Having raced from the Matukituki River through to the Dart over the weekend, there was a sense of disappointment when the Central Rivers Race Series final stage on the Shotover was cancelled yesterday afternoon.
The series - organised by the Otago branch of Jet Boating New Zealand - was held up as a safety boat ran in to difficulty on the Dart River yesterday morning, and was unable to be brought back to Frankton Marina for the final stage of the race.
"It is a shame [not to race up the Shotover River] but that is the decision I have to make," race controller Tim Guthrie said.
There were time constraints on using the river as it had to be cleared of commercial and private operators if the race was to be held.
However, there had been more than enough racing to determine the winners,.
Southland's Garth McMaster with navigator Phil Sterling taking the honours.
The rest of the race had gone well, with a strong field of 22 starting, though some had pulled out by the Dart River leg.
The racing began on Saturday morning on the Matukituki River, then headed to the Clutha River on Saturday afternoon.
The event will be held again next year.
Results: Overall: Garth McMaster (Southland), 1; Roger Preston (Southland), 2; Tony Chittock (Southland), 3.
Unlimited class: Roger Preston (Southland), 1; Rob Pooley (Nelson), 2; Regan Williamson (Queenstown), 3.
A class: Malcolm Jenkins (Christchurch), 1; Bonner Anderson (Southland), 2; Phil Moodie (Christchurch), 3.
B class: Garth McMaster (Southland), 1; Tony Chittock (Southland), 2; Andrew Stuart (Southland), 3.
C class: Kruse Davidson (Cromwell).
R class: Nick McMillan (Christchurch), 1; Tony O'Loughlin (Southland), 2; Craig Robertson (Christchurch), 3.
