Model Yachting Resource News

Issue 2 October 1, 2003

From the Editor

There seems to be some misunderstanding being published in the September 2003 issue of the Arizona Model Yachting Association Newsletter about this publication. It was stated that Model Yachting Resource News (MYR News) is a bimonthly publication and so, it is not "timely". I found this rather interesting since I have not been contacted to verify this newsletter’s publication schedule. Then a thought occurred, maybe I stated in MYR News that it is a bimonthly issue. After checking the Introductory Issue and Issue 1, I could not find any statement that MYR News was bimonthly. What I did find in the Introductory Issue and in the Publication Policy page of the Model Yachting Resource Center Web site was, "MYRC will publish Model Yachting Resource News at least six times a year".

To alleviate this misunderstanding, MYR News will be published at least six times a year, which means no fewer than six publications will occur within a year’s time. It also means there can be more than six publications a year. Since this is the third issue of MYR News, (one issue per month since August 2003) it looks like MYR News is a monthly issue. To rest any concerns that this publication is not up to date, don’t worry, it is. So, if you want to share your articles, event reports, news, or appropriate photos, just e-mail them for the next month’s issue. _/)

 

 

Rudder Trim
by Mark Mason, Ultra Smooth Sails

Do you use the rudder trim tab on your transmitter? You should, let me explain why.

The way I set up my boat up is that in light air, the boat has some lee helm. This causes the boat to head out of irons with just a slight turn on the transmitter control stick. These boats tend to pick up some weather helm as the wind speed increases. This is exactly what you want. If you do not have a slight weather helm you will not be able to get the boat to tack.

All that being said, you are now wondering what does this have to do with rudder trim? Well, if you set up the boat like the above, then you will have to make rudder trim adjustments around the racecourse. All the really good skippers are adjusting the rudder trim all the away around the racecourse.

To weather, I like to build in a slight weather helm by adjusting the trim tab. This help me read the wind shifts. The boat will naturally want to climb to weather with a shift. This will also help the boat accelerate with the shift. Off the wind, trim the boat so it is running in a straight line.

Try this and see if your are not faster around the racecourse. _/)



Timber Plank on Shadows

by Richard Sillert

I am going to write about building a timber planked hull on shadows. The shadows are copies of the cross section of the yacht taken at set intervals along its length. To start, you will need a good set of plans for the boat you are going to build. Photocopy the shadows one for each shadow on heavy paper. When making the shadows, great accuracy is required, (see Picture 1). Cut out each shadow, leave 1/8 inches, (see Picture 2) and glue it on 3/16 inch high quality plywood. Let dry 24 hours then cut out shadows to the line. Sand each shadow so it is even all the way around. Cut ¾ x ¾ inch to the width of your building board. Draw a centerline all the way around the wood, one for each shadow. Now secure each shadow to the ¾ x ¾ inch wood making sure it centered on the ¾ x ¾ inch wood, (see Picture 3).

The building board (the best wood is particle board), should be 4 inches longer than the boat. Draw line down to center of the board. Mark each place where the shadows are to be placed. Now take a square to draw the lines. Now take a 2 x 4 and screw it down the center on the bottom board.

Start with the center shadow and sit in place facing the bow. Clamp it in place so center lines match, using the square to make sure the shadow is on the line. Screw it in place with screw from the bottom

continue on to the bow, (Picture 4). Now do the shadows facing to the stern, (Picture 5). _/)







For Sale Corner

If you are interested it an item, please contact the person that is selling the item for more information.

3. PT109 Fiberglass hull
This hull has never been worked on. The kit has
some parts, but no plans. Still in original box.
If you are looking to build a PT boat this hull
will be of great interest to you. Length: 35 ½
inches, Beam: 9 ¾ inches. $50.00.
If interested, email Dave Acree at: mmyc@juno.com


1. A partially completed ATLANTIS Schooner with radio
and stand. Needs finishing. $800.00.
2. A partially completed DAUNTLESS scale
motor yacht
. Has running gear. Needs radio. $50.00.
If interested, email Jack David at: kndbrd@primenet.com


Rudders and Turn Fins

and a Little More

Part One

by Glenn Cupit

This discussion will be about RUDDER and TURN FIN dynamics on model race boats.

