model sailboat racing

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RC Sailboats

An overview of radio controlled sail boats and a brief explanation of scale model sailboats, semi scale rc sport, and rc racing sailing yachts. kits, rtr and scratch built..

RC sailboats can be divided up in three main categories:

• RC Sport Sail
• RC Sailing Yachts (for racing)
• RC Scale Sail

RC sport sail

Most kits and RTR (ready-to-run) model RC sail boats are best categorized as RC sport scale. This category is a happy medium between full-blown scale models and RC racing yachts.

Some have become so widely distributed that new racing classes has been formed around them. Good examples are Graupner's Micro Magic and Kyosho's Fairwind.

They are usually semi-scale of modern cruising yachts or made to resemble America’s cup sailboats.

The lower cost models come with ABS hulls, whereas the higher end models come with more durable fiberglass hulls. Drop keels, aluminum masts and Dacron sails are most common.

RC racing yachts

If you want to get into RC yacht racing there are a number of classes to choose from. Each country has a governing body ( American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) in the USA, Model Yachting Association in the UK) under the International Model Yacht Racing Union.

As with full size regattas, RC model yacht racing face some of the same issues. Entry rules for competitions typically follow depending on if the class is Open or Closed Design.

Open or Construction Class

What these classes have in common is that the boats are not identical - instead the rules are made up like a mathematical formula. The good thing that brings is that the challenge is three-fold – design, construction and sailing the course.

The disadvantage is in that the rules for some classes can be complicated. Some classes have gained in popularity precisely because the rules fro previously established classes were so hard to understand.

Examples of some popular open design model yacht classes:

• 6 Metre - M6R
• 10 rater – R10r
• 36" (36-inch)

Closed Design or One-design Class

All entries have to be the same design. Some are kits from a single manufacturer others are open to home built model boats.

• Soling 1 Meter
• Micro Magic - Graupner
• Fairwind - Kyosho

RC scale sail

We're talking about scale model sail boats that actually use its sails as the main means of propulsion. RC scale sail is called minisail in continental Europe. The vast majority of sailing scale model boats is scratch built. There are a few kits - Billings Collin Archer RS-1 comes to mind.

The prevailing problem with scaling a sailboat is that stability doesn’t scale linearly with size. The result is that model boats will always be significantly less stable than the boat or ship it was modeled after. Left as is, it may have detrimental effects on the model’s sea keeping abilities. There are ways to minimize the effect.

A smallish boat built to a large scale is more stable than a large ship to a small scale. For instance, say you can only transport a model 1m long. Building a model of an 8m cruising yacht at 1:8 scale will be more stable than a model of the USS Constitution at 1:48 scale. This is true even if they end up weighing the same and being the same length. I bet the yacht will be a much better sailer too.

Bigger is always better too, when it comes to scale RC sailboats. Try and build the biggest model you can get away with. A larger model will be more forgiving on construction techniques, materials and the weight of components. The finished model will also be faster, a better sailer and handle stronger winds than if it was built smaller.

Making considerable effort to build light is always a god habit. The higher up a part or component is located, the more important this becomes. For instance, rigging components need to be light weight.

Other factors are beam and draft (width and depth for landlubbers). A wider and deeper hull will naturally be more stable than thin and shallow.

There are two tricks to increase the stability of model boats artificially:

Add a drop keel

By adding a drop keel you can bring the center of gravity down while adding profile area. The greater under-water profile helps against drifting sideways. All sailboats drift downwind some, because the surface water moves with the wind. The lower boundary-layers of a body of water are influenced less by the wind than layers closer to the surface. Therefore, the deeper any extension of the hull is, the less drift.

Typically a boat with a drop-keel also needs a larger rudder. A good guideline is to make the rudder area 10-12% of the total submerged hull profile.

Extent the hull below the waterline

Some builders rather build the boat hull slightly out of scale than add a drop keel. The most bang-for-the-buck is to deepen the hull. Same rule apply about the rudder (rudder area = 10-12% of total submerged profile). You could technically make the hull wider, but the effect is not as great.

Any change in the submerged hull profile need to maintain the same geometric center to balance the center of effort on the sails. Naturally, if you know what you are doing, the sail and rig can be modified also.

A Final Word on Scale RC Sailboats

Generally stay away from lateen rigs, multi-hull, centerboard designs and square riggers, at least until you have become an experienced RC sailboats captain and/or builder.

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Tippecanoe Boats

Tippecanoe boats.

We produce the highest quality model sailboats, toy sailboats, and radio controlled model sailing boats in the world.

After 36 years of business, there are now over 70,000 Tippecanoe model sailboats sailing in more than 65 countries around the world!

Our Mission:

Our mission is to continue the wonderful tradition of model sailboats, especially wooden model sailboats, that really sail. Our boats have provided thousands of hours of happy outdoors experiences for countless adults and youngsters. We hear back from owners almost every day about how much they enjoy their boats and how pleased they are that we are doing what we do. In their small way, model sailing boats make the world a better place for all of us.

Our Origin:

Will Lesh is the founder, designer, and owner of Tippecanoe Boats. Will grew up with a classic Jacrim Seaworthy model sailing yacht which he sailed for many summers on Lake Tippecanoe along with his sister who also had a beautiful Keystone pond yacht.

