Recent News
Columbia Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 8/3/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full recap, along with photos and videos, here!
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Silver Cup (August 14-15) cancelled
Posted 7/28/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
The R/CU Board has announced that the Silver Cup, scheduled for August 14-15, has been cancelled due to continued scheduling issues with the pandemic. The R/CU Board spent a lot of time and effort into rescheduling/relocating this race, but the details could not align for 2021.
We look forward to finishing out the season August 28-29 in Marysville, September 11-12 in Monroe, and September 24-26 in Chelan!
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Race in peace: Earl Schenck
Posted 7/26/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is sad to announce the passing of racer Earl Schenck. Earl was a longtime R/CU member who was a gentle giant. Always arriving and leaving races with a smile, Earl put everyone at ease in the pits with his humor and his good nature. Rest in peace, Earl.
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All you need to know about the R/CU Columbia Cup
Posted 7/21/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a year's absence, R/CU is thankful to return to the Tri-Cities Water Follies. We are testing on Friday and racing on Saturday at the Family Fishing Pond, about 200 yards behind the Lampson Pits in Columbia Park. Check out the schedule and all you need to know about the race HERE.
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Columbia Cup passes update
Posted 7/17/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
According to Bob Brackett, passes and tickets went into the mail yesterday. Check your mail this week to find them before the weekend!
The following people did not send a self-addressed stamped envelope, therefore Bob Brackett still has your tickets at his house. Please contact Bob to arrange for pickup. He can be reached at bobbrackett67@gmail.com, or 509-627-3071.
Bill Brandt
Joey Caines
Robert Colean
Marc Connelly
Jeff Griffin
Paul Jackson
Brad Lewis
Mike Malloy
Scott Meyers
Ken Olson
Henry Oord
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Bernie Little Memorial race recap is now posted
Posted 7/17/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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All you need to know about the Bernie Little Memorial
Posted 7/6/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out this post to see all you need to know about Sunday's race in Lakewood! Check it out, because there are a couple of minor revisions since last race!
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Bernie Little Memorial (July 11) is slated for Lakewood
Posted 7/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After a successful President's Cup in Waughop Lake (Lakewood, WA), R/CU has announced that the next round of the 2021 season (the Bernie Little Memorial) will take place on July 11 at the same site. We look forward to returning to Lakewood for the second time in 2021. This will be a one-day race, so be sure to check the website for more details soon!
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R/CU merchandise now available
Posted 6/30/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is excited to welcome R/C Logos as a new partner for merchandise! Check out their site at https://rclogos.com/. Thanks to Kevin at R/C Logos, there will be some mugs, hats, shirts, and more available for you to purchase with the R/CU logo on it. Thanks to R/C Logos for this exciting opportunity!
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President's Cup race recap is now posted
Posted 6/29/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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Columbia Cup is a GO
Posted 6/28/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
After some time, we are happy to announce that the Columbia Cup (R/CU version) on the Family Fishing Pond during Water Follies Weekend is a go! Thanks to Bob Brackett, Scott Meyers, and all who have been working with the Water Follies and Parks departments to ensure this race can go on.
As we all know, there are currently COVID restrictions placed on the Water Follies event. The hope is that when the state lessens restrictions on June 30, these restrictions will be lessened on the Water Follies as well. In any event, please keep a close eye on the website for any additional information pertinent to the event.
Please pay via check made to R/CU with a SELF-ADDRESSED STAMPED ENVELOPE or via the R/CU Paypal account. Any questions can be directed to Bob Brackett at bobbrackett67@gmail.com.
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June Tri-Annuals due July 16
Posted 6/28/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
Boats currently registered in R/CU in the developmental status have to pay a "Tri-Annual" fee in order to maintain the registration. For the first time in awhile, we are enacting the June Tri-Annual. Typically, these are due by the end of the month; due to the late notice they will be due July 16.
The list is maintained at the Members page under the Resources tab. See the top file titled "June Tri-Annuals." The price listed in the far right box is the amount due at this time.
The ways to pay are listed under the Members page. If you have questions or need a reminder of the password to the members page, contact R/CU Registrar Geoffry Grembowski at ggrembo5@yahoo.com. If you do not pay by the date listed, you could lose your registration and another person could register your boat.
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Boats available to register
Posted 6/28/2021
By: R/CU Registrar, Geoffry Grembowski
The following boats are available to register in all classes. There is a 14 day period in which entries are accepted for registrations of the following boats, after which the registration will be awarded. After this 14 day period, the boat will be registered to the first entry received. Check the R/CU rulebook for the full information.
