rg65 sailboat plans

Welcome to the RG65 USA We​bsite!

Your online resource for the fastest growing radio sailing class in the USA!  This 65 cm boat is a well established worldwide class,  which is capable of handling winds up to 30 Knots with multiple rigs to make your radio sailing experience fun and challenging! 

• Lightweight     /  Most boats weigh about 1 Kg
• Portable          /   Can fit fully rigged in a small car
• Economical    /   Smaller servos , parts and sails keep costs reasonable
• ​ Durable           /   Multiple rigs allow for these boats to handle nearly any wind
• Fast                /    High Aspect sails, Hi tech rigs  and unlimited boat designs  allow RG65s to push open the performance envelope  ​

Worldwide Class​

RG65 USA  is a voting member of the RG65 International Class Association and we sail by the same rules worldwide!  Sailors from many different countries enjoy sailing the RG65 Class, offering many different approaches to boat design, venues, and information

Developmental Class​

​​ There are hundreds of RG65 designs available to build or buy... the only limit is your imagination! The RG65 is the perfect class whether you like to develop new designs, build your own boat, or just sail fast! The  economical 65 cm size  of the RG65 wont break your boat budget.  ​Smaller Servos, Sails, and hulls equal easy entry for new skippers! RG65s are about Half the size of Marbleheads, and 65% of IOMs

Class: RG65

Developmental class with 650mm hull lenght, created in the 1950s.

Banquish 65

Blue Dragon

Blue Splash

Cabo Palos 65

Dragon Force 65

Electronica

Esterel 65h

JethRail RG65

JethRock RG65

JethRow RG65

Jif2 / Puma

Little Best

Mini Maniac

Mini Tux II

Mini Wizard

Mutante III

Palo de Agua

Pinguino 65

Pocket Rocket

Pro Wind 65

Round Ranger

Superdocious

Testosteron

Triple Crown 65

Vanquish 65

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The affordable & available ARTS (almost ready to sail) radio controlled racing yacht. The RG65 is a development class for 65cm long radio controlled yachts which means that anything not mentioned in the rules is allowed. The simple rules are designed to encourage people to try new ideas at a modest cost. The Dragon Force 65 is a separate class but also measures as an RG65 and is eligible to race in RG65 events.

• Latest videos, from 2024

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Please use this link to go to the current RG-65 USA Class Web Page: RG65 USA Class Owners Association  

Why are these people smiling? Because they are sailing RG 65s, the oldest new class in the American Model Yachting Association. These “right size” pocket rockets are big enough to sail like a real boat, small enough to fit rigged in a tiny car, and light enough to provide competitive, action-packed racing. They are also economical: you can build a competitive boat, radio and all, for well under $200.  This picture was taken at the inaugural Rio Grande Cup in Albuquerque NM.

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This was posted by Peter Eschman on Thursday, January 22nd, 2015 at 10:50 am .

3D Printed Radio Yachts

How To Design And 3D Print Rigid Lightweight Yachts To Go Racing

“Lipstick”: The Latest 3d Printed RG65

Introducing “lipstick”, the development continues…..

Introducing the latest RG65 from the combined efforts of Bill Hagerup and Selwyn Holland.

In fact this is an updated variation of the “Shrink” series that I have been sailing here in Australia. The “Glass Lady” was the last prototype in the series and can be viewed elsewhere in the site.

So what is different?

Mainly on the construction side:

• a slightly thicker hull for resilience (added 20g). The “Glass Lady” has had no problems on the water but I have had feedback from those constructing their own that during the building process they occasionally cracked something while cutting. Easy to fix at the time but an experiment with hull thicknesses totally solved the problem anyway. All part of the ongoing research and exposure of what we have learnt on the way. Hopefully others will be able to start in a more advanced position than what we did. 
• Some minor changes to how the internal running gear fits in. The original is proving very efficient and this just added a bit to it.
• The main change was the position of the mast/keel case . This was moved back 10 mm  and seems to be a slight improvement on balance/performance particularly in the heavier chop. Time will tell. The “Glass Lady” is a fast and very competitive RG and “Lipstick” is feeling just as good and so far a bit better in short chop, stronger breezes, yet still very fast in the lighter conditions. Time will tell, I can hardly wait to get it to some regattas.
• The addition of a slightly heavier 3d printed bulb and very stiff 3d printed keel to be used at those fast and furious events. As a side note, I started using a hydro-dynamically efficient 3d printed bulb a while back more as a dare to see if it could be done. It went so well that I have not bothered to take it off. I have seen no disadvantage at all compared to standard lead only bulbs and so much easier to make.
• Nothing was done to the outside surface of this model. We have discovered that the fine matte finish is no hindrance to performance and is very resilient to bumps and scraps, definitely superior to paint. So we just leave it as it is. The colour is within the printed PLA, not on the surface.