PREFACE

I would like to begin by noting that I am NOT an engineer or academic. This is not a scientific paper. I don’t offer myself as an expert by any means.

I offer no conclusions that have not been substantiated by my personal experience.

My comments are from empirical observations and my experience with model and full-scale race boats over the past 35 years. This discussion only applies to all-out race boats.

These are my OPINIONS only and as such, they are certainly open to debate and refutation by those much smarter than I.

I offer them for your consideration and contemplation to try, as you may deem prudent and necessary. If these principles don’t work for you, please accept my apologies now. My intention is not to mislead anyone.

RUDDER "CASTER"

Rudder caster, refers to the forward or rearward inclination of the rudder pivot.

The term is borrowed from automotive front alignment "caster angle", which is the forward or rearward tilt of the steering upper and lower pivot points.

Positive caster is when the top of the pivot is rearward of the bottom pivot. A bicycle fork is a good example of positive caster.

Negative caster is when the top of the pivot is forward of the lower pivot or forward of vertical.

This is where the similarity with cars ends. When discussing rudder caster angle, it is the angle between the rudder pivot centerline (with the boat at running attitude or running angle of attack) and a vertical line.

Let’s call positive rudder caster the same as automotive caster whereby the top of the rudder pivot is rearward of the bottom of the pivot. (The rudder is kicked under the boat).

We will limit this discussion to straight sided, wedge rudders, one single rudder on the transom. We will also discuss turn fins, as the rudder can at times, help or hinder the fin.

Normally, we may think that the rudder merely causes the boat to turn. This may be true, but it is not that simple! A rudder causes other effects and dynamics on both hydros and monos that must be understood in order to effectively tune or dial-in your boat.

Understanding rudder and turn fin dynamics can also help you to diagnose and correct undesirable actions of your boat.

It becomes necessary before continuing, that we discuss "drag", water "lift" and what we will call "dig-in", so that we establish a vocabulary of terms with which to describe as simple as possible in layman’s terms, what occurs from rudder and fin action.

Visualize the rudder caster grossly negative with the rudder kicked back at a 45° angle. Now turn the rudder either way 90°. It should be obvious that the rudder drag will induce lift on the rudder bracket and transom. The lift will occur at the rudder pivot.

A rudder set-up like this would severely lift the transom as the rudder was turned.

If the rudder was off centerline of the transom (as it should be to get out of the prop wash or roostertail and operate in clean water), this lift would be on the right or left corner of the transom, depending on which side the rudder was located. This would cause the boat to roll to the side opposite the rudder position on the transom.

Now, let’s visualize the opposite scenario – The rudder has grossly positive caster, the rudder is kicked forward 45°, under the boat, lower pivot forward of upper pivot.

It should again be obvious if the rudder was turned 90°, it would dig in like a plow! This would be severe drag and would tend to "tuck-in" or hold down the transom on the rudder side, in the turns.

The reaction of the boat from rudder drag with other than zero caster, is from the rudder (up or down, depending on + or - caster) in a straight line forward and about the boat CG (center of gravity) which is the fulcrum, or pivot point about which the boat rolls.

Now you may see why rudder placement on the inside or outside of the transom will affect the roll of the boat in a turn.

Inside or outside of the transom, refers to the turn direction of the course. In model boats, inside is the right side, as they race clockwise. In full-scale boats, inside is the left side, as they race counterclockwise. Turn direction of an oval boat race course is determined by the direction the prop revolves. As viewed from the rear model props rotate counterclockwise, full-scale boats rotate clockwise. The turn direction is an effort to neutralize the torque roll of the boat caused from the engine rotation.

Now that we see the rolling effect of a grossly + or – caster rudder, we must realize that this dynamic still occurs, but at a proportionally reduced rate, as the caster angle approaches zero. At zero caster, there is no roll effect as the rudder is turned. This may or may not be a good thing. As you may soon see, sometimes it may be desirable to induce roll from a rudder! However, zero caster is how most rudders are set-up and should be the starting point when dialing-in or tuning your race boat. IF YOUR BOAT RUNS AND TURNS GREAT – DON’T MESS WITH THE RUDDER!

