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The Oulton Club is one of the few which caters for Hydroplanes, Catamarans, Monohulls and Juniors. Each category will race over 3 heats, 6 laps for Hydroplanes and Juniors (over the short circuit), and 9 laps for Catamarans. Due to the variety of boats and engines competing, most races are started on an individual handicap basis. This allows for the smaller and possibly home built craft to compete with larger and sometimes works-sponsored outfits. It may be that the slower boats will be well into their second or third lap before the scratch boats enter the race. Theoretically the handicap should allow the entire field to cross the finish line in a dead-heat - a rare occurrence! Some hydroplane events are based on a group handicap basis, with boats starting in batches according to engine capacity. |
 Starting the race. |
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The racing is controlled from the Clubhouse where there is a large diameter clock facing up the Broad. This is synchronised with the computer timing system. Three minutes prior to the start of the heat a siren will sound and a Blue Peter flag flown from the start line. Three numbered discs are displayed, these are turned at minute intervals. The clock commences to revolve one minute before the start, and continues to turn until the entire field has started. Boats starting before their allocated handicap time may be disqualified or penalised a lap. Points are awarded to all competitors who receive the chequered flag. The 2-buoy course is 2/3 of a mile in circumference. The Wherry buoy near the Yacht Station requires considerable throttle easing, whilst the Top Buoy can be taken at a slightly faster pace. The outright lap record is held by the late Tom Percival at 27 seconds, driving a Formula 1 Hodges catamaran powered by 3500cc V8 Evinrude outboard - a record which is unlikely to be broken. Other class records are as follows:
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