Latest Updates

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.

Episode 3 takes us straight into the heart of championship racing at the Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond with full coverage of the Region 8 IOM Championships — 28 boats strong, with competitors traveling from Washington, Florida, Utah, Idaho, Colorado, and across California to compete in three days of tactical, shifty, and at times challenging conditions.

As always, the pond delivered everything: pressure, light air, puffs, shifts — and world-class competition.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talking-regatta-footage-region-8-results-and-points-races/id1874110517?i=1000752414588

The episode also highlights the Marblehead exhibition fleet, sportsmanship honors, and the tremendous volunteer effort that makes large-scale regattas like this possible. From PRO duties to race committee support and trophy craftsmanship, the Argonauts once again demonstrated what a high-functioning model yacht club looks like.

🎥 Featured Interview: Dan Shier – Shaky Cam Productions

A major highlight of Episode 3 is an in-depth conversation with Dan Shear of Shaky Cam Productions (Olympia Model Sailors).

Dan shares:

– His origin story — from a $100 Craigslist Victoria to owning boats in every local fleet.
– Why he began filming regattas (promotion + “game film” for sailors).
– The behind-the-scenes reality of producing race videos (3–6 hours per day of processing and uploading).
– His vision for growing model sailing nationwide.
– His new role as a U.S. distributor for DF95 parts to support one of the country’s largest classes.
– His work with the AMYA, including stepping into the Vice President role and supporting class development nationwide.

If you’ve ever studied one of Dan’s regatta videos before traveling to an event, this interview will resonate.

📊 February Points Racing Results

Episode 3 also recaps a busy February at the pond for each of the 4 classes we sail. Soling 50s, ODOMs, IOMs, DF95s. Strong fleet sizes across every class continue to show the health and momentum of racing at Mission Bay.

📅 Coming Up in March

– Chair Challenge (March 7) – Sail from a chair! Modified course. Everyone remains seated.
– Points Race – March 14 (Scale Division: Age of Steam)
– Open House – March 21
– Points Race – March 28 (DF95s & IOMs — DFs lead the charge)

Whether you sail ODOMs, Solings, DF95s, IOMs, or Scale — the invitation stands. If you’re within earshot of Southern California, come sail with us.

🎧 Listen now and stay connected to the racing, the stories, and the people that make the San Diego Argonauts one of the premier RC model yacht clubs in the country.

See you at the pond. ⚓