In the latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with Bruce Andersen, U.S. Marblehead Class Secretary and Chairman of the International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA), for a fascinating conversation about one of the oldest, fastest, and most technologically advanced classes in radio sailing.
The Marblehead has a history stretching back nearly a century. Originally developed in Marblehead, Massachusetts, the class evolved from free sailing to vane sailing and eventually radio control. Today’s Marbleheads bear little resemblance to those early boats. At 50 inches long with 800 square inches of sail, modern Marbleheads are lightweight, carbon-fiber, deep-keel racing machines capable of remarkable acceleration and speed.
As Bruce puts it, if tightly controlled classes such as the IOM and DragonForce are the NASCAR of radio sailing, the Marblehead is Formula One.
Jess and Bruce explore the evolution of the class—from the home-built boats that once dominated American radio sailing, through legendary designs such as the Scalpel, to today’s extremely narrow and sophisticated Grunge and Red Ant designs.
They also discuss why Marblehead racing declined in the United States as sailors migrated toward the more easily transported IOM and, later, the DF classes—and why that trend may now be starting to reverse.
New fleets and renewed interest are appearing on both coasts, with experienced IOM sailors increasingly adding Marbleheads to their boat sheds. Regattas are beginning to combine IOM and Marblehead racing, and the Marblehead will be one of the featured classes at San Diego Argonauts Race Week 2027.
And there is a reason sailors keep coming back to them.
They are fast.
Really fast.
Modern Marbleheads feature sophisticated rigs—including their distinctive swing rigs—and acceleration unlike almost anything else in radio sailing. As Jess describes it, sheet in the sail and the boat can take off “like a rocket.”
Bruce and Jess also talk about how newcomers can get involved. Their advice is simple: don’t buy one first—sail one. Come to a Marblehead regatta, introduce yourself, and chances are someone will happily put a transmitter in your hands.
Also in this episode, Jess gives a big shout-out to everyone who helped make the 2026 San Diego Argonauts Open House such a successful “party at the park,” and wraps up with results and highlights from recent ODOM, DF95, and IOM points racing at the Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond.
If you’ve ever wondered why Marblehead sailors become so enthusiastic about these extraordinary boats—or you’re simply curious about the history and evolution of high-performance radio sailing—this is an episode you’ll want to hear.
Are Marbleheads simply enjoying another moment in the spotlight, or are they truly making a comeback?
Give the episode a listen and decide for yourself.
Our 2026 San Diego Argonauts Open House is in the books, and what a day it was!
First and foremost, thank you to everyone who volunteered, brought boats, shared their expertise, cooked food, helped with setup and cleanup, or simply spent time welcoming visitors. This event was a tremendous success because of you.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was seeing approximately one-quarter of our membership come together to make it happen. Members displayed their boats, taught newcomers how to sail, staffed STEM and Maker exhibits, answered countless questions, cooked lunch, hauled equipment, and made every visitor feel welcome.
The atmosphere at the pond was fantastic from start to finish.
Hundreds of Hands-On Experiences
Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to explore nearly every aspect of our hobby.
Beautiful sailboats, scale models, and power boats were on display, while many guests took the controls of an RC sailboat for the very first time.
One of the highlights was watching children—and plenty of adults—go from never having touched an RC sailboat to confidently sailing upwind in just 10 to 15 minutes.
It’s always exciting to see how quickly people discover that RC sailing is both approachable and incredibly rewarding.
STEM & Maker Faire Activities
A special thank-you goes to Jeff Sparksworthy, Rob Wood, Robin Cahill Simpson, and Steve Delva, who created and staffed our STEM and Maker Faire tables.
Visitors explored topics including:
– Electronics and batteries – Radio control systems – Glues and adhesives – Fabrication techniques – Building methods and tools
These hands-on exhibits sparked countless conversations and demonstrated that our hobby is much more than simply sailing boats—it’s a wonderful blend of engineering, craftsmanship, creativity, and lifelong learning.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
It’s always risky to start naming names because someone deserving is inevitably forgotten, but several members deserve special recognition.