The initial trials have gone very well and this will now be my personal racing craft.

Enjoy the images.

Selwyn Holland.

Any questions can be sent to [email protected]. Be patient, I get to them as a soon as I can. I will say I am staggered and heartened by the amount of interest and the quality of the questions coming through.

Latest update:

The more I sail it, the faster it seems to want to go. The sails are a standard jib and a rather radical double luff single sheet main. The combination of both of these seems to easily keep with and often beat both the best RG65 swing rigs and now the new A+ rig on the latest DF. The A+ has a larger surface area than the maximum Rg 65 rig.

Results from our latest Club Championship round included 2 6 1 1 2 5 1 from a strong fleet of 11 yachts. That was a comfortable overall win for the round. It is rarely out of the top three in club sailing and championships. 

I can hardly wait to get it to a major RG65 competition. An earlier design won the Australia Day Regatta last year in Sydney.

RG-65 Class

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RG 65 Sailboat: Exploring the World of Remote-Controlled Sail-Racing

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

The RG 65 sailboat is a popular model sailboat that falls under the radio-controlled sailing category. These boats are small in size and perfect for amateurs looking to learn the sport. The RG 65 sailboat model has a 65 centimeters (26 inches) maximum waterline length, making it easy to transport and store. In addition, the hull design and keel shape of an RG 65 sailboat provide a great balance between speed and control. This sailboat model can easily navigate through rough waters. It is designed for racing with its slender hull and water-cutting bow, finely tuned sails, and truly sensitive controls. Due to its popularity in the racing scene, many RC sailing clubs organize races exclusively for RG 65 sailboats.

Unleashing Creativity: The Versatility of RG 65 Sailboats

The RG 65 class sailboat has a set of strict one-design specifications that determine the boat’s dimensions, weight, and other technical attributes. These specifications make the sailboat class a truly competitive sport. However, this does not limit creativity, as sailboat enthusiasts can modify the sails and rig set up to optimize the boat’s performance. Additional features of RG 65 sailboats are:

• Low costs with a high level of convenience and performance
• Opportunity for beginners and experts to race sailboats under identical conditions
• Perfect for small ponds or as a do-it-yourself project
• Designed with an open-source philosophy providing enthusiasts designs to develop their custom designs

What are the different forms of RG 65 sailboats available for purchase?

There are various forms of RG 65 sailboats available for purchase, such as kit-built boats, ready-to-sail boats, and custom-built boats.

Specifications

The RG 65 sailboat class comes in a standardized racing model, which has set specification as defined earlier. The table below shows some technical specifications of the RG 65 sailboat :

What competitions and events are available for RG 65 sailboat enthusiasts?

RG 65 enthusiasts have access to various competitions and events worldwide, including national and international championships, regattas, and club races. Some popular events include the RG65 World Championship, RG65 European Championship, RG65 Nationals, and the RG65 International Cup.

Websites and Forums for RG 65 Sailboat Community

Apart from the class association, there are several popular websites and forums dedicated to the RG 65 sailboat community. These forums provide boat-builders, sailors, and enthusiasts with informative discussions and advice. Here are some of the most popular websites:

• RG65 UK Class Association
• Juan Miguel SRL

What are some websites and forums dedicated to the RG 65 sailboat community?

Some websites and forums dedicated to the RG 65 sailboat community are rg-65.org, rcgroups.com, and sailboatrc.com.

Upcoming RG 65 Sailboat Championship Events

RG 65 sailboat enthusiasts participate in various national and international races, and the class association updates the list of races frequently. Here are some of the upcoming RG 65 Sailboat championship events:

• 2022 IOM & RG65 National Championships, Royal Yorkshire YC (UK)
• Australian Radio Yacht Championships 2022 (ARYA) – Adelaide
• 2022 RG65 World Championship- Argentina
• 2022 European Championship – Spain

What is the purpose of participating in RG 65 Sailboat championship events?

