Power boats booked in for Rotoiti

The Rotoiti Power Boat Club will host the 2021 NZ Power Boat Association Nationals at the picturesque Nelson lakes venue over the weekend of March 13-14.

Club spokesperson Joe Blakiston said that the overwhelming crowd support and on-water success of the last two regattas held at the lake make it an easy decision to award the nationals to the small but active club.

A major attraction will be the nine show-stopping GP hydroplanes who are vying for the Hydro Thunder series, with the fourth and final round being staged at Lake Rotoiti.

“These spectacular boats will achieve speeds of 250kph on water and to see up to six in the heats and finals will be a memorable sight<” suggested Blakiston.

There will also be plenty of high-revving action among the other classes. Local drivers Chris Dufeu and Julian Stilwell will be going all out to win the NZ Formula 1 Tunnel hull titles, plus there will be Grand National Boats, Formula 3, V8 flatties, while Rotoiti members will also be competing in the popular Clubman open and junior events.

“An action-packed few days racing is assured,” said Blakiston.