Each year in May, the Oakland Wolverine Model Boat Club presents the "Mini Gold Cup" race on Belle Isle. These radio-control model hydroplanes reach actual speeds in excess of 65 MPH, and are both exciting and fun to watch.
The Mini Gold Cup is an all day event. Racers come from Canada, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois to compete. Over 100 boats will race in 6 classes.
Come for the day or just the afternoon, but don't miss the action! For the exact location, see location #4 on the Belle Isle Map.
The 1/8th Scale Replica's are the feature class of the Mini Gold Cup. These are scale models of the full-size Unlimited Hydroplanes, past and present, and are about 43" long.
The Unlimited class is for racers after the ultimate in speed, without attempt to model a full-size Unlimited Hydroplane. On these, the fastest of the model hydroplanes, they sacrifice form for function. Engine size starts at 13cc's (there is no maximum limit) and a typical boat is about 4 feet long.
Other classes include: 3.5cc hydro, 7.5cc hydro, 11cc hydro, and Sport 40 (the 1/8 scale replica's of Unlimited Lights). All classes use rotary combustion engines similar to a large 'Cox' airplane engine, and are fueled by 25% - 65% nitro methane.
Like it's big brother, the Mini Gold Cup is run with a 'clock start'. In this clock start, the racers get 2.5 minutes to get their boat running and in the water. When the 2.5 minutes have expired, the race starts. The trick is to be as close to the start line as possible, going as fast as possible, without crossing the line before the 'gun'. The race course is a 1/6th of a mile oval, equivalent to about one scale mile.
Return to the What Is A Hydroplane page.
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Web page created by Brian Reed.
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