May 29, 2006 - Calgary Race Report:  By Doug Sick

It was typical for the first race of the season, a bit sparse on the attendance but for once the weather co-operated, albeit one week later that originally scheduled. The first attempt was cancelled do to a forecast of high winds. Given all the traveling, it was decided not to even attempt the race with the forecasted winds. Good thing, they were right. The weather turned out clear and fairly warm with a little wind out of the North, then the South then the East. It could not make up it's mind.

We were able to race all four hydro classes, A OPC, A Mono and R/C Scale in one day. We were finished about 5. As you can see, the points were a bit lower than expected due to numerous mechanical difficulties may people were still working out.

Surprisingly, in spite of the early start, 3 new Elliston Lake records were set. The record summary is also attached for those who are interested. Most of the new records were bested by sever seconds. X Hydro is now down to 1:07 which is a very fast time. Congratulations Kevin.

I think there are enough boats still in running condition to make a good run at the up coming Edmonton Race. See you all there.

May 26, 2006

Edmonton - race this weekend has been cancelled - further information regarding the make up of this race will be posted here...

Feb 25, 2006

Minutes of the Red Deer Regional meeting:

Meeting called to order at 1:50pm by Keith Warham

Minutes of the 2005 meeting were read by Kevin - accepted by:  Rob D

seconded by: Bruce Blackett

Comments from Keith Warham:

Issues from the minutes:  Keith's supplier of shirts in Calgary changed the prices, Keith has changed back to the supplier in Edmonton.

Keith thanked the newsletter contributors from last year, and encouraged participation this year.

The Namba rulebook has been re-done and is destined to be sent to the printer - everyone should have a copy later this year.

Question regarding high points shirts:  It's become a problem with the suppliers and logistics.  Discussion ensued:  Kyle suggested Chairs instead of shirts - seems to be well accepted.

Comments from Al Waters - the current NAMBA president:  Keith read current president's comments.  Safety was his primary concern.  Public perception is paramount.

Keith thanked Al for his past participation in NAMBA's executive and his participation in or district's events.

Edmonton's issues:

Engine started at the 2 minute horn in order to speed up race day.

Edmonton will re-org the pit area for increased visibility for the CD and a more specific area for setting up the starting tables - and requested that Calgary do simalarly at their site.  A discussion ensued - and it was generally agreed that we will make the pit areas in both locations more structured and roped off from the general public.

Dave Arsenault has volunteered to arrange for the creation of signs to keep the general public out of the pit area.

Calgary issues:

Calgary will add more gravel to their launch area

Race Date discussion:  results of the discussion posted here...

R/C Unlimited report - from Paul Omerzu:

Great turn out last year.  This year promises to be even better with the return of Dave Arsenault and Greg Wannamaker.  Alan Yuen and Les have also got scales for this year.

All Scales must have their Namba # on the boat - 1/4" numbers are sufficient.  On the transom is an acceptable location.

All boats within the district must be registered with Paul in order to avoid conflicts.  The registration forms are on the web site.  Two categories - development and competition status.

Any scale hulls should meet the scale rules in the district.  This applies to existing and new hulls, along with purchases of already built hulls from other districts.

Rob proposed that we run Classic scale - roundnose hulls - on Saturdays in Edmonton and Calgary. Seconded by Russ Engleman - passed.  Supplemental rules for this class are posted in the scale section of the website - found here...

Discussion from the floor:

Rob proposed a levy of 1.00 per entry be sent to the District Director to cover the costs of the chairs for high points. Les seconded - motion carried.

Al will host a race on September 22 - 24, 2005 - the host hotel will be the North 40 resort in Kalispel.

Insurance with the same carrier this year - and Al has negotiated the same rate as last year.  That's 13 years in a row without an increase in fees.

Keith awarded the High points shirts for the 2005 racing season:

Rob - A OPC and C Hydro

Alan - B Hydro and B Mono

Doug Sick - A Mono and X Hydro

Brian Jessup - A Hydro

Paul Omerzu - R/C Unlimited

Keith Warham - B OPC, Sport 40 and Sport 21

Andrew Ellwood - C Mono and Open Mono

Meeting adjourned at 3:13pm.

Nov 16, 2005

R/C Unlimited Registration form is now available - Scale Builders and Drivers click here for the form...and there have been some questions about the R/C Unlimited Rules within District 16 - Region 2.  The rules are posted here.

Nov 2, 2005

District 16 Region 2 Champions - 5 year history - click here

Year End Report:

by Keith Warham

Boating in District 16 has concluded with the last race of the year being completed Oct. 1 & 2 under some cool conditions.
Testing began in early April this year when the water finally thawed out. The first race in the District was in Calgary on May 15 & 16 with some excellent early season heats.

The schedule then move to Edmonton and to their new pond on May 28 & 29 and again on June 11 & 12. Both these races produced some fun heats and a couple of very close finishes. The weather was good for both races. These two races saw "A" OPC being run for the first time in several year. Also run for the first time ever was Sport 21, G2 and GX2 gas mono's. These new classes showed a lot of interest from those in attendance. The new pond in Edmonton proved to be much better than the old Kirk Lake site and with a bit of fixing up for next year it should be a plus for them as there is lots of exposure to the public and prospects for new members.

The next scheduled race moved back to Calgary on June 26 & 27 and once again there was more super racing and close finishes. District points were beginning to get real close. The weather again was excellent.

There is no scheduled races during July and the early part of August due to the NAMBA Nats and the fact a lot of members take vacation during this time of summer.

The final two Edmonton races were run August 20 & 21 and Sept 3 & 4. The August race was hot and racing was as hot as the weather with some exciting back and forth fights for first place in most heats. The Sept, race started off good on Saturday but on Sunday old mother nature decided to give us a bit of unwanted rain so after the completion of two classes the balance had to be cancelled with the balance of the classes to be completed at the next race in Calgary.

The next scheduled race in Calgary had to be cancelled due to of all things, high water levels for a storm earlier in the week. It was once again decided to complete both the balance of the Edmonton races and the Calgary cancelled race on the final race of the year Oct. 1 & 2. This race would be the last chance to compete for High points and most classes were wide open for some upsets.
The final race started off late as the wind was blowing hard and the water was to rough. However after some patience and determination and a long day most of the larger boat classes that could handle the smaller waves were completed leaving the smaller "A" classes to be run the next day.
The next day started off on time with much better conditions but some what cold temperatures. All the classes were finally completed on another long day with many upsets in the final point standing due to DNF's and hotly contested heats.