“It has been in memory of those many happy hours that I have brought these beautiful toy sailboats back to life, and of course we have added a terrific collection of sensational RC model sailboats as well which make splendid projects for craftsmen as well as for first time builders and sailors.” – Will Lesh, Founder and Designer

“I have a 100 ton license. I built my own 24 foot sailboat and sailed it across the Atlantic. I own a 34 foot cruising sloop, a laser, two MC Scows, a Hobie 14, a windsurfer, a 420, my 24 foot trans-Atlantic sloop, a 12 foot laminated mahogany sailing dinghy, 5 kayaks and 2 canoes (also two 37 foot steel sailboats in process). I am passionate about sailing boats and human powered boats of all sizes. But I still love sailing the model boats, they are so fun and beautiful and bring the joy of sailing alive in a very special way. In fact, I think I sail and race our model boats more frequently than I use my full sized boats! You can count on every one of our Tippecanoe boats, free-sailing toy boats and sophisticated radio control boats, to sail exceptionally well. I guarantee it!” – Will Lesh, Founder and Designer

Will Lesh lives and breathes sailing. He always has, and he always will.

Will started, and continues to run, Tippecanoe Boats in order to spread his love for sailing to all:

“I sail, therefore I am!”

Copyright All Rights Reserved

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Welcome To Our Class

The Remote Control (R/C) Laser Model is a scale version of the famous "one design" Laser, the most popular "real boat" sailing class in the world.

The R/C Laser, however, does not require a trailer, life jackets, or hours of set-up time before you can be on the water and sailing. The R/C Laser was designed to be up and sailing out of the box in under 7 minutes. All you need is 2 feet of water, a desire to sail, and some wind. Just snap in the keel, mast, and rudder assemblies...slip in the batteries...clip on the sails and you are ready to go. It is that simple.

Send your club news and events information to RC Laser Class Secretary, Nick Mortgu at [email protected] .

Upcoming Events

2024 bunny bowl, 2024 alamo classic rc laser r5 championships, 2024 scya midwinters regatta, 2024 dead crab regatta, fourth annual bow lake strafford, nh rc laser regatta and region 1 championship, latest posts, 2024 rc laser national championship results, 2024 hangover cup report, 2023 liberty rc laser league: the 12/2 west jersey regatta report and overall results, 2023 cold turkey / region 2 championship & liberty rc laser league regatta summary.

"Regattas aren’t necessarily won with firsts. Work to improve in increments if you are behind, and it will make you a more successful skipper." - David Ramos

How to Sail an RC Sailboat – Step by Step Instructions – 5 Minute Read

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Sailing an RC sailboat is fun, but it takes some practice before you get good at it. I certainly needed it when I started! If you want to take your interest in RC model boats to another level, then you should consider learning how to sail an RC sailboat.

However, learning how to sail RC sailboats requires patience and perseverance. There are several things that you need to master before you can begin sailing. This article will teach you how to sail a radio-controlled sailboat.

Read on below to discover tips that will avoid failure in learning how to sail model sailboats, that apply to all size boats.

Step by step Instructions

How does a yacht sail, how are the sails and rudder of an rc sailboat moved, moving forward in a straight line, sailing into the wind, sailing away from the wind, final thoughts.

First, here’s a summary step by step approach to learning how to sail an RC sailboat:

• Consider joining a local club ( USA UK ) where you’ll find lots of helpful RC sailors and RC sailing events that will help you learn. You may even be tempted to get into RC sailboat racing. 
• In any event, choose a day with a gentle, consistent, light wind, preferably with the wind direction towards you, just in case you lose control of your boat.
• Find a medium-sized lake or pond, and avoid rivers or the sea, where there may be strong undercurrents. A local club will have a safe sailing area. Look out for areas that may have weeds or reeds, or shallows that could strand your boat. Remember to factor in the depth of the keel, which, on most model sailing boats, is significant. 
• Check you are able to sail in your chosen area – ie no prohibitions – and keep clear of swimmers, people fishing, full sized boat traffic, and wildlife.
• Avoid days when it’s busy in your sailing area with other modelers until your sailing skills are such that you can feel confident.
• Set up your RC sailboat on its stand, and check the rigging is as it should be according to the boat’s instructions. Ensure you have brought the boat battery pack charger, the batteries are charged, and you have spare AA batteries for transmitter. Turn on the transmitter, and test that the rudder control and sail servos are all working properly.
• Ensure you understand the basics of sailing, set out below, before launching your RC sailboat. Keep a keen eye on how your boat reacts to the wind, and be ready to react in turn by altering the sail angle to maintain the boat speed as far as possible.

The first thing you’ll need to know is how does a yacht sail? An rc sailboat sails just like a full size yacht. The wind energy pushes against the sails and flows over them, creating a difference in wind pressure on each side of the sail, which is translated to forward movement by the keel of the boat. Without the keel, the boat would be pushed in the direction of the wind.

To keep the yacht moving forward, the sail angle to the wind is adjusted depending on the position of the boat. Paradoxically, a sailing boat can sail into the wind, as well as with the wind. The only direction that can’t be sailed is with the wind directly in front.

The direction of the boat is adjusted by the rudder, which is at the back of the boat.

The following diagram shows the sail angles at different points of the wind:

As a beginner RC sailing boat helmsman, many of these terms will be confusing to you, but they will soon become familiar.

