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Coastal hovercraft racing has taken place on an irregular basis for a number of years. From mud races on the Medway in the early 80s to the annual race at Hunstanton, groups of hovercraft enthusiasts have taken part in 30/60 minute races with a variety of different craft. Hovercraft are ideal for use in coastal environments where there is soft sand or mudflats. Racing over these surfaces or shallow water poses no problems. The slippery mud or sand is a fast surface to race over, but on mud in particular, there are often shallow gulleys to cross and deep gulleys to avoid - making for exciting racing!
The numbers of racers were boosted in the mid-90s by the introduction of Formula 25. These craft were designed to be both cruising and racing craft. Fitted with 18-25hp industrial engines, these craft had additional freeboard and buoyancy to cope with conditions in estuaries and on the sea.
The races held at Queenborough in the mid-late 90s saw some close racing between the F25s and the faster but less reliable two-stroke powered craft.
Since then, the number of events has crept up year on year - but without any real structure or championship series.
That however, is all set to change in 2006 with the proposed introduction of a six-race National Series. Meetings will combine Coastal Races with cruising events. Some of these events will take place within the RYA Powerboating Championship meetings, others lower profile events with more emphasis on cruising. Meetings are typically held over two days, with one or two races each morning, allowing plenty of time for cruising or free operation in the afternoon.
Racing is fast but with such large, open courses, it's very suitable for novices to learn the finer points of handling their craft at speed. The quick boys reach speeds of up to 50mph, and with plenty of room there is rarely any confusion as they lap backmarkers. Dependant on conditions, races are usually scheduled over 30 or 60 minutes, and the aim is to tim events so that the course changes lap on lap as the tide rises or falls.
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