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🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 6: History & Community of RC Sailing in California

A Deep Dive into the History & Community of RC Sailing in California

In this episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson takes the mic solo to deliver a rich, insider tour of RC sailing across California. Drawing on decades of experience and deep connections throughout the community, Jess offers a deep-dive perspective on the people, ponds, and clubs that shape the Region 8 sailing scene.

The episode takes listeners on a journey up the coast—from San Diego to Northern California—highlighting the diversity of clubs, racing styles, and fleets. From tight, shifty local ponds to world-class venues, Jess breaks down what makes each location unique, how different classes demand different techniques, and how sailors stay connected through shared events, competition, and long-standing relationships.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-californias-region-8-ponds-regatta-results/id1874110517?i=1000761135006

One listener on Spotify captured the spirit of it perfectly:
“So cool how plugged in you are with the other chapters! You should do a big episode with some other commodores! Kinda like the meeting of the families in The Godfather.”

We couldn’t agree more—this episode feels exactly like that: a behind-the-scenes look at a tightly connected network of clubs and personalities that together form the backbone of RC sailing in California and beyond.

Jess also covers major international and domestic racing & clinic highlights, including standout U.S. performances at the British Nationals and a preview of the upcoming IOM World Championships.

Closer to home, the episode wraps with a full recap of the 2026 DF95 Region 8 Championship at the San Diego Model Boat Pond—an outstanding weekend of racing, great conditions, and classic Argonauts hospitality, made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers and competitors from across the country.

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just discovering RC sailing, Episode 6 of the Argonauts Raido is a must-listen—a blend of history, storytelling, and competitive insight that captures what makes this community so special.

2026 DF95 R8 Championship – Final Standings

The San Diego Argonauts hosted the DF95 Region 8 Championship on April 11–12.

A little bit of everything over the weekend—shifting winds, tight mark roundings, and even a 20-minute spurt of rain on Sunday—but one thing remained constant: the Corinthian Spirit. 🙂

We saw it all out there—winds shuffling between S, SW, W, and NW, keeping everyone on their toes and delivering some truly dynamic racing. The competition was top-notch: Jim Sears schooled the fleet on Saturday, and Chris Davidson took over the act on Sunday.

Top 5 and Final Standings below:
1) Chris Davidson
2) Jess Atkinson
3) Keith Ives
4) Dennis Rogers
5) Kerim Baran

A huge thank you to all the competitors, guests, and organizers who made this such a special event. Special shoutout to Chris Staiger and team for putting together an impeccably run regatta—while somehow also cooking up a fantastic BBQ!

And of course, it wouldn’t be an Argonauts weekend without the full experience: the classic Bob Dogs and an amazing pizza spread on Sunday.

All around, another great weekend at the pond!

Pictures & Videos below:

Race 13A

Race 12A

Race 11A

Race 9A


Race 8A


Race 7A

Race 6A

Race 3A

Race 2A

Race 2B

Race 1A

Race 1B

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 5: Inside the DF95 Regionals

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.”

🔗 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.

Youth Sailing Meets RC Sailing (April 1st, 2026)

Sabot Racers Visit the Argonauts Pond

A Unique Cross-Over Experience

On Wednesday, April 1st, the San Diego Argonauts will host a special Spring Break field trip led by Coach Jon Rogers, bringing 6–12 junior Sabot racers to the pond for a hands-on introduction to RC sailing.

This event creates a rare bridge between full-scale youth sailing and the precision world of model yacht racing—giving young athletes a chance to experience tactics, wind reading, and race strategy from a completely new perspective.

How the Session Will Work

The format is simple, fast-paced, and fun:

  • Start time: 11:30 am PT
  • Each sailor will compete in two short races using Argonauts’ loaner DF95 boats
  • The top six performers will advance to a final race
  • The session will be captured on video to showcase the experience and community

This is more than just a fun day—it’s a great opportunity to:

  • Introduce young sailors to a lifelong hobby
  • Showcase the Argonauts as a welcoming, intergenerational community
  • Potentially bring in new families and future members

For many of these kids, this could be their first exposure to RC sailing—and possibly the start of a deeper connection to the sport.

Call for Volunteers & Boats

We’re asking Argonauts members to help make this event a success:

  • Lend a boat for one or more races
  • Assist with race coordination
  • Provide light mentorship and guidance

Even showing up and supporting the event will go a long way in creating a great experience.

Get Involved

Interested in helping or lending a boat?
Please reach out to Jon at buenorogers @ gmail or simply join us at the pond on April 1st!