model yacht racing

Maine Model Yacht Club

(amya club #396).

Welcome aboard the Maine Model Yacht Club website !

MMYC, which is registered with the American Model Yachting Association as Club #396, was created to promote the designing, building, sailing, and racing of model yachts, both sail and power. The Club strongly encourages good sportsmanship and fair play, and seeks to develop our members’ skills and understanding of model yachting.  Come join us or come watch us – all are welcome!   You can find our Membership Application 

We currently race two classes of model sailboat:

DragonForce 65s in beautiful Camden Harbor every Sunday in the winter, spring, and fall, and in a gorgeous quarry in Rockland every Wednesday in the summer.  Yes, every week … year round … in Maine!

DragonFlite 95s (and other 1-meter-ish sized boats) at the same great venues the first race date of every month.

You can check out the complete projected schedules 

Our members have many other class boats and vintage yachts, both sail and powered.  In addition to racing DF65s and DF95s, we also participate in other events, such as the Maine Boats & Homes Show, the Camden Windjammer Festival, and the Belfast Harbor Fest.

For race recaps, photos and videos, schedule adjustments, and other updates, you can follow us on Facebook (a public page not requiring log-in) or ask to be put on our email mailing list by contacting Commodore Van Peski at  [email protected] .

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Model Yachting in the United States

The early days.

Fig. 1. 1870s Cutter

The earliest records we have of organized model yachting date from the middle 1800s in Great Britain. The boats were small, such as the 22-in hull illustrated in Fig. 1. We imagine that the early boats sailed in the United States were similar. By the 1860s there were occasional international contests between model yachtsmen in Great Britain and those in the United States. The only documentation we have is from British periodicals, which naturally covered the events there.

Fig. 2. Sail Plan of Cutter

The sail plans for these little boats were quite complicated; in fact, the boats could be thought of as working scale models rather than the specialized competition machines they were to become later. Fig. 2 illustrates the sail plan for the hull given in Fig. 1. It is an example of the “cutter rig” that was popular in full-sized yachts of the time. Owing to the shallow keel and small size of the model, the full rig would be practical only in the kindest of breezes; the lower picture represents what the boat would look like on most days.

These two plans are from a British book by Tyrone Biddle, published in 1879. They are the earliest published plans we have been able to locate. Like many vintage model yacht authors, Biddle documents the practices of a decade or so before his book was published.

Fig. 3. This engraving is from approximately the same period and is one of the most accurate depictions of boats of that time that we have. Note the details of rig and hull shape: in particular the extreme range of sizes and classes of rigs.

The Turn of The Century

Fig. 4. Racing from skiffs. Although this picture dates from the early 1920s, the scene could be from 40 or more years earlier.

Fig. 5. Turn of the Century Boat Emma .

Fig. 6. The two views above are of the Central Park pond before World War I.

By the late 1880s the sport was in full swing, principally in the New York City area. There were three clubs there, and they formed the first sanctioning body for interclub races in the United States: the Model Yacht Racing Union of North America. This organization died out, and a national group was not formed again until the early 1920s. The boats of this period were sailed from small, one-man skiffs on large bodies of water. The predominant classes were quite large and heavily canvassed; a typical boat could be 6 feet in overall length and carry 2200 square inches of sail on a 20-pound displacement hull. Although the boats raced at the same time, the race was actually against the clock; the skippers pursued their models in the skiffs, and a penalty was assessed for each time you touched your boat to adjust its trim or course. Collisions, fouls, and protests were common. The plan shown in Fig. 5 is of Emma , a typical boat of the late 1880s. It is an early boat by the celebrated “Admiral” Walter Many.

Around this time the first specialized ponds for model yachting were beginning to appear in public parks. Two of the earliest were in Central Park, in New York (Fig. 6), and Spreckles Lake, in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco (Figs. 7 & 8).

Fig. 7. Here’s an early picture of sailing in San Francisco. A bit of a mystery surrounds this, as the postcard was postmarked 1911 and Spreckles Lake was not supposed tohave been built until 1916; but the path and “rip rap” banks tend to place the photo at Spreckles. Note the length of pole needed to get the boats clear of the rough bank.

Fig. 8. On Spreckles, starting a beat from the East end of the lake.

The Roaring 20s

Fig. 9. The two boats that sailed for the first International Championship in 1922. On the left, E.A. Bull of the United States and Polka Dot . On the right, W.J. Daniels of Great Britain and Endeavour .

Fig. 10. Bostonia II

The 1920s and 1930s were marked by the epic international battles of A class boats. The series, though open to all countries, was mainly between Great Britain and the United States. The first race was won by the United States, largely because of the British unfamiliarity with sailing from skiffs. The subsequent races were from side to side of ponds, at which the British designers and skippers excelled; the United States did not win again until 1948, when Bill Bithell’s Ranger was triumphant . In 1927, John Black’s Bostonia II lost the series by a single point. In his report on the race (published in Yachting magazine), he accused the German skipper of throwing a race in order to increase the point score of the British boat. A heated exchange of correspondence resulted. John Black was later famous for the Cheerio series of M class boats.

