The day’s action officially kicked off at 8:30am. with a strict deadline for all boats to be signed in by 9:15am sharp. Every participating vessel adhered to the 2024 Safe Boating checklist, underscoring the organisers’ commitment to safety amid the high-energy activities. The cool weather added a touch of drama to the day as frost was expected, but it didn’t deter participants or their eager crews. The Clutha River, renowned for its challenging currents and scenic views, served as the perfect stage for the day’s challenges, bringing together seasoned boaters and newer enthusiasts alike.
In total, 24 boats were registered, and 22 ultimately took part, representing five branches from across the country. The rally saw a strong turnout from the South Island with Otago, Canterbury, West Coast, and Nelson/Marlborough branches represented, along with the Taranaki branch from the North Island. This cross-regional mix contributed to a lively event atmosphere, with boaters and supporters cheering on teams from around the country. The last boat left the water by 2:45pm, wrapping up a day filled with competition, teamwork, and shared passion for jet boating.
The rally itself wasn’t a conventional race. Instead of simply rewarding speed, the day’s events tested participants’ handling skills and teamwork through a series of challenging tasks designed to reward precise boat placement, both at speed and at displacement. “Raw horsepower, budget, or boat speed aren’t relevant to success,” explained the organisers. “All this while having fun—that’s the reason we all go boating!” Each task, from “Scrutineering” to “Traffic Lights” and “Barrels of Fun,” put a spotlight on the teams’ finesse and coordination rather than pure speed. The categories ranged widely, testing skills from radio communication to agility in moving through simulated traffic and various manoeuvres on the water.
When the final scores were tallied, it was Dan and Seth O’Neill who emerged victorious with a score of 57. In a close contest for second place, Angus Chisholm and Guy Rutherford finished with a total of 64, tying with Jim Lapsley and Drew Riodan. The close scoring highlighted the day’s focus on skill and consistency, where each point counted. For the ladies’ division, Hannah Leckie and her crew claimed the top spot, while Katie Wilson and her crew finished second and also earned the top score in the Junior under-21 category, a fantastic feat for the young boater.
The day wasn’t just about the leaders; it was filled with memorable moments across the board. Jim Lapsley, at 71 years old, took on the challenge with vigor, inspiring both competitors and onlookers alike. Mike Perry added a nostalgic touch to the rally, driving a heritage 1963 model that brought a sense of history and tradition to the day. While most teams performed well, the category “Tow Your Boat” posed the most difficulty, tripping up more than a few hopeful competitors. Each challenge, however, was met with laughter and teamwork, proving that the rally’s true spirit lay in participation and camaraderie rather than winning alone.
The 2024 Mitre 10 National Rally demonstrated the depth of skill, dedication, and unity within New Zealand’s jet boating community. It’s not often that an event brings together such a diverse group of boaters, each one there to push their limits, strengthen bonds, and revel in the joy of jet boating.
After such a successful event, one question lingers: who will be crowned next year’s champion?
