Pooley dazzles as sun causes problem
Southland jet boat drivers were wanting less sunshine over the weekend as it hindered visibility on day two of the Southern Bolts and Fasteners Twin Rivers Race.
In total, 11 teams took part in the Southland competition after some racers dropped out.
Winton racer Michael King, who won the 2016 event in his class and overall honours with his brother, Ben Baxter, said the weather was near perfect over the weekend for racing.
The first day of racing was held on the Waiau River, starting at the Tuatapere Domain with leg one running 80km up the river to Redcliff Confluence, then 80km return for leg two.
Driver Mike Pooley and navigator Nick McMillan, of North Canterbury, were the winners in Saturday’s competition.
King said conditions on the river were good, though it was a case of boat it as you see it, with plenty of rocks and pressure waves.
Yesterday, racing shifted to the Oreti River starting at Thomsons Crossing with a turn around at Dipton Bridge with each leg 40km in length.
The sunshine was proving to be a bit of an issue yesterday, with glare reducing visibility, King said.
The 2017 race was not held due to it being close to the World Jet Boat Marathon being held in the country.
At the end of the weekend the overall winner was Mike Pooley and navigator Nick McMillan, of Canterbury. Second was Rodger Preston and navigator Ben Preston, of Winton, and in third place was Michael King and Ben Baxter, of Winton.