Bob and Gil kept everyone well fed with the famous BobDogs.
Bill Bridge quietly handled countless behind-the-scenes tasks, including bringing coolers and helping with cleanup.
John Scripps made the pizza run happen.
Jess Atkinson, Pat Nevitt, and Tom Warren spent much of the day greeting visitors, answering questions, and representing the club.
Jon Rogers, Dennis Rogers, Gil, John Scripps, Keith, Steve Ross, Ben, Tom, Pat, and many others generously handed over transmitters and patiently taught visitors the basics of RC sailing throughout the day.
Special recognition also goes to Pat Nevitt and Dave Endert for bringing their beautiful schooners, which attracted plenty of attention.
Looking Toward the Future
One particularly exciting outcome was the attendance of two local high school teachers, who expressed genuine interest in partnering with the San Diego Argonauts on future STEM education programs. They experienced firsthand how RC boats can inspire students to learn about engineering, physics, electronics, and teamwork, and we’re looking forward to continuing those conversations.
Another idea that emerged throughout the day was to host similar events several times each year. Rather than limiting ourselves to one annual Open House, we’d like to organize periodic “Learn to RC Sail“ days focused simply on introducing newcomers to this wonderful hobby.
Thank You!
Finally, thank you once again to every member who helped make this event such a success.
As several members said afterward, this truly was an “Outstanding day at the pond.” The enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to share our hobby with others reminded all of us what makes the San Diego Argonauts such a special club.
If you took photos or videos during the event, please send us a few of your favorites—we’ll continue updating this recap as more memories from the day come in.
The Argonauts Board and the Race Week Committee have officially met and selected the dates for our 16th Triennial San Diego Race Week, which will take place at the San Diego Model Boat Pond from September 27 through October 11, 2027.
Our current plan is to host eight National Championship Regattas across eight model yacht classes over two weeks.
We are currently working with the AMYA class organizations to finalize the Race Week schedule and determine the order in which each class will compete.
Mark your calendars! We look forward to welcoming sailors from across the country for two exciting weeks of competitive racing and camaraderie at one of the premier model yachting venues in the United States.
Stay tuned for additional details as planning continues.
Can High School Robotics Students Change the Future of Radio Sailing?
In Episode 13 of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with Kerim Baran and Jeff Sparksworthy to discuss one of the club’s most exciting new initiatives: bringing high school students, STEM education, and maritime robotics together at the San Diego Model Boat Pond.
🤖 The vision behind the upcoming RoboBuoy Challenge, where students will design and build radio-controlled (and eventually autonomous) robotic buoys
🛠️ The five hands-on maker stations that introduce students to electronics, radio systems, adhesives, metalworking, and basic fabrication skills
🏫 Partnerships with local high schools and the long-term goal of creating semester-long STEM and robotics programs centered around marine technology
🌊 Reviving the historic connection between San Diego schools and the Model Boat Pond—while inspiring the next generation of engineers, builders, sailors, and innovators.
The episode also previews our August 1st Open House, where the public can experience these STEM activities firsthand, learn to sail RC boats, and discover everything the San Diego Argonauts has to offer.
🎧 Listen now and learn how today’s students could help shape the future of model boating!
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. * Maker Faire–Style Learning Tables – Visit interactive stations where Argonauts members share their know-how on topics such as: – Boat Building & Repairs (Cutting, drilling, filing, etc.) – Basic Circuits & Connections – RC Electronics & Batteries – Glues, Adhesives & Assembly Techniques – Radio Programming & Control Systems * Free Food & Community Vibes – Picnic-style pizza & hot dogs for all who RSVP by July 29th via Eventbrite at modelboats.eventbrite.com
When & Where:
When:Saturday,Aug 1st, 2026 (10:00 AM to 3:00 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.
The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now available!
In this episode, Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down harbor-side with one of radio sailing’s true legends, Craig Mackey. With 27 National Championships across multiple classes and 13 World Championship appearances, Craig has spent decades competing against the very best sailors in the world.
