Latest Updates

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 10: Inside the 2026 IOM Worlds…

…with Brian Shore, Peter Feldman & Gary Boell

The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now available, and it may be our most ambitious episode yet.

In Episode 10, SD Argonauts’ Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with three of America’s top International One Metre (IOM) skippers to discuss their experiences competing at the 2026 IOM World Championship in Datchet, England, just outside London.

This special episode features in-depth interviews with:

  • Brian Shore – 9th Place Overall
  • Peter Feldman – 4th Place Overall
  • Gary Boell – Veteran U.S. International Competitor and Multi-Worlds Campaigner

Together, these conversations provide a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the most competitive radio sailing events in the world.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-american-skippers-take-us-behind-the-scenes-of/id1874110517

What You’ll Hear

Brian Shore shares the remarkable story of qualifying for the Worlds after only a handful of IOM regattas and achieving an impressive Top-10 finish. He discusses the challenges of competing against former world champions, adapting to the demanding conditions at Datchet Reservoir, and navigating the intense scrutiny of international measurement inspections.

Peter Feldman reflects on his outstanding fourth-place finish, the mental and tactical challenges of choosing the correct rig in constantly changing conditions, and the preparation required to compete at the highest level of international radio sailing. His insights into fleet management, race strategy, and the grind of a six-day championship offer valuable lessons for sailors of every level.

Gary Boell brings the perspective of one of America’s most experienced international IOM competitors, having represented the United States at World and European Championships for well over a decade. Gary discusses how far the American IOM program has progressed, the camaraderie among the ten U.S. skippers competing in England, and the pride of seeing four American boats sailing in the championship’s final A-Fleet race.

A Strong Showing for Team USA

One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is the continued rise of American IOM sailing. The United States fielded one of its strongest teams ever, with multiple skippers competing at the front of the fleet throughout the event and several finishing among the world’s elite.

The interviews highlight not only the sailing itself, but also the preparation, teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication required to compete successfully on the world stage. From equipment tuning and rig selection to long race days and international competition, listeners will gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes to race among the best sailors in the world.

Additional Regatta Reports

Episode 10 also includes:

  • A report from the Region 6 DF95 Championship in Seattle from AMYA Vice President Dan Shier
  • Coverage of the Travelers Trophy Team Racing Event at the San Diego Model Yacht Pond
  • Monthly points standings for the ODOM, Soling, DF95, and IOM fleets
  • Results from the Bob DeBow Masters Series ODOM event

Whether you’re an active racer, a casual sailor, or simply curious about what it takes to compete at the highest levels of radio sailing, this episode offers a rare inside look at the world’s premier IOM event through the eyes of three accomplished American skippers.

A special thank you to Brian Shore, Peter Feldman, Gary Boell, and Dan Shier for sharing their time, insights, and experiences with the San Diego Argonauts community.

We hope you enjoy Episode 10 of San Diego Argonauts Radio.

⚓ High School Maritime Robotics & STEM Workshop Day (July 7th, 2026)

Tuesday, July 7, 2026
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Mission Bay Model Boat Pond Clubhouse

The San Diego Argonauts are pleased to host our first High School Maritime Robotics & STEM Workshop Day, bringing together educators, mentors, engineers, makers, and experienced builders to explore hands-on skills that can support future maritime robotics and STEM programs for local high schools.

This workshop is part of a broader initiative to expand practical, project-based STEM education opportunities centered around marine technology, robotics, engineering, electronics, fabrication, and model boating.

The July 7 workshop represents the first step in what we hope will become an ongoing program that includes:

  • The development of the RoboBuoy Challenge, a new maritime robotics competition currently being designed for the 2026-2027 school year.
  • A Mentor & OPEN HOUSE Day on August 1, 2026, where students, parents, teachers, engineers, and potential mentors can learn more about model boating, maritime engineering, robotics, and future STEM opportunities at the pond.
  • Continued collaboration with local schools, educators, industry professionals, universities, and STEM organizations throughout San Diego County.

Our goal is simple: create a pathway that allows students to progress from learning basic technical skills, to building increasingly sophisticated maritime robotics projects, and ultimately to competing in a fun, educational, and highly practical engineering challenge.

The proposed RoboBuoy Challenge will encourage students to design, build, and operate autonomous and remotely controlled marine systems while developing real-world skills in engineering, electronics, fabrication, programming, communications, project management, and teamwork.

