WIND, WIND and more WIND! The most solid breeze we’ve seen at the Pond in at least a year (or more!) 10 to 15 knots from the WNW allowed both classes to run LOOOOOOONG courses. Chris Staiger RD’d a fleet of 15 DF95’s before Kerim Baran took over to run 13 IOM’s. Excellent conditions with fun, fast, fabulous racing!
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.
The format is simple, fast-paced, and fun:
This is more than just a fun day—it’s a great opportunity to:
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.
We’re asking Argonauts members to help make this event a success:
Even showing up and supporting the event will go a long way in creating a great experience.
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!
See last page of NOR for Regatta Entry Form:
Episode 4 of San Diego Argonauts Radio captures the energy and diversity of activity at the Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond, from competitive sailing to the creativity of the scale division. Host Jeff Atkinson recaps a successful and highly social “Chair Challenge” regatta, where borrowed boats, tight racing, and friendly rivalry highlighted the inclusive spirit of the club. With nine competitors and a dramatic tie at the top, the event showcased both skill and camaraderie—hallmarks of the Argonauts community.
The episode also looks ahead to upcoming events, including the Open House and Swap Meet, inviting members, families, and newcomers to experience the hobby firsthand.
The heart of the episode is a fascinating conversation with Vice Commodore of Scale Division, Jeff Sparksworthy, who shares his journey from model-building enthusiast to master craftsman of fully scratch-built boats. His perspective reveals the dual nature of the hobby—part engineering challenge, part peaceful escape—as well as the deep historical inspiration behind many scale models.
Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/it-crosses-between-a-hobby-versus-an-obsession-some-days/id1874110517?i=1000755524136
Sparksworthy also introduces an exciting vision for the future: engaging local students through a robotics-based buoy challenge that blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.
The episode ultimately highlights what makes the Argonauts special—a community where obsession-level craftsmanship, lifelong learning, and intergenerational connection all come together on the water.
A special thank-you is also given to Rod Messenger for his craftsmanship and generosity in restoring the club’s dinghy—an essential workhorse for race operations—ensuring it’s ready for many more days on the pond.
Summary from Commodore Jess Atkinson:
Today was a blast at the mission bay pond. Chair Challenge. 12 races without leaving your seat.
A look into adaptive sailing for mobility challenged sailors not able to walk the long distance of 12 races. All skippers remain seated. Short course, and a big start line.
9 skippers did the challenge with their DF 95’s. The weather was perfect.
Even had one of the skippers put on a B rig. He was flying in the last race. Super fast!
At the ribbons presentation, Steve Ross, in 5th place, said it was the first radio sailing award he’d ever received. Tom WARREN, in fourth place, was just nothing but smiles and said he had a wonderful time. Third place went to Kerim Baran, who brought a whole fleet of boats, so everyone gets to sail. Thank you, Kerim.
Big tie there between Pat Nevit and Chris Davidson, with Chris Davidson winning the countback for the tie. Pat sailed masterfully, with 29 pts before throwouts 11pts ahead of Chris. After the dust settled, it was a 21-point tie. Chris also sailed like a superstar. Having won 7 races on the day.
Was fun for the RD, too.
Videos were uploaded to Facebook:
1)https://www.facebook.com/100012585552614/videos/pcb.26213245328338096/893760663272089
2)https://www.facebook.com/100012585552614/videos/pcb.26213245328338096/1970988923486765
