The 2026 Australian Offshore Superboat Championships roared into life on Lake Macquarie over the weekend with record numbers of boats on the water, packed spectator zones and two days of high-octane racing delivering a spectacular start to the Australian Championship season.
The opening round brought competitors from across Australia’s east coast to Lake Macquarie, where thousands of spectators turned out to experience the free on-water action and a program of free family-friendly activities on shore. Both designated activation zones were packed with enthusiastic fans, reinforcing the growing appetite for offshore powerboat racing and the significant appeal of bringing major sporting events to the region.
With record entries across the four competing classes, the weekend showcased a sport that continues to build momentum, attracting new competitors, established Championship teams and audiences eager to experience the noise, speed and spectacle of Offshore racing.
Supercat Extreme Delivers The Thunder
As the largest Offshore Powerboats competing in Australia, the Supercat Extreme class once again proved a major crowd favourite. The sheer size, horsepower and unmistakable thunder of these machines provided a spectacular showcase of offshore racing at its most powerful.
Adding an extra layer of star power was Todd Kelly, whose name is synonymous with Australian motorsport through Kelly Racing and the Supercars paddock. Now competing in Miss Mojo, Kelly carried his winning ways onto the water, claiming victory in all three races contested across the weekend.
For the hometown favourites, 222 Offshore, the opening round proved a challenging weekend, with mechanical gremlins disrupting their campaign across the two days.
Competing on home waters, the team had plenty of local support behind them, but racing rarely follows the script. As an established World Championship-winning outfit, 222 Offshore has the experience and determination to work through adversity, regroup and return stronger as the championship unfolds.
With the season only just beginning, the team will be focused on putting the challenges of Lake Macquarie behind them and building momentum for the rounds ahead.
One of the biggest operations in the Championship, Hornet Racing arrived at Lake Macquarie with three boats competing across the classes, underlining the scale and ambition of the Melbourne-based team.
With a new boat and new crew combinations in the mix, the opening round was an important opportunity to build experience, establish race pace and gather valuable Championship points.
As the reigning AUS 1 Champions, Hornet Racing knows what it takes to compete at the front of the field. The team will now turn its attention to refining its performance and pushing for further improvements as the Championship battle develops.
With three boats on the water, Hornet Racing’s presence also demonstrated the depth of participation and the commitment required to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Supersport 65 Emerges As A Major Drawcard
The strength of the field extended well beyond the headline Supercat Extreme class, with an incredible 11 boats competing in the Supersport 65mph Class.
The class attracted a diverse mix of competitors, including day racers and entrants bringing valuable experience from the ski racing scene. The class also saw the only ‘all female’ crew of Sophie (aged 17) and Ella (aged 19) hit the water in the Red Hot Racing boat, which again, is a testament to the diversity and growth of the sport. This blend of backgrounds is helping broaden the competitive field and create new pathways into offshore racing.
The depth of the Supersport 65 entries is an encouraging sign for the Championship, demonstrating that the sport’s growth is being driven not only by spectator interest, but also by competitors eager to test themselves on the Offshore stage.
With large fields, close competition and a range of experience levels, this class is shaping up as the one to watch as the season progresses.
A Major Weekend For Lake Macquarie And Newcastle
Beyond the racing, the Lake Macquarie event delivered a major weekend of activity for the region, bringing travelling teams, crews, support personnel and spectators into the area.
Competitors travelling from across the east coast contributed to demand for local accommodation, hospitality, fuel, transport and other services, while the event’s packed spectator zones created opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the influx of visitors.
The two activation zones played an important role in making the event accessible to the community, providing free vantage points to watch the racing alongside shore-based entertainment and family activities. The strong turnout demonstrated the value of combining a major sporting spectacle with an engaging, community-focused event experience.
With Offshore Superboats racing against the backdrop of Lake Macquarie, the weekend also showcased the region’s natural assets and its ability to host major sporting events that appeal to both locals and visitors.
Building Towards An Even Bigger 2027
The opening round has set a strong benchmark for the 2027 Australian Offshore Superboat Championships, with the record field, outstanding spectator response and quality of competition providing plenty of reasons for optimism.
As teams regroup and prepare for the next round, Championship points will become increasingly important, with every race presenting an opportunity to gain ground, build consistency and establish a position in the title fight.
Following the success of the Lake Macquarie weekend, the focus will also turn to the future and the opportunity to build an even bigger and better event in 2027.
The Australian Offshore Superboat Championships extends its thanks to Lake Macquarie Council and Empire Marina for their continued support and partnership in bringing Offshore racing to the region. To the competitors, teams, officials, event partners, sponsors, volunteers, local businesses and the Lake Macquarie and Newcastle communities who helped make the opening round such a success, we extend our gratitude and sincere thanks for your ongoing support.
With the Championship now underway and momentum building both on and off the water, the 2027 season promises plenty more horsepower, competition and excitement.
The Australian Offshore Superboat Championship now heads south to Victoria with the next round being staged in Wyndham Harbour on the 20th – 21st February 2027.
For more information, visit superboat.com.au
