Author: Kerim Baran

⚡ 2026 NAMBA Power Boat Championships (June 12-14, 2026)

The San Diego Argonauts were proud to host another outstanding NAMBA Power Boat Championship event at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond on June 13–14, 2026. This year’s event drew more than 100 boat entries—more than double last year’s participation—with competitors traveling from across the country to showcase some of the fastest and most impressive RC power boats in the hobby.

The pond was alive with activity throughout the weekend as racers, crews, families, and spectators enjoyed exciting competition, beautifully prepared race boats, custom trailers, team tents, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Participants included racers of all ages, with a welcome presence of youth and female competitors helping to demonstrate the growing diversity of the RC power boating community.

The event was organized by San Diego Argonauts members Bill Bridge and Al Waters, whose months of preparation helped deliver what many attendees described as a world-class racing experience. In addition to managing a complex race schedule, the volunteer team served more than 85 lunches over the two-day event and hosted a Saturday evening Tri-Tip BBQ dinner attended by approximately 55 guests.


A successful event of this scale depends on many helping hands. Special thanks go to the numerous Power Division volunteers as well as members from the Sail and Scale Divisions who assisted throughout the weekend, including support with pond operations and water-level management. Their efforts demonstrated the collaborative spirit that has long been a hallmark of the San Diego Argonauts.

As NAMBA Executive Secretary and longtime Argonaut member Al Waters noted, events like these are possible when many volunteers each contribute a small part, creating an experience that benefits the entire RC boating community.


The San Diego Argonauts congratulate Bill Bridge, Al Waters, and all of the volunteers, racers, and supporters who helped make the 2026 NAMBA Power Boat Championships such a memorable success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the pond again soon.

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 10: Inside the 2026 IOM Worlds…

…with Brian Shore, Peter Feldman & Gary Boell

The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now available, and it may be our most ambitious episode yet.

In Episode 10, SD Argonauts’ Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with three of America’s top International One Metre (IOM) skippers to discuss their experiences competing at the 2026 IOM World Championship in Datchet, England, just outside London.

This special episode features in-depth interviews with:

  • Brian Shore – 9th Place Overall
  • Peter Feldman – 4th Place Overall
  • Gary Boell – Veteran U.S. International Competitor and Multi-Worlds Campaigner

Together, these conversations provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most competitive radio sailing events in the world.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-american-skippers-take-us-behind-the-scenes-of/id1874110517

What You’ll Hear

Brian Shore shares the remarkable story of qualifying for the Worlds after only a handful of IOM regattas and achieving an impressive Top-10 finish. He discusses the challenges of competing against former world champions, adapting to the demanding conditions at Datchet Reservoir, and navigating the intense scrutiny of international measurement inspections.

Peter Feldman reflects on his outstanding fourth-place finish, the mental and tactical challenges of choosing the correct rig in constantly changing conditions, and the preparation required to compete at the highest level of international radio sailing. His insights into fleet management, race strategy, and the grind of a six-day championship offer valuable lessons for sailors of every level.

Gary Boell brings the perspective of one of America’s most experienced international IOM competitors, having represented the United States at World and European Championships for well over a decade. Gary discusses how far the American IOM program has progressed, the camaraderie among the ten U.S. skippers competing in England, and the pride of seeing four American boats sailing in the championship’s final A-Fleet race.

A Strong Showing for Team USA

One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is the continued rise of American IOM sailing. The United States fielded one of its strongest teams ever, with multiple skippers competing at the front of the fleet throughout the event and several finishing among the world’s elite.

The interviews highlight not only the sailing itself, but also the preparation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication required to compete successfully on the world stage. From equipment tuning and rig selection to long race days and international competition, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes to race among the best sailors in the world.

Additional Regatta Reports

Episode 10 also includes:

  • A report from the Region 6 DF95 Championship in Seattle from AMYA Vice President Dan Shier
  • Coverage of the Travelers Trophy Team Racing Event at the San Diego Model Yacht Pond
  • Monthly points standings for the ODOM, Soling, DF95, and IOM fleets
  • Results from the Bob DeBow Masters Series ODOM event

Whether you’re an active racer, a casual sailor, or simply curious about what it takes to compete at the highest levels of radio sailing, this episode offers a rare inside look at the world’s premier IOM event through the eyes of three accomplished American skippers.

A special thank you to Brian Shore, Peter Feldman, Gary Boell, and Dan Shier for sharing their time, insights, and experiences with the San Diego Argonauts community.