The purpose of participating in RG 65 Sailboat championship events is to showcase sailing skills, compete against other skilled sailors, and potentially win the championship title.

RG 65 sailboats provide a perfect opportunity to engage in remote-controlled sailing. The sailboat class offers enthusiasts the chance to learn boat building, sail engineering and racing skills in a competitive and collaborative environment. The ready-to-sail models come in various designs, and sailors can also modify the sailboat’s rigging and sails to optimize the performance. The one-design specifications ensure fair competition and emphasize the sailor’s skills and creativity over complicated technology. The small size, one-design specification, and ease of use make the RG 65 sailboat model a favorite for enthusiasts worldwide. Moreover, the sailboat class has a vibrant and supportive online community that shares tips, tricks, and knowledge to help beginners and experts in the sport.

In conclusion, the RG 65 sailboat model offers excellent opportunities for enthusiasts. Through this sport, sailors can learn key skills in boat-building, sail engineering, and racing. The fair competition, one-design specifications, and collaborative online community make it an enjoyable experience for all. RG 65 sailboat racing is an exciting way to engage with the sport of sailing and a great opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. It is an excellent choice for enthusiasts seeking to explore and enjoy the exciting world of remote-controlled sailing.

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Racing Sparrow Plans

Check out these plans and resources, ranging from a 375mm boat to a 1500mm yacht. Pair these with our eBook guide for a fast, easy, and affordable home build RC yacht.

RS-RG65 - 650mm plans, measures to international RG65 rules

A full forward hull and a straight stern. This boat has proven to be a very fast and competitive racer.

Free Book Sample - PDF

A few pages from the eBook absolutely free

Racing Sparrow 750 plans

The plans that come with the eBook.

Racing Sparrow 1000 plans

A one metre version, scaled up lines. Bulkhead only plans. Look at the 750 for full schematics.

Racing Sparrow 1500 plans - A scaled up Racing Sparrow

A larger size model yacht. I haven't seen many of these surface. It's a good challenge to build.

Racing Sparrow 375 plans - The smallest sparrow

A miniature RacingSparrow. A great introduction to building with balsa.

RacingSparrow Footy plans

A double diagonal design footy from RacingSparrow.

Logos & Sticker Sheet

Downloadable logos and an EPS file to be sent to a printer and printed out on navy blue cutout vinyl.

Common questions about the plans

What tools do i need to build a racingsparrow.

1. Chisel 2. Craft-knife 3. Drill Bit - 2mm (5/64in)bit 4. Drill Bit - 5mm (3/16in) bit 5. Electric Drill 6. Felt Marker 7. File 8. Hacksaw 9. Hammer 10. Hole Punch 11. Lighter 12. Pen 13. Pencil 14. Pins 15. Pliers 16. Ruler (steel) 17. Sanding Block 18. Scissors 19. Screwdriver 20. Spirit Level (optional) 21. Sponge Brush (several) 22. Vice Grips

Do I need the eBook to build this cool rc sailboat?

No you don't. The book is designed for the newcomer to model yacht building. The book does make it a much simpler process with every detail figured out and covered in the book. Seasoned builders can simply have a go with the free plans.

Are the plans really free?

Yes all the plans are free to download and use as you see fit. The most comprehensive plans are the RS750 A1 full size.

Are there CAD files or 3D files?

Yes there is a 3D dxf file inside a zip file that you can download for free and use how you want. Some people use this in CAD programs or in 3D modelling programmes to great effect. Look under Racing Sparrow 750 plans on this page. An STL file for 3D printing is in the pipelines. Email me if you want a copy.

While we think 3D printing is great, we believe old-skool strip planking balsa is a wonderfully simple way to make a very lightweight boat with excellent longitudinal strength and beauty.

Builders eBook

Dive into the world of boat building with our eBook. Discover the craft of hull planking, fibreglass strengthening, and lead keel ballast casting.

Master the art of electrics installation, spray painting, sail making, and tuning of sails. Download a sample today and embark on a rewarding journey of boat construction.

What the builders and sailors say:

Being a complete novice, I purchased your book a couple of years ago and built two racing sparrows. Building on this experience I then went on to build, from scratch, an IOM (Triple Crown design). I've since joined a local club and sail virtually every weekend. I would just like to thank you for your endeavours which have allowed me to enter a world I never thought was in my reach.

