So, at least we know where we stand with one section, although I would point out that if the MPBA website is up to date, Dave does not hold an MPBA office. However, given the undoubted influence he has over the individual race organisers, I would take his last message to read that a new class is not welcome in the MPBA.
Therefore the question we have to ask ourselves is what type of racing do we want to do. We could approach OMRA, but in all honesty, I feel that the SOME of the current 'Z' class runners would not look favourably on a third class. It would be the most logical group to 'tie in' with, as the racing calender is already established. HOWEVER, I'm sure that some would regard it as an intrusion on 'their' racing, although there may be some of the group who believe in the original idea of a low cost class and probably feel somewhat 'cheated' that the classes have now gone 'upmarket'.
There is, of course, nothing to stop anyone joining the MPBA or OMRA as a 'Nationwide' member and run on any water in the UK for which they have permission, giving them the necessary insurance cover for third party liability. These members could then form an organising body to arrange suitable competitions. "All" that would be required would be the usual facilities available for regattas held at most clubs. The club would only need to provide the lake, parking, toilets and a rescue boat (preferably with outboard but not essential). The better venues would be the ones with the most public access, giving the highest profile of the boats. The racers themselves 'volunteer' to crew the rescue boat, act as lapscorers, and starter (OOD). This is often done at club level with minimum available people, so the more you have, the more the 'load' can be spread. Organising an event is not difficult and, if it goes well, can be a pleasant acheivement on its own!
One of the biggest drawbacks of any model boat racing is the distance needed to travel to actually get to the events and if you have only one class at a meeting, the slightest mishap can result in your days racing being finished. This is why almost all racers run more than one class of boat, both in multi and OMRA. Some have up to 4 classes although that is rare.
For that reason alone, I feel that it would be better to get the class racers 'piggy backed' onto existing events if at all possible. It will be difficult until you can prove the class is popular, which is a 'chicken and egg' situation, as we won't become popular without races and we don't get races until we're popular. And that's why SOME will write it off as a dead duck from the start!
Another thing to look at is - are we trying to re-invent the wheel. Is there something out there that fits the bill as far as a cheap, simple RTR boat? If so, what type of racing would it be most suitable for, given that the idea is to encourage newcomers to progress to bigger, faster boats OF THAT TYPE eventually.
A quick look at the American sites reveals a number of RTR boats, and a long trawl through the forums reveals that most have quite a few initial 'teething problems'. One that seems better than most is the Aquacraft Nitro Hammer which is available through Ripmax so could also be obtained from a local dealer who is a Ripmax agent. The price is a bit hefty at £219, but that does include a pull start .15 cu in motor, tuned pipe, and 2 channel Futaba(ish) radio.
The Ripmax website is abysmal and has no detail but more information is available from the manufacturer
http://www.aquacraftmodels.com/boats/aqub26-main.htmlWhy do I think that an RTR would be better than a 'home design'? Although the home design would be far more interesting to existing boaters who will be looking for a challenge, we are not trying to appeal to them (us) as there are already enough classes available now. It could also be probably built cheaper using the hull from xxx, the motor from yyy, and the rest of the bits from zzz, but who's going to put the kits together? We already know one answer, and I suspect that others couldn't be bothered either. Lets face it, it's a gamble which if it took off could result in untold riches (well perhaps a modest profit) for the supplier, but if it didn't they could be left with stock that wouldn't sell. As I said earlier, I would love it to be a UK boat, but with what I've heard of current suppliers - no chance!
So, what do you all think of things so far? I know most of my messages raise more question than supply answers but believe me, NOW is the time to sort these things out. Then when the class gets going it is more likely to be the first one to SUCCEED.
Danny