We hope you enjoy Episode 10 of San Diego Argonauts Radio.

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 9: 100+ Powerboats at the Pond!

The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now live!

Host Jess Atkinson sits down with Vice Commodore of Power, Bill Bridge, to discuss one of the biggest events of the year at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond: the upcoming NAMBA District 19 Powerboat Race, taking place June 12–14, 2026.

More than 100 high-performance RC powerboats are expected to converge on San Diego for three days of racing, testing, camaraderie, and excitement. Bill shares the history of powerboat racing at the pond, how he became involved with the Argonauts, and what it takes to organize an event of this scale.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-powerboats-at-the-pond-in-june-how-vc-bill-bridge/id1874110517?i=1000769445722

Among the topics discussed:

  • The evolution from nitro-powered “thunderboats” to modern gasoline-powered racers
  • Boats capable of reaching speeds approaching 60–90 mph
  • The different classes of mono hulls, catamarans, and scale-inspired race boats
  • Why Mission Bay remains one of Southern California’s premier RC boating venues
  • What visitors can expect during the June District 19 event
  • How the Argonauts’ sail and power divisions work together to support major regattas and races

Bill describes the event as an “organized circus”—and in the best possible way. Racers from across Southern California and neighboring states will bring hundreds of boats, trailers, tools, and equipment to the pond for a weekend of intense competition and fun.

Spectators Welcome

The event is free to attend and offers a fantastic opportunity for club members, families, and the public to experience RC powerboat racing up close.

Event Details

  • Event: NAMBA District 19 Heat Race #5
  • Dates: June 12–14, 2026
  • Location: Mission Bay Model Boat Pond
  • Admission: Free

Bring a chair, enjoy the sunshine, and watch some of the fastest RC boats in the region battle it out on the water.

Also in This Episode

  • AMYA President Len Boes provides a brief update on upcoming radio sailing events and the latest issue of Model Yachting magazine.
  • Jess recaps the recently completed IOM World Championship, highlighting one of the strongest performances ever by the U.S. team, with seven American skippers finishing in the top 18.
  • Upcoming Argonauts activities for June, including ODOM, Soling, IOM, Scale Division, and Power Division events.

Whether you’re a sailor, power boater, scale enthusiast, or simply curious about the hobby, this episode offers a great look at another exciting corner of the San Diego Argonauts community.

🎧 Listen now, and we’ll see you at the pond!

🏆 Bob DeBow ODOM Masters Regatta II Results (May 16th, 2026)

The second running of the Bob DeBow ODOM Masters Regatta was held at the San Diego Model Yacht Pond, continuing this new Argonauts tradition honoring one of the legends of our local RC sailing community. The regatta once again delivered a great day of competitive and fun ODOM racing.

Congratulations to all skippers who participated, and especially to our top finishers:

  1. Jess Atkinson
  2. Chris Davidson
  3. Larry Grant
  4. Tom Warren
  5. Gil Jansky

A special thank you to everyone who helped organize, set up, race direct, score, retrieve marks, and keep the event running smoothly throughout the day.

The Bob DeBow Masters series has quickly become one of the highlights of the Argonauts sailing calendar, combining competitive racing with recognition of the sailors who helped build and shape the San Diego RC sailing community.

We look forward to the next Masters event at the Pond!

đź“şSan Diego Argonauts on CBS News

A piece of fun news 🙂

The San Diego Argonauts were featured on CBS8 San Diego today!

CBS8 story on their website:
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/zevely-zone/san-diego-argonauts-affordable-water-sport/509-d67e58f9-79ec-4434-a3a1-ebc6330861a7

On a related note:
The CBS8 crew helped promote our STEM/Robotics initiative for high school & college students involving GPS-guided robotic buoys and autonomous marine systems. If you know any students, robotics teams, or STEM advisors who might be interested, please send them our way!

More info here:
https://www.sandiegoargonauts.org/2026/05/02/%e2%9a%93-calling-san-diego-socal-robotics-stem-students/

🎙️ San Diego Argonauts Radio – Episode 8

Episode 8 of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now live!

In this episode, host Jess Atkinson sits down with longtime model yachting leader and AMYA Hall of Fame member Bob Eger of the Sacramento Area Model Yacht Club during the Region 8 DF95 Travelers Trophy event at Bridgeway Lakes in Sacramento.

