Jetboat team back

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 34008, 24 November 1975, Page 32

Jetboat team back

The New Zealand jetboat team which last week won the 1975 Rio Balsas International Marathon in Mexico arrived home in Christchurch yesterday to a heroes welcome. Dozens of friends and well-wishers thronged the arrival lounge at Christchurch Airport when the team arrived with the solid silver reminder of their success — the President of Mexico Trophy. Neville Sutherland, who with his crew John Westland and Trevor McKenzie achieved New Zealand's third successive victory in the boat race, held high the trophy which will now stay in the country. “We went there trying to win and we thought ue would make it,” Mr Sutherland said. “It was a great team effort and we will be back there next, year trying to win it again.” He said the race was particularly difficult this year because the river was lower than in previous years, and this meant more rocks showing. OFFICIALS Sir William Hamilton, the Christchurch man who invented and developed the jet unit, met the team which was also welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Christchurch (Cr P. J. Skellerup). The manager Mr Dick Farrant, of Christchurch said the team had shown that New Zealand had the best boats, the best jet units, and the best drivers. He said the New Zealand Jet Boat Association was now hopeful that some sort of international boating meet could be organised in New Zealand.