Exact Class    Semi-Exact Class    Kit Class    Junior Class

Navigation Class    Judging

The main 'mover' in the scale scene over the years has been the Model Power Boat Association (the MPBA). This body has arranged a National championship the format of which has changed over the years. Currently it comprises a number of area qualifier competitions which qualify a number of competitors to attend the National competition where they compete in one of five classes - Exact, Semi-Exact, Kit, Junior and Navigation. The definition of these classes is:

Exact Class

As the name implies, the models in this class are scaled-down replicas of full size vessels which must be models of prototypes that have actually been built. The model must have been built by the competitor. Documentation is absolutely essential for this class, as quite a lot of marks depend on the fidelity of scale and the ability to produce a model that actually looks like the real thing. 

Semi-Exact Class

This is basically a scratch-built model built by the competitor depicting an actual full-sized prototype of a typical example of a particular type of vessel. Freelance models are particularly suited to this class, as documentation is not required. This class tends to be the one that includes all models that do not fit in one of the other classes. 

Kit Class

The basic rules for this class are that the model has to be built by the competitor from a boxed kit and fittings. This may be enhanced to give a more realistic scale appearance, or extensively modified to either improve its appearance or performance, making possible the chance of modeling a different subject while still having the advantage of commercial parts. 

Junior Class

Juniors should have substantially built their own boat, but a certain amount of help from an adult is permitted. Many juniors are very competent and quite often do just as well as the seniors, so they are allowed to compete in the other classes, but are not given any special consideration while doing so. In the junior class, the models are marked on the water but not judged on the table. 

Navigation Class

A new class comprising steering only, with no static or on the water judging, in which the competitor need not have built the model him or her self.

Judging

All the models in the qualifiers and nationals are judged on the water to assess whether they perform as full sized craft. Kit Class and Semi-Exact are judged 'On the Water' at a distance of about 1.5 metres to assess the finish, workmanship and realism of the models. The on the table judging of Exact models is a more thorough examination, which is why documentation is so important. The models are subjected to a lot more scrutiny pertaining to scale and fidelity to prototype. Documentation, while not being mandatory in the other classes i.e. Semi-Exact and Kit, is helpful as competitors may find the judges look favourably on a photograph of the prototype plus information on the prototype printed on A4 paper.

For the qualifying rounds for the national final, and the final itself, all models must attempt to sail a course that should be set out in accordance with the scale recommendations and will be marked to the following criteria : 

On the Water Marks for All Models 

Static Judging Marks - Exact 

Static Judging Marks - Semi Exact and Kit 

The course usually comprises a number of 'navigation' marks forming obstacles and channels to be steered in a strict sequence, plus one or more docking manoeuvres in 'harbours'. 'Faults' are awarded for any contact and for sailing an incorrect course, etc. The vessels with the highest 'judging' score (where applicable) and the lowest number of faults is the winner.

In our Club all internal competitions are of the Navigation Class type only, divided in to Adult and Junior (aged 16 years and under) groups. Beware, we have also been known to penalise any vessels with non-prototype modifications (khurt nozzles, bow thrusters, balanced rudders, etc.) made to make them perform better!  See Scale

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