But when the rain started pelting down in Wānaka yesterday during the final stages of round one of the UIM Jetsprint World Championship, they had to put racing on hold temporarily.
NZ Jetsprint Association secretary Pip Thompson said the rain was getting too heavy for the drivers and navigators to see.
"If you can’t see where you’re going, that’s not safe at the speeds these boats are going at."
Hundreds of jetsprint enthusiasts lined the banks at the Novus Glass Wānaka Aquatrack over the weekend to watch the speed, skill and sheer excitement of teams from across the globe.
Teams from New Zealand, Australia, the United States and Canada competed across three classes — the superboats, Group A and the newly formed LS Class.
The competition attracted reigning superboat champion Phonsy Mullan, of Australia, and Group A category reigning champion Ollie Silverton, of New Zealand.
Saturday consisted of practice and qualifying laps, and despite some delays due to heavy rain yesterday, there were qualifying laps and eliminations, culminating in a top three battle for podium spots and international supremacy at the end of round one.
She said racing was very close.
The second round of the championship would be held in Whanganui this weekend (February 1-2).
Results —
Superboats: 1st: Phonsy Mullan and Narelle Pellow; 2nd: Sam Newdick and Shama Putaranui; 3rd Reuben Hoeksema and Suzi Katovich.
Group A: 1st: Brendan Doyle and Holley Small; 2nd: Ollie Silverton and Amanda Kittow; 3rd: Justin Roylance and Tracey Little.
LS Class: 1st: Bastian Mullan and Tahleah Mullan; 2nd River Rogers and Cole Keatts; 3rd Kyle Elphinstone and Jacob Ballamy.
