About 300 spectators turned out to watch the action as Thundercat racing hit the beach at Mount Maunganui.
Race organisers described the conditions as ideal but they didn't prove to be so for local duo Mitch Black and Devan Carter, favourites heading into the national championship race meet, who had to settle for third place overall yesterday in their Loaded boat. Incon Automation, racing out of Hamilton, finished top for the day, heading Hawkes Bay's Quin Buildings boat.
The other local team, Ultima Shock Absorbers, finished 11th equal.