John Sterland, Australia

Coming upon your book, "Build your own Radio Controlled Yacht" in the Napier Public Library, I am hugely impressed. The combination of your superb photos and illustrations with your easy writing style make it a standout publication and I hope it does well for you.

Richard Spence, New Zealand

Thanks for an excellent design in your RG65. I trialled her again today in a solid 20 knots gusting higher. Even so in a steep chop and fingers off the rudder she drove upwind remarkably well, balanced perfectly. Very impressed that a model boat can handle that with a large rig. I found the book excellent. Ive built several big boats, plus a few skiffs and without that resource building such a good boat would have been impossible.

Mike Bennett

Look at all these cool boats folk have made at home

There is also a full gallery with a boat load of photos of Racing Sparrow's

Apr 20, 2020

I bought the racing sparrow book about 18 months ago, didn’t ever think it would take an awful pandemic to prompt me to build it. Now can’t wait to rig and sail it. I opted for flush hatches to run the sheets over the top.

Alan Brown , Perth, West Australia

Jul 23, 2020

Fanie Nel - RS750 , Krugerdorp, South Africa

Apr 5, 2023

Andrew Scott - RS1000 , Ayrshire, Scotland

Jun 9, 2010

'Sparrow' based RG 65

May 2, 2020

Julian Anthony , Kohuwala, Sri Lanka

Jun 4, 2021

A 650 build

Apr 1, 2018

Bryn's fibreglass Racing Sparrow , Wellington, New Zealand

Sep 2, 2008

This red boat is the latest racing sparrow that we've built and put to the test. It has been built for wellington conditions. It has the maximum 1.3kg lead bulb. It has a basic deck structure, no plywood, 1 layer of balsa with a coat of resin-only to save on weight and budget. It uses the more basic hatch construction of plastic sheet taped on with ducktape, very effective and waterproof. The sails are maxed out, being cut very close to the plans, maybe a little bigger, there are no rules about max sail area in the class rules! Another difference on this boat is the mast has been painted black for a different look.

Eric Rosenbaum - A fine fine model yacht , USA

May 4, 2009

Graham Long , Auckland, New Zealand

Dec 17, 2009

RG65 UK Class Association

• Overall TT Results
• Registration
• Class Rules
• Contributions Welcome

2024 TT Series Dates

By RG65 NCA

On January 11, 2024

In Uncategorized

Here are the dates for the 2024 TT Series.  Further information and how to enter will be communicated via the MYA Events page:

https://www.mya-uk.org.uk/events/

TT1 & TT2 – 13/14 April at Two Islands (Milton Keynes)

TT3 & TT4 – 1/2 June at Keighley

TT5 & TT6 – 6/7 July at Bournville

TT7 Nationals – 21/22 Sept at Eastbourne

TT8 & TT9 19/20 October at Birkenhead.

2023 TT Series Overall placings

On November 7, 2023

Apologies, but I forgot to update the overall results after both the Nationals and then the final two events at Eastbourne.  The planned series had eleven events, although Watermead was lost due to lack of entries.  So 10 events and 6 to count for the series.  Congratulations to our series winner this year Tobi Laux sailing his own Ivy design.

Final TT Events of 2023 held at Eastbourne

On October 12, 2023

Rounds 8 and 9 of the 2023 were held at Eastbourne over the weekend of 7th & 8th of October.  Two contrasting days sailing as indicated in the attached report from Race Officer Peter Kemp.

It was probably one of the best weekends of weather at Eastbourne this year, especially for October.  A highly competitive fleet of nine boats enthralled spectators over the two days, with over thirty races completed. Tobias Laux won each day, with Sunday being another ‘first’ with all first positions to count after discards!  Well done, Tobi!

  Entry: There were nine entrants each day, most of whom were registered before Saturday.  Competitors came from many clubs across the south of the country.

Weather:   Saturday’s forecast was very accurate, starting and finishing with a predominately south westerly force 3 to 5, needing skilled sailing as well as good tactics. 18 races were completed without protests and plenty of time for rig changes and repairs!

Sunday, as forecast, had no wind to start with, but just after an hour’s delay, a decent sea breeze filled in and stayed through to four o’clock. Foregoing lunch another 18 races were completed.

