Hydroplane nationals thrill at Lake Rotoiti

The roar of 1500 horsepower hydroplanes and two days of close racing drew a large crowd to Lake Rotoiti on 28 February and March 1, for the Trade Zone National Regatta, where perfect weather and tight contests made for a standout weekend in the Nelson Lakes.

Nelson drivers featured strongly across the grades, with Julian Stilwell claiming the National F1 Tunnel Hull title ahead of clubmate Chris Dufeu after a tight series. Chris responded on Sunday, taking out both the Arthur McCaa Memorial and the Graham Radcliffe Memorial trophies.

Rotoiti club secretary Jason Stewart returned to the water in his Formula 3 boat Ghost to win the Railway Cup, while North Island competitor Emma Ward, in her first outing in a Grand National hydroplane, secured the historic Pelorus Jack Trophy.

Southland driver Mike Harvey again dominated the Grand National class in his reliable boat Aquanaut, and the junior clubman field was well supported, with Angus Hodson driving consistently well in KTM.

Jack Lupton from the Whanganui club proved unstoppable in his GP33 hydroplane, winning the GP classes over David Alexander in Miss Waverley. Jack also claimed the AE Baker Trophy and was crowned King of the Nationals.

Perfect lake conditions added to the spectacle, and a lunchtime aerial display by WW2 fighter plane Full Noise was a crowd favourite.

Rotoiti School reported a bumper weekend in its fundraising food tent, reinforcing the regatta’s role as an important annual event for the St Arnaud community.