Rayglass to sponsor NZ Powerboat Series

Rayglass to sponsor NZ Powerboat Series

Rayglass Boats is to sponsor New Zealand’s 2009 offshore powerboat championship. The championship, to be known as the Rayglass NZ Powerboat Series, will be raced at eight venues around the North Island from late January until early May.

Rayglass Boats CEO, Tony Hembrow, says the company is looking forward to expanding its association with New Zealand’s premier marine motorsport event.

“Rayglass has long been a strong supporter of motorsport in New Zealand, both on and off the water,” he says. “We regularly sponsor a number of top saloon and drag cars, including the current Australasian drag car champion.

“We also sponsor champion offshore racer Kelly Smith, winner of the 2007 and 2008 Superboat Light Class in her Rayglass Skater.”

Tony Hembrow says the step up to series sponsor is a natural progression for New Zealand’s leading powerboat manufacturer.

“As New Zealand’s biggest manufacturer of trailer powerboats and rigid inflatable boats (RIBs), it is natural for us to be involved in high profile events like this.

“In yachting, we have had a long association with the Louis Vuitton and America’s Cup regattas.

“The Rayglass NZ Powerboat Series is the country’s top powerboat racing championship; it is a natural fit for us.”

Tony Hembrow says Rayglass representatives will attend all eight events in the 2009 Rayglass Championship, supporting both the series and Rayglass-sponsored Kelly Smith as she aims to win her third title in a row.

The Rayglass NZ Powerboat Series begins in Taupo on January 24. Other races are at Gulf Harbour, February 14; Maraetai, February 28; Napier, March 7; Wellington, March 21, Whitianga, April 4 and Whangarei, April 18. The series’ final will be in Auckland, under the Harbour Bridge on May 2.