The Kyotei, literally "boat racing" and referred to as BOAT RACE, is a hydroplane racing event primary held in Japan. It is one of Japan's four "Public Sports", which are sports events where parimutuel betting is legal.
Kyotei was introduced in Japan in 1952. In April 2010, to promote the sport to a wide variety of people as well as internationally, the Kyotei Promotion Association began referring to the sport as BOAT RACE, and the organization itself has been renamed the BOAT RACE Promotion Association. Accordingly, all of Japan's 24 kyotei courses now refer to themselves as BOAT RACE courses.
A Kyotei race is conducted on man-made lakes with a 600-meter circular boat course. Six boats race three laps around the course (1,800 meters). Races are generally over in about two minutes.
Kyotei employs the flying start system of beginning races. Once the boats receive the signal to leave the docks, a large clock situated at the start line begins a one-minute countdown until the race begins. Boats take starting positions at the top of the straightaway based on their practice run, and at approximately 10-15 seconds before the clock reaches zero, the boats race up towards the start line at full speed. Boats must cross this line within one second after the clock reaches zero. If a boat crosses the line too early - called a "Flying Start", or crosses too late - called a "Late Start", it is scratched from the race and bets on that boat are refunded. The Japanese term for this exclusion is "return absence". In a sense, the flying start system can be compared to the mobile start used in harness racing.
If a boat causes an infraction during the race or becomes disabled, the boat is immediately disqualified. Competitors must pass any disabled boats during the race to the inside or outside as designated by the referees - passing on the wrong side results in the competitor being disqualified. No refunds are given for disqualified boats, unless all boats are disqualified.
Prior to the start of a race, competitors conduct practice runs around the course to ensure that their boats are functioning properly, and to provide the bettors with useful information before bets are made. The first stage is called the "Start Exhibition", when competitors choose the group that they wish to start in - either the slow group (which begins closer to the finish line) or the dash group (which begins farther away). Competitors then race to the start line as the clock counts down, and the time difference between each boat and the clock are recorded. Since it is an exhibition, there are no penalties for flying or late starts.
The second stage of the practice run is called the "Lap Exhibition". Here the competitors practice their straight runs and cornering, and conduct a timed run of 150 meters which is announced. An announcement is also made if competitors replace their propellors or any boat engine parts.
All the boats and engines are the same type, provided by Yamato Motors. Competitors are assigned an engine and a boat at random to use for race day. Only competitors are permitted to tune their assigned engine, however they are permitted to use their own propellors.
A unique aspect of the sport is the fact that women can compete as equally as men. As the weights of racers make an important difference in hydroplane racing, female racers, often lighter than their male counterparts, have certain advantages. Roughly 10% of Kyotei racers are women.
Due to the once-common practice of excessive weight loss by competitors to make their boats lighter, there is a minimum weight requirement (men must weigh in at 50 kg or more, while women must weigh in at 47 kg or more). If any competitor is short of the minimum weight, their boat will be loaded with weights to compensate.
Virtual Kyotei 99 is the second game in the Nitchibutsu motorboats games for the Playstation console. In these games the player compete in the Virtual Kyoutei tournament that is somekind of motorboats racing in which the player character compete against 5 computer players.
This version of the game features different racing game modes. The game features a story mode and different circuits.
The game also features a complete database updated to the second semester of the 98 season.
Manufacturer's description:
Enjoy great popularity powerful race heated water to recreate the Battle of Virtual 3D games from Motorboat Motorboat Series 98 version appeared in the second semester with the data.
Players can experience the life of the motorboat "pennant race" as well as gambling mode, racing dream, database motorboat, SG Yun and enjoy the scene of a variety of modes.
Features:
- Third person perspective.
- 3D graphics
- Cartoon graphics
- Kyotei theme.
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