The controls of an RC boat are explained in more detail in t his article , but basically, the hull (body) of the boat contains batteries that power servos which in turn move the rudder, the main sail, and the fore sail (the “jib”). The servos are controlled by a receiver, that takes commands from the RC transmitter which you hold in your hand. Here’s a short video that explains the transmitter controls:

How to sail an RC sailing boat

First, the basic skills. With the boat in the water, start with the wind half way between the front (bow) of the boat, and the side (beam). Keeping the rudder straight, trim (move) the sails so that they are close to the hull (close hauled) and the boat should move forward. If the wind is gusty, or very strong, move your transmitter control to let out the sails, spilling the wind, to keep the boat from keeling over.

If you’re sailing into the general wind direction, you’ll need to learn to “tack”, which involves turning the boat from a position where the wind is coming on one side of the bow, through the head-on wind, to end with the wind on its other side. This is achieved by moving the rudder to turn the yacht, whilst changing the angle of the sails to the wind – see the diagram above.

So the boat moves forward via a zig zag course.

As the boat turns into the wind, it slows, so this maneuver should be completed as quickly as possible, otherwise, the boat could get stuck with the sails flapping – this is called being “in irons”.

If the direction you wish to sail in means the wind is behind the boat, it is called running before the wind. In this case, turning the boat involves “jibing”, which is the opposite of tacking.

To change direction whilst running with the wind, move the rudder so the wind goes around the back (stern) of the boat and haul the sails in. As the boat comes round, the wind will move from one side of the sails to the other.

If this is not done smoothly, it could cause the sails to violently move in the opposite direction, possibly causing damage and maybe even capsizing the boat.

So those are the basics of learning how to sail an RC sailboat. As I’ve said above, the best way to refine your skills is to get out on the water and practice.

if you have any interest in remote control sailing but aren’t sure where to begin, use the step-by-step guide above to learn how to sail an RC sailboat. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can move on to the exciting world of racing sailboats.

If you’re still considering your first RC beginner sailboat, take a look at our article on beginner RC sailboats , or for the more adventurous, consider building your own RC sailboat from a kit. More about that here .

Image credit Nick Kinkaid

About the author

It all started with a line controlled spitfire 50 years ago….

That turned into a life long interest in models, in particular radio controlled models, but I’ve only got back into it since I’ve been retired. As a result a lot has changed, and I’ve been happily starting afresh, researching into the hobby and finding answers to the questions all beginners have when starting out.

I hope you find some answers to the queries you have, and go on to enjoy all aspects of this fascinating hobby.

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Ice Breaker is scheduled to be sailed at Rosemary Lake on March 24th at 11AM. PLEASE CHECK THIS WEBSITE BEFORE HEADING TO ROSEMARY LAKE. WE MIGHT NEED TO POSTPONE DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER!

Soling 1 Meters will be scored to determine the 2024 champion!

Buoys will be placed on March 22nd at 1PM. Volunteers are welcome!

Students Build and Sail a Radio-Controlled Model Sailboat

This first story is from Captain David Bill, Nautical Sciences Teacher at Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts. Since 2008 Tabor has offered students a boat design and building course using radio-controlled, or R/C wooden sailboat kits. It has proven to be one of the most popular courses in the school (there is always a waiting list) because it satisfies a hidden need among today’s students raised in a digital world: The need to make something using their own hands and skills. In the process, they learn valuable lessons in math, chemistry, physics, problem-solving, teamwork and leadership. Some students even incorporate lessons in graphic arts into their projects.

by Captain David Bill

Edited by dan walker, national sailing hall of fame.

Radio-controlled sailboat models are not just fun to sail and build; they also serve as excellent hands-on teaching tools for several different lessons in maritime skills, math and physics… even in art!

Tabor Academy is a co-ed boarding and day school located on the water in Marion, Massachusetts. As the “school by the sea,” Tabor sustains a unique maritime heritage that embodies in all its programs the qualities that a seagoing life requires: Thoughtful preparation for and awareness of the wider world, perseverance, courage, good humor, a sense of direction, and humility.

A number of years ago at Tabor we decided to change our traditional year-long Marine Architecture class into a one semester class which allowed for more flexible student scheduling for this nautical science elective. This new class, which we call “Practical Ship and Boat Design,” includes teaching sailing theory, boat building, parts of the boat vocabulary, rigging, boat design and many other applications. Math, physics and other lessons easily work their way into the lessons learned from this class.

Building and sailing the model allows for numerous teaching moments and building real life skills. In our digital world, young people have an unconscious desire and need to learn hands-on skills, even skills as simple as constructing a wooden hull using two-part epoxy, or learning to wire controllers and configuring the running rigging of their boats. Many of our students have never sailed a boat before, and now here they are — masters of their own first command!

Concepts Learned – Math, Chemistry, Physics, Leadership, and Art!

After the boats are sailing, navigation concepts can pull in both the math and physics, as the students work to explore concepts of distance, rate and time, speed over ground, velocity made good, etc.

Since Tabor is a private boarding school, we are more free than most schools to develop our own standards and how they are applied. That doesn’t mean, however, that this class could not easily comply in with typical core curriculum standards found in most public schools. Given a motivated teacher and some thinking outside the box, there are many “tests” along the way in the building process:

Engineering: Did your epoxied pieces set up properly? If not, reasons why and what can be done to repair?

Architectural Design: Is your keel shaped for best hydrodynamic flow? Is your hull symmetrical or is there twist along the longitudinal axis? How will that impact your boat’s speed?

Leadership skills: If the boat is a group project, team leaders could be assigned for each step of the process, and encouraged to teach their part of the process to the others in their team.

Business: Extrapolate how this process would be controlled by a company in the business of building and marketing these boats?

