Powerboating: Thunderboats roar, soar

Thunderboats are set to roar in the Bay of Islands when some of New Zealand's top offshore powerboat racers hit the water on Sunday.

Boats boasting up to 1100hp will be flying along Northland waters near Paihia at around 200km/h, hoping to attract as much attention as possible.

Offshore boating fans hope for maximum exposure so Northland can become a permanent part of their championship races.

Flying the Whangarei flag at this weekend's event will be classic offshore boat co-owner Bryan McLean in his 8.23m Jim Mackay Deep-V hull thundering machine, which boasts 1100hp.

McLean is hopeful this weekend's event - which is also a promotional exercise to test the water with the Northland fan base - and a championship event can became regular fixtures in the North.

"The Far North District Council is behind it," said McLean, who has been involved in offshore boat racing forabout 40 years.

"I think it'd be really good for the North, because if anyone wants to see any offshore powerboat races they have to go to Auckland."

McLean, who is still racing at 73, said Northland only had a handful of racers and hoped this weekend's races might provoke some interest for new competitors.

The event will be filmed and shown on TV3's Gillette Motor Sport programme at a date to be confirmed.

Race day kicks off at 1.30pm with two races scheduled.

Explore NZ is offering trips offshore to watch, tickets are $60 adult/$30 child.

To book, call Explore NZ on 0800 365 744 or book online www.explorenz.co.nz/specialcruises

For land-based viewing head to Ti Beach in Paihia, Tapeka or the Waitangi Treaty grounds with your family for an afternoon of heart-stopping and free entertainment.

All about offshore powerboating:

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  Boats race in classes depending on types of boats.
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  Winners are decided based on times.
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  Boats start off racing as a giant pack.
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  Racing generally happens about 200-300m offshore.While announcers can usually be heard, it is recommended to memorise the names of local drivers or drivers of interest.
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  The term "Thunderboat" comes from the noise the boats make on the water.