Auckland misses out as GFC hits Kiwi offshore championships

9:31 PM Mon 6 Apr 2009 GMT

'Rayglass in Wellington' New Zealand Hydroplane Drivers Club Phillip Hoskyn Click Here to view large photo

The final round of the Rayglass New Zealand Offshore Powerboat championships has been shifted from Auckland to Gulf Harbour.

Presumably, the global financial crisis has hit the country's largest city, as the decision by the NZOPA follows Auckland City Council informing the association it did not have the budget to support the event.

Wayne Valder, president of the NZOPA, said it amounted to a financial disincentive to hold the final in Auckland.

'We missed a round at Gulf Harbour earlier in the season due to most unusual weather conditions that grounded our safety helicopter,' he explained.

'It is a shame we won't be racing in Auckland, but the council has its budgetary constraints and we understand that.

'However, Auckland's loss is Gulf Harbour's gain and we're looking forward to a spectacular day of racing off the end of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula on May 2.

'With the support of major sponsors such as Rayglass New Zealand, we are able to put on a free afternoon of racing and entertainment.

'We look forward to seeing powerboat fans from all over make the short trip out to Gulf Harbour to catch all the action,' he added.

by Bob Wonders

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