Dani Taiatini, granddaughter of powerboat legend Ted Taiatini and daughter of powerboat champion Mark Taiatini has added another championship to the family trophy cabinet.
Recently Dani competed in the NZ National Powerboat championship in Lake Rotoiti – South Island NZ. The championship consisted of three races completed over the day to determine the overall national winner. Dani drove extremely well considering this is the largest and most competitive class in NZ powerboat racing, with entrants coming from all over NZ ranging from ages 12-16 years old.
In just her second regatta Dani won all three Championship races to gain a clean sweep for the 2022 Clubman’s Junior title. Never has this been achieved before as most past champions spend 2-3 years competing in the class.
Brooklyn Taiatini – her older sister also competed in the Senior (Adults) Clubman’s NZ Titles championship well beyond her years (only female) as well but unfortunately whilst competing for third place in the championship she flipped the boat in the final race.
The Clubman and Juniors class has been a popular class (consistently 10-15 racing each year in juniors)Â for many years in circuit racing and has produced some really talented young racers.
Father Mark raced Dani’s boat last year (and won Clubman’s – adults)  to dial it in for the girls.
Mark says that there is a great family atmosphere in then Clubman series which competes at some classic venues such as Arapuni, Mangakino, Karapiro, Rotoiti and the Waiarapa.
He adds that it is a very affordable class ($2500-$7000) to get into. Plus the flow on effect has been that now the ski boat class – Formula V (v bottom outboard up to 200hp stock) and MOD VP ( v bottom outboard – 200hp and above unlimited) has increased in popularity.
For more information on the Clubman series contact: Mark Taiatini | mark@familyboats.co.nz
