Persistent rain has brought competition at Wanganui to a halt, with no sign of any let-up as of 2:40 pm.
What started as a brief pause to allow a shower to pass has now stretched into an extended delay, with rain continuing to fall across the course. Visibility remains poor and surface conditions have deteriorated, particularly through the tighter sections where precise lines and clear sightlines are critical.
The post-lunch session was already running under difficult circumstances before the stoppage. Reduced visibility and shifting grip placed extra demands on drivers and navigators, contributing to several incidents during the early part of the afternoon. Among these was a heavy impact involving Ruby Berry during her run. Berry was not injured, exited the boat safely, and returned to the bank to acknowledge the crowd, who responded with applause. Her composure throughout drew a warm reaction, and the episode also reflected the effectiveness of the safety systems and on-water crews.
With rain still falling and no immediate improvement in sight, officials are taking a cautious approach before restarting competition. This is particularly relevant for developing competitors, for whom consistent conditions and clear sightlines are essential.
Organisers are maintaining close communication with teams and safety personnel. Further updates will follow once conditions improve or a revised schedule is confirmed.