Many thanks go to Jes Collier on Saturday and Dave Allinson on Sunday for moving marks and resetting the course as needed, making the races challenging and enjoyable.

Scoring: No heats were necessary over the two days. Our ‘Racemaster’ race control system, ensured that race results were 100% accurate. Our thanks go to Mike Parris for creating the system.

Protests:  No protests were lodged. Thanks go to the club’s race team of starters, finishers and observers; John Crix, Tony Marshall, Rob Ahier, Dave Allinson, Scott Pearce and Rob Shepperd.

Social: The club team provided hot and cold drinks at the waterside, with an après sail beer later back in the clubhouse.

A video of Sundays racing was taken by club member Terry Connell and is available on Youtube:

https://youtu.be/yoewPdCWohc?si=sQX0PqjBBG8hppQ9

MYA RG65 UK Nationals 2023 – Overall

On September 24, 2023

The final result gave the Championship to Graham in first, well ahead of Victor in second who narrowly beat Tobias into third place.  Full results are below along with pictures of the podium sailors.

Winner Graham Elliott, 2nd Victor Izquierdo, 3rd Tobias Laux

Photos from both days of the event are available on the Birkenhead Flikr Album HERE

A video of Race 10 was taken by Birkenhead member John Beech is available on Youtube here

MYA RG65 UK Nationals 2023 Day 1

On September 23, 2023

RG65 2023 TT Overall after Round 8 (7 events)

On August 14, 2023

Here are the overall results with 7 events sailed and 4 to count.

RG65 TT Rounds#7 & #8 @ Woodspring

Whilst waiting for the report to be generated, here are the results for Saturday and Sunday.

There are some photos taken by Errol Edwards on Sunday at TT #8 here

2023 TT Series Overall after 5 events sailed

On July 3, 2023

RG65 TT #6 at Bournville – 2/7/23

2023 RG65 TT3 & TT4 @ Datchet

On June 5, 2023

Huge thank you to Datchet for hosting the class over the two days and looking forward to further TT events later in the year.

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Frank Russell Design

R/c and model yacht design, plans, boats, sails..

New Equinox IOM   Plan : The Equinox is a variant of the Ellipsis… IOM.  The basic  design was produced initially as a 3D printed project that never eventuated for various reasons. Two prototypes were built including a 3D printed boat which was built by John Taylor in the UK.  The design incorporates several features of some of the newer IOM shapes including a fuller higher bow profile and wider stern. The design is well balanced and well behaved like the Ellipsis and also should be as easy to plank from wood.

Hulls an components for this design are now available. See IOM COMPONENTS  Page.

After payment is made. I will email you the pdf file.

Please ask If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D or 3D or printed paper plan, postage extra.

Equinox IOM Basic Hull and Deck STL: This is suitable for turning into 3D drawings for 3D printing. Can also be used as is for CNC.

Builders should be aware that you also need to purchase the plan of the Equinox IOM to build the boat as the build licence is attached to the plan not to the STL.

Equinox IOM 20 section laser cut sections: less 3mm for planking with building base included.

You should be aware that you also need to purchase the plan of the Equinox IOM to build the boat as the licence is attached to the plan not to this drawing.

Ellipsis… 2017 IOM is the 2017 fresh approach to IOM shapes. The chine is gone, The tumble home is gone, but the volume distribution and excellent hull balance remain. This is a powerful low wetted area, narrow waterline shape. Two alternate deck designs are offered. 10 section Laser cut sections less 3mm for planking are included.

Hulls an components for this design are now available. See IOM YACHTS Page.

If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, or printed paper plan, postage extra.

Ellipsis IOM Basic Hull and Deck STL: This is suitable for turning into 3D drawings for 3D printing. Can also be used as is for CNC.

You should be aware that you also need to purchase the plan of the Ellipsis IOM to build the boat as the licence is attached to the plan not to this drawing.

Ellipsis IOM 20 section laser cut sections: less 3mm for planking with building base included. These drawings were done as an experiment and an option with the Ellipsis plan purchase.

Goth Mk4 IOM is the 2015 development of last year’s Goth XP Plan and incorporates ideas borrowed from the Goth XP RG RG65 design.

Deck design updated 2016.

If you require another format: DXF, or DWG, 2D or 3D or printed paper plan, postage extra.

Goth XP IOM A narrower 2014 development of the FREE Goth Plan