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Multi-racing is a very exciting form of model powerboat competition.
A sort of Formula One for model boats! The format usually consists
of 20 or 30 minute races anticlockwise around an ‘M’ shaped course.
The course has a straight of approx. 80 to 100 metres and sides of
40 to 50 metres. Each race consists of up to 12 boats at a time (15
in International races) which can lead to very close and heart
stopping racing!
Boats have to be mono hulled with a
sub-surface drive propeller. Most boats have been built up by each
racer from a basic hull and deck. There are many different designs
available that have been developed over the years and most are
constructed from a combination of epoxy resin, fibre matting and/or
carbon fibre. Hulls and decks come with basic assembly instructions
and measurements but most racers have there own individual method of
completing their models. These methods can be picked up by studying
other boats and talking to racers. Help is always available for the
newcomer!
There are five different classes for
multi-racing based on engine capacity.
They are:
A class - 0 to 3.5cc
B class - 3.51cc to 7.5cc
C class - 7.51cc to 15cc
All the above classes use methanol
powered glow plug type two stroke engines.
There is also the SI class, this is for
up to 35cc Spark ignition petrol engines.
Boats must be adequately silenced and
fall within strict sound level requirements.
Every competitor is given a pit number
and this is displayed on a 100mm x 150mm vertical plate on their
boat. Competitors must have a mechanic or pit person to assist and
act as a ‘spotter’ of potential hazards on the course.
All competitors in a particular heat
line up in the pits where they are given approx. five minutes to
start and test run their boats (not usually on the water). All
engines must be stopped one minute before the start of the race and
a countdown commences at thirty seconds from the start. Races start
within the last ten seconds of this countdown.
At the end of each circuit the lap is
counted by either a person operating a mechanical or electronic lap
scorer or, more usually these days, by a computerised system using
radio transponders similar to model car racing.
At the end of the race, the boat with
the most laps is the winner of that particular heat.
The top 12 scoring boats in a particular
class can then go forward to a final, or the best lap scores from
all the heats in a particular class are the winners.
Trophies are normally awarded for the
first three places in each class
From March to October there are many
competitions throughout the country and anyone can enter provided
they are a member of the MPBA (Model Power Boat Association) or an
MPBA affiliated club. This membership provides full third party
insurance and a full list of all competitions. There are also
several large international events held across Europe during the
year and a World Championship held once every two years.
The club hosts one multi-racing event
each year at Mote Park. Everyone welcome!
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A Typical
Multi-Racing Boat |
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