Some people claim that being near, in, on, or under water makes them feel calm. Others claim that it sparks a sense of adventure, like thrill seekers who enjoy the need for speed. What about those that want it all: the water, the competition, and the adventure? In powerboat racing, you can have them all.
What Are Powerboats?
A powerboat is a boat powered by an engine. Many powerboats are also known as motorboats or speedboats. Generally, powerboats are built with inboard engines. Other powerboats are built with one portable motor unit on the rear, which contains the internal combustion engine, the gearbox, and the propeller.
Few powerboats have a hybrid of both inboard and outboard engines. In this case, the internal combustion engine is inside the boat and the gearbox and propeller are outside the boat. Each engine, and boat, come in various sizes.
High-performance powerboats include V-Bottom Speed Boats, Catamaran Speed Boats, Fast Center Console Boats, and Offshore Speed Boats to name a few of the most common powerboats for racing.
A Brief History of Powerboat Racing
The first powerboat race was held in the early 1900s. Shortly after the first race, the American Power Boat Association was founded, which led to a national powerboat event in 1911. By the late 20th century, the sport grew and gained international recognition, including an increase in powerboat racing organizations and tournaments.
General Rules of Racing
The first thing to note is that there are several classes in which a boat racer can race, just like most other sports. Each class can only compete against other racers in the same class. Every powerboat racing event varies in speed, laps, and scoring. Average races start before noon, with each boat running four to seven laps around a course.
Scoring is done by race officials stationed at the start and finish lines, as well as on turns, where they keep track of the racers. Following a set of event rules, competitors are judged on speed and distance. Scores are tallied at the end of the race and a winner is selected.
These are basic rules for most races, but as with most sports, some other rules and regulations are mandatory before one can sign up for a race. These include strict lessons in boat racing. Racers must comply with pre-race engine checks, and they are expected to practice safe and respectful passing maneuvers.
Types of Powerboat Races
Regardless of which particular race a boater signs up for, they’ll be racing on some sort of body of water. Competitors have an option to enter either inshore or offshore races. Many boat racers participate in both.
Offshore races are held on the ocean, where boats are divided into several classes based on engine capacity. The most powerful boats are classified as Class 7, which can reach speeds of 60 mph. Races are conducted on specially designed courses where racers must complete a fixed number of laps. The number of laps for each race is based on the class of the boat racing.
During inshore races, powerboats are raced in sheltered or inland stretches of water, such as sheltered bays, lakes, and rivers. It’s also referred to as circuit powerboat racing because the races often use the format of a circuit loop, where the boats compete around a course for a specified number of laps.
UIM Class One World Powerboat Championship, Venture Cup, P1 SuperStock Championship, UIM Powerboat GPS World Championship, Cowes Torquay Cowes, The Round Britain Powerboat Race, and The Cornish ‘100’ are some of the most popular boat races in the world.
Powerboat Race Locations
There are numerous national and international powerboat racing competitions, from small to large and unknown to well-known. Some of the most famous global boat races are held in London, South Africa, and Britain. In the US, one can find powerboat races in many of the 50 states, including on the East and West Coasts, and places like Key West and Wisconsin.
Before Hitting the Water
Aside from powerboat education and racing etiquette, all athletes need to properly prepare for race day. Many of the event hosts will refuse entry if the essentials aren’t packed and ready. A helmet, a neck restraint, a life jacket, a driving suit, gloves, and closed-toed shoes are required for all racers.
Getting Ready to Race
Powerboat racing isn’t as simple as showing up and placing your boat in the water. Besides high-powered engines, good racing skills, and nerves of steel, the details you put into your race before game day are as vital as the ones you attain with each race. With so much to gain and lose, education and safety are key to powerboat racing success.