NAMBA International

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  NAMBA International is a non-profit association of radio controlled model boat enthusiasts of all ages, genders and backgrounds from all over the world. 

  The primary functions of NAMBA are to promote model boating as a wholesome hobby for the whole family and to provide a structure for organized racing. An integral part of this structure is a comprehensive insurance package to protect model boaters, lake site owners and race organizers against unforeseen circumstances. 

  NAMBA is organized into twenty geographic districts spanning the fifty United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Members elect a President, Vice President, as well as a number of District Directors who are responsible for keeping the organization running smoothly and growing. 

  Each year different districts submit bids to host the prestigious “NAMBA Nationals”. The NAMBA Nationals are a week long regatta that are held in a different location each year. The Nationals are never held in the same district two years in a row, allowing racers from all over the opportunity to come together and compete at locations that are more convenient for their travel schedules. Competition is fierce as racers strive for recognition and the coveted NAMBA National Championship. 

  During 1969-1970, a group of west coast boaters saw the need for a new, national R/C boat association. This group eventually created the North American Model Boat Association (NAMBA) and in 1974, NAMBA expanded beyond North America to include Canada and became NAMBA International.

  For those who enjoy the thrill of head to head competition, R/C Model Boat Racing offers some of the fastest, most competitive racing around. With boats averaging speeds of 50+ miles per hour, you can bet you are not going to be disappointed! 

  Races are organized based on engine sizes, fuel types and by various hull types (i.e. hydroplane, mono, tunnel hull, etc.). Each class is then broken down into four heats of racing in which each racer is awarded points based on their finish. The racer with the most points scored after four heats of racing is declared the winner. 

  The standard race course is an oval course that is one-sixth of a mile in length. These courses are carefully measured out and marked with floating course markers called buoys. There are typically either three or five buoys at the end of each course that form and designate a “turn”. There is also a buoy placed in the middle of the front of the race course that marks the “start line”. 

  Each heat race is a one mile race, requiring the completion of six laps. To begin the heat race, boaters are given a two minute start clock to get boats started and on the water. Once the two minutes expires, boaters with have thirty seconds (called “mill time”) to “mill the course” and get lined up to cross the start finish line just as the clock expires. If a boater is past the start line when the clock expires, the boater will not officially start the race until their next lap. Boaters can be penalized for a number of things during the race such as hitting a course marker or another boat. Some penalties result in a single lap penalty where others can result in the boater being disqualified and ordered off the course. 

  NAMBA offers a fun family experience that is easily enjoyed by the entire family. Model boating is a unique hobby that several generations of family members can actively participate and enjoy. Many of our most prolific racing teams are families. All members of the family can compete together or against one another. Members ranging from 6 to 70 years old have captured championships. 

  Many of the National Championship locations provide an excellent family vacation opportunity for our members. NAMBA is proud to have had the participation of mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, grandfathers and grandmothers at many of these events. 

  NAMBA International provides a level playing field of friendly competition that is seldom seen in a family activity. Children learn the disciplines of competition and adults enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment for themselves and their family. The long lasting friendships and camaraderie that develop through this hobby are priceless. 

  Staying true to the importance of family, NAMBA focuses on the kid’s class of racers. The kid’s class has been a huge part of our boating community since it’s inception. NAMBA has fostered as many as three generations of family members racing together with some beginning as young as 3 or 4 years old. The NAMBA heritage has included a special race at each NAMBA Nationals for the kids and it is one of the highlights of every National Competition!

 NAMBA membership provides you with primary coverage of $2,000,000 in liability and property damage coverage. It is individual insurance rather than site insurance, which protects you at any NAMBA approved site. 

Site Insurance 

  NAMBA also offers additional site coverage to protect the owner of the running site with the same $2,000,000 as is afforded the individual member at any time a “NAMBA insured boater” is running his or her boat, not just at sanctioned events. 

NAMBA Personal Injury 

  NAMBA insurance also provides a $500,000 personal accident policy which covers injuries which a member may incur while running a boat or while assisting someone else with their boat. For additional information about insurance coverage please visit our website at www.namba.com

  The NAMBA Nationals have been held every year since the event was first hosted in 1972 in Los Angeles, California. The Nationals offer a unique opportunity for racers from all over the world to come together and compete for a prestigious NAMBA National Championship. 

  Nitro and GAS championships are run together and the Fast Electric (FE) and the Combat Warship have their own separate events. 

  The NAMBA Nationals are a week long event that offer fun filled daily activities, traditions, great food and awesome racing! 

  Racers of all experience levels are welcome to compete so you do not have to be a “top dog” to participate! NAMBA National’s location are in a different location each year and venues are chosen that allow for a complete family vacation experience. 

  NAMBA offers a vast variety of model boating types and leisure levels. Radio Control Model Boating enthusiasts can find clubs and support for nitro powered glow engines, gasoline powered 2 stroke engines, fast-electric boats and scale warships. 

  Nitro powered boat racing has been part of NAMBA for more than 40 years. The buzz and high pitched RPMs of Nitro engines are just as exhilarating as any high powered engine you can imagine. Low cost nitro boats are available on the market to provide entry level fun while high-performance nitro racing boats are capable of speeds of over 100 mph with 50 to 70 mph speeds being very common. 

  Gas powered boating uses fuel much less costly compared to Nitro. Gas powered boats also tend to be easier to maintain although entry level boats may be a bit more expensive than nitro. Speeds however, are comparable to nitro boats in many aspects. 

  Electric powered boat technology has improved significantly as it follows the RC Car market and the tremendous advancements with battery and motor technology. As a result low cost entry-level boats that are 100% Ready-To-Run can be purchased at your local hobby shop or online dealer. Ready-ToRun boats can be purchased at relatively low costs yet still provide impressive speeds that you are sure to enjoy. 

  Combat area of NAMBA offers scale warship enthusiasts of past and present with competitions and gatherings to enjoy their radio control replicas. Scale detail and True-To-Life battles unfold on miniature waterways showcasing the impressive attention to detail that these modelers put into each of their models.