Don’t worry if you have never sailed
model yachts before – many of our members when they first joined have been in a
similar position. Learning how to basically sail them and control them takes around half
to three quarters of an hour’s tuition although much practice is needed to sail them
well of course. Nevertheless, plenty of help and guidance is available from experienced
skippers who are always happy to assist you and let you have a go.
In addition, the Club has one or two boats which newcomers can use to get the feel of the
sport but these are not available for purchase nor may they be taken off Club premises. If
you would like to try model yacht racing or just casual sailing why not come and see us
and perhaps book a club boat for the day - it won’t cost you anything and could lead
to an absorbing hobby where you will make lots on new friends.
If you have sailed dinghies or larger craft before, you will find that
those skills will stand you in good stead for sailing model yachts as the principles are
much the same and the racing rules very similar. The big difference is that, unlike the
"full size" sport, you are not aboard the boat and cannot "feel" what
it is doing – you only have sight of the boat and others around it and judging
distances is all important (but comes with practice).
If you
already own a model yacht you will, of course, be able to sail it at the Club at any time.
However, if you are going to purchase a yacht we would recommend that you chose a design
from one of the clubs adopted classes. These cover a complete range from expensive to
cheap and it is always an advantage to talk to experienced skippers when you first visit
us as they will be able to give you sound advice.
The Club’s established classes are the International One Metre (IOM), the Radio Marblehead (RM) and the Radio "A" Class (RA), all radio controlled boats, which are regularly sailed all year round. In addition, the Club has recently adopted the Micro Magic and RC Laser, both very popular international racing classes with active class associations and websites. Both of these boats can be purchased new very economically, complete with all radio gear and as they are established classes, there are second hand boats available. If you are not worried about class racing there are other economical boats like the Victoria and the Footy for self build. Finally, the Club supports "free" sailing boats (mainly "A" Class ‘vane’ steered boats) and racing these types of boats occurs from time to time throughout the year.
Set out below are more details of these boats together with pictures showing them in action and an idea of their sizes:-
International One Metre (IOM)
These boats have an overall length of 1 metre with a set of 3 sail rigs to cope with different strengths of wind. This class has developed into the most popular of the radio controlled classes since it was introduced in the 1980’s.
Radio Marblehead class(RM)
These boats are light, responsive and very fast and can have a set of 5 sail rigs to cope with different wind strengths. Current hull designs are very narrow with stability coming largely from the deep fin. Simple swing rigs allow some designs to be rigged very easily.
Radio "A" Class (RA)
This is the largest sized boat that we sail and a fleet of RA’s is an impressive sight. They have between 2 and 4 sets of sails to cope with various wind conditions. They weigh between 14 – 25 kg and it is usual to move them about on dry land by means of a home-made wooden trolley.
Micro
Magic (MM)
This is a small and very
light boat which has enjoyed an explosion of popularity both in the UK and world wide. It
makes a very good "starter" boat for beginners as well as appealing to
experienced skippers and can be purchased for a modest price in both completed and simple
kit form. It is only 535mm long and weighs just 0.85kg and is therefore easily stored and
very portable. There are up to 5 different size rigs available to suit all wind conditions
but the 2 largest, A and B rigs, are probably all you need to begin with. For more
information, visit the Class website www.magicmicro.org.
Typically a Mk II kit can be completed with one rig and all radio gear for approx £230.00. If required extra rigs can be added at a later date thus spreading any additional expense.
RC
Laser
Designed as a model yacht
version of the well known and ever popular Laser dinghy, this boat is similar in size and
weight to the IOM. A very popular class in the UK, the complete ready made boat can be
purchased new, ready to sail, for approx £390.00. Second-hand boats are available. It has
3 single-sail rigs to cover all wind conditions, is easily assembled for sailing and, when
dismantled, can be stored and transported in a purpose-made carrying bag. For more
information, visit the Class website www.rclaser.org.uk
Getting your first boat
Assuming you are beginner at the sport, we recommend that, once you have chosen which class of boat you are going start with, you should only purchase a good condition second-hand yacht. Boats for sale are advertised on the Model Yachting Association website and, from time-to-time, on our own website. Before making a specific purchase, have a chat with our experienced skippers who will be able to tell you if the asking price is fair and whether the boat is of a reasonably competitive design. To begin sailing, you will need a transmitter, batteries, a suitable battery charger and possibly a set of radio crystals (often, second-hand boats are sold with this equipment as part of the deal). Finally, you will probably have a lot more questions in your mind – too many for us to cover here. The best way to answer these is for you to come and see us at the Club on a Wednesday or Sunday morning when we will be happy to help and explain things in more detail.
