The Offshore Model Boat Enthusiasts group promotes the hobby and sport of radio controlled model offshore powerboat racing in the UK. Our emphasis is on a more relaxed, courteous and safe racing event. We are a non-profit making group, operating with a quorum to maintain administrative and policy direction. OffshoreMBE organises individual and affordable racing, for the enjoyment of anyone with suitable offshore style boats and an enthusiasm to match.
OffshoreMBE insurance is included
All racing venues require the organisers and competitors to be insured for third party public liability. This is included with all participating/registered competitors in an OffshoreMBE event. Our insurance policy does not cover model boat racing, or leisure use, elsewhere.
Racing guidelines
OffshoreMBE has a unique concept. Courtesy and safety is the foremost attitude to ensure racing is maintained in a fun and friendly way. Unlike conventional competitive racing, the boats will be an assortment of sizes and motor configurations, resulting in a more relaxed kind of race event. Because the boats are not class specific in motive power detail, it’s more about the occasion of racing around with other like-minded competitors, than winning any kind of trophy. Each event is a stand alone occasion in it’s own right, and is usually at sea, on the sea, or even on a lake. OffshoreMBE model racing intends to be versatile!
As a matter of basic principle and primary design purpose, the radio controlled model boat has to resemble it’s full sized offshore racing counterpart in style and spirit, if not in detail. The boat by definition should be of a seaworthy design.
Typical heat racing comprises of three or four mini heats, of approximately seven (may vary) minutes in duration. The racing is split into these mini heats to allow for the safe retrieval of dead boats at the end of each heat. The retrieval boat will not usually be on the course during racing. However circumstances may prevail that boat retrieval may be required, for example if sinking or drifting off. Model speeds will be reduced and observed when passing the recovery boat for everyone’s safety. Laps are accumulated from each mini heat and combined for the total race result. Upto two boats may be run within the heat set, so if one boat fails on the first heat, a back up boat is available for the remaining heats, ensuring maximum time on the water, a good mix of boats, and not wasting a journey. Race entry fees are per person, and not per category.
Additionally, to encourage newcomers to the hobby, RTR offshore style boats are welcome. A separate race may be run, where all small electric boats can race comfortably.
Chase boat racing has its own format, based on the time it takes to complete a set offshore course. A typical race would start in a chase boat, a short distance from the harbour entrance, and head offshore, chasing the model. Time is noted between the start and finishing marker, and this could typically be around ten to twenty minutes to complete the course. The position is noted if the boat does not finish. Two boats in the same category again may be used, but this time, a race fee is payable per run, and not per person. Highest recorded lap counts. The entry fees will be higher to allow for the operational chase boat running costs.
Offshore boat configuration
As a matter of basic principle and primary design purpose, the radio controlled model boat has to resemble it’s full sized offshore racing counterpart in style and spirit, if not in detail. The boat by definition should be of a seaworthy design.
All boats above one metre in hull length will have sides of a least 50mm at their maximum, gunwale to chine.
Grab handles to be incorporated fore and aft for launching and retrieval.
The boats are split into two categories. Internal combustion and electric. The IC engines will be any size up to 70cc, petrol or glow engines, standard or race tuned. The electric motors can be any size, using any battery configuration.
All boats must incorporate a working fail-safe. If the signal stops, your boat stops. This is standard racing practice. For electric boats, it is highly recommended to also have an obvious external power kill method fitted, to avoid non operational (dead) boats becoming alive again during retrieval. Novices with small RTR boats may be excused with fail-safes and kill plugs, but every effort should be made for the future.
Tuned pipes may protrude beyond the transom and shall not extend beyond the running gear on the transom. Open tuned pipes are out of keeping and are to be enclosed within the superstructure.
All boats will be run in a complete condition..ie fully enclosed superstructure at all times. Broken lids/hatches can be taped down.
Current standard noise levels should be observed.
Racing numbers must be applied to each boat. Ensure the size is good enough to be visible for the lap counter. The small boats under one metre may have to use number boards, and novices may be excused. Initially.
Entries and event requirements
Booking in your intention to race with the organiser is essential to ensure a well planned and smooth running event. Race entry fees are cash payable on the day.
Boats will be built to a satisfactory standard, with all the required safety features fitted as required. Driving standards will be variable, depending upon experience, so courtesy will be shown at all times to others. Safety first, winning second. OffshoreMBE is a bringing together of all enthusiasts, with the expectation for a fun and friendly day’s racing. The more usual competitive racing attitude can have the day off.
On a final note
Our very different concept has always thought to avoid over regulation, so please respect the few rules we have and keep the difference alive. The onus is on the competitors to self regulate themselves, drawing from their voyage of experience and knowledge. Please enter into the spirit of the occasion as befits this great hobby.
This is the OffshoreMBE difference.
For further information, contact John Kingsley-Dobson on jkd12@btinternet.com or David Sanders on ashby.towers@gmail.com