Anticipation ran high for Day 3 of the Golden Homes Jet Boat Marathon, with racers geared up for another intense day on the Mataura River. After two days of action on the Oreti and Mataura, the competitors were prepared to face a familiar course despite yesterday’s wet weather. But nature had other plans, as last night’s rain and the rising waters of the Mataura set the stage for an unexpected turn in the marathon.
As dawn broke, officials took another look at the river. They had placed a strong stick in the bank the night before to determine water levels, and sure enough, levels had risen dramatically overnight. Racing conditions were far from ideal. With powerful currents narrowing bridge clearances and adding to the river’s already high flow, safety became the focal point. Officials delayed the drivers’ briefing to 10am to reassess, but ultimately, Day 3 racing was canceled. For organisers, racing on the Mataura wasn’t feasible with the limited space, making cancellation the only safe choice.
This unexpected lay day means the leaderboard remains unchanged, keeping the race standings steady while the drivers and crew turn their focus to maintenance. With the extra time, many teams took the opportunity to prepare their boats for the following day, which promises new challenges on the Oreti River.
Tomorrow, the racers return to the Oreti as originally scheduled, ready to reclaim momentum and push their boats through yet another course. Despite the delay, the competitors’ resolve remains unshaken. In the world of jet boat racing, the power of the river isn’t just a hazard; it’s a reminder of the raw, untamed nature of the sport and the grit required to face it.