Statistics: Given a set of performance data after several measured test sails, develop a statistical model that could be used to rate and handicap each student’s boat, then race the boats using the handicaps; are the statistics fair and consistent?

There are several sizes and types of radio-controlled sailboat kits available. In addition to cost, factor in the place where you will be having your students sail their finished boats. Places with more wind need a larger boat; I’ll talk about why later on.

We use a T27 model sailboat kit, available online from Tippecanoe Boats: https://www.modelsailboat.com or http://www.tippecanoeboats.com. The cost for the complete kit, which includes radio control equipment, sails, zinc ballast — everything except batteries and materials to paint or varnish the boat — is around $240 per boat (likely the least expensive racing boat anyone will ever own!). Tippecanoe Boats has both larger and smaller kits, ranging in cost from $49 for a T12 (a 12” boat without radio controls that can be sailed with a light line and fishing reel (for retrieval purposes) all the way up to the T65, weighing in at almost 5-1/2 feet long, 12 pounds of weight and costing $895 each. They even have a trimaran and a US Venom One-Metre class racer, which has a carbon fiber hull! Enough day-dreaming…

Other companies also make wooden model sailboat kits:

• Chesapeake Light Craft ( http://www.clcboats.com/shop/boats/wooden-sailboat-kits/independence-remote-control-sail-boat.html ) sells a 48-inch long wooden Independence R/C boat kit for $199 for the wood parts, plus costs for epoxy and wire kits. You will still need to source the sail material —  rip-stop nylon makes a good model sailboat sail, and is readily available from fabric store chains like Jo-Ann Fabrics.
• Another potential source for both boats and advice is the American Model Yachting Association: https://www.theamya.org. Radio-controlled model yacht racing has several one-design classes, and the competition can get as serious as the big boys, with yacht prices to match… even for a model! That said, every class of boat has a low-cost entry point, and model sailboats are no exception. Google “wooden model sailboat kits that sail” or “DIY model sailboat kits” – I’ve seen model kits available for as low as $29.
• If you are more creative, and your school has the resources and tools to allow students to shape the wood themselves, you could encourage them to apply what you’ve taught about hull design. Let them shape their own unique hull design from blocks of balsa or other light, easily workable wood, available at hobby stores, finishing it off with keels and sailing rigs made either from pre-built rig kits or materials of your own sourcing.
• For elementary schools with “Maker Labs,” Oriental Trading sells DIY wooden sailboat kits for $19 that contains all the components to build a dozen 7.5-inch sailboats good enough for a “Rain Gutter Regatta” – that’s $1.58 per boat! For kits like these, you could use non-toxic wood glue and instead of epoxy to assemble, and fabric markers, wood markers or even crayons to decorate, making this a project even for younger grades. http://bit.ly/STEMsailing-DIYtoyboatkits

Workshop as Classroom

Students should be dressed appropriately: Have them wear clothes they don’t care about, and bring in old long-sleeve shirts that can get ruined; they can keep them at school with their boat projects. Boiler suits, shop aprons or disposable Tyvek suits could be useful — see if you can get some donated.

The Lessons

The model building period, from start to finish, spanned a time period of eight weeks, with one 40-minute class per day, five days a week. Of course, a single model built by a skilled individual could be accomplished in far less time, but the timeline for our students’ model building was governed by the school class schedule and other commitments they have in their normal school day.

All work on the boats was done in class. Nightly reading was assigned from the instruction manual so students will have a step by step understanding of what we will accomplish the following day.

An important engineering skill set involves learning how to read and follow a technical manual. By following the detailed instructions, they quickly learn these skills. And sometimes, when in the course of learning the students make mistakes, they learn another important skill: Problem-solving.

Obviously, since materials like epoxy, paint and/or varnish are used, safety procedures must be first taught and then supervised to ensure that any mistakes don’t result in a mess, or worse.

If possible, you might want to build one of the boat kits ahead of the class, so you can have firsthand knowledge of what is involved and the time that you should plan in for your students to perform the same procedures. Since it takes time for things like epoxy and paint to cure or dry, plan on either finishing a class so the boats can dry overnight, or use that time for cleanup, group discussion or introducing the next concept.

This IS Possible for Land-Locked Schools

Our students sail their boats on the waterfront that is part of our campus, but you don’t need to be near waterfront property for this to work. The beauty of radio-controlled boats is that they can be sailed on any body of water — including shallow ponds and lakes. I’ve heard that inland folks even sail their boats in indoor swimming pools utilizing fans for a wind source.

End Result: A Fleet of Sailboats!

It would be possible for teams of students to work on a single boat, treating the costs as either a “lab fee” or using PTA or school funds for the materials. I would guess in those cases that the boats would be school property.

You could display them and use the best ones as reference boats for next year’s class, hold a competition where students vie to win the boats, or offer them as a reward for students who provide additional volunteer assistance or some other good work that is “above and beyond.”

And a School Regatta!

Where your students will sail the boats should factor in to what type of boat you have the students build. Just as it is for any sailboat, a general rule is that the greater the LOA (Length Over All) of a radio-controlled model sailboat, the greater its ability to sail and manage higher velocity winds.

Conclusions

The big success of the Practical Ship and Boat Design class is because each student can build and sail their own boat. They take complete ownership of the boat, connect with the hands-on aspect of the work, and they are very proud of the finished product. Plus, the boats are VERY fun to sail.