The year for the most part was very enjoyable and the races were fun to attend meeting new and old friends.Congratulations to all those who participated and to all the High Point winners. The High point have been calculated and can be view on the District Web site.

It would have been nice to see more Calgary member participation in all aspects of the club needs such as setting up the course helping out at the races and taking out the course at the end of the year instead of leaving up to a small few to do most of the work.

Hope to see you all next year and I under stand there are several new Scales, Sport 21 and sport 40 as well as "A" & "B" OPC boats that are going to show up next year. We will have to wait until then to see what happens as we heard some of these roomers this year also that never came true.

Have a good winter(if that's possible) and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Don't forget to ask Santa for all those wish list boat items you want.

Keith Warham
District 16 Director.

Nov 1, 2005

Calgary Race Report (October 1 & 2) by Doug Sick:

Finally, 2005 racing in District 16-2 is finished.

The last race was held in Calgary and it capped off a relatively successful year. For the most part, the class winners finished with more points this year than the champions of the year before. That is due to more races in Edmonton and probably more reliable boats. Consistency is apparent by comparing total points to the best 6 of 8 races points. Our championship scoring system allows for a few races to be missed without affecting your chances of being a champ. None of the places changed when best 6 were considered.
The last race in Calgary started off on a sour note. Everybody arrived on time to wind and wind. The rain had let up but the pond was not suitable for boat racing. Most of the racers went off to coffee and came back about noon. By then the Northwest winds had backed off a bit and we ran the bigger classes that could handle some rough water. The wind slacked off more and more and finally was pretty much not a factor. We ran what we had till past 6 PM. The hardest part this time of year and that late in the day is the light. The exit of turn 2 gets pretty hard to see with the glare from the low setting sun. Just our luck the clouds broke enough to allow brilliant sun to shine off the water. I don't know what it is but the boats must be tuned for this as they seemed to die more often than not directly in the suns glare. Surprisingly enough, I don't remember anybody actually hitting a dead boat in that area in spite of numerous opportunities. The only major damage came from a C-Hydro that got lost in the sun and came across the course to the front and neatly nailed boat coming down the front straight. I think there are pictures published elsewhere of this altercation. The boat on the front straight looked not too bad from the top but when you turned it over, most of the bottom of the sponsons were missing. The turn fin tore off the one sponson bottom and the other was removed when it hit the engine of the crossing boat.

Brian and Barb hosted a fantastic Pasta dinner on Saturday night. In spite of our late finnish at the pond, there was good attendance. Great to see you all out.

Sunday was much improved. A bit cloudy and cool in the morning but generally good water conditions. We caught up with our classes for Calgary (5 heats instead of 4) and the make-ups from Edmonton. There were a lot of heats and we got through them all except for an open mono. It was getting too dark to finish the races safely.

Great racing folks this year. Hope for better next year. I see more interest out there and it looks like several new boats will be showing up next year.

Have a good winter and a successful building/rebuilding season.

September 29, 2005

Saturday/Sunday, Sept 3,4 2005 Gold Cup Report

By Rob Duckering

88 entries......Lots of bodies.......Last race of the year in Edmonton.
Thanks to all those who attended for their support and help.
Saturday started out with lots of testing until 10 am and then a drivers meeting.
First up was A-opc. Keith had a new Top-speed tunnel and K&B SS combo that was brand-new, never run.
A few teething problems but he worked on it as we raced. Toi Tran came from Saskatoon to race and had a Dumas hotshot and OS Max combination. Nice quiet little engine.
Martin Lovsund from Mackenzie B.C. brought his Villain and K&B SS powered tunnel.
Rob continued with his Leecraft and K&B SS.
Some fast times produced in this class mostly from Martin trying to chase down Rob and his Leecraft.
Rob hugged the bouys for the most part not allowing the slightly faster Villain of Martin's to get the inside which resulted in 1 heat with a 1:50 time. Not too bad for A-opc and still faster than some other times by boats in the same engine classifications.
When all was done Rob had a perfect day followed by Toi and then Keith.
A-mono had some thrilling moments but Doug Sick and one of the fastest A-monos around had a perfect day followed by Alex Lakusta And Fons Runco in second and third respectively. No one was catching Doug on this day.
Throughout the day we were able to throw a few heats of gas mono in with the nitro boats to help keep boats running and out on the water. Some great action Provided by Andy Stichenko, Sid Sali, Graham Swain, Dan Sali and Gary from Kelowna. These boats are huge and turn some of the biggest props available which results in some monster holes and troughs in the water. The crashes are amazing.
A-Hydro was up next with some very fast boats and at the end, Rob and his Eagle sg, powered by a Novarossi wound up with another perfect score and fast time at the pond, for the year, followed by Doug and then Brian from Calgary.
Sport 21 was once again able to hit the water as Martin from B.C. brought his fast little RC marine designs entry powered by a Novarossi 21. Keith from Calgary hit the water with his Bandit sport 21 with a Mac 21 while Rob ran his own design powered by a K&B 21. Some good heats were run between Keith and Martin with Martin taking the class with 1325 points followed by Keith, then at the tail end, Rob.
Next up was Sport 40. Keith entered his AC pro 40 and Mac 45, Alan Yuen with a Mutt and CMB 45, Kevin with a BBY and OS 46, Toi Tran and his AC pro 40 with OS 46 and for the first time this year, Andrew Ellwood and a Mutt with K45 power.All the boats were fast and for the first race, Andrew had a great launching hull. A small mod to the driveline straightened everything out and he was able to run all 4 heats. In the end it was Keith and his dialed in AC hull driving to a perfect score (1600 points) with Andrew in second and Toi in third.
C-mono.....What is there to say about Paul and his Muck super streaker?....It just keeps going and going, and now it has a Mac 67 for power. Paul has a lot of fun driving it and thrilling the onlookers with its flight as it literally flies on its strut, especially down the back straight into the gentle breeze.
Andrew used the old AC magnum hull and K&B, Bruce had a Microburst with Mac 67 while Brad Nichols ran a muck with an OPS 67.
Andrew won the first heat but in the second, a loose connecting rod kept the K&B from running so Paul continued on and raced to first place followed by Bruce, then Andrew.
Seven C-hydros entered this race with Rob emerging as #1 with 1400 points followed by Kevin and then Al Hobbs in third. Looks like this class may come down to the next 2 races in Calgary to determine the overall high points champ.
In G2 mono, Andy wound up with first with 1225 points followed by Gary and Sid.
GX2 mono was also won by Andy With Sid a close second and once again Gary.
These classes are also so close that the next races in Calgary will again determine the champs.

