Getting Started in RC Yacht Sailing

1 Aug

If you’re considering getting into radio controlled sailing, then we hope this article will help.

To get yourself started, drop down on a race day or at our Beginners to Winners sailing School and one of our members will be happy to help answer any questions and will give you a go at sailing an RC yacht. We ocassionally run “Have a go Sundays”, where you can… yep.. have a go at an RC Yacht. Please see our racing calendar for details or our Beginners to Winners Page.

If you are not sure what radio controlled sailing is, then this earlier article may assist. What is Radio Controlled Sailing

Classes of RC yacht

There are many classes of RC yacht, but as the Wynnum Manly Radio Model Yacht Club sails and races only 2 classes of RC yacht, Dragonforce 65 (DF65) & and International One Meter (I.O.M), we’ll focus on them.

Dragonforce 65 (DF65). These one class yachts are low cost, great fun, popular and very affordable, and consequently growing rapidly world wide. They are “one design” as in all boats are exactly the same out of the box, 655mm long and weigh approx 1350g. More info here on DF65.

The International One Metre (IOM) These are the has been for many years the most popular RC racing yacht in the world and is raced in over 30 countries. IOMs’ are “box rule” in that all boats must comply within a set range of parameters (including length 1000mm and minimum weight 4000 grams) to be class legal, and outside of those parameters can be pretty much anything, provided that “if it is allowed in the rules, it is allowable”. So hull designs can vary within the class, perfect for the amateur builder or purchased ready to go from a number of professional manufacturers.

The peak body of the IOM has an excellent website https://www.iomclass.org/ and the Australian body https://radiosailing.org.au/index.php?arcade=international-one-metre.

For technical information we would recommend Lester Gilbert’s excellent website https://www.onemetre.net/

What class should I start with?

Both classes have their Pros and Cons.

DF65 Pros

The Dragonforce 65s, at approx $500 for 3 sets of sails, transmitter and hull, are low cost fun. Consequently they are a growing class around the world, and being so small they are easy to carry in your car, store at home and manage. Hulls are cheap to replace when they get damaged and parts are reasonably priced, and easy to get.
The Dragonforce 65’s have a strong international community, offering advice and assistance on many topics including assembly, maintenance, rig set up, water proofing.
The design is unchanged from year to year so there is no need to purchase the “ latest design” to keep up with the competition.
Being a low cost production boat the life of a DF65 sailed on a weekly basis is 1-3 years.
Components such as winches and rudder servos average approximately 12 months life.
The standard of competition is lower because many of the DF65 sailors are new to sailing , and sailing RC yachts(entry level class).
DF65 are a very good boat for learning how to sail and race RC yachts. DF65’s are used for training at the Beginners to Winners Sailing School.

DF65 Cons

You are not allowed under this class to build your own boat or vary the rig design.
Performance is limited compared to RC yachts with greater waterline length (e.g.I.O.M)
DF65s are the perfect boat if you are joining our Beginners to Winners School.

IOM Pros

High standard of competition. Many sailors are former Australin dinghy champions. Some have represented Australia at the Olympic Games.
Exciting performance, particularly in strong winds. Once you’ve sailed an IOM you’ll understand why they are so popular. Simply beautiful to sail.
Technically challenging. Many different hull designs, sail shapes and rig set ups.
Long lasting equipment. There are IOM’s over ten years old still competing.
An IOM, being nearly twice the size of a DF65, is less portable and likely more expensive. However the additional size means that they perform well above a DF65. They can be purchased new from approx $3500+, or can be much cheaper if you have the skills to make your own.

IOM Cons

Large size takes up room in workshops and motor vehicles, and indeed airplanes (for those interstate and international regattas).
High boat cost and component cost.(Boat prices, fully set up with 3 rigs, vary from $3.5k to $7k)
Pressure to buy the latest design to remain competitive.
Members occasionally have second hand IOMs for sale from around $1000+ (check out our for sale section). You can build your own glass fibre or “woodie” version from a number of available plans. Great fun to build and then sail what you’ve created. If you want to be competitive, then you’ll need to purchase one of the later designs, but get used to sailing these boats first before you go to that level.

In Summary

If you are new to sailing or RC sailing and on a limited budget, then the DF65 is for you. As your skills develop and budget allows, step up to an IOM.
If you are an experienced at yacht racing, want tough competition, and have a generous budget, then IOM is for you.

What else will I need?

A boat, sails and a transmitter is the basic requirement. Race days and the Beginners to Winners sailing school are very social events, so a sense of humour for when things go wrong is essential, plus an understanding partner for when you want to buy ”just one more boat”.

Stick to the modern transmitters if you can. Flysky transmitters have become popular due to value for money and functionality.

A boat stand that doesn’t fall over in the wind is a good addition as well. There are a few you can buy and lots of plans (for you to build yourself). Talk to our members about your options on transmittters and stands. Here’s a link to an IOM stand as an example.

A waterproof cover for your transmitter is a good idea as well for those rainy days.

Buying New or Used?

We suggest you start with a second hand IOM (long life) boat, or a new DF65 (short life). Come on down to our club, on race day, and see for yourself the wide variety of IOM designs, and relative performance.

Our very own Peter Kampe occasionally has IOMs for sale. (See his number on our contact page).
Second hand boats can also be found on our website and often pop up on Marketplace or Gumtree, but ask our members for advice first. Some boats are definitely past their used by date. Members often have them for sale and some will be posted on our website, or via ARYA https://radiosailing.org.au/index.php?arcade=classifieds.

Along with Scratch Racing, we hold Handicap races which are heaps of fun and allow you the opportunity to pick up a trophy with an older design or second-hand boat.

How long will it take to learn to sail?

It’s a good idea to allow a year to learn how to sail and get a handle on all the rules. Our Beginners to Winners school and our video channel can help you get going. If you already have sailing/racing experience, then you’ll be off to a flying start.

Social racing or Competition

Our club has competition races days 2 to 3 times a month with both Scratch and handicap racing. There are many trophies and Challenges throughout the year and a few BBQs as well. Some members also sail socially every Thursday with their IOMs at Soveriegn Waters. The club also hosts major regattas that attareact interstate competitors.

Our Beginners to Winners Classes are a mix of learning and fun social racing with a competitive spirit.