Why Serious Racing Requires Safety Boats
The Aqua Adrenaline Series brings three different watercraft together to carry out a series of races.
Jet Bikes (not a rib), OCR boats (not a rib) and Pro Cats (almost but not quite a rib).
As with most powered sport they organise different events across the Country from May – October.
However, what holds the series together and allows them to operate safely? The Safety Fleet and yes, they are almost nearly all RIBs.
Primarily all boats are there to keep the course safe, to ensure other water users, that aren’t so observant, don’t stray into the danger area and to keep an eye out for water based mammals.
Red (stop) and yellow (warning) flags are carried and both start and finish are signed from one or other of the ribs.
That said each safety boat has its own characteristics and layouts, which suits them to different roles.
The Safety Fleet
The July event, held at Westbay in Dorset saw this RIB fleet:
| RIB | Length | Engine | Fuel capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highfield Patrol 600 | 6,00 m | Honda 135 hp | 140 l inboard |
| Highfield Patrol 700 | 7,00 m | Honda 200 hp | 285 l inboard |
| Avon Adventure | 6,20 m | Mercury Optimax 150 hp | 70 – 120 l inboard |
| Ribtec | 5,00 m | Yamaha 100 hp | 150 l inboard |
| Ribtec Camel | 6,55 m | Mercury 150 hp | 280 l, multiple inboard tanks |
| Humber | 5,00 m | Yamaha 90 hp | 35 l external |
With the 5.4 m Sea Rider, that’s often present, having a well deserved break.
