Small in size, big in competition

Model boat enthusiast Ray Nixon. Photo / The Aucklander

Size definitely doesn't matter when it comes to radio-controlled yachts.

Besides being able to transport the miniature boats in their cars, yachtie enthusiasts race these boats as seriously as their America's Cup counterparts. The only difference is the racing style; the boats are controlled from the land.

Although a fraction of the regular yachts' size, these sailors will be equally competitive at the 2011 Oceanbridge Auckland Anniversary Day Regatta.

There are three categories set to compete this year - International One Metre (IOM), Electron and Nautic 12.

The IOM and Nautic 12 fleets will compete at Wattle Farm, Manurewa while the Electron yachts will be at Marine Association Pontoon, Westhaven Marina.

All competitors are bound by the 2009/2012 International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Racing Rules of Sailing, the Prescriptions of Yachting NZ, the General Racing Rules of Radio Controlled Model Yachts, the Sailing Instructions and any other rules the organising committee introduces for the orderly conduct of the regatta.

The IOM model is only 1m long, 1.7m high and 4kg in weight. The rigs are easily de-mounted and the fin and ballast must be removable, making this an extremely easy yacht to transport.

Commodore of the Northern Maritime Model Society and organiser of the IOM category for the regatta, Grant Lane, is thrilled to be sailing this year for a change, having relinquished his refereeing duties.

Having sailed all his life in Paper Tiger Catamarans until he popped his shoulder at work a few years ago, Lane says: "I knew IOMs were for me the minute I saw them six years ago. I've only got one working eye, having lost sight in my other eye when I had a stroke years ago, but find the sport perfect for me as my long vision is very good."

The Electron is a strict one-design radio controlled model yacht, ideal for class or match racing or just plain sailing fun. Size and set-up has been carefully considered for easy transport. The hull sits in a cradle fitted with carry straps and it fits easily into a saloon car boot. Construction is of glass-reinforced plastic, similar to full-scale yachts and the model is rugged and durable, requiring minimal maintenance.

Organiser of the Electron class and commodore of Watchmans Island Yacht Club, Ray Nixon, is keeping the legacy of the late Des Townson's boats alive, having assisted him to get the class accepted in the regatta a decade ago.

"A lot of the Electron racers have done a hell of a lot of top level sailing like the America's Cup. Some don't have the time to sail big boats any more but still enjoy the competitive nature of racing. It requires a great deal of concentration and sometimes it's hard to judge the distance of the boat from the marks when you're controlling them on land."

Another Electron yachtie, Bob Sarney, who has taken a decade to become the sixth best sailor in the country, says radio-controlled yacht racing involves a lot of skill.

"On a big yacht everyone has a particular skill but with these boats you need to do everything at once - find the course, study the water and the wind, set the sails and control the rudder. Basically you have to be a jack of all trades."

In keeping with the serious nature of radio controlled yacht racing, Lane admits his motivation for competing at the regatta is the same as all the contestants.

"I like winning, that's why I do it. It's not the be all and end all but I definitely don't turn up to come second."