Grant Henry in his repowered Nakita!
Lastly Ron Archer was invited forward as the inaugural member of NZOPA and donator of the Archer Family Trophy, a trophy Ron had presumed long lost. The trophy originally presented in 1988 to Ross Tebbs for Line Honours at the Auckland Round of the series. Hearing Ron speak with the passion and dedication he has given to the sport was a highlight to all, the award then given to the team of Rainbow Haulage, Colin Dunn and Darren Butterworth.
Next round 15th November – Taupo.
