Queenstown jet-boat driver Regan Williamson was the fastest man on the Dart River yesterday, but the top three rankings remained unchanged after the Glenorchy leg of the World Championship Jet Boat Marathon.
Canadian Gord Humphrey was one second behind Williamson after 32km of upstream racing.
The top four racers completed the course between the Glenorchy boat ramp and Beans Burn in 12min 20sec. However, they were racing for leg honours as the top three stayed ahead overall.
Hundreds of spectators watched John Derry, of Blenheim, defend his lead against Canadian Dale Whiteside, in second place, while Ben Baxter, of Winton, was third.
The A-class lead and the FX-class lead swapped positions because of drivers running aground, marathon spokesman Paul Mullan, of Sydney, said.
Dwayne Terry, of Gore, on the second leg downstream followed the A-class leader when Terry ran aground, letting Cameron Moore, of Christchurch, take the top spot in the FX-class.
Bonnar Anderson, of Te Anau, was leading the A-class until running aground upstream and surrendered his lead to Steven Price, of Christchurch.
The marathon crews take on the Matukituki and Clutha Rivers today. Prizegiving will be in the Golden Gate Lodge, Cromwell, tonight.
