What can I say about today? Not a whole lot without using some graphic words not suitable around children. June gloom is in full swing. Today was about survival, as in surviving the fickle winds. On the plus side; it wasn’t raining. It was really only fun for those that played the lucky shifts correctly. Chris Davidson laid out the course and Steve Delva ran a tight ship as RD for both classes. Thanks Steve!
Despite the challenges the Soling guys had a fairly tight fleet in a mix of short and medium courses in shifty wind mostly out of the NW. In the end, Larry Grant prevailed and Gerry Wold had a very strong showing.Despite the challenges the Soling guys had a fairly tight fleet in a mix of short and medium courses in shifty wind mostly out of the NW. In the end, Larry Grant prevailed and Gerry Wold had a very strong showing.
The ODOM guys followed with all medium courses in pretty much the same challenging wind conditions. Larry Grant again dominated the fleet with Kerim Baran and Jess Atkinson hot on his heels.
A big thanks to Kerim, Steve Delva and Gil for collecting the marks and cleaning and putting the skiff away!
On Saturday, May 31st, the San Diego Argonauts came together to host an unforgettable RC Boating Open House and Family Fun Day at the Model Boat Pond in Mission Bay Park. The event was a resounding success—bringing together Sail, Scale, and Power divisions for a day of hands-on RC action, community connection, and wide-eyed joy from kids and adults alike.
Over 70 guests joined us throughout the day, including many who found the event through our Eventbrite promotion. They got a chance to take the helm of model steamships, tugboats, Civil War-era Ironclads, ferries, sailboats, and speedboats, guided by friendly Argonauts eager to share their passion for the hobby.
Even a freak tropical disturbance couldn’t stop the fun! Though we wrapped up slightly early due to nearby thunder and lightning, the spirit of the event was already firmly sealed with 57 hot dogs and 4 pizzas served, dozens of boats in motion, and countless memories made.
From Our Club Leaders
Rear Commodore Tom Warren reflected:
“Thank you Commodore Pat and Staff for an excellent day at the pond. The Open House really showed that we are Argonaut Strong.
Families enjoyed the mid-day activities without that cell phone menace! From young to old, everyone had a chance to test drive an incredible variety of boats.
This is the kind of community engagement the AMYA would be proud of—and a perfect story to share with them. Thanks always go to how this club participates, from the organizers to the Scale, Power and Sail fleets. We are all-in.
If you have photos or videos, please share them—we’d love to include them in an article for the AMYA magazine and on our website!”
Commodore Pat Nevitt shared:
“I can’t thank you all enough for hosting such a successful club fun day and open house. Seeing all three divisions in full force, with family and friends alongside, was truly special.
At one point, someone counted over 70 people in attendance, and I spoke with many who found us through Eventbrite. Guests definitely got to see the best of the Argonauts!
One of the most heartwarming moments was watching members hand their controllers to eager kids and teach them the finer points of model boating. So many smiles!
A huge thanks to Bill, Al, Bob, Kurtis, Kerim, and the many others who made this possible. You all made me proud. Let’s look at doing this again.”
Event Highlights – Photo Gallery
Event Video Recap
More Photos
Coming Soon
We plan to put together an article for AMYA featuring this event, including photos, testimonials, and details about how Eventbrite and local outreach helped draw in a great crowd. Stay tuned—and if you have media to contribute, please email us at sdargonauts @ gmail dot com.
Thanks again to everyone who participated, volunteered, or simply showed up with curiosity and joy. The Argonauts spirit was on full display—and the pond was buzzing with life.
We’ve been invited to take part in a special Father’s Day event at Santee Lakes on Sunday, June 15th from 10 AM – 2 PM. This grand opening celebration for the new lake concessionaire will feature live music, family activities, and a unique opportunity for the Argonauts to sail and showcase our boats on beautiful Lake 4.
All divisions are encouraged to participate! We’re looking to field:
– At least 10 DF95s for sailing exhibitions and racing – At least 8 scale or power boats, including fast boats
We’ll have full support from the park staff—including free entry, a rescue boat, and access to premium display areas near the restaurant’s 400-seat deck. This is a fantastic chance to show off our hobby, connect with the public, and maybe even attract new members.
Let’s make a splash! Please RSVP ASAP with our commodore Pat Nevitt so we can confirm our club’s participation.
Questions or want to get involved? Come see us at the pond this Saturday or reach out directly.
Join us for a free, hands-on community event where you can experience the thrill of radio-controlled boating & sailing in an inclusive & friendly environment at the San Diego Model Boat Pond.
Whether you are a competitive sailor, weekend hobbyist, part of a sailing team, or simply curious about scale boats, this event welcomes everyone to grab a transmitter and try RC Boating!
Here’s what to expect:
* Hands-On Experience – Argonauts members will hand you the control of their own scale boats & sailboats. * Fun Mini-Courses – Short courses set up for casual mini-races, practice maneuvers, and casual boating. * Expert Coaching – Real-time guidance from experienced RC skippers sharing tips & strategies. * Free Food & Community Vibes – Picnic-style pizza & hot dogs for all who RSVP by May 29th via Eventbrite at modelboats.eventbrite.com
When & Where:
When:Saturday,May 31, 2025 (10:00 AM to 2:30 PM) Where:San Diego Model Boat Pond, Mission Bay Park Cost:Free – Just show up and play!
Come learn, compete, or just play around on the water — no prior RC experience is needed.
Bring your curiosity (and maybe a friend), and let the San Diego Argonauts show you what RC boating & sailing is all about.
Whilst 20 boats might seem a lot to have on the start line, it was! Though, to everyone’s credit, the presumed carnage was almost non-existent, almost. 🙂
A lot of ducking and weaving but all in all the skippers played rather nicely and when necessary took the applicable penalty when required.
Thanks to Tom Warren for being RD and running a great set of six heats with varied courses and not one general recall!
Breeze was a little shifty but generally, it was up and down the pond with only the odd hole. 🙂 If you were fortunate enough to break away you generally were spared being a victim of the melee behind. :O
Welcome to Richard Diamond from up North who joined us today. Whilst not being scored in the points series, I’m sure he enjoyed himself nevertheless.
Second class on the water were the IOM’s with Kerim Baran taking over with the RD duties. 13 boats! RC sailing is alive and well in San Diego! Go the Argonauts!
Unfortunately the DF 95’s stole a lot of the good breeze and left the IOM’s with a mixed bag of ‘litter’. The holes were bigger, the shifts were erratic and by the end of six heats I think everyone had their turn in getting ‘ponded’. 🙁
Gotta take the good with the bad sometimes.
One thing that wasn’t bad was the superb weather. The sun beamed down on us all day long, what a wonderful place we have to play boats.
Good to also see David Woodward pop up and join us travelling from afar, and to all the other sailors that travel reasonable distances to get to our stomping ground.
We appreciate you all. 🙂
P.S. Richard also sailed in the IOM’s making up the 13.
Here are some shots from the start line of the IOM races of the day.
Next week is the Bob Debow Masters trophy event for ODOM’s.
This is going to be a sell out! Even if you don’t have an ODOM, come down and join the peanut gallery.