HOWEVER – if your boat exhibits undesirable characteristics, you may be able to correct and optimize them with rudder placement and small caster angles of 5° or less. Negative, or kicked back, is better than positive, or kicked forward.

It is seldom necessary to exceed 5° caster in either direction. If your boat runs well with a lot of rudder caster, there are other problems with the boat that need to be addressed. Inducing drag to fix a turning problem is not the way to excel. _/)

NOTE:

This article may be freely shared, reprinted or published with no further permission necessary from me, other than advising me by e-mail, if and where published.

This permission is granted ONLY, if copied in it’s entirety, with no editing. (Reprints must include the beginning and ending copyright acknowledgements along with this notice)

I will be happy to send this article upon request as an e-mail attachment, for ease of printing. Glenn Cupit - P O Box 113 - Wilson, LA 70789 glenncupit@msn.com © June, 2003.



WVRCM News Brief

REGION 5 - CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA

The first Seawind COA Regional Championship Regatta will be held in Region 5 on Sunday, October 12, 2003.

The event will be hosted by the West Valley R/C Mariners (WVRCM) club at Litchfield Park Lake, Litchfield Park, Arizona.

Registrants in the Regatta must be American Model Yachting Association (AMYA), members and boats will be measured for conformance with Seawind COA Class Rules.

The regatta will form part of a two-day event. On Saturday, October 11th, WVRCM will hold a club 1-Meter Sport Regatta at the same venue. Seawind COA boats are automatically eligible for 1-Meter Sport Class so this will be a tune-up event. We hope this will make a worthwhile weekend’s racing for out of town participants.

This note is to provide advance notice hoping that as many skippers as possible will plan to attend to formally kick off the Seawind COA racing calendar. A formal Notice of Race will be distributed widely before the event providing registration details, directions to the site, etc.

For further information please contact: Mike Eades, Regatta Director, Seawind COA Region 5

Director. Phone: (928) 684-5624; e-mail: meades@w3az.net

 

Labor Day Regatta /Summer One Meter Sport Race

The Labor Day Regatta /Summer One Meter Sport Race was sailed by six skippers. Woody served as start/finish judge and very rusty scorekeeper Barbara figured the scores. (Thanks Mike Eades for catching my drop error!) We had a few spectators and a good time. Gerhard Lorenz dropped by to see part of the race and managed to get his picture in the West Valley View with Jack David and Mike Eades. Woody managed to get his picture taken and it appeared in the Sun City Daily News along with a race photo. A special thanks to Rowland and Woody for bringing the committee boat and setting up the course and to Mike Eades for the organizing.


The race results:
Place    Points Name
1st 17     Ben Kowaliski
2nd 24     Rowland Stevens
3rd 26     Mike Eades
4th 29     Jack David
5th 40     Harvey Mickelson
6th 65     Tom Williams

The Labor Day Flotilla was definitely a hot time in the old town. A huge Thank You to the 19 registered skippers who braved the heat and humidity to participate in the 10th running of this event.

Several new participants were in the Parade of boats this year and several boats made their first public runs. New member Tom Williams sailed a Seawind in his first LDF. Joel Cabrera with his son debuted their Sterling Cabin Cruiser. Also new to the event, was the youngest Parade of Boats skipper Jack Meleady, with his Fireboat. Steve Laubmeier, of the MMYC, made his first Labor Day Flotilla appearance and put his 1/96 scale sub, the USS Blueback and his L CAC in our waters.

Tony Contrabasso brought out a new boat, the USCG Cutter "YEATON." Chuck Goerke had his work in process scratch built USS Long Beach on the water. It is shaping up to be a real beauty; we look forward to seeing its progress as he builds it out over the next year. Brett Harper had the USS Crockett and the USS Arizona on the water. The Arizona gets more detailed every time we see it.

Robert Enos had the oldest boat in the Parade, the lovely fifty year old Diane. Jack David ran the only entry to be in all 10 of the Labor Day Flotillas, the shark fin.

