Episode 5 of San Diego Argonauts Radio is live—and it’s a great one.
In this episode, Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with longtime Argonaut and regatta leader Chris Staiger for a deep dive into what it takes to run a top-tier regatta. From behind-the-scenes race management to the evolution of RC sailing, this conversation captures both the craft and the community that make the pond special.
⚓ What’s Inside This Episode
- A preview of the upcoming DF95 Region 8 Championship
- Chris Staiger’s 50-year journey in model sailing
- What separates a well-run regatta from the rest
- The rise of the DragonFlite 95 as the “holy grail” of one-design boats
- Why RC sailing is often more dynamic than full-size sailing
- The growing momentum of team racing and national-level competition
Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-inside-look-at-the-df-95-regionals/id1874110517?i=1000758167018
🧠Keeping Racing Clean & Competitive
A key theme in this episode is how strong race management helps keep the experience enjoyable for everyone:
- Clear enforcement of racing rules helps minimize on-the-water disputes and confusion
- Proper protest procedures replace emotional arguments with a structured, fair process
- Well-run events tend to have less drama—because expectations are clear and consistently applied
- A strong PRO (Principal Race Officer) sets the tone: competitive, but respectful
It’s a great reminder that the best racing environments aren’t just about speed—they’re about clarity, fairness, and mutual respect.
🌊 More Than Racing
The episode also highlights the broader Argonauts ecosystem—from Open House/ Swap Day showcases to monthly points racing and upcoming events across multiple classes.
There’s also a nice nod to the club’s increasing visibility, including local media outreach around the DF95 Regionals (👀), helping bring more attention to the hobby and the community.
“It’s not just about racing—it’s about creating an experience that keeps people coming back.”
đź”— Expanding Access to Argonauts Radio
We’ve also made it easier to follow San Diego Argonauts Radio. You’ll now find a dedicated link in the main menu pointing to all episodes on Apple Podcasts. In addition, we’ve added quick-access icons (for Spotify & Apple Podcasts) on the homepage—right alongside our YouTube and Facebook links—so you can jump straight into the latest episode with a single click. These updates help bring our pondside conversations to a broader audience, making the stories, insights, and personalities of the Argonauts community accessible anytime, anywhere.