Celebrating 100 years of racing

GUEST

The Rotoiti Power boat Club will be celebrating its 100-year centenary at the local Regatta 11-12 March 2023 on the spectacular Lake Rotoiti Power Boat Circuit.

Already New Zealand's best-attended regatta and always a favourite among drivers and spectators, the last few years have seen some of the biggest fields in decades and the most exciting racing despite the covid disruptions.

Local organiser Joe Blakiston says this year the club will be hosting the final of the Hydro Thunder GP Hydroplane series, the NZ Formula 1 series final, Matt Morrison Memorial Trophy for Unlimited Inboard racing runabouts as well as a full field of racers down to the Clubman and Junior series, and close racing is guaranteed across the weekend.

With the Rotoiti Power Boat Club being formed in 1923 and the first race being a marathon to the top of the lake and back, with the winner taking 5 hours. Things have certainly progressed with the 250 kph GP hydroplanes probably able to do it in 10 minutes.

The close association with DoC and a core group of local club members has been a key to this event becoming more popular as the years progress.

Further information will be available on the club Facebook page as the event draws nearer.