Sunday started out sunny and calm, so B-OPC was off and running. Keith had a problem with a small water hazard after winning the first 2 heats which resulted in a broken motor mount thus ending his chance for another perfect score.
In the end it was Toi running a bandit hull and old K&B 7.5 water-cooled engine at the top of the heap followed by Keith and then Paul.
Next up was the running of the Gold Cup for RC Unlimiteds. We had 5 entries this time around. Al and the Notre Dame showed good top end in the practice sessions but some square corners out on the race course showed up a few times to shut the Dame down while the others cruised on by. There were a couple of jump starts here and there as the drivers tried to get the edge and be first to the line. One heat saw Martin and his 88 Miller High Life get a good start followed by the Smokin Joes driven by Rob. It was basically a 6 lap train all the way as the Smokin Joes tried to chase down the Miller with the result being the fastest time of the year in Edmonton by Martin.
This race would finally see the Smokin Joes finish all 4 heats and take home the most sought after trophy in the district with a total of 1400 points followed by Mike and his 87 Miller and Paul with the multiple gold cup winning Atlas Van Lines.

It was during the last heat of scale that the rain started and thus it was decided to cancel the rest of the racing for the day after scale concluded. We will make up the rest of the days racing in Calgary at either their next race or the last race. Either way, lets make the last races of the year in Calgary gown down as their best of the year with improved attendance.
See you all there.....

September 19, 2005

An update!  I know - you're all saying "it's about time".  Lets just say that I have an opinion of a particular computer vendor's service...or lack thereof.

Updates will take place over the next week or so.  For today, we've got the most current district points available thanks to Doug Sick, and the most up to date Edmonton Course Records and Scale Results thanks to Rob Duckering.

The Calgary race on the 17 & 18 was cancelled due to high water conditions.  Stay tuned for more updates.  The last race of the season will be in Calgary, October 1 & 2.  There is a rumor that there will be a number of classes decided in Calgary that weekend.

July 13, 2005

Report from the NAMBA Nationals:

We finished the first day of racing A-Mono. The Westerners have not been doing well so far. Not a lot of boats but we just could not get things rolling very well. Al was testing his new Notre Dame round nose in Sport 60. Not much luck there either. Hope to have the bugs worked out by Scale next weekend.

We tackle A-Hydro tomorrow, Sunday. A friend of Al's from Switzerland has an Eagle SG knock off moulded with carbon fibre. Really light and it goes well. It's going to be busy.

It's been cloudy and damp till today when we first saw the sun. It's supposed to be hot for the rest of the week.
Really nice people here running the race. Always asking if things are going OK and can they help out.

-Have fun y'all......Doug

R/C Unlimited Winners has also been updated.

July 7, 2005

District Points have been updated to include the June 25 & 26 race in Calgary and we have two race reports from that race - one from Doug Sick and another from Rob Duckering.  Pictures here...

June 25/26 Race Report - by Doug Sick

This has to be a record in more ways than one. We have completed 4 races between Calgary and Edmonton this spring and not one heat has been lost. For Calgary, it's been even more fantastic since June has set an all time record for rain at 246 mm. Our luck seems to be that the rains come on the weekends we are off. Elliston Lake has been flooded to the top once and was running about 75% full the weekend before the last race. Unfortunately, there has been little chance to practice on the weekends so our finishing rate at the races has been low. Lots of technical glitches.

The June 25/26 was looking like it was going to be a bit wet but as it turned out, very little rain fell, only a few light showers, hardly enough to wet the ground. Mind you, wetting the ground may be hard to detect at the present time. We had a few more racers this time around but only one class added to the roster; B OPC. There was some good racing on both days with some very close finishes.

Driving skills are picking up, however there still needs to be some improvement on holding lanes (sorry about the prop tracks on your C-Hydro Brian).

Alan tried to plant Keith's S-40 in the water. Amazingly, all Keith had was a bit of red paint on the top of his canopy from the bottom of Alan's boat.

Kevin discovered sub port induction didn't work on his B-Hydro. He could not understand why his engine showed no power after lauching unsuccessfully several times. No mixture setting worked, and in fact, no mixture setting made a difference at all. At home, he discovered that he could easily view the con rod through the exhaust port when the piston was at TDC. Sub porting the exhaust has been done but not when it's a 1/4 inch gap. Kevin claims he assembled the .46 engine after he did his 3.5 hydro (opposite exhaust) and was not paying too close attention to the piston, just made sure the hole in the bottom of the con rod was facing the right direction.

Doug was not all with it either. He was all set to launch Brian's A hydro from the drivers stand. Took a left at the pits instead of a right towards the pond. Oh well, must have been on another planet.

Brian and Barb hosted a great BBQ for the racers on Saturday night. It was a bit chilly but at least it wasn't raining.

Three class records for Elliston Lake were set on the weekend. Check out the update.

Thanks all for coming out and see you all at the end of July for our straight-a-way speed testing and 2 lap time trials.
Doug, Al and Alan are going to the Nats in New Hampshire. Check on their progress (or lack of progress) at the NAMBA website. I hope they keep a daily log of the results.

-Doug Sick.

June 25/26 Race Report - by Rob Duckering

Race #4 we headed to Calgary. With the weather they have been having down there recently, you had to wonder if we could pull it off.

Started out from Edmonton with the wife and kids with sunny weather and ran into rain towards Red-Deer. It didn't look good. The closer we got to Calgary, the brighter the skies got and when we arrived at the pond, the clouds were breaking up and the weather looked good.

On with the race......Pretty good turn-out with members from Calgary and Edmonton as well as Al Hobbs from Montana. Where are the Red-Deer people? The season is 1/2 over and no boaters from that part of the province yet. Well, maybe next race...

