As a committee, we have made the decision that it would be prudent not to hold a circuit section AGM again this year given the current Covid situation. In lieu this post should keep everyone up to date with the going on’s of the section this year and proposals for 2022.

Events

We were able to hold three meetings this year, the first was in August. The weather was kind to us and there was quite a good turn out under the circumstances. It was great to see everyone again after such a long time, getting out again, meeting up and enjoying their hobby.
The second event held in September was a combined Multi / Circuit regatta, normally held in June. It was a full weekend event with racing on Saturday and Sunday, and is always a popular event. Again, the weather was good to us and there was some great racing. The Elmbridge Club put on a brilliant show with the food once again, lovely breakfast rolls & superb burgers for lunch.

An extra event was also held, this was a charity event in memory of those boaters who sadly passed away this year. The format differed slightly having multi racing on Saturday and Circuit racing on Sunday. Again, food was provided by the Elmbridge Club throughout the weekend. Two great days of racing where had by all and best of all we managed to raise £1010.00 from entries, food, camping and voluntary donations. A big thanks to all that helped and supported to make this such a great event. The raised funds have been sent to the Cancer Research charity. Acknowledgement Letter

A big thanks to Kath Clements for preparing our accounts again. Section accounts.
To all those who are currently holding annual trophies, we know who you are, these were last awarded at the AGM in 2019. I would like to remind you to get them engraved, polished and return at the first meeting next year, without fail!

Proposed races for 2022:

• 10th April
• 8th May
• 12th June
• 10th July
• 18th September

Rules

With the increasing size and speed of the boats competing in the Open Offshore Class we are introducing further safety requirements to race next year. These are being introduced to minimise the risk of an accident, injury or worse should they leave the water! We, as a section, have a great safety record and it is better to proactive rather than reactive. The first requirement is easy, and is built into most modern radio equipment, it is the use of a failsafe unit to kill the engine. Secondary to this, a system is also required to cut the ignition if the receiver loses a signal from the transmitter or there is a power failure to the receiver. There are several proprietary systems on the market such as the unit from Prestwich Models or Killer RC from as little as £10.00

If anyone has any matters arising from this mail or suggestions on the section, please mail me to discuss.

Lastly if anyone is interested in taking on any committee positions, again please mail me indicating your interest, please!!!

Regards
Grahame.

3.5cc – 2017 champion Mark Wraight

In the 3.5cc class, 2017 iMBRA European Champion Zack Humphries is untouchable, but the NDC is not his priority – He has eyes on bigger prizes at international level. 2017 3.5 NDC winner Mark Wraight is both fast and reliable, but he is also in the world championships team which may open the door for others if he doesn’t attend all the races. Alongside Mark, we would consider Dave Hole, Geoff Parmenter and Andrew Aykroyd in with a shout and we haven’t yet seen the best of Ian Folksons Ikarus. We’d probably make Dave the favourite but Andrew can win it if he goes to most of the meetings. Battle for the King of Speed will probably be fought out between Dave Marles and Dave Pillman, but we suspect neither of them will do enough events to win the title and those last few km/h of speed usually come at the expense of occasional reliability issues. Keith Burgess also has great speed but has been thwarted by reliability in recent seasons.

7.5cc – 2017 champion Mick Szebeko

The 7.5 should be interesting this season as we have another top racer in Andrew Aykroyd joining the class. Gary Wraight will be looking to return to the podium with his 8 Ball after extensive modifications. Gary will be determined to make 2018 a success after scuppering his chances of the 2017 title by attempting major changes mid-season only for it to backfire spectacularly. Everyone is looking forward to the first glimpse of 2014 World Champion Martin Fields new self-designed 7.5. Martin will be hoping the new boat is as good or better than his superb Pegasus Evo that he sold after the GB International win. Martin will no doubt putting most effort into the internationals so he’s not really a UK title contender. In no particular order, we would say that Mick Szebeko, Gary Wraight and Andrew Aykroyd are the front runners. Julian and Ross Waumsley are also strong in 7.5 and Julian’s average of 26 points per race would have been enough to take the title last year had he competed in every event. Ross may be looking for some wins to make up for the disappointment of missing the eliminators having contracted a serious infection in 2017 which almost cost him his leg.Dave Pillmans new Pegasus Evo may give everyone a fright (Video), but will he do enough races?

15cc – 2017 champion Terry Holmes

The best 15cc boat in the UK is Phill Fields Tornado T7, but like other top racers he will be considering potential damage in a world championship year so Mark Wraight will be looking to put right the disappointment of missing out on an 8th title in 2017. Facebook users will have seen the progress of his all-new Seljak design 15cc boat. We will shortly bring you a build masterclass of this boat. However, we hear he may have to contend with James Taylor who is rumoured to be returning to the 15cc class with a new Tornado T7. James is arguably (With Zack) the best driver in the UK, so Mark will have his hands full if James gets his boat built. James/Mark 2017 champion Terry Holmes will also be a strong contender as he only had one DNF all season last year on his way to the title. 2015/2016 champion Sam Lincoln would normally be considered one of the favourites, but is almost certainly focused on the world championships. We would also back Mikey Hillstead if he can keep the consistency he showed in the latter part of 2017.

27cc – 2017 champion James Taylor

27cc is a straight fight between Ian Folkson and James Taylor in our eyes. Or CMB vs Tiger King! James average 35 points per race in last years championship was simply phenomenal and if he carries that form into 2018 he will be unstoppable. The other contenders would be Steve Baxter and Mick Pain who is ultra reliable, but not on the pace of Ian, James and Steve. All 4 are qualified for the world championships, so this may let in Terry Holmes.