The World Jet Boat marathon is set to take place in rivers around the South Island with some seriously quick — and seriously loud — boats flying over the water.
There are 32 boats lining up for the event, which is back in New Zealand for the first time in six years.
Covid 19 had scuttled events and the calendar had gone back more than two years.
Two boats have come from the United States and two from Canada, with the rest from New Zealand.
Registration will be at Cromwell today before a time trial to sort out seedings tomorrow on the Kawarau River.
Racing then moves to the Dart River on Monday, followed by the Matukituki River on Tuesday. The Waitaki River is the waterway on Wednesday before a lay day on Thursday.
Racing then shifts to rivers further north, with the final race on the Waimakariri River on Sunday.
The world marathon also doubles as the New Zealand marathon.
Roger Preston, of Southland, is set to defend his national title. Speeds on the river can get up to more than 230kmh.
Conditions are expected to be good for the event.
