Latest Updates

SD Argonauts – General Membership Meeting (Feb 8, 2025)

San Diego Argonauts hosted their annual General Membership Meeting on Feb 8, 2025 at the San Diego Model Boat Pond. The meeting was attended by 21 members from all three divisions.

Lifetime members Bob Williams, Rich Rogers, and Jeff Sparksworthy were honored for their contributions.

Updates were provided on the pond water level issue, with the city acknowledging infrastructure problems but delaying major repairs due to budget constraints, while a temporary solution is being implemented.

The club’s financial status remains strong, with a new system for proportionally distributing membership dues across divisions. Website updates were discussed, including improvements in design, navigation, and email communication, with the new site expected to launch by the end of February.

Ideas for attracting new members were shared, such as outreach to scouting groups and organizing joint sailing events.

Additional discussions covered benefits of AMYA membership, the introduction of annual RC sailing races in honor of community legends, and the return of a long-absent member.

You can reach the Minutes of this Meeting under the Membership page of this website. And also via this direct link.

Feb 8th – Soling 50 & ODOM Points Races

By gee by jingo by Crikey! What another great day at the pond with the Soling 50’s and ODOMS fighting it out on the water!
First off was the Soling 50’s with RD Pat Nevitt allocating a mixture of medium and long courses for the six heats sailed.
The breeze flicked a little from left to right which offered plenty of opportunities for the skippers to show their tactical prowess. 🙂
Some very close racing with three different boats taking two wins each and a tie for 1st overall.

Chris Staiger took over from Pat to RD for the ODOM’s and again there was a mix of medium and long courses.
Unfortunately for Steve Ross and Gil Jansky the dreaded gremlins had got onboard both boats and they were not able to compete but instead added
two more seats to the ‘peanut gallery’. What else would one do if you can’t go sailing? 🙂
By now the breeze had moved a little into the right which created panic if you found yourself on the left side of the course. :O
With a little luck and bad luck being shared around, there was no doubt at the end who took advantage of the conditions the best.
Kerim Baran again put in a very consistent performance with only Tom Warren being able to spoil Jess Atkinson’s clean sweep.
Great racing by all skippers over all heats.

The ODOM tuning clinic on the 1st of March is not to be missed.

Thanks to skippers, Race Directors and of course the ‘Peanut Gallery’ for making it another great day at the pond.
See you next week!

San Diego Argonauts Awards Ceremony Banquet Dinner – A Night to Remember

On Saturday, January 25, 2025, the San Diego Argonauts came together for a memorable evening to celebrate another successful year of RC boating and camaraderie. The event, organized and hosted by our new and enthusiastic Top Gun Commodore, Pat Nevitt, who brings fresh energy and vision to the club, set the tone for an exciting year ahead. It took place at the cozy and welcoming Pizza Nova in Point Loma, where members gathered to enjoy great food, good company, and well-deserved recognition for their contributions to the club.

The night kicked off with a warm welcome from the board, followed by a delicious meal that featured Pizza Nova’s signature dishes. Members reminisced about the highlights of the year, including regattas and scale sessions, and enjoyed a funny, touching, and beautifully crafted video by Tom Warren, our Staff Commodore, full of the rich history of the club.

One of the evening’s highlights was the Awards Ceremony, where standout members were recognized for their achievements and contributions.

A particularly special moment of the night was the recognition of Bob Williams for his many years of selfless contributions to the club. Bob has been a cornerstone of the San Diego Argonauts, dedicating his time, effort, and expertise to the growth and success of the club. In honor of his outstanding service, the board proudly awarded Bob with a Lifetime Membership, a heartfelt gesture of gratitude for all he has done. Rich Rogers and Jeff Sparksworthy were also awarded Lifetime Memberships.

The awards, beautifully hand-crafted by Gil Jansky, were met with applause, laughter, and heartfelt words, reflecting the strong bond shared by everyone in the club.

A big thank you to all who attended and made the event so special. Your dedication and enthusiasm continue to make the San Diego Argonauts a vibrant and welcoming community.

Here’s to another year of RC boating, friendship, and fun!

San Diego Argonauts Annual General Membership Meeting

Fellow Argonauts,

We’re excited to announce the rescheduled date for our Annual General Membership Meeting. Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 8, at 10:30 AM, taking place at the pond.

The 10:30 AM start time ensures that our Scale members can join us after their session. Following the meeting, we’ll jump right into the Points Races for Soling 50 and ODOM classes.

Bring a chair and come prepared to hear updates on a variety of club-related topics. We’ll also open the floor for a discussion, so feel free to share any ideas, suggestions, or questions you may have.

Your participation is vital to the continued success and growth of our club. We look forward to seeing you there!

If you would like to review our recent Board Meeting Minutes before this meeting, you can read them here on our Membership page (at the bottom).

See you at the pond!

– The San Diego Argonauts Board

DF95 Tuning & Race Performance Clinic

Saturday Jan. 4 the San Diego Argonauts were honored to have Jess Atkinson conduct the 2025 DF95 Tuning & Race Performance Clinic. This is the first in a series of seminars designed to help with tuning and racing practice. In short, an effort to raise the bar of sailing in our pond.. 

Photo Courtesy, Ben Reeve

Jess started the clinic with a step-by-step setup procedure for the DF95, sharing race proven setting that will put your boat in perfect balance for speed on the race course. Skippers asked numerous detailed questions and it was apparent this was valuable information for even the seasoned R/C sailor. The group also included a new R/C Sailing member.. Welcome John!

After the tuning portion 16 eager skippers, with well tuned rigs, headed to the water for starting drill practice. The challenge.. a 30 second start clock. A tight starting line. A very short weather leg. Up and back as fast as you can. With NO touching other boats! You touch..two boats out.. A great drill! Now do that 25 times..

Jess also discussed numerous strategies to get the most out of your boat on the water, course positioning while racing, how to avoid getting in the tough spots and how to get out.. One of the final water practices was the 360 drill. Fast tacks and jibes to stay in the race even if you foul.  A Fantastic Day! Thank You Jess!

Photo Courtesy, Ben Reeve
Special thanks to others that helped make this Tune Up Day happen:

Chris Davidson

Dennis Rodgers

Keith Sternal

Jason Brooks 

Chris Staiger

Jon Rogers

There’s an IOM Tuning and Race Performance Clinic on the calendar for Saturday, February 1.

Don’t miss this opportunity to tune up for the 2025 AMYA Region 8 Championship Regatta!

Smooth Sailing, Gil