What a way to kick off the event with
good people, good food, and July 4th
fireworks.
Early the next morning it was back to
work getting the venue finalized and
opening up several days of testing for the
race entrants. I was amazed how well the
out of town racers were doing, and how
it seemed they had been running at high
altitudes for years.
As racing began on Sunday, it was
just amazing to see the people you read
about carving turns like pro's and getting
crazy fast speeds out of each boat. We
had a wonderful welcome party that
evening which I was told was one of the
best yet. And YES, plenty of food was
on hand for Russ Stark. I am pretty sure
the after party went on as long if not
longer then the "official" party. That's all
I remember or I will admit too.
The weather was hot and thunder-
storm after thunderstorm rolled through
in the afternoons, but nothing would stop
the great racing action we were having.
The famous paddle boat event was
held that Wednesday at the host hotel
Holiday Inn Express of West Valley,
Utah. And boy did they help us put on a
great event. There was a BBQ feast in
our own private room which was much
needed after a long day at the lake.
Several of us got to share a special
birthday with Lenny Blake which was
very cool. We had the entire lap pool
section of their indoor water park to
ourselves for the paddleboat races. One
of the best moments of the week for sure
was when Mike McKnight’s daughter
Mckaela, won the winner take all paddle
boat race. She was so happy to get the
BIG trophy at the awards banquet. You
couldn't help but tear up and smile.
As the week started to come to a
close, I started to feel sad that it had to
end and wished we had another week of
race waiting for all of us. Sounds crazy
but it was true. On Friday we had the
local news come out to film and
interview many of us which was great
coverage for NAMBA, District 20, and
our local club. I am sure all the racers
noticed the fan traffic increase by ten
fold on Saturday after the stories ran on
television and in the newspaper. I am
still getting e-mails and telephone calls
about joining our club which is simply
awesome. I hope this nets us many new
good racers.
PROPWASH
20
October 2013
Safety Corner Summer
(Continued from page 19)
All fortunately only resulted in injury to the boaters’ egos, but could have been very
serious. Even in the summer, water in deep ponds and rivers can be very cold. A sea
safety course I took illustrated the danger of falling into cold water. While death from
hypothermia can take 30 minutes, cold water can make it impossible to swim in 5 to
10 minutes. Death comes from drowning in this case. A life jacket is all that’s needed
where a quick rescue is expected. Of course, don’t ever swim out to retrieve your boat.
Propeller cuts have never been fatal in model boats, but can be quite serious. They
are usually cut fingers and often need emergency room attention. An illustration of
what can happen to a foot, even through a boot is shown at (this is a very graphic
photo) http://www.quickdrawengines.com/Page_102.html. Please don’t get close to a
running propeller and keep others clear as well.
Fires are the last serious accidents I’ve observed. A lipo fire was covered in the last
safety corner. Gasoline is much more flammable than methanol and nitromethane.
The spark from a disconnected plug wire can ignite residual fuel in the bottom of the
boat. I’ve put out a gasoline fire in a boat caused by the spark. Fortunately the amount
of gasoline involved was small. Please be very careful around gasoline cans and don’t
smoke around either gasoline or other fuel.
It’s easy to keep model boating a safe hobby. We all know how. Just keep
reminding others when they have a lapse in judgment. It’s everyone’s job.
2013 NAMBA Nationals - Salt Lake City, Utah
By Karl Loveless
Commodore of the Decker Dunkers
It is crazy to think back just a couple of months a go we were hosting the 2013
NAMBA Nationals. I was amazed just how fast it came and went. I have had a good
amount of time to reflect on what an amazing time it was. The Decker Dunkers & D20
were elated to be hosting the event and all time, blood, sweet and tears given was
worth it. Before I take time to highlight and talk about the event itself, I first must list
the entire back bone of bone of wonderful people that made this event possible. David
Santistevan, Cliff and Gabe Nicholson, Chuck Connolly, Chris Bopp, Jenny and
Robert Gillespie, Jim and Tracy Osborne, Joe Scarpino, Lauren and Kiyan Loveless,
Lenny and Leann Blake, Mike Poulson, Natalie and Robert Holland, Ron Bennett and
Tony Chlopitsky. THANK YOU SO MUCH! We also had a great group of people
that helped whenever possible. Al Hobbs, Al Waters, Chris Connolly, Danny and
Shaun Loveless, Garrett Braida, Jack Jensen, Jim Feener, Kyle Ray and to Rob and
Ron Wojtasek, I say thank you.
As the planning came together and racing was getting ready to start on the 7th of
July, we had to take time to celebrate the great holiday of our country on July 4th. I
am sure there were many BBQ's going on with out of town racers and locals, but none
were better then the one at my home. We got to meet several wonderful people in the
Hill's and Osborne’s, and also host some of my favorites. Alan Hobbs, the Holland’s
and David Santistevan.