Robo Boat Race

1. General Overview

The Robo Boat Race competition is a thrilling event where participants bring their custom-built, radio-controlled boats to race in a water course. Boats must adhere to specific technical and operational requirements to ensure fair competition.

2. Eligibility

• Competitors can be individuals or teams.

• Each team must consist of 1 to 4 members.

• All participants must register by the designated deadline.

3. Boat Specifications

• Length: Maximum length of 70 cm.

• Power Source: Boats can be powered by batteries or fuel (if permitted by local regulations), but no combustion engines allowed.

• Weight: There is no strict weight limit, but lighter boats may have an advantage in speed.

• Propulsion: Propellers or jet systems are allowed.

• Radio Communication: All boats must be controlled via radio communication (RC)/Bluetooth systems operating on a frequency that does not interfere with other teams. No autonomous boats are allowed.

4. Race Track and Environment

• Pond Dimensions: The race will take place in a pond with a length of 180-200 feet and a width of at least 50 feet.

• Track Layout: The track will consist of several buoys marking the course. Boats must navigate around these buoys.

• Starting Line: Boats will start from a designated line marked at one end of the pond. The race will end when the boat crosses the finish line.

• Weather Conditions: The race will proceed in most weather conditions unless deemed unsafe by the event organizers.

5. Race Format

• Heats: Races will be conducted in heats, with multiple boats competing in each heat.

• Elimination Rounds: The competition will follow an elimination format, with the winners of each heat advancing to the next round.

• Final Round: The winners of the semifinals will compete in the final round to determine the overall winner.

6. RC Communication & Safety Rules

• Frequency Management: Teams must declare their RC frequency/channel before the race to avoid interference. Event organizers may assign frequencies.

• Signal Range: Competitors must ensure their boat’s radio/ bluetooth communication range covers the entire length of the pond. Signal failure leading to boat malfunction will result in disqualification.

• Failsafe: Boats must be equipped with a failsafe mechanism to stop the motor if radio communication is lost.

• Safety Check: Each boat will undergo a safety inspection before racing. Boats deemed unsafe or non-compliant with the rules will be disqualified.

7. Course Regulations

• Start Procedure: All boats must be stationary at the start line when the race begins. False starts will result in penalties.

• Overtaking: Overtaking is allowed, but intentional collisions will result in disqualification. Boats must avoid direct contact with other competitors.

• Buoy Navigation: Missing a buoy will incur a time penalty. Teams must navigate around all buoys in the correct sequence.

• Obstacles: There may be small floating obstacles in the water to test the maneuverability of boats. Colliding with these obstacles may result in time penalties.

8. Judging and Scoring

• The race is judged based on speed, with the first boat to cross the finish line declared the winner of the heat.

• In the case of a tie (boats finishing simultaneously), the race may be re-run.

• Judges’ decisions are final and not open to appeal.

9. Penalties and Disqualification

• False Start: A false start results in a 5-second penalty.

• Missing a Buoy: Missing a buoy results in a 10-second penalty.

• Collision: Intentional collisions will result in immediate disqualification.

• Technical Failures: If a boat fails to finish the race due to technical reasons (battery failure, signal loss, etc.), it will be disqualified from that heat.

• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Any team displaying unsportsmanlike behavior, either on or off the water, will be disqualified.

10. Awards and Recognition

• Cash Prize, Trophy and certificates

11. Safety Guidelines

• Participants must keep a safe distance from the water at all times.

• No participant is allowed in the water during the race unless assisting with boat recovery, with permission from the organizers.

• Spectators must stay within designated areas to avoid interference with the race.

• Boats must be retrieved using retrieval poles or other non-invasive methods to avoid disturbing the water.

This rulebook ensures a fair and safe competition for all participants. Teams are encouraged to test their boats thoroughly before the competition to avoid any last-minute technical issues.