New Zealand SuperBoat champion Peter Caughey took the first step in defence of his title when he had the fastest time in Round 1 at Wanaka.
Gisborne navigator Glenn Mason and his driver Sam Newdick (Hamilton) were second, while Gisborne’s Blake Briant (driver) and Kate Hoogerbrug made the top six.
However, a crash cut short the racing when Simon Gibbon’s boat left the water, and hit the boundary fence, damaging the fencing and taking out power lines vital to the timing gear.
As the crew were freed — and confirmed to be OK — the rain came down. Racing stopped, and results were based on elimination round placings.
“Safety always comes first, but it was disappointing for us that the racing was called off,” Hoogerbrug said.
“We were sitting fourth, all strapped in waiting to race, hoping to post a time that would get us into the top three, when the track went silent.
“It’s not a nice feeling waiting to hear about friends who have crashed, but it’s a testament to the work done to make sure competitors walk away from crashes.”
