Hydroplane Races

I went to watch hydroplanes racing today. The boats were radio-controlled scale models of past and present unlimited racing hydroplanes.

The current full scale hydros are powered by 3000 horsepower turbines, and reach speeds of 200mph/320kph. At top speed the boats are almost flying. Sometimes they do get airborne -- with disastrous results.

One of the stops on the unlimited racing circuit is Seattle, during the annual Seafair. It's a very popular event.

These 1/7th scale boats have electric motors and a top speed of 50mph/80kph. They're quite exciting to watch, but it falls a bit short of the real thing.