Sinking container ship Rena has claimed its first major sporting event of the summer with the first round of the New Zealand offshore powerboat series shelved for at least two months.
It was decided to postpone Saturday's race, the first in Tauranga Harbour for four years, after fears some ofthe tonnes of timber, debris and containers spilling from the sunken stern of the Rena had found their way into the harbour.
Offshore powerboats event director Denise Moughan said the increased amount of traffic on the harbour as salvage crews continued their work on the Rena was also a factor in the decision.
As the Rena sank it left behind tonnes of timber, debris and containers that littered Matakana Island and Waihi Beach.
"The harbourmaster called us and pulled the pin on it [on Tuesday night]. It's a shame but we were half expecting it could happen," Moughan said.
This weekend's ocean swim from Orokawa Bay to Waihi Beach had also been cancelled.
Offshore Powerboating NZ had secured sponsorship for the Tauranga race - restaurant Phil's Place at Bridge marina - and were eyeing alternative dates in March or April.
Moughan said the impact of a powerboat hitting submerged debris at 200km/h would be catastrophic.
"I've spoken to Maritime New Zealand, the Port and the harbourmasters and there is debris making its way inside the harbour entrance. If one of our boats hit a log or a bit of timber at full speed then it could be devastating, and as much as the drivers were keen to come to Tauranga again and race the course, safety's our main focus," Moughan said.
Saturday's two races, over 100 miles and 60 miles, were due to take place inside the harbour and there was potential risk of getting tangled in the traffic coming in and out of the entrance.
"Our race only goes for an hour and although we come out towards the Mount we stay well away from the bar, but the last thing we wanted was to get in anyone's way. It's common sense that we should hold off for a few months."
Moughan also runs the annual hydroplane series off the Strand, although difficulties with getting the moorings in the harbour moved for the weekend meant that event had already been shelved.
She was keen to resurrect it next year and would be talking to the Bay of Plenty Regional and Tauranga City Councils about a hydroplane/offshore powerboats double-header, with the powerboats continuing to use its traditional course but detouring under the harbour bridge adjacent to the CBD.