Dennis Crandall was up from Sun Lakes with the Blue Devil, and his tug, Melvin. Virg Howard had the US Freedom on the lake. Ben Kowaliski brought his fleet, including the Malihini fishing boat, the Custodian and Aqua Fria tugs. Besides selling pop for the club, Brett’s daughter Justin ran her fishing boat the Justin Elizabeth. Rowland Stevens ran the PHX tug, a veteran LDF participant. Ian Morris had the Atlantis Schooner on the water and a Seawind. Barbara Ruhnke-David had the Happy Hunter out for a spin. Mike Eades ran his Seawind. Woody had launch problems that kept the Judy Ann from having a very long party cruise. Charlie Ellis had his schooner on the water for only a very short time due to frequency conflicts. Jack David got Endeavor all rigged but just before launch broke a sheeting line inside the hull. Sure better to breakdown on land than on the water! The Rescue Box got to show off but didn’t have a rescue to perform.

The crowd was sparse this year but the votes they cast for the People’s Choice award showed they could appreciate our wide variety. Sixteen craft got at least one vote.


The Award Winners are:
People’s Choice: Battleship, USS Arizona by Brett Harper
Skipper’s Choice: Coast Guard Cutter, Yeaton by Tony Contrabasso
Commodores Trophy: Submarine, Blueback by Steve Laubmeier

Good laughs were provided during the Kids Run when Woody let the youngsters send his WaveMaster on erratic, fit and start courses. The one that got all of our attention was the kid who put the Wave Master on the Golden Gate’s footing! Patient Woody recharged and recharged till all the kids had run the boat. A cute little swimming pool boat was run by one youngster during the Kid Run. _/)

***


Which Winch?
by Gavan Salter, Lilydale Radio Yacht Club, Melbourne, Australia

Every day at the lake I get asked what I use to control the sheeting of my sails my answer is always the same: a sail winch.

There are many types of sail winch available and the one you get depends on four main points:

    1. The size of the boat, inside;
    2. The size of the sails, sail area;
    3. The speed to adjust your sails;
    4. The size of your wallet.

Each point is important but there will often be a need to make some compromise. You may have to sacrifice speed for pulling power or get a smaller winch due to lack of room.

I have been on the web and have found information on different winches, which follows.

I have not tried to tell you what is the best winch due to the four points above. (I like a couple: The Hitech 725BB for cost and the RMG 280/380 for grunt). So here goes.

 

HITECH

Sail Arm HS-715BB

Not a real winch but a beefed up servo, the HS-715BB sail arm servo has up to 90 degrees of travel and comes with an extra long 4-1/2 inch arm. With its top ball bearing supported output shaft the HS-715BB will provide years of reliable service. Like all Hitech servos it is available in all popular connector choices.

 

Applications

Smaller to medium size sailboats requiring a 90 degree sail arm servo.

Torque:

4.8VDC: 161 oz-in. (11.55 kg-cm)

6.0VDC: 189 oz-in. (14.5 kg-cm)

Speed @ 60 Degrees:

4.8VDC: 0.27 seconds

6.0VDC: 0.22 seconds

Bearing Type: Top Ball Bearing

Case Size: 2.3"x 1.1"x 2.0" (58.4 x 27.9 x 50.8 mm)

Weight: 4.0 oz (113 g)

Cost: $80 – 100 (AUD)

HS-815BB- Mega Sail Arm Servo

Again not a real winch but a really beefed up servo, The HS-815BB Mega sail arm servo has up to 140 degrees of travel and comes with a Heavy Duty 41/2 inch arm. With its dual ball bearing supported output shaft the HS-815BB will provide years of reliable service. Like all Hitech servos it is available in all popular connector choices.

 

Applications

Medium to large Sail Boats requiring a heavy duty sail arm servo

Torque:

4.8VDC:  231 oz-in. (16.57 kg-cm)

6.0VDC:  280 oz-in. (20 kg-cm)

Speed @ 140 Degrees:

4.8VDC:  0.48 seconds

6.0VDC:  0.38 seconds

Bearing Type: Dual Ball Bearing

Case Size: 2.6"x 1.2"x 2.3" (66 x 30.4 x 58.4 mm)

Weight: 5.1 oz (119 g)

Wire Length: 11.75" (Includes plug)

Cost: $100 – 120 (AUD)

Sail Winch 725BB

The HS-725BB sail arm servo has up to 3 ½ turns of travel and comes with a heavy-duty drum. With its top ball bearing supported output shaft the HS-725BB will provide years of reliable service. 

