We can finally confirm the details for the Southampton Boat Show Race on Sun 19th Sept, this is a FREE entry race to all OMRA members and family, inc entry to the show.
BELOW IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ANYONE WISHING TO ATTEND We do not have all day to run so we will be running quick back-to-back heats, with a 30min break between. Essentially all racing will be until lunchtime only. Phil KD is setting up for the racing to be fully automated with timings, AKD and Bee will be covering rescue for all but one session so no time lost in changing crew. There will not be any waiting around for people to be ready for their race. These times are fixed so you must be ready to go, must have arranged your pit/spotter and made sure your transponder is fully working also. We do have testers for transponders now, but if yours is not working then will be up to yourself to arrange someone to lap count your boat. We need your boat entries, vehicle reg, and names of anyone else coming with you before Monday 13th September. Entries have been reasonably strong but would recommend not entering every class due to the fast turnaround between races.
7:45am All racers are required to arrive at Herbert Walker Avenue at the top of Mayflower Park. AKD will be there to give you passes for the show. 8am All cars will head down in convoy to the marina bridge and unload boats to take down to the Pontoon. Once unloaded you will need to take your car to the designated carpark (details soon) and head back. Cars must be off-site by 8:45am as the show opens at 9am. 9:30am - Drivers meeting There are strict health and safety protocols for this race. Most importantly failsafes will all need to be checked. Any boats failing the test will not be allowed to run. Races will be 13mins long, a 5-min break before the 2-min mill for the next heat. All timing instructions will be announced automatically by the timing system with every minute counting down. There will be a couple of mixed heats and likely 8 boats on the water for races.
10:00am - C Class - Heat 1 10:20am - D/X Class - Heat 1 10:40am - E Class - Heat 1 11:00am - 30 Min Comfort Break 11:30am - C Class - Heat 2 11:50am - D/X Class - Heat 2 12:10am - E Class - Heat 2 12:30pm - RACING ENDS
Once racing has completed members are free to enjoy the rest of the boat show, we have agreed an area our kit to be held at the rear of the pontoon. It would be good to keep some boats on display and engage with the public. However, at 1pm OMRA is doing a talk on the Foredeck stage. It is likely we will do the trophy presentation here as well. There is also a commentator for this race, we have to supply information to him. Not entirely sure how that will work yet but the race PA will be loud as it can be too. To note you will not be able to bring your vehicle to the marina entrance until the end of the show which is at 6pm. However, you can load on Herbert Walker Avenue and take your boats/kit via trolley there. Would recommend preparing for that if you are intending to leave earlier.