Tethered Hydro

Tethered Hydro

Contact: Angela Gullick
Hydro Website | Latest UK Speeds

Tethered Hydroplanes are one of the oldest forms of model boating. It was natural that when organised competitions were held model boaters wished to compare the speed of their models at these events.

The first races were held over a straight course but, as speeds increased, it was decided to use a circular course. This means that the model is tethered to a central pylon by a cable of known length. The advantages of this are two fold; firstly it is much safer and secondly the speed of the model can be very easily calculated.

The models are divided into various classes, depending on engine size. At present these range from 3.5 cc to 30 cc for waterscrew driven boats and 2.5 cc for airscrew models. All of the waterscrew models are capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph, the fastest being the 10 cc Class with speeds of 135+ mph. Airscrew boats are approaching speeds of 160 mph. There are also classes for steam driven boats and the fastest of these regularly reach 100 mph with the fastest currently reaching 118 mph.

Competitions are held regularly from March to October at venues especially adapted for racing this type of model. An International event is held each year at St. Albans, where in 2013 competitors from America, Armenia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Russia attended.