Jon Rogers provided fascinating insights into the rapidly expanding sport of RC sailing, highlighting the various sailboat classes available in the San Diego area.
Jon placed particular emphasis on the DF95 class, which is experiencing remarkable growth and gaining popularity among enthusiasts thanks to its affordability (under $500).
This 1hr+ long interview is full of great gems and topics such as:
– Useful tips & tricks of RC Sailing – RC Sailing Mechanics – RC and DF95’s as an Entry Point to Sailing – The Competitive Scene & Notable Sailors who participate in RC sailing – RC Community & Events in and around San Diego & SoCal – The Future of RC Sailing and its Olympic Potential, and more…
Overall, this interview captures the passion, community, and innovation surrounding modern sailing, blending the traditions of full-scale yacht racing with the emerging world of RC competition.
The morning of February 20, 2025, dawned crisp and clear over San Diego Pond, where six highly skilled skippers prepared for an intense day of Marblehead-class racing. Sponsored by the esteemed Argonauts Radio Sailing Club, the event promised high-level competition, tactical brilliance, and the sheer excitement of sailing these sleek, high-performance yachts.
As the starting clock sounded for the first of fourteen races, the fleet surged forward, slicing through the water with precision. Each skipper, standing along the shore with their radio controllers in hand, relied on years of experience to navigate the ever-changing wind conditions. The Marbleheads, with their lightweight hulls and towering sails, responded instantly to every command, making for a fast-paced and fiercely competitive regatta.
Larry Grant sailed a solid event from the start, but for much of the day, he trailed behind the early leaders, including Jess Atkinson and John Castelli, who set the pace with strong performances. George Pedrick and Chris Sullivan also posted consistent finishes, keeping the competition close. Gene Harris, showed determination throughout the event.
As the regatta progressed, Larry steadily improved, making small adjustments to his tactics and boat handling. By the final stretch of races, he had found his rhythm, closing the gap on the frontrunners. Going into the last few races, he had worked his way into contention, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
With more than one point separating him from his closest competitor, Larry needed a strong finish to secure victory. In the final race, the fleet charged off the starting line, with Jess pushing hard to maintain his advantage. Larry, however, executed a masterful upwind leg, positioning himself perfectly for the final downwind run. With a decisive move at the last mark, he surged ahead, crossing the finish line first and sealing both the race win and the overall regatta victory.
With the standings finalized, the results were:
Larry Grant – First place
Jess Atkinson – Second place
John Castelli – Third place
George Pedrick – Fourth place
Chris Sullivan – Fifth place
Gene Harris – Sixth place
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, the sailors gathered for the awards ceremony, exchanging handshakes and recounting the day’s thrilling battles on the water.
The regatta was a testament to the high level of competition and camaraderie within the Argonauts Radio Sailing Club, providing both participants and spectators with a memorable day of sailing.
2 Hatch covers Power Switch and 2 Switch rods Upgraded Sailwinch ($69.95 value) Mast Fitting tube 3 Jib boom counterweights with shafts Elvstrom Explains the Racing Rules (2021-2024) book Bottle of CorrosionX Stand
Kicking off the days racing were the IOMs with Commodore Pat Nevitt doing a great job as RD. First race was going to be our standard medium course just to scope things out but that was changed to a long course after some advice was offered to the VC of Sail from the Godfather of IOMs, Mr. Mackey. Not wanting to wake up in the morning with a horses head in my sail bag, I kindly passed this advice on to the RD who willingly obliged. 🙂 Long courses were the order of the day with some superb competition throughout the heats. Good to have Jason and Dennis back on the starting line with Dennis racking up four bullets and taking out the day, well done. With the Region 8 Regatta on next week it’s sure to be a great couple of days.
But wait, there’s more! Next on the pond were the DF 95s, 18 in fact! What a show. With that many boats on the start line and on the course all at the same time there was bound to be ‘interactions’. Plenty of penalty turns and close avoidance measures being put to the test. All skippers conducted themselves very well, kudos to you all for sailing as sportsman should, the Corinthian spirit is alive and well. 🙂 BUT……. Oops, I forgot to mention the RD. Headmaster Mackey was back to keep things in order. Apparently word got out there would be a host of boats in the playground and anarchy was not to prevail. As most of you that sailed the January points race would know, Craig runs a tight ship and after a general recall or two, you guessed it, the black flag rule was invoked. Those skippers that weren’t up to speed on what the black flag means, definitely know now! :O Heats were all medium courses in a very fluctuating breeze that kicked hard to the right at times making any venture out to the left somewhat perilous and not without risk. Great to see so many boats turning up and providing some very tight racing. Welcome to John Lisenby who has only just got into sailing the DF 95 and by all accounts is having a ball.
A big thank to everyone who manned their rakes this morning to clear the shoreline of the dreaded slime. Very much appreciated. 🙂 Thanks also to Kerim, Jason and Dave for helping get the boat and buoys away.