I'm not sure of all the point tallies or who finished where so I'll leave that up to the Calgary guys to come up with a report. All I know is the weather and racing were again as good as it gets. The only result I'm sure of is that Paul Omerzu driving the Atlas finished a few heats and went home the winner of the 2005 Presidents cup as the other boats could not manage a finish with teething problems. I do remember a heat in X-hydro that was one by Bruce Blackett over Kevin by inches. Wow!...it was close...

Thanks go out to Barb and Brian Jessup for feeding my kids on Saturday night.  Even after loading up with pizza from Pizza Hut just minutes before.  Everyone else had cheeseburgers from the grill and all the fixins.

See ya in Edmonton Aug 20/21 for the Silver cup, or if you really feel daring, check out the speed trials in Calgary, July 30.

Rob

June 17, 2005

District points have been updated to reflect the June 11/12 race in Edmonton.  Several classes have tight races for top spot including C Mono where Paul and Andrew have had identical points in each of the past two races...

June 14, 2005

Race #3 of the season took place in Edmonton June 11/12. After the previous race, who would have thought we could improve the attendance, but that's what happened.  Four extra boaters from Kelowna joined us and brought with them a truckload of boats for both days.  It was good to see old friends and new faces. Thanks go out to Andy, Graham, Sid and Gary for putting on a show with some monster gas boats that leave the biggest troughs you can imagine (as Andrew found out). 

We ran 2 gas classes with stock and modified engines. The modified gas boats were also entered in Open Mono where Andy from Kelowna achieved a perfect score and set fast time at the Edmonton site. Hope to see you guys in Calgary June 25/26.

We also had another visitor, Gerry Pinnsoneault from Cold Lake. Its just amazing how much equipment he can pack in a vehicle.  Gerry had an endless supply of boats, engines and parts for sale which I'm sure everyone got a piece of. Gerry was only too glad to sell to us boaters and his gesture was much appreciated. Too bad he couldn't run a boat. I'm sure if he comes to another race, some of us can lend him a boat to run.

 

We even had some previously un-run classes entered which included B-OPC and in total around 84 boats entered with 19 drivers. Saturday was sunny and the wind was light. Near the end of the day showers threatened from all around but never materialized until later, but by then we were either home or on the way to the Ellwoods for burgers. A big thanks to Laurel and Andrew for having us out and feeding us.

All classes were run and some great heats of racing. A couple of heats that stood out to me was one in sport 40 where Keith, Kevin and Alan raced side by side for a few laps exchanging the lead at least 3 times with each driver having the lead at one point until at the finish where Alan Yuen pulled out the win.

Another was in C-hydro with Rob getting the jump on the field and Doug chasing. Dougs boat was visibly faster but Rob drove a somewhat shorter line around the course and coming out of turn 4 to the finish held a 20 foot advantage which Doug made up and almost won the heat at the line. Neither one of us new who won, it was as close as it gets.

Sunday brought cloudy skies and cooler weather. All the B classes were run as well as X classes and scale.
5 boats entered unlimited hydro with the 82 Atlas (Paul), 87 Miller American (Mike), 88 Miller High Life (Martin), 94 Smokin' Joes (Rob) and Al Hobbs and the Miss US.

Heat one was won by the Smokin' Joes with the Atlas chasing. Heat 2 was won by the 88 Miller with the Atlas again chasing after the Joe went dead. Heat 3 saw the Smokin' Joe win followed by Paul and the Atlas. Heat 4 was the run for the Governors cup with the Atlas having accumulating 900 points, Smokin' Joe at 800, 87 miller (Mike) at 675, 88 Miller at 450 (Martin) followed by Al with 225.

All boats started and before the gun the Smokin' Joe was dead in the water, which left the Atlas and the 2 Miller boats to run for the trophy. Martin and the Miller got the jump and led the first lap with the Atlas chasing hard with Mike and the Miller American at the back. Lap 2 saw a drive dog set screw come loose on the Atlas ending his race with the Miller of Mike Lakusta taking over second place. At the end it was Martin winning the heat with Mike and the Miller American finishing second.

So, the points ended up as follows, Mike and the 87 Miller American winning its first race of the year with 975 points, Paul and the Atlas (down one set-screw) with 925 in second, Martin and the Miller High Life in 3rd with 850, Smokin' Joes (leaky needle) with 800 and Al and the Miss Us with 250.

Just goes to show, finish all your heats and you are there at the end.  Congratulations Mike!

We would also like to thank Fons and Brad and Andrew for their work on the contest directors stand doing the thankless job of keeping track of all the heats and boats.

Also, note that a few more course records were set on the weekend.

See you all in Calgary for the Presidents cup, June 25/26
 -- Rob --

June 7, 2005

Several updates for today:

Race Results and district points are updated.

Updated pictures from the last Edmonton Race here.

Rob Duckering has put together a Table that will contain the R/C Unlimited winners from the past several years.  So far, we just have this year's events, but we're combing through the archives to discover the rest - click here.

REPORT ON OPC DISTRICT 16 - by Keith Warham

After a lapse of some 5 years "A" OPC has come to light again with the running of our first class in Edmonton last week end. We had 3 entries for the first race from Keith, Rob and Martin from Prince George B.C.  Rob took first place with his Leecraft, Keith was second with a bandit boat and Martin was third with his Villain.  Water conditions were not to bad for the little boat and fun was had by all.  I know there are a few more "A" OPC boats out there so lets get them out guy's and have some fun.

For the second race of the year we did not have enough "B" OPC boats to run a class so hopefully some of you delinquent B boat guys will show up at the next race in Edmonton next week end.   --Keith--

June 2, 2005

Edmonton Race Report: - By Rob Duckering

Race #2 on the schedule took place in Edmonton with one of the best turnouts of people and boats of the last few years.  Al Hobbs from Great Falls and Martin Lovsund from Mackenzie B.C. traveled the furthest and brought a good number of entries with them.  A first for district 16 was the running of the new sport 21 class.  Very impressive little boats with heat times that rival their sport 40 counterparts. Look for this class to continue to grow.  Also running for the first time in a while was A-OPC. 

Saturday was warm and sunny with light winds which made for some great racing action. We were visited by a representative of the City of Edmonton and by all accounts we were received quite well.  Time will tell on this one as Fons will work with the city to see what improvements we can have done to make the site a safer place to race.  Some of the rocks on the edge pose a hazard to launching and also to boats either driven wide or with low batteries as experienced by Alan Yuen and Al Hobbs.  Overall, I think the new site will be ok and we will continue to improve the conditions.