July 7 Workshop Overview

To support these future activities, participants will rotate through five instructional stations led by experienced Argonauts members and subject matter experts.

Table 1 – Basic Circuits & Connections

Instructor: Robin Cahill Simpson (or TBD)

Teaching Goals

  • Learn basic circuitry
  • Electrical safety
  • Grounding
  • Switching
  • Fusing
  • Metering

Activities

  • Create a basic switched circuit with fuse
  • Solder wire-to-wire and wire-to-connector connections
  • Test circuit operation and switching
  • Learn safe electrical practices and troubleshooting techniques

Table 2 – Batteries

Instructor: Ed Syres (or TBD)

Teaching Goals

  • Understand battery types
  • Learn charging methods and best practices
  • Understand series and parallel configurations
  • Learn common connection types
  • Discuss usage, charging, and storage safety
  • Explore waterproofing considerations

Activities

  • Compare battery packs wired in series versus parallel
  • Test and measure battery voltages
  • Demonstrate proper battery handling and connection techniques
  • Review connectors commonly used in robotics and marine applications

Table 3 – Glues & Binders

Instructor: Rob Wood (or TBD)

Teaching Goals

  • Understand different adhesive types
  • Learn where each adhesive performs best
  • Discuss safety considerations
  • Learn proper curing and setting techniques

Activities

  • Bond plastic-to-plastic materials
  • Bond acrylic and plexiglass components
  • Work with ABS and PVC materials
  • Explore epoxy applications
  • Learn clamping techniques
  • Discuss forms, jigs, and curing times

Table 4 – Control Systems

Instructor: Kurt Sellens (or TBD)

Teaching Goals

  • Gain familiarity with basic radio-control systems
  • Understand motor control systems
  • Learn about servos, receivers, and speed controllers
  • Explore mechanical linkage systems

Activities

  • Connect and bind a radio transmitter to a receiver
  • Add and test servos
  • Configure speed controllers
  • Demonstrate radio programming and control functions
  • Explore rudder and thruster linkages, pushrods, and turnbuckles

Table 5 – Cutting, Filing, Drilling & Tapping

Instructor: Jeff Sparksworthy (or TBD)

Teaching Goals

  • Gain familiarity with measuring and marking
  • Learn drilling and tapping techniques
  • Practice fabrication and finishing skills

Activities

  • Measure and mark a drilling location
  • Use a center punch
  • Drill a pilot hole in aluminum
  • Tap threads using an 8-32 tap
  • Practice filing techniques
  • Learn safe shop practices and proper tool usage

Building Maritime STEM in San Diego

The San Diego Argonauts believe that some of the best STEM education happens when students can design, build, test, troubleshoot, and improve real-world systems with their own hands.

By combining engineering, electronics, fabrication, programming, radio-control systems, autonomous technologies, and maritime applications, we hope to create engaging learning opportunities that inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, scientists, and marine technologists.

The July 7 workshop is intended to bring together educators, mentors, and technical volunteers to help shape the future of maritime STEM education in San Diego.

If successful, this effort will continue with our Mentor & Open House Day on August 1, 2026, followed by the launch of the RoboBuoy Challenge during the upcoming school year.

We invite teachers, engineers, makers, mentors, students, and STEM supporters to join us as we work to build a unique maritime robotics program for San Diego’s next generation of innovators.

Related Programs

⚓ RoboBuoy Challenge (Coming 2026-2027 School Year)

The San Diego Argonauts are currently working with educators, engineers, and industry professionals to develop the RoboBuoy Challenge, a maritime robotics competition designed for high school students throughout Southern California.

The challenge will encourage students to apply engineering, electronics, programming, fabrication, navigation, and teamwork skills to solve real-world maritime robotics problems in a fun and competitive environment.

Learn more:

⚓ San Diego Argonauts Robo-Buoy Challenge – Calling San Diego / SoCal Robotics & STEM Students

⛵ Mentor & Open House Day – August 1, 2026

Students, teachers, parents, mentors, and community members are invited to visit the pond, meet Argonauts members, learn about model boating, RC sailing, and maritime STEM opportunities, and explore ways to get involved.

The event will provide an opportunity for prospective students and mentors to learn more about the upcoming RoboBuoy Challenge and other educational initiatives being developed by the San Diego Argonauts.