After eight years of teaching this class, the result is that there is a waiting list to get in. Sometimes a student must wait patiently for two or even three years in order to get a spot in this class.

My students tell me that it is their most challenging class (but also favorite) because they have to think and problem solve on their own.

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Sarasota Model Yacht Club

Welcome - About Us

The Sarasota Model Yacht Club got its start in Sarasota in 1996.  Our club sails the American Model Yachting Association-sanctioned one-design Soling One Meter R/C , RC Laser, DF65, DF95 and (during the winter only) IOM model yachts. The club meets six (seven times a week when the IOM sail) times per week for practice and racing. We sail at the  Nathan Benderson Park at  the West Lake on Athletes Drive.   The West Lake is off of Honore at Athletes Drive. 

    The Soling 1-Meter kit-based model is a pleasure to sail. As a one-design, it is an ideal introduction to model yachting, yet it provides a  competitive boat for the best of veterans as well and is available from  “ Boatyard John ” (our club builder). 

    The RCLaser is factory-built ready to sail and available at  intensitysails.com  

We also sail the Dragon Force (DF) DF65 and the DF95 RC boats. 

The DF 65 is one of the fastest growing class of RC sailboats in the U.S. The boat has earned this distinction by being a great one-design sailing boat while being the least expensive ready-to-sail boat on the market. At around $350 for a boat with radio and receiver and about 3 hours of assembly and you're on the water.    

The DF95 is the fastest growing class in the USA and is near Ready-to-Sail in a kit form from  Radiosailing.net  or from “Boatyard John”. 

    All skill levels are welcome, from neophytes to crusty old salts! You will find that our members can be very helpful in getting you involved with this great hobby. Come on out to watch the hard-fought races or join us for practice and racing.  

The Soling One Meter (S1M) :  This S1M the largest class in the U.S. and Florida. We sail Solings Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Race Captains rotate throughout the year. Craig Collemer is the Race Captain.

The RC Laser :  This is the largest RC class in the world. We sail Lasers on Friday. Steve Lippincott is the Race Captain.

The DF65 and the DF95 :  These are the newest and fastest-growing restricted one-design class in both Florida and the U.S.  

We sail DF95's on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Bill Hendrickson is the Race Captain. The DF65 fleet sails Monday and Wednesday.  Rob Wucki is the Race Captain. 

IOM The IOM Class is considered a Development Class by the AMYA. 

The International One Metre class is the fastest-growing class in the world. This class is distinct and different in purpose from the US One Meter class, and complements the International Marblehead Class as a simpler, less expensive boat. The International class has a one-design rig, and has minimum weights on the keel and overall, and restricts the hull material. The net effect of these differences is that the typical cost spiral of lighter weight, and more expensive materials and manufacturing processes, is arrested. This allows amateur designers and builders a chance to design and build with little concern that they are building in a disadvantage due to weight. This is a feature not found in any existing AMYA class and is one of the reasons that the class is so popular around the world.  We sail IOM's on Sundays in season.  John Stryhn " Boatyard" is the Race Captain.

Where and when do we race?

 The club races at Benderson Park on the West Lake.  The West Lake is located at the intersection of Honore and Athletes Drive, Sarasota Fl. 

GPS Address: 5700 Athletes Drive, Sarasota FL 34235

Summer Racing Hours (all fleets)

10am to 12pm all days unless otherwise noted. 

Fall, Winter and Racing Hours: (all fleets except as noted) 

1:00pm to 3:00pm         Monday-Friday and Sunday

10:00am to 12:00pm     Saturdays 

10:00am to 12:00pm     Friday Laser Fleet

Summer racing starts June 1.  Check with the RD prior to coming out to race with us. 

More About Us

Do we accept beginners.

    YES. We encourage sailors of all skill levels to join us. A Mentor Program is available for beginners. 

How can I get a S1M, RC Laser DF65 or DF95?

    Soling 1M:   We have a member called “Boat Yard” who has used/refurbished S1Ms’ for sale. You can also buy a new ready-to-sail boat from John. John's email [email protected] . 

     RC Laser:   A new RC Laser is available at intensitysails.com  at a cost of less than $600 with 3 complete rigs.

     DF95:  A new DF95 can be purchased from Radiosailing.net in kit form for $345, up to $610, which includes a transmitter and receiver, B rig, B sails, LiPo battery, custom stand and sail numbers for A and B sails.  The boat can also be purchased and assembled by club member  “Boatyard” .  The assembly takes 3-4 hours. 

   DF65:  The Fleet at SMYC is unique in that it caters to those unable to walk long distances while racing due to shorter courses then the other classes. The boat is available at http://radiosailing.net/. The boat can also be purchased and assembled by club member  “Boatyard”

Do we have dues/fees?

Dues are $75/year and a signed liability Waiver for SANCA is required.   SMYC is also a member of the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA).  The AMYA has many resources for Individual members. Their web site is www.theamya.org.

The club's primary contact is Commodore Bill Schmeising,            ( 631) 944-1077 or email [email protected]

For questions regarding this website, please contact Bill Schmeising.

Video Links

Here is a recent Video from the Soling Region 7 Regatta:

https://youtu.be/l0ndNOH5RKE

A link to the Sarasota Magazine Article about SMYC https://www.sarasotamagazine.com/news-and-profiles/2020/03/sarasota-model-yacht-club

In the Sky's video link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HaXamACM1I

ABC Channel 7 Video with Linda Carlson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlZpwkrYIj4

Introductory Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cau3RuLsgxg

American Model Yachting Association

SMYC is a member of the AMYA, the national governing association for RC sailing in the US.

