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Thanks
to Matt Mock who kindly provided the editorial and the photographs.
June 22nd
2008 saw the Cygnets MBC host one of the mid season rounds of the Z class IC
power boat racing. As ever, competitors came from far and wide to try and
gain as many points as possible towards the end of season trophy.
Members of
the Cygnets committee assembled at 0830 to help construct the course and
associated pit areas complete with tables and temporary barrier,
ensuring that all safety precautions were carried out. These events can
attract a few onlookers throughout the course of the day, and it is
essential that everyone’s safety is properly looked after as well as
those of the feathered variety who live on the lake!
There were to
be four rounds of three races, with a break for lunch and necessary
repairs and fine tuning for the afternoon session. John Larke, the
Cygnets IC co-ordinator and leader held the drivers briefing at 10h00,
and the day got under way. The rescue boat was manned throughout the
day, and I can remember the weather, as burnt arms and head prompted me
to cover up. There were quite a few stoppages for various people, and we
were kept busy for most of the day. Our trusty scorer “Eric” completed
the whole six hour shift without a break, so many thanks from the rest
of the team. The concentration alone is enough for most of us!
The major
mishap of the day involved an IC craft losing the will to live, and made
its departure from the race by stopping, floating half submerged then
disappearing from view all together. The rescue boat missed it by ten
seconds or less, but it was too late. The depth of the water at this
position is at its deepest, and the boat was never recovered.
The racing
was, as usual, fast and very competitive. Individual rounds were
contested and one by Ted Aggate, Paul Weller, Keith Weller and Co, with
the junior round going to Shannen Wilkinson. Shannen has a fast boat,
but by no means is it the fastest. She sticks to her strategy and
completes enough laps in every race she competes proving that
consistency is the name of the game.
This proved
to be an enjoyable days racing, and all who took part thoroughly enjoyed
it. There was a large turn out from the Cygnets committee and this made
running the event that much easier.
If you would
like to take part in Z Class racing, you need to become an OMRA member.
However, the Cygnets MBC have their own IC racing section and are always
happy to see new members. There is a small yearly membership fee, which
entitles you to use the waters at Mote Park. Come and meet us, you may
enjoy it!
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Eric keeps score for the day |
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Busy pit area after the mornings briefing. Racing starts in
fifteen minutes. |
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The rescue
boat was called into action throughout the day. |
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There was close racing throughout the day. There is less than one
second between these three boats. |
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Final scrutineering of the scores by John Larke. |
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Well earned victories, with Shannen Wilkinson leading the way in
the juniors event. |
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