The Depression Years and the Marblehead Class

Fig. 11. Sailing at the Berkeley, CA, Aquatic Park in the middle 1930s.

Fig. 12. Spreckles Lake at roughly the same time. This shot is taken from the Southwest corner where the powerboats now operate. At this time it was evidently still possible to sail side to side at Spreckles.

Model Yachting reached a peak of activity in the 1930s. It was a relaxing and relatively inexpensive hobby. Many shop and manual arts classes built boats as class projects, because a model yacht involves woodwork, metal forming and casting, and working with fabrics. In addition, the Works Project Administration of Roosevelt’s New Deal built many ponds in urban areas throughout the United States. One of the finest was at Berkeley, California, where the WPA constructed both a yacht harbor and an Aquatic Park with areas for paddle boats, model speedboats, and model yachts. The model yacht pond was active well into the 1950s, but has now been abandoned.

The Marblehead class was created in the 1930s .

Fig. 12. A Marblehead boat running under spinnaker at Berkeley.

Model yachting enjoyed a resurgence after World War II but never regained its pre-war popularity. The principal classes were the M or Marbleheads, the traditional A boats, and the X class. This latter class was established just before the War, and had the simplest rules of all: 1000 square inches of sail and virtually no restriction on hull design. X boats tend to be long, lean and handsome, and the class was very popular on the West Coast. During the late 1940s the Model Yacht Racing Association of America fell prey to internal strife and the last publication devoted exclusively to the hobby went under. Ironically, one of the last issues announced the most significant event of the era: the winning of the International A Class Championship by Bill Bithell’s Ranger .

The 1950s and 60s

Here is the deck layout of a typical X Class boat of the late 1940s and 1950s. The sliding rig enables the relationship between the center of effort of the sails and the center of resistance of the hull to be adjusted to wind conditions.

X boat rigging in the 1950s

Throughout the 1960s the sport went through a gradual decline in popularity that was not reversed until practical radio control, and the American Model Yachting Association, came on the scene in the early 1970s. The emphasis then moved to advanced materials and designs, and the Vintage Era slowly ended.

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From early May through October, you can find the Back Bay Skippers racing radio-controlled model yachts every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon along the Cotton Valley Rail-Trail on Back Bay in Wolfeboro. This is a lively, competitive group of men, women, and children of all ages.

The Back Bay Skippers were established in 2008, with the assistance of the New Hampshire Boat Museum (NHBM) and the Laconia Model Yacht Club, to promote radio controlled sailing in the Wolfeboro area. Their mission is to build and sail a fleet of sailboats, while providing participants and spectators an avenue to enjoy this hobby.

Come watch the races, ask questions, and if you want to try racing a model sailboat yourself, they always have an extra one handy for you to use. Once you try your own hand at racing a model sailboat, you’re bound to get hooked!

Join the fun and build your own model yacht!  The Back Bay Skippers teach the model-yacht-building course at the New Hampshire Boat Museum each summer. Everything you need, except paint and radio kit (sold separately), will be supplied, and our model-building experts will guide you every step of the way. They know all the tricks to help you build a yacht you can be proud of!

Model Yacht Building Workshop

Whether you’re interested in watching or racing, the Back Bay Skippers are always happy for you to stop by. 

Whether model yachting to you is a sport or a hobby, you will be among over 3,000 people who share your enthusiasm for this growing industry.

–The American Model Yachting Association –

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We have a large range of Yacht model ship kits complete with English instructions and all fittings, making for great yacht model kits. If you are interested in building a ship model kit yacht make sure to have a look at our great range of kits. We offer model kit yachts to build that have featured at the Olympic games, sailed in Americas Cup and more. All yachts offer an elegant reminder of yesteryear.

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Notice of Race – MD IOM Mac McCulloch Trophy – 21st April 2024

Technical matters – occasional newsletter – 13th march 2024, round 2 of the m&s district championship sunday 17th march postponed, radio and free sailing in the uk.

Our sport can be split in to 2 disciplines, Radio Sailing and Free Sailing and although both are still popular it is Radio Sailing that can be most easily found on a lake or water near you.

Today’s yachts range from home built yachts whose owners get great pleasure from the building process, collectors and restorers who through their efforts keep the history and knowledge in our sport, to the top end competitive skippers who race their carbon fibre and kevlar boats at local, national and international level.

Whatever level you wish to be involved there are people who will share your passion and commitment.

Interested?

Why not check out the rest of our site and use the club list to find a club near to you, make yourself known and talk to a skipper, most are more than willing to discuss our sport and even let you have a go.

The Model Yachting Association (MYA) is the representative body for Radio and Free sailing in the UK and has been delegated responsibility for the administration of Radio & Free Sailing within the UK. We are affiliated to, and recognised by, the Royal Yachting Association  and the  International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA)  providing direct links to  World Sailing and enabling us to have influence on the rules governing our sport.

