"In the first year we had a big accident and Delia broke her arm," Haydon says.
"It was the last lap [and] we were vying with the other back boat for the championship. We just got caught out on a corner and flipped it over. She was hospitalised for three days in Napier. [There's] a metal plate in her arm now so she has trouble getting around the airport [but] she's twice as strong."
Although their 23ft, 330hp Ocke Mannerfelt Outboard Pro is smaller compared to rival boats, it packs a punch.
"There's a couple of boats with 1000hp which we're up against. They can be a challenge," Haydon admits.
"This year we've put a carbon fibre canopy on it to just make it safer. We used to be restricted to 85mph [135km/h]. Now with the canopy [it's] unrestricted speed so we can just open it right up."
With a 1m chop forecast for the Paihia Offshore 100 the Spiers' intentions are clear.
"We want to take out the 60 Mile division [but] it all depends on the conditions."
Another Northlander, Bryan McLean, and his co-driver Alistair Reeves will contest the Classic class on Topaz.
The Paihia Offshore 100 action begins on Saturday with races starting at 12pm.
More information can be found at http://www.nzoffshore.co.nz/?p=2095
High-octane ride a thrill
Travelling at speeds of 145km/h on the water was a first for me.
As a water-lover, and surfer, I've experienced the thrill of being perched atop a wave and the raw speed it entails.
But I hadn't foreseen the opportunity of a high-octane "cruise" around the Whangarei Harbour in a New Zealand Offshore Powerboat.
The generous offer from Haydon and Delia Spiers for a blast in their 330hp Ocke Mannerfelt Outboard Pro was a no-brainer. As we set out from the calm Parua Bay boat ramp -leaving behind its sleepy afternoon fishermen and gentle vistas - Haydon assured me we'd just go for a "bit of a spin".
After a few "warm up" strides, the time had come. Sitting snug in the co-driver seat, fighter jet style, and restrained by full harness seat belts and protected by a custom built carbon-fibre canopy, what could go wrong, I quietly mused?
As the Mercury engine roared, and the colours of the harbour blurred into one, I'd be lying if I said my heart-rate didn't go up a few ticks as we sped toward 145km/h. It was no world record, but it sure felt like one.
