Prestwich | Model Power Boat Association https://www.mpba.org.uk The governing body for model boating in the UK Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:56:49 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.mpba.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/cropped-MPBA_icon-32x32.png Prestwich | Model Power Boat Association https://www.mpba.org.uk 32 32 Peterborough 2018 Prestwich Classic https://www.mpba.org.uk/2018/10/29/peterborough-2018-prestwich-classic/ https://www.mpba.org.uk/2018/10/29/peterborough-2018-prestwich-classic/#comments Mon, 29 Oct 2018 06:49:10 +0000 https://www.mpba.org.uk/?p=8013 Detailed Results | Photos | 2019 Drivers Championship Standings The traditional end of season Prestwich Classic is now included in the 2019 Championship year and part of the qualification for the 2020 iMBRA World Championships. In addition to points towards the 2019 Championship, Prestwich Models proprietor Dave Marles offers a cash prize for the highest laps of the day. The [...]

The post Peterborough 2018 Prestwich Classic first appeared on Model Power Boat Association.]]> Detailed Results | Photos | 2019 Drivers Championship Standings
The traditional end of season Prestwich Classic is now included in the 2019 Championship year and part of the qualification for the 2020 iMBRA World Championships. In addition to points towards the 2019 Championship, Prestwich Models proprietor Dave Marles offers a cash prize for the highest laps of the day.
The format of the event is one 30 minute race per class, with a handicap system to ensure that the 3.5cc and 7.5cc boats have an equal chance of highest laps against the 15cc and 27cc boats.

Thankfully, it only seemed to rain between the races, but it was cold enough that even the Northern contingent dispensed with their shorts for the day in favour of jeans or track bottoms!
Also on offer, were some of the best trophies we have seen in UK domestic racing, so thanks to Dave Marles for the budget and Andrew Aykroyd for finding a good trophy supplier.

3.5cc
A Northern Monkey clean sweep in 3.5cc, dominating the class and producing all 10 of the fastest laps (we count the Midlands as North). Andrew Aykroyd #dominated the race from start to finish, his lightweight Ikarus 2.3 not missing a beat. When Mark Wraight saw the size of the first place trophy he was gutted he didn’t enter, although he would have been unlikely to beat Andrew today, such was his #domination. After giving Nigel Smith a lot of stick for a poor showing in Hannover, Dave Marles had to eat some humble pie this time with his magnificent score of 2 laps, even though one of these was rather suspiciously the fastest 3.5cc lap! It’s always said that they go really well just before they break!

3.5cc podium – 1st Andrew Aykroyd, 2nd Robert Daniel, 3rd Dave Hole [Click to enlarge]

3.5cc podium – 1st Andrew Aykroyd, 2nd Robert Daniel, 3rd Dave Hole

All the 3.5cc boats [Click to enlarge]


7.5cc
Dave Marles sets the highest laps of the day and wins his own cash prize 2 years in a row! After adjustment for the handicap, Dave Marles pips James Taylor’s 27cc score by 2 laps to claim the cash prize. Dave generously gave half to his pit man Dean Lord and half to 2nd highest laps James. Another 2nd place for Robert Daniel was some consolation for a string of frustrating mechanical issues in the last few races. Dave Pillman took the 3rd podium place despite 3 stops, which would have given him the Drivers Championship title if only this race were included in the 2018 results. Lol.

7.5cc podium – 1st Dave Marles, 2nd Robert Daniel, 3rd Dave Pillman [Click to enlarge]

7.5cc podium – 1st Dave Marles, 2nd Robert Daniel, 3rd Dave Pillman

All the 7.5cc boats [Click to enlarge]


15cc
Low scores in 15cc as mechanical issues and crashes result in an underwhelming 15cc race performance wise. By this time of the day, the low sun had moved into the perfect position to pretty much obscure the whole left-hand side of the course. It was nigh on impossible to see any dead boats, making the transit down the left squeaky bum time for the drivers. Usually, we would have lots of shots of spectacular crashes, but we couldn’t see a thing either, with all the highlights being too white and all the shadows too dark! Not the best time of year for boat photography.

15cc podium – 1st James Taylor, 2nd Paul Adams, 3rd Mike Holliday [Click to enlarge]

15cc podium – 1st James Taylor, 2nd Paul Adams, 3rd Mike Holliday

All the 15cc boats [Click to enlarge]


27cc
You need to go out aggressively if you want the highest laps and James Taylor could tell he was not going to beat Dave Marles score unless he got a move on. Unfortunately, a desperate attempt to pass stubborn Paul Adams resulted in the crash that put an end to James hopes of the cash prize. This battle produced an exciting few minutes of racing, so well done to James and Paul for the entertainment factor! Mick Pain was very pleased with the performance of his new Costa design 27cc boat first time out, although a bit down on speed compared to Paul and James.