SMYC is club # 204 - Region #7

SMYC members are encouraged to be individual AMYA members.

SMYC sails at:

Nathan benderson park.

Nathan Benderson Park is a nearly 600-acre paradise nestled in the heart of Florida, featuring a 400-acre lake surrounded by breathtaking scenery. This ultimate recreational destination offers a wide range of activities, including world-class rowing events, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing, and more.

Contact SMYC

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2023 -2024 SMYC Calendar

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CR-914 Class Page

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1/25 (36") Scale America's Cup high performance model sailboat

5ft Replica of the 1962 Americas Cup 12 Meter

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CR-914 RADIO CONTROL MODEL SAILBOAT Easy to Build, Fun to Sail. No Better way to get Started

One of the hottest classes in the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA)

The CR-914 is a strict one design AMYA sanctioned 1:25 scale model based on the Americas Cup class yacht.

The kit comes with everything you need to build your boat. All you need are some simple tools, sandpaper, paint and batteries. Excellent sailing performance in a wide wind range. With quick acceleration and turning this boat will thrill and excite the expert as well as the novice.

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Welcome to Tippecanoe Boats!

Tippecanoe boats.

We build the finest wooden Radio-Controlled and Free-Sailing sailboat models available anywhere in the world today.

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Rc sailboat: t27 racing sloop.

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RC Sailboat: T37 Racing Sloop

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RC Sailboat: T37 RACING UPGRADE Racing Sloop

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from $655.00

T37 Maiden Voyage

"hello, another happy customer, i wanted to share with you the the delight we have had building your model sailboat. my son, owen, completed the build and the boat took its maiden voyage over the weekend. it works perfectly and we've been sailing it ever since. great memories... thanks, devon.", featured video.

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[ Home Page | Owners Pictures | Movie Page | More Fun Pictures | Excellent Sailing Performance | radio control T37 | T Class Racing Sloop | T15 Racing Sloop | T12 Cruiser | Order Form ]

Tippecanoe Boats as filmed by owners and posted to YouTube!

Around the horn, part 1 and part 2.

One hundred ten years ago this jaunty Scotsman sailed around Cape Horn as a young boy of 15 on one of the great sailing ships, a three masted bark out of Hamberg hauling cargo. Forty four years ago Will Lesh, while in his last year of college, interviewed the 81-year-old sailor and recorded the entire live interview for this remarkable look into life aboard the last of the great sailing vessels rounding Cape Horn. Be transported in time to the days of the great ships as you listen to this never before released original recording.

T37 Racing Sloop Videos

Adam Green from Sudbury, MA did this superb filming of his T37 from his kayak. Good job on holding the camera steady, Adam!

"T37 video !!!! Tippecanoe T37 Sailing on Skaneateles Lake"

"Maiden Voyage of a T37 RC Racing Sloop. One of the only remote control sailboats built out of wood, the T37 rc sailboat is very light and very strong. It is one of the most elegant rc sailboat kits available. This remote control sailboat will give pleasure for generations of sailors. There is nothing like having an elegant radio controlled sailboat sailing out across a beautiful lake on a sunny day!"

T37 Racing at Port Ludlow, Washington State! A good demonstration of light air sailing techniques. The Port Townsend - Port Ludlow model sailing group meets Wednesdays for informal sailing/racing and Saturdays for more formal racing. This video was taken on a race day in January. It is fun to watch what happens to the lead boat as the race progresses.

"T37 Sailboat First Sail. Sailing my Tippecanoe T37 RC Sailboat at Seattle's South Lake Union Boat Pond. July 7 2014. The Boat is "Sunny" and will show sail number 2415. These boats are kit built 37 inch long hulls made by Tippecanoe Boats."

"Tippecanoe T37 with racing upgrades. Blue Dream sailing for the first time. Great project I highly recommend it. Nice flat water with steady 10-15 kts. She sailed excellent. Shot and sailed with one hand each."

"video with camera mounted on transom. Filmed on San Juan Island, WA"

"T37 racing with on board camera on Lake Washington, Kirkland, WA"

T47 Schooners - I always have a good time where I'm going, I've always had a good time where I've been.

"T37 RC Sailboats racing in strong winds, December, Lake Washington, near Seattle WA"

"T37 Sailing at Port Hadlock. Final race of the Spring Series"

"T-37 RC sailboat sailing with upgrade kit in high winds on lake near Melbourne Australia"

T37 Rc Sailboat - "Let It Be Sailing Me and my dad sailing the Tippecanoe T37 for the second time. Enjoy!"

"T37 Regionals" hosted by the Seattle Yacht Club

"My RC Sailboat in the cove"

"T37 sailing at Port Ludlow. Today's event was to promote the boat and the sport. Although the video is mostly of racing situations, it was not serious racing so don't judge anyone's maneuvers, especially mine."

"Two T37 sailing on Veili Lake Jay=blue hull, burgee and US flag off starboard spreader Orca=black hull, orca flag off starboard spreader"

Todd Weber’s beautiful Mariah T37 Racing Sloop

"Two T37 RC boats sailing in the port of Everett Wa."

Building your T37 Video Manual.