Hull 0706, U-1, 2021 Goodman Real Estate presents Miss Homestreet
Hull 1496, U-8, 2021 Miss Tri-Cities
Hull 92102.5, U-9, 2021 Pinnacle Peak Consulting
Hull 9401, U-11, 2021 J&D's
Hull 0721, U-40, 2021 Miss Beacon Plumbing
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Looking for boats and equipment for sale
Posted 6/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Interest in R/C boat racing seems to be at a new high, which is great! We've received many requests recently about any equipment or turn-key boats for sale, so please let the R/CU Board know if you have anything you are thinking of selling to potential new members! Thank you!
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All you need to know about the Dean Chenoweth Memorial
Posted 6/2/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info you need to know about this weekend's race HERE.
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta race recap is now posted
Posted 5/25/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report HERE.
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R/CU returns to Lake Waughop for President's Cup
Posted 5/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is proud to announce that the President's Cup will return to a famous historical site, Lake Waughop in Lakewood, WA! Lake Waughop has a long history with model boat racing in the northwest, and is ideally located in Fort Steilacoom Park. It will be R/CU's first visit to the south-sound lake since 2012.
This will be a 1-day race. NAMBA District 8 (NW Roostertails) will be racing at the site on Saturday, and R/CU will race on Sunday (Father's Day).
Please stay tuned to the website as we announce further details with regards to the entire weekend closer to the race date.
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R/CU returns to Lake Waughop for President's Cup
Posted 5/20/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is proud to announce that the President's Cup will return to a famous historical site, Lake Waughop in Lakewood, WA! Lake Waughop has a long history with model boat racing in the northwest, and is ideally located in Fort Steilacoom Park. It will be R/CU's first visit to the south-sound lake since 2012.
This will be a 1-day race. NAMBA District 8 (NW Roostertails) will be racing at the site on Saturday, and R/CU will race on Sunday (Father's Day).
Please stay tuned to the website as we announce further details with regards to the entire weekend closer to the race date.
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Update on COVID-19 protocols
Posted 5/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Beginning this weekend, R/CU will follow the new CDC guidelines on wearing a mask in the RCU pit area and driver’s stand.
Those who are fully vaccinated against COVID no longer are required to wear masks outdoors at R/CU events.
R/CU will not be checking vaccination status.
For those who are not fully vaccinated, it will up to the individual whether or not to wear a mask at an R/CU event.
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All you need to know about the Champion Spark Plug Regatta
Posted 5/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out all the info you need to know about this weekend's race HERE.
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Finley Race is a GO This Weekend
Posted 5/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU WILL be holding the Champion Spark Plug Regatta this weekend at Two Rivers Park in Finley.
The Board has been monitoring the park and working with the Parks Director to put on a safe event.
We have the full support of the Parks Director to put in additional tape blocking access to the water and we will also be putting additional signage that the water is closed.
Please be aware that we will need to work with the public to keep the race course safe.
This may require postponing or stopping races.
Please pack your patience for this weekend.
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Champion Spark Plug Regatta Race in Jeopardy of being Cancelled
Posted 5/12/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
This weekend's forecast for the Tri-Cities calls for temperatures above 90 degrees. The R/CU Board has been monitoring activity at Two Rivers Park and already the park is overflowing with swimmers, kayakers, and paddleboarders. With this activity in the water it is impossible to safely hold an R/C race at Two Rivers Park under our insurance rules. The Board is actively trying to move the race to Columbia Park but there is no confirmation that we can do this yet. A decision will be made at 2:00PM on Thursday on whether to cancel the Champion Spark Plug Race. This will allow time to cancel hotel rooms booked. Please check back for any updates.
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Dean Chenoweth Memorial and Diamond Cup relocated to Marysville
Posted 5/6/2020
By: rcuwebmaster
Thanks to the hard work of R/CU Race Coordinator Scott Meyers, R/CU has announced that the Dean Chenoweth Memorial (June 5-6) and the Diamond Cup (August 28-29) will return to Twin Lakes Park in Marysville, WA. These races are confirmed, dependent on local COVID-19 restrictions. R/CU has a long history of racing at Twin Lakes Park, and we look forward to returning in 2021.
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Atomic Cup race report
Posted 4/25/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Check out the full race report, along with videos of the Finals, here!
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Bill Muncey Memorial cancelled, Ellensburg races to be moved to other locations
Posted 4/14/2021
By: The R/CU Board
R/C Unlimiteds regrettably announces the cancellation of the Bill Muncey Memorial Race, May 1-2, in Ellensburg, WA. The next confirmed race on the schedule is now the Champion Spark Plug Regatta, May 15-16, in Finley, WA.
We have received word from the City of Ellensburg that due to Kittitas County being on the edge of rolling back to Phase 2, they are not scheduling any events that will draw large crowds together and potentially increase COVID cases in the County. This restriction is scheduled to last all summer.
