Powerboat racing: Taking 'bumper boats' to whole new level

Perrin Reilly in flight. Photo / Christine Cornege.

Thousands of people turned out to watch some smashing action at the Thundercat Racing Surf Cross competition at Mt Maunganui yesterday.

About 3000 people were at the beach for the contest which has become more popular over the years, national Thundercat Association president Steve Frogley said.

"There were more spectators than competitors. We had a lot of great action, which made it more interesting for the spectators."

Mr Frogley said a couple of competitors were thrown out of their boats because of the strong surf but no one was hurt.

Perrin Reilly went flying out of his boat Blue Cougar when driver Darren Jessop collided with another vessel.

The eventual winner was the Smuggler Marine team, which was made up of Logan Pringle, 20, and Chris Wells, 23.