Applications

Smaller to medium size sailboats requiring a 3.5 turn or less sail winch servo. 

No separate power supply required, takes power from normal receiver power supply through BEC.

Torque:

4.8VDC: 161 oz-in. (11.55 kg-cm)

6.0VDC: 193 oz-in. (14.5 kg-cm)

Speed @ 360 Degrees:

4.8VDC: 1.5 seconds

6.0VDC: 1.13 seconds

Bearing Type: Top Ball Bearing

Case Size: 2.3"x 1.1"x 2.0" (58.4 x 27.9 x 50.8 mm)

Weight: 3.8 oz (110 g)

Cost: $109-129 (AUD)

 

Graupner

Graupner Regatta

The Graupner Regatta sail winch is great little winch used by many champion European sailors in their Marbleheads. 

Designed for competition work, this sail winch meets the most stringent requirements, including metal gearing.

High torque, fast winding speed and precision resolution permit uncompromising use in racing yachts

Applications

Suitable for use on small to medium yachts such as International One Metres and Marbleheads.

No separate power supply required, takes power from normal receiver power supply through BEC.

The unit comes with permanently installed switch leads for the sail winch and BEC system for turning off the supply voltage.

Choice of vertical or horizontal installation and a separately adjustable winding travel of 1.5-5.5 rotations, travel 12 to 43 cm.

Operating voltage: 4.8-7.2VDC

Torque:

6.0VDC: 8.5 kg-cm

Speed @ 360 Degrees:

6.0VDC: 0.9 seconds

Case Size: 46x42x23mm.

Weight: 90 g

Cost: $250(AUD)

 

Graupner Regatta ECO Sailwinch

The Graupner Regatta ECO is a low cost version of the Regatta. BEC system. Plastic gearbox.

Choice of vertical or horizontal installation and a separately adjustable winding travel of 1.5-5.5 rotations, travel 12 to 43 cm.

Applications

Suitable for general use in small to size yachts. If you sail predominantly in heavier winds then we would suggest the Regatta instead. 

Operating voltage: 4.8-7.2VDC

Torque:

6.0VDC: 4 kg-cm

Speed @ 360 Degrees:

6.0VDC: 1.2 seconds

Case Size: 46x42x23mm.

Weight: 70 g

Cost: $159(AUD)

 

RMG

Features:

RMG Smart Winch 280 Series

The SW280 series uses the small 280 motor which saves about an ounce in weight but has more than enough power for classes from the International One Metre up to and including the East Coast 12m and International 10 Rater and similar size yachts.

280D Powered by a Mabuchi RC280 motor. Suitable for classes from the IOM , Marblehead, R10R etc

280DL Higher torque and longer travel version of the 280D. Suitable for EC12 and similar size.

Cost: 280D $256 (AUD)

280DL $256 (AUD)

RMG Smart Winch 380

The SmartWinch 380 series by their physical size and shear grunt is primarily a big boat winch. Even if powered by only 4.8 Volts it has more than enough power for an International RA Class yacht. 

380D powered by a Mabuchi RS380 motor. However it should be noted that it is possible (but very rare) to have the Acetal gears on the this model to fail under shock load stall situations.

 

380HD powered by a Mabuchi RS380 motor and features combination metal / Acetal gears and larger output bearing. Suited to high stress applications such as the largest classes like the J, the large multihulls.

280D and 380D are improved resolution versions of the previous SW280c and SW380c models, giving smoother operation when making small movements of travel. When moving the transmitter stick slowly and smoothly and the winch will run slower and smoother rather than jump from position to position as before. 

