Long, tough boat race

Taupo Times, Volume 19, Issue 98, 17 December 1970, Page 8

Long, tough boat race

The longest and toughest power boat race ever held in New Zealand is being organised for next February on the Waikato and Wanganui Rivers and Lake Taupo.

Lasting three days the jet boat marathon will cover 330 miles, including a tortuous section of 239 rapids on the Wanganui River. The race is sponsored by Caltex Oil (N.Z.) Limited, and is expected to draw a maximum field of 50, including last year's winner, Mr Stan Fisher, of Christchurch. The competitors will be vying for total prize money of $1000. The marathon will begin on the Waikato River on Friday, February 12, with the first stage commencing at 1 p.m. at Hamilton. The boats will race downstream to Mercer and then return, covering a distance of 96 miles. Saturday's stage of the race also will cover 96 miles, over six laps ,on Lake Taupo. The 16-mile course will begin and end at the Taupo Foreshore. The third and final section of the marathon is also the longest and most difficult a 144-mile dash down the Wanganui River from Taumarunui to Wanganui. Without any refuelling stop en-route, the craft will have to carry sufficient fuel for the distance. Adding to the hazard is the fact that the river in February is expected to be below normal. Negotiation of some of the rapids will become difficult, and this section of the race is one in which local knowledge of the conditions

will be as least as important as speed. On both the Waikato and Wanganui River stages of the marathon it is proposed to despatch the boats at intervals, the slowest craft first, so that all competitors will cross the finish line within a short period: For the Lake Taupo stage of the race, there will be a spectacular massed start; and if weather conditions are suitable it will take the form of a Le Mans start, with the drivers racing to their boats at the drop of the flag. In addition to the prize money, Caltex Oil will supply free of charge all fuels oils and lubricants used in the competing and official boats, in the cars towing the boats over the road sections, and in the official cars. Entries will be divided into three classes with engine capacities of up to 2800 cc, v 2801 to 4000 cc, and 40Q1 cc and over. The overall winner will receive a prize of $250 and a trophy, and there will be prizes of $100, $50 and $25. In addition, there will be prizes of $20 and $10 for first and second place-getters in each daily stage of the race, plus other incidental prizes