Model Yachting is one of the easiest ways to have fun on the water. Robert Hobbs, publicity officer of the model Yachting Association, explains how to get started......

The early days of model yachting are a little vague, but scaled-down sailing craft were first found in the tombs of the ancient world Kings. However, it was more likely that these were used as representations of their transport to the after life, rather than forms of entertainment or the leisure activities of today's skipper.

Yacht sailing as a pastime developed in the 19th Century, with loosely organised racing taking place around the 1830s. Model yacht clubs were starting to be formed in the late Victorian years. Like much else at this time, ownership was mostly restricted to the upper classes. However, today's skippers are drawn from all ages and walks of life.

In the early 1900s English clubs and Scottish enthusiasts formed an association for model yacht racing, establishing rules and classes for free sailing. The introduction of vane steering gear in the 1930s provided a degree of yacht control that was thought impossible to earlier skippers. During the 1950s model radio control started to appear but it was not until the relatively cheap introduction of radio control sets during the 1970s the sport took shape as we know it today.

The builders
Designers of boats have used models to test their theories before pressing on with full-sized yachts and this practice has continued into the modern day. Model yachts have been traditionally built of wood or canvas over frames mimicking full sized methods, modern materials such as glassfibre, carbonfibre and plastic mouldings are now prominent within the activity. There is a small group of dedicated equipment suppliers in the sport who manufacture and sell yachts, fittings and sails. These people can supply a length of sheeting to a fully measured, complete yacht ready to sail. The table at the end of this article shows many of these suppliers.

Many yacht skippers still prefer to construct their own yachts, either from plans or own design, using plank on frame or glassfibre construction.

The yacht measurers play an important part in the sport, ensuring that yachts of a given class conform to the rules, thus ensuring fair, competitive sailing.

The yachts
In the UK there are six classes of yacht used for racing and recognized by the MYA including International One Metre, 36ins Restricted, Marblehead, 6 Metre, A Class and 10 Rater. There are other yachts such as the Tactic, Laser, Fiesta, Bottleboat and multihulls that all provide excellent sailing. Radio-controlled may be the modern development but vane-steering and free sailing are stillused.

One Metre
The newest international class, which has by far the most skippers throughout the world is the International One Metre Class. It was designed to enable the home builder to construct a competitive yacht. This class limits the construction materials, the draft, the ballast weight and the overall length. There are three permitted sets of sails, which have their dimensions very closely controlled. The fixtures and fittings of this class are limited in an attempt to control the costs and to maintain competitive yachts. This popular class is usually the starting point for most club skippers. The model is only 1m loa, 1.7m high and 4kgs in weight. The rigs are easily de-mountable and the fin and ballast must be removable, thus making this an extremely easy yacht to transport.

The Marblehead
This class of yacht originated at Marblehead in the USA and had an overall length of 50ins suitable to fit across the rear seat of a car. Today this class is the Formula 1 of yachts and this is where hi-tech is the norm, with virtually no limits on the hull, rigging, construction material, design or fittings. The criteria being a basic length of 50ins and a sail area of 800sq ins. These really are the greyhounds of model yachting producing exciting performance in almost all sailing conditions and with a strong international following, the sailing boundaries of this class are sure to be continually stretched.

International A Class
These are the largest and heaviest yachts of the classes, with the rule rating being based upon a similar formula to that used for the full sized 5.5 Metre class yachts. These large and impressive yachts are very stable and once sailed they are unlikely to ever be forgotten Ç a fleet of these impressive yachts is an awesome sight. An A class yacht is typically 2m loa, 3m high and weighs 20kgs, although they would appear difficult to transport, a single mast with straight forward rigging, removable fin, ballast and rudder ensures that these yachts can be easily transported in a small family car. The A Class was introduced at Gosport by the MYA in 1927, these yachts being vane controlled. There are still a few of them left today, but the majority are now radio controlled.

Where to start
The easiest way to commence fun or competitive sailing is to contact your local club, via the MYA or by just visiting its web site at www.radiosailing.org.uk Visiting your local club is the best way decide whether you want to build or purchase a boat and it will also help you decide which class to choose. There is a small second-hand market for most classes with prices starting as little as £300 for a One Metre, ready to sail.

Radio yacht sailing is organised along similar lines to full sized yacht racing using the international racing rules. However, be warned model yachting is as seductive as its full-size counterpart, highly addictive and will really put your skills as a full size skipper to the test. Many races are conducted in one day and as a skipper you stay safe, warm and dry, thus making this an ideal sport for all members of the family.

Modern electronics have provided reliable and economic radio gear for yacht sailing. Yachts may race without interference due to numerous crystals/frequencies being available. The sails are usually controlled via a drum winch or high powered lever armed servos, the rudder being operated by a standard servo.

Conclusion
The MYA represents, supports, co-ordinates and develops all aspects of model yachting throughout the UK on behalf of all yacht skippers and clubs. Radio-controlled yachting is a simple and exciting experience. Participants exercise both body and brain while obtaining copious amounts of fresh air without having any detrimental impact on the environment.

for a suppliers list click here

sailpower 2001

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