These aren’t casual river runs. With boats capable of exceeding 160mph, turbine-powered hulls built for razor-sharp handling, and narrow, twisting channels demanding split-second decision-making, the UIM World Championships represent the pinnacle of international jet boat racing. And if past performances are anything to go by, New Zealand is bringing both speed and strategy to the party.
Leading the Kiwi charge in the Unlimited Class is Regan Williamson, piloting the fearsome U777 Unicorn. Based in Dunedin and supported by Dart Engineering, CAKI Fabrication, and 3 Cubed Ltd. Williamson has already notched up impressive accolades: two-time NZ1, multiple podiums at UIM events, and a top-speed scare at nearly 170mph. His custom Eagle hull—built by 777 River Racing—brings both brute horsepower and surgical precision to the world’s fastest water tracks.
Also flying the flag in the Unlimited division is Kevin Hyde of MPH Racing. Hailing from Canterbury and backed by range of sponsors including GasCraft Engineering and Freedom Pools, Hyde is a veteran of the scene, with podium finishes at the 2023 New Zealand Worlds and the 2024 USA Worlds. His Eagle Tunnel hull, paired with a T58 gas turbine and American Turbine jet unit, clocks in at 1350 horsepower—more than enough to threaten the front of the pack.
But it’s not just the big boys turning heads. In the A Class, which showcases piston-powered V8s and precision driving, Tom Kelly (sponsored by Welco Jetheat) from Queenstown brings A377 to the field—a Bratt hull with 850hp under the hood and a racing pedigree built on family tradition. Kelly has a solid record across South Island events, including podiums on the Waitaki and Otago rivers. And if his previous performances are any indication, this nimble setup could challenge for top honours in British Columbia.
In the fiercely contested CX Class—noted for its crate engine restrictions that level the playing field and amplify driver skill—Christchurch’s Justin Hill heads up CX248 Aftershock. Representing River Racing NZ and backed by Southshore Marine, Talleys, and Jettec Jet Boats, Hill’s Eagle hull and factory GM 525hp setup are built for consistent, clean runs. With technical courses demanding precise line selection and water reading, Aftershock has, after the end of the first day of racing, already proven it is one to watch.
Roger Preston’s 2023 Unlimited Class world title is still fresh in the memory, and this year, the challenge is clear—bring the trophy home!
With legendary names like Gord Humphrey of Canada’s Unnatural Disaster defending his title, and a strong North American contingent ready to battle on home rivers, it won’t be easy. But if there’s one thing our Kiwi jetboating teams are known for, it’s resilience under pressure and the ability to perform when it counts.
Kiwi teams stay competitive as three-leg opener wraps up in Canada
With the first three legs now complete at the 2025 UIM World Jet Boat Championships, the New Zealand teams are proving their strength across three of the four classes (there are no Kiwis competing in the “FX” class), showing sharp consistency and strategic racing early in the campaign.
In the Unlimited Class, Regan Williamson (U777 Unicorn) has maintained a strong grip on second overall, remaining just behind Canada’s Gord Humphrey. Williamson continues to apply pressure, with his powerful 1800hp turbine-powered Eagle hull showing serious pace on every run. Fellow Kiwi Kevin Hyde (U75 MPH Racing) also retains his fourth overall position after three solid legs, underlining the depth of New Zealand’s Unlimited Class effort.
Tom Kelly (A377) continues to lead the A-Class Kiwi charge, sitting sixth overall and second in class, still chasing Canada’s Spencer King. Kelly’s consistent leg times are keeping him well-positioned as racing heads into longer and more technical stages.
The most significant progress came from Justin Hill (CX248 Aftershock), who has steadily improved across all three legs. From 13th to 11th, and now 10th overall, Hill has also moved up to second in the CX Class, now only 18 seconds behind Canada’s Jeremy Hand. With margins this tight, and momentum on Hill’s side, the CX Class battle is wide open.
The Kiwi teams are firmly in the mix as the championship heads deeper into the schedule. With thirteen more legs to go, every river stretch counts—and so far, the New Zealanders are right where they need to be.