Bob shares stories from more than 50 years in radio sailing — from founding the South Bay Model Yacht Club in 1975, to helping grow Sacramento’s thriving racing scene, developing Star 45 and J-Class fleets, organizing large-scale regattas, and promoting the hobby to new generations of sailors.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sailing-in-sacramento-with-bob-eger-april-results/id1874110517?i=1000767152260

The conversation also highlights Sacramento’s welcoming club culture, fleet-building programs, Thursday “Luffers” training sessions, and upcoming Sail Week and regional championship events.

The episode also covers:

  • The recent DF95 Travelers Trophy event in Sacramento
  • Growth of Star 45 and J-Class fleets on the West Coast
  • Upcoming AMYA and regional regattas
  • April race results from the San Diego Argonauts pond
  • Team Challenge and Bob DeBow Trophy upcoming events
  • Reflections on the passing of renowned IOM designer Ian Vickers

The Sacramento Travelers Trophy event was especially strong for the San Diego Argonauts, with club members claiming 5 of the top 6 finishing positions in a 14-boat fleet — a tremendous showing for the club on the road.

Whether you’re an experienced racer, a scale boating enthusiast, or simply curious about RC sailing, Episode 8 offers a great mix of history, competition, club culture, and the people helping keep model yachting thriving across California.

âš“ Age of Sail Schooner Day (May 9, 2026)

The San Diego Argonauts Scale Division held a beautiful “Age of Sail” gathering at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond on May 9th, featuring an impressive collection of classic schooners and traditional sailing vessels.

Members brought out a variety of finely crafted scale sailboats inspired by the great Age of Sail era — from elegant schooners to detailed tall ship models — creating a scene that looked like a miniature historic harbor brought to life.

The combination of steady winds, detailed craftsmanship, and camaraderie made for a memorable day at the pond. Spectators and fellow members enjoyed watching the graceful sailing characteristics of these classic vessels as they navigated the water under full sail.

A special thank you to everyone who participated, helped organize the event, and shared their beautiful boats with the club and visitors.

Photo Gallery & Videos Below

Interested in scale model boating or RC sailing?

Come visit the San Diego Argonauts at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond and learn more about our Sail, Scale, and Power divisions.

đź”— Membership information and upcoming events can be found on this page.

🏆 DF95 Region 8 Travelers Trophy Brings Great Racing & Camaraderie to Sacramento

The San Diego Argonauts had an outstanding showing at the May 2–3, 2026 Region 8 Dragon Flight 95 Travel Trophy Regatta at Bridgeway Lakes in Sacramento, hosted by the Sacramento Model Yacht Club (SMYC).

In a competitive 14-boat fleet and breezy Northern California conditions, Argonauts sailors captured 4 of the top 5 finishing positions.

Leading the charge was Jess Atkinson with a 1st place finish, followed by Len Bose in 2nd, George Pedrick in 3rd, Dennis Rogers in 4th, and Chris Staiger in 5th.

The regatta featured steady 10–15 knot winds, fast racing, and the always-appreciated camaraderie that makes the DF95 Travel Trophy series such a favorite among skippers throughout Region 8.

In addition to the racing, the weekend highlighted everything that makes the Travel Trophy series special — road trips with fellow sailors, reconnecting with friends from other clubs, sharing stories over Saturday dinner, and learning how different clubs organize and run their events. Another fantastic weekend of competitive RC sailing, strong Argonauts results, and great camaraderie throughout Region 8.

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 7: Pacific Northwest Ponds: Oregon, Washington, Idaho & Beyond

In this latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson takes us on a tour of the Pacific Northwest RC sailing scene—highlighting some of the most active clubs, unique sailing venues, and passionate communities from Oregon to Washington to Idaho, and even up to Salt Spring Island.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pacific-northwest-ponds-oregon-washington-idaho-salt/id1874110517?i=1000763767536

From the diverse fleets of the Rose City Model Yacht Club in Portland, to the strong IOM and DF95 presence in Seattle and Olympia, and the scenic sailing spots like Seafarers Memorial Park in Anacortes, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to travel, explore, or connect with other RC sailors.

You’ll also hear stories of legendary regattas like the Hood River Carnage, a look into grassroots boat-building culture (including T37 workshops at the Wooden Boat Museum), and tips on how to use the AMYA website to find clubs, regattas, and class info anywhere in the country.

The episode also wraps with updates on the DF95 Traveler Series stop in Sacramento, the IOM World Championships in the UK, and the always-popular Battle in Seattle.

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just getting into RC sailing, this episode is a great reminder: there’s a whole world of ponds—and great people—waiting out there.