Sunday saw very high winds and at our old pond would have been impossible to run on. The water did get rough at times but at least we were able to race and get this one in. We also recorded the fast times and like Calgary, we will continue to update.   Embra course records  Calgary course records

This race was the Seafair race for RC Unlimiteds and had 6 boats entered.  Mike Lakusta's new Miller boat made its first race and ran very nice until an incident with the dead in the water Smokin' Joes took both boats out.  Also in its first race was Martins canopy version of the Miller High Life.  It came down to the last heat with Martin's new Miller in control over Paul's Atlas Van Lines until Martin cut a buoy thus allowing Paul to squeak in an extra 75 points overall and claim the 2005 Seafair trophy.

Pictures of the race are here...

 
Next race is in Edmonton June 11-12 for the Governors Cup and we look forward to seeing you all there.  Andrew and Laurel will be hosting a get together at their home Saturday night.

Till then......Rob
 

May 24, 2005

Calgary Race Report: - By Doug Sick

 
As usual, the first race was rather sparsely attended with a handful of Calgary members, Al Hobbs and two EMBRA members. Thanks to Perry M and Russ E for coming out anyway to help out with the race even though they don't have any boats ready. A big thanks has to go to Brian Jessup who in spite of his recent difficulties, showed up to CD and race his full complement of boats. You can't get more dedicated than that.

If you didn't come, you missed a great race, which is unusual at least for Calgary. Normally, the Spring is very windy and/or rainy so we rarely get in a full weekend. This time, the weather was great, the wind was minimal and the sun shone brightly, as my sunburn can attest. Also, in spite of the long winter lay off, most of the boats seemed to be in good form with only a few not able to run.

Kevin T picked up where he left off last year and doing a nice job on the internals of his S-40 Picco engine. After some checking of the systems, he discovered his new S-40 had no way for the water to get through the rudder and he was running without any cooling.

Everybody kept off the rocks which is always very good. Must have stocked up with new batteries over the winter. Rob D took a lot of pictures for the District website. Take a look and see if you recognize anybody new. Pictures here...

I am keeping a record list for heat racing at Elliston Lake. I started it last year with the change to the new 1 mile 6 lap course so it is relatively new. You will note that two records were set in the May 14/15 race so we are certainly up to speed. Several of the best times were only a few seconds off the records.

Remember the first Edmonton race this coming weekend. Bruce Blackett is taking entries. We have a new lake to break in. Details are on the District website. This is a probationary lake for now and depending on how we do, it may become permanent. By all reports, it should be a good place to race with little in the way of nearby residents, good access and less chance of the water going rough with the wind. Just have to see how the pond develops over the summer. It's a run-off pond like Calgary so we will have to deal with variable water levels and likely weed growth. Hope to see you there.

Doug

May 22, 2005

OK - so it's almost time for the first Edmonton race of the year.  Remember - we are at the new pond for this race - map found here.

Bruce Blackett is taking registrations again this year - I know he would love to hear from you by Wednesday evening with your classes and frequencies.

We just finished setting the course at the new pond.  We were able to fun a rope to the far side of the pond - the result is that the course is as straight as any we've ever put in the water.  Better than that, it took very little time compared to the course at Kirk Lake.

The pit area for this race will be dirt.  The pond has yet to be seeded for grass, although I'm sure that is coming soon.  We are hoping to have an official from the City of Edmonton come down and observe us at this race, with the hope of this becoming our permanent home.  Let's make sure we give them a good show!

See you at the pond! - Andrew

May 17, 2005

Sport Report - by Rob Duckering:

May 14/15 in Calgary. The weather was awesome. The turnout was light. The racing was great, for the first race of the year.

Since this is just a report on sport boats, I will only comment on Sport 40 and Unlimited.

Sport 40 was run on Saturday with 3 boats and their drivers attending.  Keith Warham, Alan Yuen and Kevin Trabourley. Since I was not running this class this year, I was able to dedicate time to taking pictures and watching the action; and wow, what action there was for just 3 boats.  Keith has his MAC 45 powered AC pro 40 running as fast as I have ever seen it, and it had to be said that Alan Yuen with a CMB 45RS powered Mutt II was equally as fast.  They had one heat where they ran within 20-40 feet of each other for the full 6 laps. Kevin had a few engine problems here and there but once running, was a threat to challenge for top spot. See the race results section for point totals in this class.

Sunday saw 3 Unlimited scales take to the water.  Paul Omerzu driving the Picco powered  Atlas Van Lines, Rob Duckering and the Smokin' Joes, as well as Al Hobbs with the Notre Dame dropped sponson roundnose.  Testing began in the morning with Al dropping the Notre Dame in the water for the first time in 10 years with a Kalastratov 67 providing the push.  He was tickled to say the least, when it ran like it had been running all along, ready to race, and fast too....
3 boats entered all 4 heats with the Smokin' Joes having mixture problems in the first 2 heats and sat dead in the water as Al and Paul duked it out. Finally in the 3rd heat all 3 boats ran and finished the heat with the Atlas on top. The cowling came loose on the Joe and provided an obstacle at the apex of turn 3, 4 but luckily no one hit it and all boats returned to the pits with no prop damage. (Thanks guys). Heat 4 saw the Smokin' Joes finally get its act together and win the final heat but its day was done as you need to finish all your heats to get to the top. The Thunderboat Cup goes to Paul and the Atlas this day with second to Al and the Notre Dame.  Again, see race results for the point totals.

This was the first heats of unlimited racing in Calgary since the 2000 Canadian Nationals and I see no reason for scale racing to not continue. Hopefully with a few more boats getting finished and tested, we can expand this class for the remainder of the season.

See you all in Edmonton for the first race on our new pond May 28/29.  ---  Rob  ---
 

May 2, 2005

It's just about boating season!  I know that the guys in Calgary have been out testing already...someone sent me some pictures!

The Edmonton club has a line on a new pond!  Great news for all that race in Edmonton as it's relatively wind sheltered, there are only industrial neighbors, there will be great exposure from drive by traffic.  The City has agreed to let us race there for the first race this year - they will stop by and check us out that weekend.  The new pond is a storm drainage pond just off the Whitemud Freeway at 50 Street - just North of the new Leons furniture store.  Map is found here.  For those who drive in from the south, this is going to be a fairly large time saver as it's close to Calgary Trail on the south side of Edmonton.  There are a bunch of hotels on Calgary Trail, or alternatively a couple of new ones in Sherwood Park that are quite reasonable.  Call Andrew if you need assistance in that area.

