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The economic crunch has bitten into the ranks of offshore powerboat competitors but a sizeable field of around 30 boats is still expected to contest the second round of the national championship off Gulf Harbour today.
Not fronting in the Superboat class this season are 2008-07 winner Peter Turner and 2006-05 winner Richard Shores. Wayne Valder will not race either.
"We hope to contest a couple of rounds, the boat is ready to go," Valder said. "Obviously the financial crisis isn't helping this sport or any other."
Only two big boats contested round one at Taupo, the Lewis brothers, Scott and Warren, bringing Fairview Aluminium home first and retaining favouritism for the Gulf Harbour event. Their boat is identical to that of second-placed Chris Hanley and Tony Coleman's Cure Kids. "Whoever has the most confidence will win, I'd say," Valder predicted.
The weather and sea conditions are expected to be similar to those for last year's race, when Shores crashed badly in Placemakers. The boat has been under repair for some time but was not ready for round one and won't compete today. But others who were not prepared for Taupo are turning out, including a good contingent in the new Honda class where all boats are identical. Mike Knight and Shannon Thickpenny lead that class after winning round one last month.
Winds are predicted to hit 20 knots on the Gulf today and the tides in the race area will make it an arduous day for competitors. Racing starts at noon, with the 100-mile and 60-mile events fired away at the same time. Best viewing is from the reserve in front of the marina.
