Today the
Cygnets Model Boat Club hosted the Multi Regatta at Mote Park.
The three main classes of this type of model power boat were
there, and some interesting racing took place. Committee and
section members assembled at 08h30 and started the task of
erecting the course, (buoys had to be located at various points
on the lake), and while on shore-side the pit area had to be
created, assembly of the gazebo, and setting up of the PA
system. We also had a rescue dinghy manned throughout the day as
this is needed to retrieve stricken craft should a mishap occur.
As this is one of the official race rounds, the dinghy has to
get an immobile craft back to shore as quickly as possible in
order for it to resume racing. The lap scoring was entered onto
computer in real time, and those involved completed this task
without a break from duty. No mean feat.
As the forecast for the day was for heavy rain
with few bright periods, there was relief all round when we
managed to race from 1000Hrs to 1600Hrs without a drop,
especially as it was reportedly raining in other areas close by.
As a relatively new member to the committee, this
was my first involvement with a multi regatta. Like many of the
spectators throughout the day, this is certainly a very
interesting spectacle to watch, and you may be surprised to
learn that some of the competitors had come from as far a field
as Norfolk and even Wales.
The water on the day was very calm, and this
proved ideal for these fast craft. If you have never experienced
this type of racing, the main straight is about 100yds long (old
money I’m afraid), and takes one of these craft about five
seconds. The course is laid out in the shape of the figure “M”,
and racing is completed in an anti clockwise direction. The
experienced even build their boats with this bias in mind.
By the end of the day and with the racing over,
the task of packing down began. It’s funny how things seem to be
heavier at this time. As usual, a plan was formulated and
members got to work. It was good to see Pete Clayton our
chairman and Jack Diaper our vice chairman supporting this event
and taking such an active part in the work involved. Apparently
it gets easier after your first thirty years service with the
club!
For more information on what Multi Racing
is, check out the following link: "http://modelboatracing.co.uk/multiracing.htm"
| |
|
|
3.5
cc
1.
Geoff
Parmenter
2.
Andy Payne
3.
James Taylor
4.
Mick Szebeko
5.
Alan Taylor
6.
Brian Mabbett
7.
Ross Waumsley
8.
Becky Taylor
9.
Zak Humphries |
Laps/sec.
50.02
49.16
48.07
47.20
42.14
33.22
26.00
15.00
06.00 |
|
|
7.5
cc
1.
Mick Fields
2. James Taylor
3. Ross Waumsley
4. Mick Szebeko
5. Geoff Parmenter
6. Paul Adams
|
Laps/sec.
56.02
56.13
43.00
43.12
38.00
29.00
|
|
|
15
cc
1.
Dave Humphries
2. Andy Payne
3. Paul Adams
4. Alan Taylor
5. Mike Broad |
Laps/sec.
59.24
58.09
50.10
39.20
18.09 |
|
|
There
will be some additional pictures of this event that will follow
shortly, these have been taken by John Larke who heads up the IC
section for the club, with his professional digital SLR camera,
so look out for these. The official write up can be seen in the
coming edition of Marine Modelling International magazine.
Special thanks to Matt Mock for
his write up and Geoff Parmenter for reviewing. |