Cost: 380D $264(AUD)

380HD$279(AUD)

 

Specification

380D  [380HD]

280D

280DL

Unit

Maximum Output Power

10.1

5.4

5.4

Watts

No Load Speed

3.1

3.3

2.6

revs/sec

No Load Sheet Speed

312

265

212

mm/sec

Stall Torque

21.2

11.2

14

kg.cm

Standard Drum

32

26

26

mm

Maximum Revolutiions

6

4.8

7.2

Revs

Travel Range (std drum)

80 - 610

80 - 390

100 - 590

mm

Resolution

0.6

0.4

0.6

mm

Accuracy

+/- 1

+/- 1

+/- 1

mm

Dimensions

79 x 54 x 60

74 x 54 x 59

74 x 54 x 59

mm

Weight

168 [191]

134

134

gm

Whirlwind

For optimum performance this winch should be supplied with 7.2 volts. It will run at 6.0 volts but there is a small loss of performance.

Whichever size of battery supply employed, the winch will supply a regulated 5.0-volt supply to the receiver for the use of steering servo etc.

The gearbox is made with all metal gears and a ball raced output shaft. Winch turns are adjustable between approximately 2 and 6.5 turns (depending on radio gear) by a small screw (situated on the top of the winch case for easy access.

Standard Olympic / Atlas

It is suitable for most classes from the 36" Restricted up to the 6 Metre class and ideal for the Marblehead.

Hi-Speed Olympic / Atlas

If faster sheeting is a requirement then choose this winch. It is particularly useful in a 1 Meter or possibly a Marblehead when sailed in predominantly light airs.

Hi-Torque Olympic / Atlas

Designed for larger yachts such as the RA or R6 Metre classes. Same size case as the Standard Model. The difference is in the motor, which is a high power but slower motor.

 

 

Cost: Standard Hi-Speed Hi-Torque

Whirlwind Atlas £81.70 £89.36 £98.72

Whirlwind Olympic £89.36 £97.87 £106.38

Plus Postage.

 

Futaba

Futaba S5801 Sail Winch Servo

FEATURES:

Torque:

7.2VDC: 136.1 oz/in

Stall Force: 10.8 kg

Speed @ 360 Degrees::

7.2VDC: 0.5 seconds

Drum speed: 2 to 6 rpm (adjustment range)

Size: 1.81 x 0.98 x 1.73"

Weight: 2.93 oz

Cost: $180USD

Futaba S3801 Sail Servo

Heavy-duty arm type sail control servo; metal gear; water-resistant; 5-pole motor.

Torque:

7.2VDC: 194.1 oz/in

Speed @ 60 Degrees::

7.2VDC: 0.22 seconds

Size: 1.14 x 2.32 x 1.97"

Weight: 3.8 oz

Cost: $80USD

Futaba S3802 Sail Servo

Arm-type with a metal output gear; special interference-eliminating lubricant to handle high torque applications.

Torque:

7.2VDC: 153.0 oz/in

Speed @ 60 Degrees::

7.2VDC: 0.55 seconds

Size: 0.91 x 1.73 x 1.69"

Weight: 2.54 oz

Cost: $70USD



The Perfect Club

by Dave Acree

Disclaimer

It has been brought to my attention that some of my writing should undergo some sort of "censorship". This is because of the Good Sportsmanship Theme, and there is a belief these articles are being slanted toward some individuals. This is false; these articles are slanted to all that sail model boats. Model boating is built on being good sportsmen. In the event an article or any part of an article reflects on any person, real or fiction, it is a matter of coincidence.

So, will be no change in my writing. The goal is for all of us to be more mindful of our actions to become better sportsmen as we place ourselves under scrutiny when we participate in model boating. Inappropriate conduct has a negative affect on the hobby of model boating and with visitors who come to our events. Writing about sportsmanship and fair play is a good way to make our hobby more enjoyable.

The quality of a club is governed by the quality of its members. This may seem like a blunt statement, but it is correct. A club itself does not generate this quality. Rather, a club’s quality is based on the thoughts and actions of its members in how they conduct themselves with others. The sum of a club’s character is judged by what club members do to each other and to others. If a club is succeeding or failing, it can be directly related to its character.