27cc podium – 1st James Taylor, 2nd Mick Pain, 3rd Terry Holmes [Click to enlarge]

27cc podium – 1st James Taylor, 2nd Mick Pain, 3rd Terry Holmes

All the 27cc boats [Click to enlarge]


3.5cc Junior
No juniors ran today

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The post Peterborough 2018 Prestwich Classic first appeared on Model Power Boat Association.]]> https://www.mpba.org.uk/2018/10/29/peterborough-2018-prestwich-classic/feed/ 1 MPBA Interviews Zack Humphries https://www.mpba.org.uk/2017/06/18/mpba-interviews-zack-humphries/ https://www.mpba.org.uk/2017/06/18/mpba-interviews-zack-humphries/#respond Sun, 18 Jun 2017 20:53:41 +0000 http://www.mpba.org.uk/?p=3380 This is the first of a series of interviews with some of our most successful members in National and International competition. In this article we talk to FSR-Endurance (multi) racer Zack Humphries. Zack is the current 3.5cc World Champion in 3.5cc also having won the title in 2014, 2016 15cc Silver Medallist, current IMBRA 3.5cc European Champion, winner of the [...]

The post MPBA Interviews Zack Humphries first appeared on Model Power Boat Association.]]> This is the first of a series of interviews with some of our most successful members in National and International competition. In this article we talk to FSR-Endurance (multi) racer Zack Humphries. Zack is the current 3.5cc World Champion in 3.5cc also having won the title in 2014, 2016 15cc Silver Medallist, current IMBRA 3.5cc European Champion, winner of the last 2 IMBRA Western Leagues in 3.5cc, 15cc winner at the 2016 van Marle International, 2nd in 15cc Haarlem 2018.
Zack at Peterborough 2017
MPBA: How did you get into model boating?
Zack: Through my Mum and Dad, they’ve been racing for about 27 years. They had a small break whilst my dad started the family business and the boats were put away under the stairs… then I for some reason was searching for something and saw them (yes they had blue roll and were inside bags) and said why don’t you both start doing it again!
MPBA: Have you tried any other forms of model boating?
Zack: No, but I have built a 3.5cc Hydro for my secondary school.
MPBA: Can you remember your first win and how did it feel?
Zack: I can’t remember my first win as such. But my first race was as a junior at the Naviga World Championships in Italy 2008. I made the A-Final and finished in 3rd place. So that for dad, mum and I was incredible! Mum was in tears…. there’s pictures of this!! Editors Note – Yes there are. Here’s one.
MPBA: How about your first big win?
Zack: My first big win was at the 2014 IMBRA World championships in 3.5cc at the age of 20. That’s the first one I really remember.
MPBA: First International win?
Zack: Besides the world championships in 2014, it would have been the British international in the 3.5cc 2014.
MPBA: What’s your proudest moment so far in your racing career?
Zack: Contrary to what most people would probably say; I’d have to go with the 2016 IMBRA World championships finishing 2nd to Sebastian Videmont. I gave absolutely everything I had in the last few laps and even though I crashed on the last corner attempting my only possible chance to pass, it was one of the greatest races I’ve had. Video (Watch from 10:46 for the incredible last throw of the dice attack from Zack).
The other choice is at the Naviga 2015 world championships, a 3.5cc Heat. The boat wasn’t running cleanly and we hadn’t got the speed. I was in 5th place and hadn’t been able to get past any of them for the full 20 minutes. Then the whistle went; and it was like I found a second gear and had the eye sight of an eagle. I over took all four boats in front of me between centre buoy and the transponder wire. Finishing 1st in that heat!!
MPBA: What’s your favourite class to race in? Why?
Zack: Difficult. 15cc is the blue ribbon class. However, the technical ability required for 3.5cc is immense.. I’d still have to choose 15cc though.
MPBA: Let’s talk about equipment. What ingredients make a successful multi boat?
Zack: Being well setup up on the day, with attention to detail during preparation.
MPBA: How much difference does the driver make? What about the pitman?
Zack: Let’s start with the pitman. I can’t really comment too much on this, I’ve always had my Dad and would choose him over anyone. He knows the way I think and drive. I’d say the pitman is about 40% of the final result. Without them your job would be very hard as a driver. Therefore we rate the driver as 40%, leaving 20% for luck. For us; it’s not him or her. It’s always been us, as a team.
MPBA: What equipment do you currently use?
Zack: We use an assortment of gear but the majority of our equipment is from OS Engines, Multiplex, and Prestwich Models.
MPBA: How do you get more performance out of an engine?
Zack: Contact Zack Humphries at Dynamometer World.
MPBA: Any new builds on the Horizon?
Zack: Typically we build a new boat every year alternating the classes. So not yet!
MPBA: Who do you consider your biggest rivals?
Zack: There are many big names and that’s too hard to choose. Editors note – See World Champions for our opinion.
MPBA: What is it with you and blue roll?
Zack: It’s probably a question that’s best answered by my Dad. It all started years ago, we used blue paper to cover the engine bay so that no dirt or contaminates would enter the boat. It seems to have been extrapolated into this secret hiding blanket…. or is it? I’m sure now someone’s inventing X-ray glasses specially for blue roll… but don’t worry, I’ve already designed a frequency jammer if such a problem arose.

Our thanks to Zack for taking his time to talk to us.

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