BUILD AND SAIL YOUR OWN 36" RADIO CONTROL POND YACHT
Construct and learn to sail a Vintage 36"-class “Star Sharpie” radio-control pond yacht in one exciting week.
- ALAN SUYDAM — JULY 13–19
Wooden pond yacht models of the 1930s and 1940s have become much sought after in the collector’s market. The woodwork, rigging, and brass fittings make them much admired for their simple design. These model yachts were replicas of full-sized sailing vessels ranging in size from 2' to more than 5' long. In this course, noted modelmaker and pond yacht racer Alan Suydam offers students a wonderful opportunity to discover the joys of building and sailing your very own traditionally designed, vintage sailing model.
The model selected for this course is a 1930s design 36"-class “Star Junior” model with 600 square inches of sail area, modeled after the full-sized Star class. The plans for this model were originally published in Model Sailing Craft by Daniels and Tucker, noted model yachtsmen and designers from that era. Alan has updated this model to be built for two-channel radio control, with controls for the rudder and both sails. Each student will build their own boat, install radio gear, and be able to sail their model in a fun regatta at the end of the week on Saturday morning.
The model will be built using a version of the “stitch-and-glue” method of constructing the hull. Some of the furnished materials will be pre-cut before the course. However, this is not a kit boat, and the student will be required to do a fair amount of cutting and shaping to coordinate with the furnished pre-cut parts. Materials will be included for the hull, keel, ballast, spars, fittings, rigging, and sails. Each student will also receive specially prepared radio-control equipment designed for this model. Instruction will also be provided on final finishing of the model when they go home. Throughout the week, Alan will present informative drawings, suppliers’ lists, and photographs to help you with your work-in-progress.
This course will be a fun six days of building and learning, including some evening work to bring the boat to completion by Friday afternoon. Saturday morning will be sailing instruction and a fun regatta. Come join Alan for an informative and very enjoyable week in our boatbuilding shop creating a model you’ll be proud to own and sail for years to come. While no previous boatbuilding experience is necessary, an understanding of hand tools and woodworking is required.
Tuition: $700
Materials: $325
Note: This is a six-day course ending Saturday afternoon.
“Alan Suydam was excellent! The sense of accomplishment to build and sail my own pond yacht was especially wonderful. Thanks for all your efforts for a really fine week. I loved seeing the progress of the other classes while I was there.”