Thanks to all who have recently sent pictures.  See a bunch of new stuff here:

April 5, 2005

District 16, Region 2 Hydro Report

-by Kevin Traboulay

So this year, as always, the hydro classes will be one of the largest out there. 

News from the pits is Doug's new Eagle SGX .21 as he gave up on his scratch built hydro from last year which he just did not have the time to work out the bugs. Brian J is, as usual, running his own design and will be running at the top.  It will be interesting to see how A hydro pans out as Brain's A was the fastest by far last year and if he can keep her on the pipe he will be hard to beat.  I myself am running an older version Eagle SG acquired from Russ Engleman. 

Kyle Saunders is again going to test the waters in Mongoose 67/80 hull running a CMB or Mac .67. In his first go at it he racked up some casualties, But his driving skills have greatly improved and will be ready to go.

Richard Sacher will be running again this year in B hydro trim and we're all glad to see the Red Dear guys getting out to Calgary.  Lets hope they find a permanent racing spot to practice at and for us to come to their neck of the woods to play. 

If you checked the Edmonton's site you'll see Mike K has been super hard at work building new hydros and YES even an A hydro.  Al Hobbs will bring out the usual assortment of super fast Eagles to stir up the water.  I myself have almost finished the re-build of my X Jaguar after an unfortunate mishap with another boater.  After a brief but truly missed absence from racing Rob D is entering two classes and will be running some of Doug's old hulls powered by Mac's in A and C hydro.  Welcome back Rob.

More to come as those of you in secret mode reveal your winter projects.

Kevin

March 31, 2005

District 16, Region 2 Scale and Sport Report

- by Rob Duckering

Scale hydro has seen a rekindling of interest in District 16 this year with the possibility of some scales hitting the water hopefully at all races this year.

Paul Omerzu will be out with the 1988 U-00 Miller High life with a Picco 67 for power.  This boat has won numerous races and will be a major player.

Next is Martin Lovsund from northern B.C. who says he will make it to 6 or so races this year driving another version of the 1988 Miller high life but with the fully enclosed cockpit with U # 31. His boat is powered by a CMB greenhead 67. 

Also returning this year after taking last year off is Rob Duckering driving a boat bought off ebay from Don Ferrette. The 1994 U-10 Smokin Joes powered by a Picco bluehead.

Next is Al Hobbs driving one of his Notre Dame hulls with the nod most likely to the 1969 roundnose version.

From Calgary we have Kevin Trabouley and a Circus Circus hull.

Also in the running should be Mike Lakusta and a beautiful 1987 Miller American canopy version which was just finished last year.

Some other notables are Andrew Ellwood and the 1990 Winston Eagle which should hit the water near mid-season. Look for that hull to be Kalistratov powered.

I have also heard of another hull in Calgary being built by Kelly Cunningham.  Maybe after a race or two we can generate some real interest in this class again, because when you think about it, they are priced right in there with the competitive rigger designs currently running. Not only that, they are bigger and easier to see for some of us that are getting on in years....

Sport 40 looks to be a hotly contested class with some older but proven boats from years gone by and some new entries. Keith Warham returns with an AC Pro 40 powered by a Mac 45.  Look for this boat to be running near the front this year.  Also returning will be Andrew and his Mutt II powered by a K engine.  This boat could be the one to win it all if Andrew can put a string of races together.  A new player this year is Alan Yuen from Calgary also driving a Mutt II hull powered by a CMB engine.  Should be interesting to watch this one.  Perry Mador will be running his AC Pro 40 with a Mac, Kevin T has a Winston Lobster hull, and Jim Smith has another AC Pro 40 hull with a few others yet to be determined.

Sport 20 looks to be finally on the water this year. Martin Lovsund has an RC Marine Design hull powered by a Nova Rossi engine and is just being finished at this time.  Rob Duckering has a new scratch built with a K&B 3.5 drum engine all painted and almost ready.  Keith Warham will have a new Bandit hull with his own design cowl and a Mac 21 ready.  Gerald Melanson, Perry Mador and Richard Sacher from Red-Deer round out the field.  The first race should be interesting as I'm sure there will be a lot of untested boats hitting the water for the first time.

So, there it is.....the first sport report from district 16.  Next one will be right after the first race where I'll report on how the results ended up and who looks to be the strongest for the upcoming year, as well as any late additions to the field and how they look. Any more info that anyone can provide is welcomed. Pictures of progress is a big plus as well.

Rob Duckering.

March 12, 2005

Minutes of the Red Deer Meeting (1:45pm Saturday March 12, 2005 - North Hill Inn).

Meeting called to order at 1:45pm by Keith Warham.

Minutes of the 2004 meeting were read by Kevin.

Accepted by Perry Mador, Seconded by Bruce Blackett.

District Director Keith Warham's comments:

Thanks to all for participated last year.

District logo decals and patches will be produced in Calgary this year and are available immediately from Keith.  Shirts are also being produced in Calgary and are available with no minimum quantity.

High Points - do we want shirts for next year?  A brief discussion ensued - final decision is yes

Teams for this year?  Participation was low last year but most saw that as a result of the problems that Edmonton had with the pond.  The decision was made to keep them for this year and we'll re-evaluate next year.

Question for Al - decals for Namba?  Suggested that this is a task for the NAMBA V.P.  Elections are this year and there is a rumor that Keith Warham might just run if we can talk him into it.  Then we'll get NAMBA decals!!

Al indicated Namba web site is undergoing change - the company that maintains it has been dismissed and there are tenders out for maintaining it.

Keith is looking for contributions for the NAMBA newsletter.  Rob suggested that individuals be appointed to cover the class categories (Mono, Hydro, Scale/Sport20/40, Outboard).  Rob has volunteered to write contributions for Scale, Kevin will write up Hydro, Kyle will write the Mono articles and Keith will take care of OPC.

Race dates have been posted on the web site.

Red Deer report:  Richard Sacher reported that there is an on-going struggle for a pond in the Red Deer area.  Wolf Creek Inn site has some access issues that would need to be rectified before we can race there.  Three Mile Bend pond is too small for a race course.  Richard will keep us updated.

