Latest Updates

🚩Fleet Captains Step Up to Support Weekend Racing

In line with our recent Board and Member meeting discussions, our Commodore Jess Atkinson has encouraged members to step up into a new volunteer role—Fleet Captains—for each of our four sailboat classes.

Here are the Fleet Captains by class:

IOM: Dennis Rogers
DF95: Jack Calafato
ODOM: Keith Sternal
Soling 50: Ben Reeves

These Fleet Captains will help coordinate the setup and breakdown of the regatta course during point series weekends, aligned with the order of racing. The first fleet of the day will take the lead on setting the course and getting the skiff out on the water, while the final fleet will handle course breakdown and help clean and secure the skiff.

In addition, Fleet Captains are responsible for coordinating help and arranging backups or replacements as needed—making sure each weekend runs smoothly even if schedules shift.

This new system kicks off on May 9th with the ODOM & Soling race day.

This is a simple but important step toward keeping our race days organized and efficient—and a great example of the Argonauts community pitching in to support one another.

Thank you to everyone who stepped up!

2026 DF95 Team Challenge I Registration Now Open

Following Sacramento on May 2-3, the next stop on the 2026 Region 8 Travelers Trophy Tour will be San Diego on May 30th for Team Challenge I. This TMS (Team Management System) event will be fast-paced and fun with great spectator appeal. Matches take place on a tight course where rules knowledge and tactics usually win out over straight-line speed. Through a combination of round-robin and wildcard knockout stages, TMS keeps nearly every team ‘in the hunt’ for the final few races, with the winner ultimately being decided by the last race or two!

This year, skippers have the option to enter their own 2-Boat Teams or enter as individuals and be seeded into Teams as in prior team events.

NOR – 2026 Team Challenge I REVISEDDownload

Current Roster (4/27/26):

Points: IOMs & DF95s (April 25th, 2026) + A Farewell & Touch of Art

This weekend’s Points Races at the Pond delivered one of those classic, tricky sailing days. (Results below)

The wind kept everyone on their toes with big, unpredictable lulls & shifts—especially in the second half of the day. The pin end became increasingly favored, and those who figured out the sneaky pin-end starts found themselves quietly climbing the leaderboard. Steve’s videos are below. Thank you, Steve, we love your videos even without the commentary!

But beyond the racing, the day carried a deeper emotional note. We gathered to send off our dear friend Rich Rogers, who is heading to Oregon to be closer to family.

Richie has been a constant source of positivity, encouragement, and humor at the pond, always quick with a smile, a joke, or an encouraging word from the sidelines. The farewell was simple, heartfelt, and yes… a bit emotional. Richie will be truly missed.

And in one of those rare special moments, a couple of young visitors spent time by the pond and created a beautiful oil painting capturing the RC sailing action and the spirit of the day.

Days like this remind us, it’s not just about the racing. It’s about the people, the stories, and the moments in between.

Results & Videos below:

Videos:

⛵ RC Sailing & Boating Open House Event! (Aug 1st, 2026)

Join us for a day of fun

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, Aug 1st, 2026 (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.

Questions? Email [sdargonauts@gmail.com] or visit www.sandiegoargonauts.org

🎙️ 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.