| Just like most other R/C hobbies, such as trains, | | | | there is also an association which organizes |
| cars or planes, remote control boats transcend a | | | | events specifically for wind-powered boats. Radio |
| simple love of boats but instead embody the | | | | controlled sailboat events are governed by the |
| childhood dreams of those who make and use | | | | International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the same |
| these miniatures. A popular way to enjoy remote | | | | organization that governs full-scale sailing races. |
| control boats is by racing the models. Model boat | | | | The rules for R/C boats are identical in every |
| racing is an intense activity, which requires skill, | | | | way to their full-scale counter parts (the only |
| quick reflexes and a near-obsession with speed. | | | | difference is a special section specifically for R/C |
| R/C boat racing is, perhaps, surprisingly organized; | | | | events). |
| complete with a (partially) international federation, | | | | The ISAF recognizes four classes of sailing ships |
| which has set rules and organizes events. NAMBA, | | | | which can be used in events, the smallest being |
| or the North American Model Boat Association, is | | | | the 'International One Meter.' Just as its name |
| the largest association of its kind. NAMBA has 20 | | | | suggests, boats are restricted to being 1,000mm |
| districts within the United States and Canada , | | | | long. To keep costs down, hulls must be |
| which organize local events for model boat racers. | | | | comprised of wood or fiberglass. This allows for |
| A second major organization for the sport is the | | | | very competitive home building of boats. |
| International Model Power Boat Association, or | | | | The second class is the International Marblehead. |
| IMPBA, which was organized before NAMBA was | | | | Slightly larger than an International 1 Meter , this |
| formed. The International Model Power Boat | | | | class's maximum length is 1,290mm with a |
| Association rules were actually copied by NAMBA | | | | maximum draught of 700mm. The two larger |
| when that organization was formed. Interestingly, | | | | classes are the International 10 Rater and the |
| the International Model Power Boat Association | | | | International A class, which is the largest class of r |
| and the North American Model Boat Association | | | | c sailboats. |
| primarily serve the same area - the United States | | | | Finally, for those who enjoy building fast, agile, |
| and Canada . | | | | ships and have a (perhaps unnatural) love affair |
| When you compete in an event, either in the | | | | with destruction, there is a competition designed |
| IMPBA or in NAMBA, you compete against other | | | | for you. Though combat-style involves no racing, |
| boats in your class, providing for a fair race. The | | | | it requires the same level of concentration found |
| classes are determined by the overall design of | | | | in racing events. These model boats are |
| the boat as well as propellant as both have a | | | | specifically designed for easy repair after they |
| considerable effect on the ships speed. | | | | have been sunk by competitors. Their hulls are |
| Events organized by these two organizations | | | | balsa wood so projectiles may easily penetrate |
| follow oval tracks with buoys marking turns. For | | | | the boats while projectile speeds are kept at a |
| sprint boats, short, straight, tracks are used. | | | | safe level. |
| If you prefer the slower pace of sailboat, racing | | | | |