Calgary Report:  Kevin asked about the 6 lap course?  They will use 5 bouys instead of last year's 3 bouy course.  Doug is producing fuel again this year.  Glow plugs - MC-9s ($2.60/plug) and Merlin plugs ($2.00/plug) are available.  April 15th deadline to contact Kevin for plugs.  Al also has K&B high performance plugs but has limited supplies.

Signs for races - advertising and pit area warning signs will be developed for the Calgary pond along with more aggressive use of ropes and signs to keep non-members out of the pit area during races. 

The City of Calgary has a Fireworks show that is run at the pond - and the Calgary club will probably be invited to run again this year.  If so, all are invited to run your boats and enjoy the fireworks.  This is great exposure for the hobby and the more participation we get, the better.  The Calgary club will keep us informed.

Edmonton report:  Pond issues - short version is that the politicians are trying to decide who will run the pond this year.  This remains an open discussion that should have some decisions made by the middle of April.  Other ponds in the city will have similar political consequences. 

New classes for this year will be Sport 21, more scales etc.

Al Hobbs report:  New insurance form from Al to satisfy the City of Calgary's insurance requirements was presented to Keith.

2005 Namba Nats in New Hampshire - small group from Alberta is headed that direction this year.

This is Al's last year as NAMBA president.  We're trying to get Keith to run for Vice President...

Al raced in Australia over Christmas.  They are interested in joining NAMBA, but the insurance may be an issue.

Travellers is the insurance company of choice for NAMBA.

IMPBA will no longer produce a newsletter.  IMPBA's information will be available on the web site only.

Doug Sick's fuel report:  Fuel prices $25/gallon for 40%, $29/gallon for 50%, $32/gallon for 60% - all prices for 5 gallon quantities at one time - you provide the containers.

Keith presented the high points shirts:

Alan Yuen - A Mono and B Mono

Doug Sick - B Hydro and C Hydro

Bruce Blackett - A Hydro

Brian Jessup - X Hydro

Rob Duckering Adjourned the meeting at 2:45pm - seconded by Bruce Blackett.

February 23, 2005

It's been a while...and quite a bit has happened!

Firstly, a tentative race schedule has been posted under the Race Dates menu option - or by clicking here.

Edmonton's pond situation has gone through several iterations - without all of the gory details it looks like control of Kirk Lake has been transferred back to the City of Edmonton.  Initial conversations with them seem very positive.  Details will be available at the Red Deer meeting.

Oh yeah - that reminds me - the annual Red Deer meeting will be at the usual North Hill Inn @ 2:00PM on Saturday, March 12, 2005.

The Edmonton club participated in a static display at Bonnie Doon Mall on Family Day - pictures below courtesy of Rob Duckering.

There are also a number of new pictures in the Edmonton Shop Gallery section - Rob's new Sport 21 and Some more pictures from Mike Kurz.

Scale seems to have re-emerged as a popular class in Edmonton.  Rob has a new Smokin' Joes, Paul is working on the Miller High Life, Andrew is making steady headway on the 1992 Winston Eagle and Mike will probably have his Miller American done for the season.  Al is also rumored to have a new scale boat.  Should be fun...

November 1, 2004

Doug Sick has produced a page of Historical District 16 - Region 2 class champions since 1996 - check it out here...

Mike Kurz has sent some new pictures of his new 21 hydro - look here...

October 17, 2004

Final District 16, Region 2 points have been posted

October 3, 2004

Calgary race pictures taken by Richard Sacher of Sylvan Lake.  Great pics here...

Sept 29, 2004

Updated district points have been posted...

Sept 5, 2004

Well Saturday was nice...Sunday the wind got us from the North West - and it was impossible to run in the waves.  The turnout was small, but we had a great deal of fun.  Richard from the Red Deer club showed up to give us a hand.  I actually think he came to watch, but we conscripted him as we needed one more person in order to run four boat heats.  Racing was done by 3pm! 

Thanks so much to Bruce and Lana who hosted a wonderful dinner at their house Saturday evening. 

Next race - Crazy Al's in Kalispell, Montana on September 17, 18 & 19.

Sept 2, 2004

The weatherman is still not sure of the weekend weather.  Right now it's very unstable, but they are saying there's a chance of good boating weather on the weekend.  Check the Edmonton weather forecast - click here.

Sept 1, 2004

It looks like the Edmonton Club will be able to host a race on the Labor Day weekend.  There was some activity at the old pond (Kirk Lake) on Tuesday evening, and if the weather permits, we'll be racing on the weekend.  Please register with Bruce Blackett ASAP.  For those attending please note that construction of the overpass on 184 street is more or less complete.  Go North of the Yellowhead on 184 street and make your first left and then follow the road around.

June 22, 2004 (from Doug in Calgary)

May 27, 2004

Calgary race this weekend has been re-scheduled for June 5 and 6th - due to rain

May 25, 2004

Updated district points from the race in Edmonton

May 14, 2004

The Edmonton race on May 15 and 16 will be held at Muir Lake - north of Stony Plain - click here for a map...

May 10, 2004 (from Doug in Calgary)

March 29, 2004

Yours truly has been distracted - this update is a couple of weeks late...

February 26th, 2004

New Merchandise - 2 and 3 inch decals - see the merchandise link on the left...

February 18th, 2004 (Update - Feb 20)

Proposed District 16, Region 2 (Alberta) race dates 2004:

February 6th, 2004

October 9, 2003

Updated pics - Edmonton - Photogallery - In the shop - Mike Kurz has been busy again!

September 22, 2003

Updated race report and pics from Crazy Al's race - follow link on the menu...

September 3, 2003

Updated pictures - Edmonton - Photogallery - Current Photos.  Gold cup pictures from the long weekend. 

September 2, 2003

District Points updated for Alberta and Manitoba regions.

Race report from the Labour Day race in  Edmonton - The Gold Cup:

 The weather was great.  Thanks to everyone for helping out. Thanks to Gerry for the electric motor for the retrieve boat.  Thanks Mike Kurz, Perry Sorenson, Art and Doug for the batteries.  Some great racing.  B-opc had some 3 boat deck to deck racing that we haven't had for a few years.  Rob and Paul tangled in turn 4 in scale that resembled the real deal with Rob's Such Crust sliding under Paul's Atlas Van Lines which got Paul airborne but coming back down to win the heat. Saturday was a long day with running until about 8 pm but Sunday we cut it short as people wanted to go home.  So only A-mono and A-hydro were made up from a previous Edmonton race. We will see what everyone thinks about another make-up race in the future. Next race is in Calgary - Sept 13-14.  