Watch the entire building video here by clicking on the screen below, or go to the YouTube web page to see the video where you can select which chapters you want to view by choosing the option for "SHOW MORE" below the video screen: RC Sailboat T37 Builders Guide on YouTube

"T37 Fleet Racing in the Spring Series" Port Townsend and Port Ludlow skippers

T37 Sailing

About Tippecanoe

Tippecanoe Boats with Deb Slater

Will Lesh - why he founded Tippecanoe Boats

T27 Racing Sloop

"Remote Control Sailboat "Comme Sea Comme Ca”. Video of the building and sailing of a remote control sailboat that I built in California, then sent to my father in Munster, IN for his 89th birthday. Sadly, just under a year later, he passed away on September 24, 2010. The boat is a T27 from Tippecanoe Boats in Everson, WA."

"This is a Tippecanoe T27 Radio Controlled Model Yacht sailing in light winds built by myself from a kit."

"Marine Railway launching" of a T27

In French - building your T27 Part 1

In French - building your T27 Part 2

In French - building your T27 Part 3

In French - building your T27 Part 4

T50 Racing Sloop

"RC Sailboat T50 at full RC sailing speed. RC Sailboat captures the speed of radio controlled sailboats by jumping out of the water. This is a 50 inch remote control model sailboat -"

T52 Racing Sloop

"Tippecanoe T52 on Mary Lake, Port Sydney, Ontario. Just finished last week, a solid 3 week build, and my first sailboat build. "Papineau" out on Mary Lake, breeze was up, you can here it in the video. She handles beautifully, and moves along quite nicely. These are very nice sailboats. I was recording while sailing, need to make a mount for my Mobius camera to free up both hands."

Back to Movie Page

Radio-Controlled Sailboat Kits: The Ultimate Guide

• By - Kyle Hilson
• Posted on November 14, 2023 November 15, 2023
• Posted in RC Boats

Radio-controlled sailboat kits are a popular hobby for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. These kits allow hobbyists to build their sailboats from scratch and control them remotely using a radio transmitter. The idea of radio-controlled sailboats dates back to the 1930s and has since become a popular hobby worldwide. Radio-controlled sailboat kits come in different shapes and sizes. They contain all the components necessary to build a functional sailboat, including the hull, sails, rigging, motor, and radio transmitter. RC sailboats are available in different types, including racing sailboats, yachts, and schooners. When choosing a kit, hobbyists need to consider the price, difficulty level, design, and additional features such as GPS capabilities. Building and owning a radio-controlled sailboat has many benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent way to learn new skills and gain knowledge about sailing. Secondly, it allows hobbyists to spend time outdoors and experience the joy of sailing. Lastly, it is a social hobby, and sailing with others is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends. Building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats can present some challenges, especially for beginners. Some of the common challenges include understanding the complex instructions, setting up the radio transmitter, and navigating the boat. However, with practice and patience, these challenges can be overcome. Beginner-friendly kits are available, and YouTube tutorials can help with the setup and sailing of the boat.

Choosing the perfect RC sailboat kit for your needs.

Radio-controlled sailboat kits come in different shapes and sizes. They allow hobbyists to build their sailboats from scratch and control them remotely using a radio transmitter. These kits contain all the components necessary to build a functional sailboat, including the hull, sails, rigging, motor, and radio transmitter. RC sailboats are available in different types, including racing sailboats, yachts, and schooners. When choosing a kit, hobbyists need to consider different factors such as price , difficulty level , design , and additional features such as GPS capabilities . Kits are available for all levels of expertise, from beginners to experts , and there are various brands that specialize in producing high-quality kits. Websites such as Amazon, eBay , and Banggood offer a wide range of radio-controlled sailboat kits that cater to different hobbyist needs.

There are different factors to consider when choosing a radio-controlled sailboat kit. One of the most important is price . Kits can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the complexity and size of the boat. Another important factor is difficulty level , as some kits are more appropriate for advanced hobbyists, while others are suitable for beginners. Hobbyists should also consider the design of the boat and the type of sailing they are interested in, such as racing or leisure sailing. Some kits even offer additional features such as GPS capabilities for location tracking and weather information.

There are different types of sailboats available in the market, including racing sailboats, yachts, catamarans, and schooners. Racing sailboats are specifically designed for high speeds and maneuverability, while yachts are ideal for leisure sailing and relaxation. Catamarans are known for their stability and efficiency, making them popular for longer voyages. Schooners are classic sailboats with two or more masts, making them ideal for those who want a traditional sailing experience.

What are the different types of sailboats available in the market?

The different types of sailboats available in the market include dinghies, daysailers, keelboats, cruisers, racing sailboats, and catamarans.

Benefits, Skills and Social Aspects of Radio-Controlled Sailboat Kits

Building and owning a radio-controlled sailboat has many benefits. Firstly, it is an excellent way to learn new skills and gain knowledge about sailing. Secondly, it allows hobbyists to spend time outdoors and experience the joy of sailing. Thirdly, it is a social hobby, and sailing with others is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends. Some interesting facts about RC sailboats are that the World Sailing Model Competition happens every two years and has been held since 1972. The most recent competition was held in 2019 and saw participants from 13 countries.

A table comparing different RC sailboat kits and their features can be found below.

What are some popular websites to purchase radio-controlled sailboat kits and compare different products?

Some popular websites to purchase radio-controlled sailboat kits and compare different products are Amazon, HobbyKing, Tower Hobbies, and Horizon Hobby.