Craig shares stories from some of the finest radio sailing venues in North America and Europe, including Foster City, Corpus Christi, White Rock Lake, West Kirby, and many more. He reflects on how he got started in RC sailing after racing full-size yachts, discusses the evolution of IOM racing, and offers practical advice for sailors of every experience level—from learning the Racing Rules to making the most of practice sessions. His insights into regatta management, race courses, international competition, and sportsmanship make this one of our most informative episodes yet.
Results from the June ODOM and Soling 50 point races.
Coverage of the Filippo Busalacchi Champion of Champions Masters Regatta, where Ty Beach successfully defended his title.
A reminder that registration is open for the DF95 Traveler Series event at Mason Park on August 8–9.
An announcement from Dan Shire about the upcoming Region 6 IOM Championship in Seattle.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or just discovering radio sailing, this episode is packed with stories, history, racing wisdom, and practical tips from one of the sport’s most accomplished sailors.
🎧 Be sure to listen to the full episode, and as always…
Our first High School Maritime Robotics & STEM Workshop was a great success! Approximately 15–20 students joined San Diego Argonauts mentors for a hands-on introduction to our five STEM learning stations, covering basic circuits & connections, electronics & batteries, glues & binders, radio programming & control systems, and cutting, filing, drilling & tapping. Students also had the opportunity to learn the basics of sailing with our radio-controlled sailboats.
Check out the photos and videos below to see the students in action!
We’re excited to build on this momentum by partnering with local high schools during the upcoming school year to expand our Maritime STEM program, including developing Robo-Buoys and other exciting hands-on engineering projects.
âš“ High School Maritime Robotics & STEM Workshop Day (July 7th, 2026)
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Mission Bay Model Boat Pond Clubhouse
The San Diego Argonauts are pleased to host our first High School Maritime Robotics & STEM Workshop Day, bringing together educators, mentors, engineers, makers, and experienced builders to explore hands-on skills that can support future maritime robotics and STEM programs for local high schools.
This workshop is part of a broader initiative to expand practical, project-based STEM education opportunities centered around marine technology, robotics, engineering, electronics, fabrication, and model boating.
The July 7 workshop represents the first step in what we hope will become an ongoing program that includes:
The development of the RoboBuoy Challenge, a new maritime robotics competition currently being designed for the 2026-2027 school year.
A Mentor & OPEN HOUSE Day on August 1, 2026, where students, parents, teachers, engineers, and potential mentors can learn more about model boating, maritime engineering, robotics, and future STEM opportunities at the pond.
Continued collaboration with local schools, educators, industry professionals, universities, and STEM organizations throughout San Diego County.
Our goal is simple: create a pathway that allows students to progress from learning basic technical skills, to building increasingly sophisticated maritime robotics projects, and ultimately to competing in a fun, educational, and highly practical engineering challenge.
The proposed RoboBuoy Challenge will encourage students to design, build, and operate autonomous and remotely controlled marine systems while developing real-world skills in engineering, electronics, fabrication, programming, communications, project management, and teamwork.
July 7 Workshop Overview
To support these future activities, participants will rotate through five instructional stations led by experienced Argonauts members and subject matter experts.