The races that were originally schedule to be held in Ellensburg will be re-sited to different locations. This may also result in the change of race dates.
Please check the website frequently for updates to the confirmed 2021 race schedule.
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All you need to know about this weekend's race: 2021 Atomic Cup
Posted 4/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
It's time to go boat racing! This weekend is the Atomic Cup in the Tri-Cities, and we can't wait to race.
See the Atomic Cup page for all the info you need to know about the race!
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COVID-19 safety update
Posted 4/14/2021
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
We have updated the COVID protocols for R/CU races. See below.
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Schedule Update: 4/14/2021
Posted 4/14/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact sporting events of all kinds. You might have noticed that all of the Ellensburg races still have "TBC" on the schedule page, this is because we are still awaiting word from the Ellensburg Parks that we can race. We will update you as soon as we know about the status of the 2nd race of the 2021 season and beyond.
However, we can confirm that we will be racing at Two Rivers Park in Finley, WA, this weekend and the weekend of May 15-16! Thanks to the Benton County Parks Dept, and we look forward to these races!
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Last call for renewing NAMBA memberships!
Posted 4/13/2021
By: rcuwebmaster
Attention: there are still some R/CU members that have NOT renewed their 2021 NAMBA memberships yet! Remember, it is a requirement for you to be a member before you can race, so be sure to renew this week!
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Schedule update for 2021
Posted 3/21/21
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
We posted last week that we anticipated no further schedule revisions for the upcoming season. Unfortunately, we learned that was an inaccurate statement. See the following note from chairman, Gary Grembowski:
Scott Meyers, RCU Race Coordinator, has been working overtime in putting together this season’s RCU schedule. As you all know, the re-opening of each county has been uneven and changing rapidly. As a result, not all of our race sites and race dates have been confirmed as yet.
Please find attached our current draft schedule on the schedule tab. As we get more sites and dates confirmed, this will be updated in the schedule.
We do know that we are good to go for the opening race in Finley the weekend of April 17-18. We are looking forward to seeing new boats and drivers to start the season.
Get everything ready to go and we will see you in Tri-Cities!
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Gearing up for 2021
Posted 3/12/21
By: rcuwebmaster
With the recent governmental guidance on the pandemic, we believe that the 2021 season will be a full-go! Please keep an eye on the website for any breaking news or revisions, but for now we are anticipating that the schedule will not change.
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2021 Roger Newton Memorial R/C Hydro Show
By: rcuwebmaster
The annual Roger Newton Memorial R/C Hydro Show is virtually this weekend, the 27th of February, starting at 11:30 AM (pacific time). Due to the pandemic, the show will be hosted by the Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, along with David Newton, via Zoom! Check out this page for all the info: https://www.facebook.com/events/244263010581751.
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2021 rulebooks are posted
By: The R/CU Board
The 2021 rulebooks have been updated and posted on the Rulebooks page! Check out the revision trackers, since there was minimal racing in 2020 the Board voted on minimal rulebook updates.
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Club directory is updated
By: rcuwebmaster
The latest copy of the R/CU Directory was posted under the Members page, on the Resources tab. Please take a look and email Geoffry at ggrembo5@yahoo.com for any updates or to add/remove info. You are not required to supply R/CU with all info, but we like to keep it available for all members. The Members page is behind a password; email Geoffry if you need the password.
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From the Chairman: 2021
By: R/CU Chairman, Gary Grembowski
R/CU Chairman Gary Grembowski has a new 2021 update from the R/CU Board! Check it out now!
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We're making updates!
By: rcuwebmaster
The website creator I use to build the entire website has made some changes to their editor. Some of the features didn't make the cut on the updates, so I am having to investigate some updates and work-arounds! Please excuse some changes coming in the near months, and don't worry! All the latest news will still be at the top of this column, and the schedule will remain updated!
Thanks for your patience!
-R/CU Webmaster, Geoffry Grembowski
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Rest in Peace, Harry Gatjens
By: rcuwebmaster
R/CU is sad to report that longtime member Harry Gatjens passed away last night.
Harry will be forever a part of R/CU, known for his hard-charging style and legacy of Budweiser boats. Not only that, he carried a sharp wit, with a unique sense of humor. Harry was also a longtime member of the R/CU Board, and volunteered for years as the race scorer.
Harry is 11th in R/CU career points and had 1 career victory, in the 2000 Diamond Cup. We know that he joins fellow R/CU legends in boat racing heaven, likely challenging Bernie Little to a race!
From R/C Unlimiteds to the Gatjens family, we extend our deepest condolences. Further information will be provided as we receive it.