Retro Multi Racing

Bringing the Past Back to Life: The 2026 MPBA Retro Endurance Series

Background

For years, multi-racing (also known as ‘Endurance’ racing) has seen a steady development of the sport with lighter, stronger composite hulls, more powerful engines and the use of a variety of technology to aid performance.

Tech

It is not uncommon to have boats with numerous servos controlling various functions beyond rudder, throttle and fuel mixture. These days, on-board glow drivers, sliding tuned pipes and integral trim tabs (sometimes linked to electronic gyroscopes) are common. Additionally, 2.4 GHz radio control has given us real-time telemetry showing things like engine R.P.M., temperature and speed all displayed on the transmitter screen and allowing performance to be optimised.
Hardware has also seen dramatic improvements over the years helped by modern CAD design and CNC manufacturing processes. The impact has been most prominent with propellers where efficiency has improved beyond what was thought possible with thinner, stronger blades and precise manufacturing tolerances.

Engines

Similarly, engine design has seen power outputs steadily increase. Geared engines are almost exclusively used in 3.5cc and 7.5cc classes and, in the last decade, 15cc as well. It should be noted that there is now a trend toward more direct drive boats in this latter class.

Racing

So, to the racing. Speed has improved dramatically, and continues to do so, which has driven a constant evolution in hull design. With the increased complexity and performance, reliability has sometimes been a challenge but, overall, this has improved. As the number of venues in the U.K. has reduced, racers have had to venture abroad to the numerous races in Europe, indeed, the controlling body, iMBRA have introduced a Western and Eastern European racing league. Anyone who has witnessed the racing at these events will tell you that the quality and intensity of the racing is mind-blowing with some of the top racers finishing on the same lap after 30 minutes of full-bore racing.

Summary

This all paints a very positive picture. But the development of the sport has seen some big changes in distances racers have to travel, the equipment used and construction techniques. All of this has, unfortunately, meant a dramatic increase in cost. In absolute terms, it could be argued that costs aren’t excessive when compared to other forms of racing, but the reality is that they are substantially more than some older racers might remember. This may be, prohibitive for any potential new racers.
Overlaying this with the loss of some venues due to noise, or other environmental concerns, it is perfectly understandable that the number of racers has seen a marked decline. However this has not, it would appear, dampened the level of interest

M.P.B.A. Retro Endurance Series

A cursory search for RC model boats on EBay exposes a rich seam of ‘vintage’ type multi boats and engines. It seems every week, more boats are posted for sale at bargain prices and they are, clearly, going somewhere. There are, also, lots of older endurance boats sitting around untouched for years in lofts, garages and sheds. These are crying out to be used again.
There is some simple multi racing taking place at club level, which is fabulous, but there has been growing interest in starting racing at other venues across the country. Objective evidence of this can be seen in the Facebook group FSRV Vintage Model Boats and credit must go to Mike Bontoft for taking the initiative to start it. With over 1,500 members, many in the U.K., it became clear that there was still some interest in these boats from the past days of multi racing.
With this in mind, the M.P.B.A. Multi Section have decided to launch a Retro Endurance Series to be run alongside the existing classes and to a basic set of rules (see below). Initially, two events have been selected at Brentwood and Kingsbury to gauge interest.
It is hoped that this initiative will encourage more interest in the sport and, as a result, maybe we’ll see a few more racers entering the mainstream racing. We are already aware of numerous retro boats being built or refurbished to compete and we can’t wait to see these back on the water.
Above all, it’s about having fun and the primary motivation is exactly that. We really look forward to seeing some old and new faces with those marvellous boats at the lake in 2026.

Rules

Retro racing is an additional class to be run at selected events in the 2026 U.K racing calendar. The following set of basic rules are to be adopted with the intention of promoting participation from the wider model boater community in Multi (Endurance) racing. Rules will be adapted based on the interest and level of participation at initial events.
Unless otherwise stated, existing Multi Rules will apply.

1.0 Boats

1.1 All boats must be of fibre-glass (epoxy or polyester) or wood construction (e.g. no epoxy carbon or carbon composite materials)
1.2 Maximum engine capacity is 10cc
1.3 Rubber engine and pipe mounts are permitted
1.4 Both standard and cone (turbo) glowplugs are permitted
1.5 Reduction gearboxes only permitted on 3.5cc and 6.5/7.5cc engines
1.6 Maximum of three servos (rudder, throttle and needle valve) to be used.
1.7 Manually adjustable trim tabs are permitted
1.8 Metal propellers are not permitted, only plastic
1.9 Installation of a suitable MyLaps transponder for lap counting is preferable, but not compulsory

2.0 Racing

2.1 A minimum of 2 x15 minute races will be scheduled during the day with the highest laps to count. Additional races will be at the discretion of the organising club
2.2 Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places
2.3 Fuel will be limited to 12% nitromethane (by volume) in accordance with iMBRA rules
2.4 Depending on the number of boats racing with smaller engine capacities (e.g. 3.5cc, 6.5cc and 7.5cc) at an event, a handicap system may apply to determine the winner
2.5 Entry to all races will be via the M.P.B.A Race Hub