All clubs are born because some individuals came together to form an organization to foster a common goal. During the life of a club, it grows because it is satisfying the needs of its members. If a club membership is shrinking, internal problems are eroding continuity, and participation goes down. One of the worst problems is when members don’t like something they quietly try to change it. This type of action can easily undermine trust and respect among club members.

So, what can be done when there is a problem in a club? First, doing nothing and hoping it will go away is incorrect. Second, being lured into covert politics is also the wrong choice. The correct choice would be to openly discuss the problem at club meetings where all members can participate. Doing so gains more respect and retains club integrity.

Being a member of a club is a privilege, not a right. There must not be any exclusions like race, religion, age, sex, or disability, but a club does has the right to decide membership so long it does not break any laws. One area is sportsmanship. If a person does not play fair and causes problems, then that may be a point to look into. There may be some people that won’t like the preceding sentence. Remember, being a member of a club is not mandatory to a person’s life, income, or belief. It is just a hobby to have fun with!

For a club to be good, its members must help one another enjoy the hobby the club is involved in. There is no reason for club members make life hard. There has never been a perfect club, but that does not mean club members can’t work together to make a club better. It all depends on if a club wants to. _/)



From the Dock Side

This is the first and hopefully a long series of articles about interesting, odd, or funny things about model boating or boating in general. If you have seen, been the recipient, or find something interesting, send it in. If it is about someone, please get their permission first before you send it in. Keep the stories short, but provide enough detail to get the point across. Thanks.

Bon Appetite

by Dave Acree

You’re on the best vacation of your life, a wonderful ocean cruise aboard the QE2. You’re enjoying the ship’s First Class accommodations and the great food. At the day’s lunch buffet, you pile the food on to your plate. You come to the fruit bar that is filled with all of the tasty delights you love – strawberries, mangos, and watermelon. As you start to scoop up the melon balls from the watermelon boat, you notice a sticker on the side of the melon boat. You stoop to read the sticker and you get a sinking feeling. The sticker reads, "TITANIC Premium Watermelon"! _/)



New F-48 Multihull Supplier
by Dick Lemke

The Formula 48 Multihull Class Owners Association is pleased to announce that a second source of hulls and cross beams are now available here in the U.S. The "short" kits consist of the main hull, two floats, two cross beams, rudder, daggerboard, all basic dimensions, and a small brochure of possible suppliers where additional items to complete the boat can be purchased. The design is based on the original "NIGHTMARE" design by Ernst Zeamann and owned by Mark Baldacchino of Phoenix, Arizona. Photo of completed boat can be seen on the American Model Yacht Association (AMYA) Website www.amya.org under the multihull section. The hulls meet the Mini40 Class specifications as well.

The cost of the "short" kits are as follows:

Money order required. 50% down payment at time of order and remainder due prior to shipping. Allow one (1) month for completion from time of order. For questions, please contact Ian at isammis1@msn.com or by telephone at 316-371-7809.

The F-48 Association is pleased to welcome Ian as a builder and supplier of F-48 Class hulls who can meet your needs if you are interested in sailing these extremely fast boats.

The F-48 Multihull Class Owners Association does not recommend or endorse these builders, and this notice is not to be construed as a recommendation. It is for information only, and like any purchase, buyers should make their own decisions. _/)

 

 

MMYC News Brief

The Mesa Model Yacht Club held a Victoria Regatta on September 13, 2003 at Dobson Pond. With many Victoria skippers out of town, seven skippers did attend. Wind was light to moderate, which gave the skippers a challenge to sail in. At times, the competition was tight between boats, which always makes it interesting. There were no problems which means sportsmanship is improving.

One of the great things about the Victoria, besides keeping the cost down to obtain one, is the level playing field that the Victoria provides. This class is making a big impact on model yachting within AMYA, and hopefully a bigger impact in the future. It is almost assured that in the future skippers will be seeing more Victoria regattas. And why not, it is a fun model to build and sail, and that is what model yachting is all about.

