Offshore Model Racing Association

The Offshore Model Racing Association (or OMRA, promoted as Offshore Model Racing) is a non-profit organisation and race series that promotes the construction and racing of offshore radio controlled boats in the United Kingdom. The first race was held in 1969 but the association did not adopt the OMRA name until 1971.^[1]

OMRA organises national racing events for various classes with boats designed for offshore conditions. Race classes range from small Nitro powered boats to large scale petrol and electric powered boats. The racing season typically begins in April and ends in October with key events taking place at Cowes,^[2][3] Southampton Boat Show and Penzance. OMRA have also held races in Guernsey, ^[4][5] Torquay^[6][7] and Bristol Docks.^[8][9][3]

In 2020, OMRA became a member of Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) in the radio-controlled boat category to operate several races under UIM Rules.^[10]

OMRA is also affiliated with the BPBA ^[11] who are the UK Authority for powerboat racing under the UIM,^[10] although they deal primarily with full-size racing rather than scale model racing.

Steve Curtis MBE of the Miss GEICO powerboat team serves as an ambassador to OMRA.^[12]

Introduction of digital timing and X-Class for 2019 race season[edit]

For 48 years since its inception in 1971, OMRA had run races with traditional lap counting using a mechanical 'Tally counter'. In 2019 the organisation introduced a wireless digital system built on the XBee 868Mhz wireless Universal serial bus system. The equipment allowed OMRA to run accurately timed and counted races.^[13] A 9-metre floating bridge was constructed for boats to race through. Each boat carries a unique transponder with an infrared emitter mounted on the deck. This is in compliance with UIM Offshore Racing Rules for the requirement to use digital timing instead of Tally counters.^[14]

Another introduction for the 2019 series was an electric motor class, whereas there had only been petrol and nitro boats allowed up until that point. The new race class would be known as X-Class.

References[edit]

External links[edit]

• Offshore Model Racing Association official website
• Offshore Model Racing Association on Facebook
• MPBA Website

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