Getting Started

Offshore Circuit Racing or OCR, as it is more commonly known, is simply racing standard production ski boats and engines on tight offshore circuits, close to the shore – providing spectacularly close action and attracting a huge spectator following.  

Its affordability, in relation to other mechanised sports on land and sea, make it an accessible family sport with minimal modifications required for the average club ski-boat to be able to participate.

There are several ways to participate:

If you currently own a ski-boat – or similar powerboat – with very minimal modifications, you can race locally in our ‘Super Club Class’ details of which are shown below.

Alternatively, if your boat/engine fits the current criteria for the National OCR fleet, you can contact either ourselves or the RYA for up to date rules and rig your outfit to compete in the 2010 OCR events, for a small outlay.

You may choose to purchase a second-hand rig purposely set up for National OCR for anywhere between £4,000 & £10,000, depending on your budget.  Details of these are available by talking to existing racing members or via our website.

Lastly – you may decide you want to purchase a completely new rig and advice is always available to direct you to websites, dealers and manufacturers that can help you choose what to buy – again depending on budget.

OCR National Rules: 

Boats should be standard production capable of seating 4 persons.

Engines must be standard production single engines.

Two Classes:

1.3 ltr 2 stroke or 1.6 ltr 4 stroke with a minimum boat length of 16’

Competitors must be over 16 years old

1.8 ltr 2 stroke or 2.2 ltr 4 stroke with a minimum boat length of 18’

Drivers must be over 17 years old

Driver and Co-driver must have RYA National Licences.

Driver and Co-driver must wear life-jackets / crash helmets to RYA standard.

Boats need to carry flares, compass, anchor and engine kill switch.

Super Club Class:

We aim to introduce this class into the 2009 calendar for local and specified events, for those competitors who may not be able to commit to a full season of racing or whose boat does not conform to the current National rules.  Our aim is to give enthusiastic and interested members the chance to compete at events, under the RYA rules at local clubs, between clubs and at some national organised events such as Gravesend and Dover, to help them discover the thrill of participation without the higher costs involved in National racing.

Again, boats must be of the standard production variety with single engines up to a limit to be determined by the interest raised.  Courses and rules will be simplified and although safety checks will be carried out to clarify sea-worthiness, it will be basically a ‘race what you bring’ event aimed at fun and enjoyment.

OCR is and always has been a family sport – although professional in its approach; we have had many husband / wife and father / son teams as well as a few lady drivers!  A good few have even met their partners via the sport!

The emphasis has always been on having a thoroughly good time in a competitive but friendly environment where the emphasis is not just on winning but taking part – come and join us and see what SEPA has to offer you.

admin@sepaoffshore.co.uk