Place    Name                      Points
1 Dennis Desprois   10
2 Dave Acree   30.3/4
3 George Baldachino   31.3/4
4 Micheal Mann   33.3/4
5 Gary McClain   36
6 Ray Agee   60
7 George Forward   64

This regatta had two Victorias that were under going their first sea trials. This is a good thing because this means the Victoria fleet is growing at MMYC. Andrew Dean, a member of MMYC, ran the regatta well. During lunchtime, Andrew sailed his model Laser for those who have not yet seen one on the water. A thanks goes to Andrew for helping and to all skippers for attending. _/)

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Fast Electrics
by Pete Boyle

The 2003-2004 fast electric point’s series is starting to look promising. From what I understand we may have some new folks racing in the N-2 class. WELCOME! Having more boats in the water creates a more challenging and exciting race. And a chance to make new friendships, after all that is one of the benefits we all enjoy about "Playing Toy Boats".

At a fun run in May the members present voted by majority present to add LSH as an official points class and to run N-2 hydro as an exhibition class. In order to make time for the new addition ( N-2 Hydro), the decision was made to run 4 heats of N-2 Mono, and 3 heats of LSH and N-2 Hydro. Cracker box, being the back-bone of the FE side of MMYC, will be kept at 5 heats. With the additional 3 heats of racing, it will be imperative that races start no later than 9:30am on race day, so we can all go home at a reasonable hour. This means getting to the lake earlier to get ready!

SAW’S

Every year the fastest electric boat racers get together and try to set some straight line records. This year is no different, on November 7, 8,9th racers will gather from all over the world at Legg Lake in California to see who can push their equipment the furthest.

The Mesa Model Yacht club will have 4 members Present at the SAW’s; Pat McDonald will compete to defend his N-2 hydro world record set at 56.53 mph, and to regain his M2 hydro record. Chris Shaw will be present to video the whole event and have DVD’s available afterwards. David Newland and I are working on a few boats to compete for the N-2 offshore and O mono records.

Last year the top speed for an electric race boat was 102.92 mph, over a 1/16 mile course. This was an unbelievable feat for an electric radio controlled model, this year I think the big dogs will be shooting for 120mph. _/)



Sinking Titanic Saved
from Arizona Parenting Magazine
by Lynda R. Exley

Although the Valley Youth Theatre's production of Titanic was in August and no longer running, it was felt important to post this article for individuals who are interested in Titanic. – MYR News Editor.

The original Broadway Titanic stage set, valued at $250,000, was about to sink into oblivion when the Valley Youth Theatre dived in and saved it from certain destruction by purchasing it for $1. The magnificent set then sailed across the desert to Phoenix on three flatbed and two 53-foot semi trucks. It is now available for audiences to enjoy as the backdrop for the Valley Youth Theatre’s production of Titanic at Herberger Theater’s center stage.

Titanic tells the amazing story of its historical namesake, an "unsinkable" luxury cruise ship that made its ill-fated maiden voyage from London to New York in 1912. This heart-felt musical production focuses on the passengers of first, second and third class, their hopes and dreams, and their eventual rescue or demise.

The Valley Youth Theatre’s Titanic features young actors from around the Valley, who inspire audiences to identify with the survivor and non- survivor alike through their portrayal of the Titanic’s all to human characters.

Valley Youth Theatre, 222 E. Monroe, Phoenix. 602-252-8497 or 480-784-4444. _/)



Ten Racing Rule Commandments:
by Richard Frauenzimmer
from the HELMSMEN

The following "commandments" are provided to you to make understanding the rules and practicing the rules easier. They offer all skippers the opportunity to enjoy sailing much more. Let’s get out there, sail clean races get much more satisfaction and have more fun.

  1. Port keeps clear of starboard.
  2. Windward keeps clear of leeward.
  3. The boat astern keeps clear of the boat ahead.
  4. A boat tacking or jibing keeps clear of one that is not.
  5. Avoid collisions. Racing Rules are defensive, to prevent collisions, not offensive racing tactics.
  6. If you gain right of way or change course, give the other boat time to keep, clear.
  7. The inside boats(s) at two boat lengths from the mark is entitled to room to round the mark.
  8. A boat that is backing up or not racing keeps clear.
  9. If you have violated a rule, take a penalty.
  10. It is better to give way than to spend hours in a protest room. _/)

© 2003 David Acree. All rights reserved.