Table 1 – Basic Circuits & Connections
Instructor: Robin Cahill Simpson (or TBD)
Teaching Goals
Learn basic circuitry
Electrical safety
Grounding
Switching
Fusing
Metering
Activities
Create a basic switched circuit with fuse
Solder wire-to-wire and wire-to-connector connections
Test circuit operation and switching
Learn safe electrical practices and troubleshooting techniques
Table 2 – Batteries
Instructor: Ed Syres (or TBD)
Teaching Goals
Understand battery types
Learn charging methods and best practices
Understand series and parallel configurations
Learn common connection types
Discuss usage, charging, and storage safety
Explore waterproofing considerations
Activities
Compare battery packs wired in series versus parallel
Test and measure battery voltages
Demonstrate proper battery handling and connection techniques
Review connectors commonly used in robotics and marine applications
Table 3 – Glues & Binders
Instructor: Rob Wood (or TBD)
Teaching Goals
Understand different adhesive types
Learn where each adhesive performs best
Discuss safety considerations
Learn proper curing and setting techniques
Activities
Bond plastic-to-plastic materials
Bond acrylic and plexiglass components
Work with ABS and PVC materials
Explore epoxy applications
Learn clamping techniques
Discuss forms, jigs, and curing times
Table 4 – Control Systems
Instructor: Kurt Sellens (or TBD)
Teaching Goals
Gain familiarity with basic radio-control systems
Understand motor control systems
Learn about servos, receivers, and speed controllers
Explore mechanical linkage systems
Activities
Connect and bind a radio transmitter to a receiver
Add and test servos
Configure speed controllers
Demonstrate radio programming and control functions
Explore rudder and thruster linkages, pushrods, and turnbuckles
Table 5 – Cutting, Filing, Drilling & Tapping
Instructor: Jeff Sparksworthy (or TBD)
Teaching Goals
Gain familiarity with measuring and marking
Learn drilling and tapping techniques
Practice fabrication and finishing skills
Activities
Measure and mark a drilling location
Use a center punch
Drill a pilot hole in aluminum
Tap threads using an 8-32 tap
Practice filing techniques
Learn safe shop practices and proper tool usage
Building Maritime STEM in San Diego
The San Diego Argonauts believe that some of the best STEM education happens when students can design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real-world systems with their own hands.
By combining engineering, electronics, fabrication, programming, radio-control systems, autonomous technologies, and maritime applications, we hope to create engaging learning opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, scientists, and marine technologists.
The July 7 workshop is intended to bring together educators, mentors, and technical volunteers to help shape the future of maritime STEM education in San Diego.
If successful, this effort will continue with our Mentor & Open House Day on August 1, 2026, followed by the launch of the RoboBuoy Challenge during the upcoming school year.
We invite teachers, engineers, makers, mentors, students, and STEM supporters to join us as we work to build a unique maritime robotics program for San Diego’s next generation of innovators.
Related Programs
âš“ RoboBuoy Challenge (Coming 2026-2027 School Year)
The San Diego Argonauts are currently working with educators, engineers, and industry professionals to develop the RoboBuoy Challenge, a maritime robotics competition designed for high school students throughout Southern California.
The challenge will encourage students to apply engineering, electronics, programming, fabrication, navigation, and teamwork skills to solve real-world maritime robotics problems in a fun and competitive environment.
Students, teachers, parents, mentors, and community members are invited to visit the pond, meet Argonauts members, learn about model boating, RC sailing, and maritime STEM opportunities, and explore ways to get involved.
The event will provide an opportunity for prospective students and mentors to learn more about the upcoming RoboBuoy Challenge and other educational initiatives being developed by the San Diego Argonauts.
A Real-World Robotics & Autonomous Systems Competition
The San Diego Argonauts, San Diego’s premier radio-controlled model boating club since 1959, is seeking one or more local high school or college robotics teams to collaborate on a real-world applied engineering project.
The Challenge
Design, build, and deploy a GPS-guided robotic buoy capable of:
For inquiries from educators, faculty advisors, or student team leads:
Please visit our Contact page and / or reach out to:
Jeff Sparksworthy
Kerim Baran
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Update & resources for project teams:
The following resources and information were shared with us after our outreach. These can be valuable resources for the project teams willing to work on this project:
The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio takes us to the beautiful Foster City lagoon for the 2026 California IOM State Championship—widely regarded as one of the finest radio sailing venues in the country.
Recorded pond-side during the regatta, Commodore Jess Atkinson talks with four competitors about the racing, boat tuning, and what makes this championship such a standout event. The episode also celebrates a terrific performance by the San Diego Argonauts, with all five club members finishing in the top 10.
The show wraps up with a call-in from Vice Commodore of Power Division Bill Bridge, who shares results from the NAMBA District 19 Heat Race Series in San Diego, where an impressive 137 boats competed across 11 classes.
Whether you’re planning a road trip to race new waters or simply want to learn more about the broader RC sailing community, this episode is worth a listen.
