Kaiapoi ITM 2010 New Zealand Jetboat Marathon - Final day

by www.nzjbrra.co.nz on 18 Oct 2010 Kaiapoi ITM 2010 New Zealand Jetboat Marathon's final day was today, the forecast drizzle and cloud blew through during the night, as the competitors were again met with glorious West Coast weather conditions. This region is known for its white bait, and most of the teams have been dining on the rare delicacy all week, it’s been a lean season so far and finding it on the menu’s in the local restaurant’s has been nearly as challenging as negotiating the shallow waters in a high speed Jetboat.

Fifteen competitors took the starters flag on the morning upstream leg, SSS Engineering U Class Entrant Roger Preston from Southland returning after taking a massive shunt on the Taramakau River. The crew putting in an impressive effort overnight to repair the Eagle Hull, their efforts rewarded with the fifth fastest time for the morning showing the boat still had good speed.

Canadian Entrant Gord Humphrys continued his fine form posting the fastest time of 15 minutes 36 seconds ahead of the also quick Garth McMaster and the now conservative John Derry. Derry is now racing very smartly, with his eye on the title and more than seven minutes on Humphrys.

Aaron Morrison in his Stratco D Class entry also had a good run up the Grey River, the turbo charged V8 Nissan running well with his older brother Duanne doing the navigating.

The final leg was a reverse of this morning’s course, Ahaura to Greymouth on the Grey River. John Derry’s Gas Turbine powered boat again posted a conservative third fastest time to maintain his overall lead and become the Kaiapoi ITM 2010 New Zealand Jetboat Marathon Champion.

Derry emerged from a dunking in the river and beamed 'I’m so happy with how the week went, we really just wanted to finish this marathon and prove the turbine could do it, but to win it is just awesome! Rob Chrunyk from Bratt Jet in Canada who built the boat is a very happy man! He’s been here all week helping us with tuning and getting the most out of the boat. The boat is in great shape and we are ready to race it next weekend!'

Gord Humphrys held out to take second overall from Garth McMaster who was just three seconds ahead of Roger Preston, Roger left wondering what could have been after taking a wrong turn on the way upstream dashing his hopes, despite showing good speed after the huge effort by the team to get the boat back on the water. McMaster also taking out honours in Coastline Marine B Class.

Hamilton Jet FX Class honours went to the highly experienced Neil Ross, he had built a healthy lead and nursed the boat home in the last two days 'it’s a marathon, there’s no point risking your gear if you have a comfortable lead' smiled Ross. Navigator Josh Ratukuna from Sigatoka River Safari’s also very happy to have the class win in his first marathon.

Focus now for the top teams is on the next World Jetboat Marathon, being held in Canada in 2011. The turbines are sure to impress in the open water conditions, this win of Derry’s is sure to convince these engines are the way forward with Jetboat Marathon Racing.

For more information, please go to: www.nzjbrra.co.nz