August 25, 2003

District Points updated...

Gold Cup race in Edmonton is at the new Muir Lake location - click here for a map.

A couple of pictures as teasers...

July 28, 2003

Congrats to Doug Sick from the Calgary Model Boat Racing Association - NAMBA Nationals B Hydro Champion!  Way to go Doug...I guess the long drive to New Mexico was worth it!

Check out this link to some interesting pictures of our past...

July 6, 2003

Updated district points posted.  Updated Calgary and Winnipeg photo galleries.

Calgary Race Report (June 28 & 29) from Rob Duckering:  The weather was perfect. Wind from the south so, smooth water. Excellent racing both days. Saturday- Ran the make-up of B-opc from Calgary's last race.  Fun racing.  Bill Gawley from Winnipeg won the c-hydro class and since this was Calgary's feature race 3 plaques were given out to the top 3 in c-hydro. So, Bill #1, Doug #2, Brian Jessup #3. Sunday we ran B-opc, B-mono, B-hydro, Open mono and x-hydro. I won B-opc with a perfect score. Really good racing in B-mono with Keith winning. B-hydro was Doug's class as he got 1600 points. Open mono was won by Alan Yuen and his Seaducer. It is really dialed in and running fast. I put the Mac 84 in the Eagle and it worked great. Made some strut changes from what I learned with the 67 and held off Alan Yuens cmb 1.00 for 3 laps before going a bit lean. What a great driving boat. Finished 2nd twice, one 3rd and won my last heat.  Doug won the class (I believe) as his Eagle with the new K-84 was running fast. I took lots of pictures. The party on Saturday night was hosted by Brian and Barb Jessup - the burgers were some of the best I have ever had. Great turn out.

June 9, 2003

District 16 region 2 (Alberta) results posted for the first race of the year.  New updates will be posted that include the June 7th & 8th race very shortly.

The race in Calgary on the weekend was great - except for Sunday's weather.  Saturday was warm and sunny with a slight breeze from the south, and the racing was pretty good.  There were some very fast new boats on the scene and some that had some teething problems that should be good once they are all sorted out.  Sunday saw a fairly brisk wind from the northwest (bad for the Calgary pond) but the racers threw their boats in anyway and there were some very good heats with surprisingly little recovery needed.  Doug Sick hosted a get together on Saturday evening and as usual it was a really nice evening.  Thanks again Doug and Jennifer!

Next race is June 21 in Edmonton if we can get access to the pit area (darn beavers...)  Hopefully see you all in Edmonton.

May 30, 2003

New merchandise available!  Decals in two sizes so far...check the merchandise page.

May 22, 2003

In preparation for the first Edmonton race of the year, there will be a work bee at the pond at 10:00am on Saturday, June 14.  We have a great deal of work to do repairing the drivers stand and setting the course so if you can spare a hand, it would be very much appreciated.

There will be a barbeque on Saturday evening June 21st.  Contact Andrew for details...

May 15, 2003

This weekend's scheduled race in Edmonton has been cancelled due to flooding conditions in the pit area.  Stay tuned for re-scheduling information.

May 11, 2003

This has been a tough year to get the first race of the season into the water...

We'll have to see if we can get some help from the City or Province to lower the water level a bit before next weekend.  For more pictures click here.

May 3, 2003

Mother nature strikes again.  The snow last weekend and the prospect of more for this weekend has caused the Calgary race scheduled for this weekend to be postponed until the weekend of May 24/25.  Edmonton will host the first race of the year on the Victoria Day weekend - May 17 and 18th.  Let's hope for warmer weather, sunny skies, and no wind!

April 26, 2003

Bernie Little, long time owner of the full sized Miss Budweiser Unlimited Hydroplane racing team, passed away this weekend.  He will be missed.  His contributions to the world of boat racing in general have trickled down to our hobby in more ways than we can imagine.  Godspeed Bernie.

The first Region 2 (Alberta) race is almost upon us!  It's just above freezing and the wind is howling as I write this, but as the old saying goes - If you don't like the weather in Alberta - wait a minute.  I hope that the weather in Calgary next weekend will be a bit better.

Please make sure that you call Brian Jessup before Wednesday evening with your race entries!  It's promising to be a great year of racing and last year's points were hotly contested.  Don't forget if you want to be a part of the Team Event for this year, please let Brian know even if you can't make the Calgary race on May 3rd.

April 13, 2003

Winnipeg photo gallery updated - thanks for the pictures Bill!

April 4, 2003

Race Dates for all of District 16 have been finalized.  Please check the "Race Dates" Page.

Web site was updated to support Netscape users more effectively...

March 25, 2003

Now that the District 16 Logo has been finalized, we have some logo items that you can purchase!  The Logo patches will cost $5.50 each + shipping and handling.  The shirts (White, Blue, Grey, Black or Red) will be $28.75 each + shipping and handling.  Please contact Keith Warham for more info (fastracer@shaw.ca)

March 20, 2003

The district 16 region 2 high points shirts were awarded on March 15th at the Red Deer Meeting as follows:

Team points:  Paul Omerzu, Brian Jessup, Kevin Traboulay & Kyle Engleman (Kevin and Kyle missing in action...)

A Mono, B OPC and Sport 40 Champion:  Rob Duckering

A Hydro and B Hydro Champion:  Doug Sick

C Hydro Champion:  Brian Jessup

A Mono, C Mono and X Hydro Champion:  Alan Yuen

March 12, 2003

New "For Sale" items posted - Red Deer meeting this weekend!

January 29, 2003

Red Deer meeting date is now Saturday MARCH 15th, 1:30pm at the North Hill Inn. 

January 26, 2003

The logo has been finalized and the Region 2 Championship shirts have been ordered.  The winning design ended up being Logo #6.  These will be awarded to the winners at the Red Deer meeting which is tentatively scheduled for March 8th, 2003.

The Edmonton Photo Gallery pages have some new pictures - mostly "in the shop".  Looks like some interesting projects on the go.