Overcoming Challenges in RC Sailboat Kits

Building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats can present some challenges, especially for beginners . One of the biggest challenges is understanding the complex instructions. Moreover, setting up the radio transmitter can also be daunting as it requires technical skills. Additionally, navigating the boat can be difficult as the wind and water conditions can affect its movement. However, with practice and patience, these challenges can be overcome.

What are some resources for beginners to learn about building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats?

Some resources for beginners to learn about building and sailing radio-controlled sailboats are online forums such as RC Groups, sailboat kit manufacturers like Dumas Products, and instructional videos on YouTube.

Radio-controlled sailboat kits are a fantastic way to combine the creativity of building with the thrill of remote control. They allow hobbyists to learn new skills while enjoying the fresh air and gentle breeze. With radio-controlled sailboat kits, enthusiasts can create their own sailboats from scratch with the freedom to customize the design and features according to their preference. Furthermore, sailing with others adds to the social aspect of the hobby and can be a great way to make new friends.

In conclusion, radio-controlled sailboat kits offer a unique and exciting hobby option for individuals of all ages. While there are inherent challenges in building and sailing the boats, the potential rewards are well worth the effort. The creativity and knowledge gained from creating and operating these boats are invaluable. With various resources, including online forums, tutorials, and classes, beginners can overcome the challenges and become skilled radio-controlled sailboat enthusiasts. If you are interested in this hobby, start by researching the different types of radio-controlled sailboat kits available and find one that suits your skill level and budget. Once you have your kit, get building and enjoy the serene and thrilling experience of radio-controlled sailboat sailing.

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Sailor Cole Brauer makes history as the first American woman to race solo around the world

Aboard her 40-foot racing boat First Light ,  29-year-old Cole Brauer just became the first American woman to race nonstop around the world by herself.

The New York native pulled into A Coruña, Spain, on Thursday after a treacherous 30,000-mile journey that took 130 days.

She thanked a cheering crowd of family and fans who had been waiting for her on shore.

“This is really cool and so overwhelming in every sense of the word,” she exclaimed, before drinking Champagne from her trophy.

The 5-foot-2 powerhouse placed second out of 16 avid sailors who competed in the Global Solo Challenge, a circumnavigation race that started in A Coruña with participants from 10 countries. The first-of-its-kind event   allowed a wide range of boats to set off in successive departures based on performance characteristics. Brauer started on Oct. 29, sailing down the west coast of Africa, over to Australia, and around the tip of South America before returning to Spain.

Brauer is the only woman and the youngest competitor in the event — something she hopes young girls in and out of the sport can draw inspiration from.

“It would be amazing if there was just one girl that saw me and said, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” Brauer said of her history-making sail.

It’s a grueling race, and more than half of the competitors have dropped out so far. One struck something that caused his boat to flood, and another sailor had to abandon his ship after a mast broke as a severe storm was moving in.

The four-month journey is fraught with danger, including navigating the three “Great Capes” of Africa, Australia and South America. Rounding South America’s Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet, is often likened to climbing Mount Everest because of its perfect storm of hazards — a sharp rise in the ocean floor and whipping westerly winds push up massive waves. Combined with the frigid waters and stray icebergs, the area is known as a graveyard for ships, according to NASA. Brauer  said  she was “so unbelievably stoked” when she sailed past Cape Horn in January.

Marco Nannini, organizer of the Global Solo Challenge, said the comparison to scaling Mount Everest doesn’t capture the difficulty of the race. Sailing solo means not just being a skipper but a project manager — steering the boat, fixing equipment, understanding the weather and maintaining one’s physical health.

Nannini cited the relatively minuscule number of people who have sailed around the world solo — 186, according to the International Association of Cape Horners — as evidence of the challenges that competitors face. More than 6,000 people have climbed Mount Everest, according to  High Adventure Expeditions .

Brauer stared down 30-foot waves that had enough force to throw her across the boat. In a scare caught on camera, she badly injured her rib   near the halfway point of the event. At another point, her team in the U.S. directed Brauer to insert an IV into her own arm due to dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

She was able to stay in constant communication with members of her team, most of whom are based in New England,   and keep herself entertained with Netflix and video calls with family through Starlink satellites.   That’s also how Brauer was able to use Zoom to connect with NBC News for an interview, while she was sailing about 1,000 miles west of the Canary Islands.

While Brauer was technically alone on First Light, she had the company of 450,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently got candid about life on an unforgiving sea while reflecting on her journey.

“It all makes it worth it when you come out here, you sit on the bow, and you see how beautiful it is,” she said in an Instagram video, before panning the camera to reveal the radiant sunrise.

Brauer grew up on Long Island but didn’t learn to sail until she went to college in Hawaii. She traded in her goal of becoming a doctor for life on the water. But she quickly learned making a career as a sailor is extremely difficult, with professional racers often hesitant to welcome a 100-pound young woman on their team.

Even when she was trying to find sponsors for the Global Solo Challenge, she said a lot of people “wouldn’t touch her with a 10-foot pole” because they saw her as a “liability.”

Brauer’s message to the skeptics and naysayers? “Watch me.”

“I push so much harder when someone’s like, ‘No, you can’t do that,’ or ‘You’re too small,’” Brauer explained.

“The biggest asset is your mental strength, not the physical one,” Nannini said. “Cole is showing everyone that.”

Brauer hopes to continue competing professionally and is already eyeing another around-the-world competition, but not before she gets her hands on a croissant and cappuccino.

“My mouth is watering just thinking about that.”

Emilie Ikeda is an NBC News correspondent.