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Discover the Victoria Model Yacht: Perfect for Radio-Controlled Sailboat Racing

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

The Victoria Model Yacht is a popular radio-controlled racing sailboat that has earned a reputation for being a well-designed and reliable vessel. This miniature 1/10th scale replica of the 19th-century America’s Cup yacht is a beloved collectible, and an ideal choice for sailing enthusiasts, hobbyists, and those new to the sport. The Victoria is an affordable option for those who are interested in radio-controlled sailboat racing and offers an excellent opportunity for beginners to learn the ropes of the sport. The boat comes with a durable hull that can survive any rough and tumble conditions, and the ability to reach up to 4 knots in optimal wind conditions makes this model yacht an exciting vessel to race. It operates with an adjustable centerboard and rudder to provide smooth maneuverability, even in choppy waters, and is capable of achieving maximum speed with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or new to the world of radio-controlled sailing, the Victoria Model Yacht is a great option. The Victoria Model Yacht’s sleek and elegant design allows it to glide effortlessly through the water without any unwanted resistance. Suitable for most weather conditions, this model yacht is easy to maneuver, and its adjustable centerboard and rudder provide smooth sailing in choppy waters.

Some noteworthy design features and specifications of Victoria Model Yacht are as follows –

• Length: 30 inches, with a beam of 7.5 inches
• Mast height: 41 inches
• Weight: 3.84 pounds
• Adjustable mylar sails
• Removable keel and rudder
• High-quality ABS hull
• Officially recognized class designation by AMYA (American Model Yachting Association)

These design features, along with other technical specifications, make the Victoria Model Yacht a reliable and high-performance model yacht . Additionally, the sail control systems, including sails and winches, ensure that the boat remains responsive and light in every way.

Whether you are racing the Victoria Model Yacht or simply enjoying a leisurely cruise on the water, its unique design and impeccable performance are sure to keep you satisfied with your choice. Additionally, websites like Amazon and Hobby King offer a range of options to purchase a Victoria Model Yacht online, making it a convenient purchase for sailing enthusiasts around the world.

Ideal Locations for Racing Victoria Model Yacht

The Victoria Model Yacht is best suited for calm and shallow waters, making it ideal for racing and leisure sailing in various locations.

Some of the best locations for racing Victoria Model Yacht are –

• Small lakes or ponds with still and shallow waters
• Swimming pools or other private water bodies with consistent wind conditions
• Public parks or recreational areas with freshwater lakes and ponds

While these are some of the most ideal locations for Victoria Model Yacht racing, there are some exciting facts to note about where you can race.

Additionally, websites like the AMYA website and Model Yacht Racing Association (MYRA) provide information on local clubs, lakes, and locations allowing Victoria Model Yacht racing, making it easier for enthusiasts to find nearby locations for sailing.

Where is the best place to sit on a sailboat?

The best place to sit on a sailboat is on the windward side of the boat, which is the side where the wind is coming from and opposite the sail. This allows you to balance the natural tipping of the boat and see the luff of the sail.

Victoria Model Yacht competitions are an exciting way for enthusiasts to test their sailing skills. Different types of competitions are available, including regattas, club-level races, and individual events. The American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) conducts various competitions, with the Victoria North American Championship as the highlight event.

Class racing is an organized race based on the boat’s specific design, with sailors racing against other boats of the same model and specifications. In Victoria Model Yacht class racing, sailors follow standard rules and regulations, ensuring uniformity. In open racing , sailors can race any model of radio-controlled yacht, regardless of the design and specifications. In team racing , sailors from two teams compete in a specific course, attempting to block, push sails, making it more challenging and exciting.

For Victoria Model Yacht owners, several online retailers, including Amazon, eBay , and other specialty shops, offer boats and accessories. The AMYA and MYRA websites provide information on upcoming competitions, enabling enthusiasts to participate in races and events.

Below are some popular competitions for Victoria Model Yacht races:

• Victoria North American Championship: An annual championship hosted by the AMYA with sailors from across North America competing.
• Club Championships: Many clubs hold annual Victoria Model Yacht championships, where sailors compete to showcase their sailing skills.
• World Model Yachting Championships: A global event featuring sailors worldwide competing in various categories, including Victoria Model Yacht races.

What is the Victorian solar boat challenge?

The Victorian Model Solar Vehicle Challenge is an annual event held at Scienceworks in Melbourne, Australia. The challenge allows school children to build solar-powered vehicles and compete against each other, including boats and Mars Rovers.

Overall, Victoria Model Yacht racing is an exhilarating and exciting hobby for enthusiasts of all ages. Its elegant design, versatility, and ease of use make it an ideal choice for anyone looking to participate in radio-controlled sailboat racing. The availability of various competitions and events worldwide, in addition to online communities, provide enthusiasts with resources and opportunities to hone their skills and engage with like-minded individuals. The Victoria Model Yacht community is constantly growing, with more and more people joining this exciting hobby every year.

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just getting started, Victoria Model Yachts offer a thrilling and enjoyable way to experience radio-controlled sailboat racing. With its timeless design and exceptional performance, this vessel is a must-have for any model yacht racing enthusiast. So what are you waiting for? Purchase your own Victoria Model Yacht today and start exploring the world of radio-controlled yacht racing!

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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.

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