ELEMENTS OF SAILING RADIO-CONTROLLED POND YACHTS
The A, B, Cs of prepping, sailing, and racing your model.
- ALAN SUYDAM — JULY 20–26
Back in 1999 we offered our first course in constructing your very own pond yacht with designer/builder Thom McLaughlin. We were amazed to learn just how many folks there are, young and old alike, who enjoy building and sailing these beautiful models, and both Thom and Alan Suydam’s construction courses have drawn enthusiastic crowds to our school each year. It was only a matter of time before the proud owners of these new model yachts requested a course covering the various facets of learning to sail and/or race their completed boats. This season we cordially invite you to join five-time national Vintage Marblehead Class champion Alan Suydam in an exciting week of instructive sailing and racing.
Each day will consist of classroom instruction followed by sailing and racing around a buoyed course. Before the models hit the water each morning, there will be plenty of instruction, discussion, and demonstrations focusing on setting up your craft for sailing and competition; fine-tuning boats, sails, and rigs for various wind conditions; inspection and maintenance of electronics systems and batteries; repair kits and strategies; the pre-race check list, and lots more. The “on-the-water” portion of the course will cover a variety of sailing tips including sail trim; light-air tactics; tacking decisions; upwind positioning; room at the marks; getting out of irons; and regatta rules and etiquette.
Once the class is well versed, actual fleet racing and match racing will take place in the afternoon.
Alan will focus on improving each individual’s sailing skills and boat preparation and helping everyone gain confidence with radio-controlled sailing. By the end of this very entertaining and enlightening week, students will be ready to participate in their first regatta.
Tuition: $650
Note: This course is open to anyone having completed any of the pond yacht courses at WoodenBoat School. Your boat must be ready to sail when you arrive at school.