Learn more:

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

We look forward to a productive and exciting day of learning, collaboration, and maritime innovation.

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 9: 100+ Powerboats at the Pond!

The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now live!

Host Jess Atkinson sits down with Vice Commodore of Power, Bill Bridge, to discuss one of the biggest events of the year at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond: the upcoming NAMBA District 19 Powerboat Race, taking place June 12–14, 2026.

More than 100 high-performance RC powerboats are expected to converge on San Diego for three days of racing, testing, camaraderie, and excitement. Bill shares the history of powerboat racing at the pond, how he became involved with the Argonauts, and what it takes to organize an event of this scale.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/100-powerboats-at-the-pond-in-june-how-vc-bill-bridge/id1874110517?i=1000769445722

Among the topics discussed:

  • The evolution from nitro-powered “thunderboats” to modern gasoline-powered racers
  • Boats capable of reaching speeds approaching 60–90 mph
  • The different classes of mono hulls, catamarans, and scale-inspired race boats
  • Why Mission Bay remains one of Southern California’s premier RC boating venues
  • What visitors can expect during the June District 19 event
  • How the Argonauts’ sail and power divisions work together to support major regattas and races

Bill describes the event as an “organized circus”—and in the best possible way. Racers from across Southern California and neighboring states will bring hundreds of boats, trailers, tools, and equipment to the pond for a weekend of intense competition and fun.

Spectators Welcome

The event is free to attend and offers a fantastic opportunity for club members, families, and the public to experience RC powerboat racing up close.

Event Details

  • Event: NAMBA District 19 Heat Race #5
  • Dates: June 12–14, 2026
  • Location: Mission Bay Model Boat Pond
  • Admission: Free

Bring a chair, enjoy the sunshine, and watch some of the fastest RC boats in the region battle it out on the water.

Also in This Episode

  • AMYA President Len Boes provides a brief update on upcoming radio sailing events and the latest issue of Model Yachting magazine.
  • Jess recaps the recently completed IOM World Championship, highlighting one of the strongest performances ever by the U.S. team, with seven American skippers finishing in the top 18.
  • Upcoming Argonauts activities for June, including ODOM, Soling, IOM, Scale Division, and Power Division events.

Whether you’re a sailor, power boater, scale enthusiast, or simply curious about the hobby, this episode offers a great look at another exciting corner of the San Diego Argonauts community.

🎧 Listen now, and we’ll see you at the pond!

2026 Team Challenge I: Monday Morning Quarterbacking

Congratulations to ‘The Boys of Summer’ (Larry Grant and Jim Sears) who managed to ‘Outwit, Outplay, Outlast‘ the competition and win the coveted top position in the first Region 8 Team Racing Event of 2026!

With 8 Teams, the day began with a Stage 1 Round-Robin of 28 Races. The winds were good, the course was tight, the competition was fierce and many matches were decided in the last few feet before the finish. Team Bueno (John Rogers and Scotty Harris) piled up 6 wins with only a single loss to ‘The Boys‘ who also lost only a single race to the ‘Trap Rioters‘ (Doc Elliott and Stephen Cohen). Meanwhile, ‘Annoying Orange‘ (Dennis Rogers and Jess Atkinson) managed 5 wins to round out the Top 3 and join the Boys and Bueno directly in the Finals (Stage 3).

The remaining 5 Teams were seeded into the Stage 2 Wild Card Knockout Bracket where sudden-death awaited each losing Team. The Bleve Bombers (Len Bose and Chuck Simmons) crept from the cellar and ran the table to win 3 straight races and earn their way into the Finals!

Proof that no matter how poorly a Team does in Stage 1, the Team Management System (TMS) allows everyone a second chance.

In Stage 3, it all came down to the 2 FINAL RACES to determine the first 3 Places! In the penultimate race, the Bleve Bombers defeated Annoying Orange to claim 3rd Place. Then, in the final race of the day (RACE 38), the Boys beat Bueno to clinch 1st Place!

Kudos to Team ‘Dry Heat‘ (Rod Sturgess and Mike Fruciano) who traveled all the way from Arizona to compete!

If you missed out on all the fun, you have a second chance to participate in Team Challenge II on August 16th at Mason Park in Irvine. Don’t miss it!

Photo Credit: Mike Schachter

Bob DeBow ODOM Masters Regatta II Results (May 16th, 2026)

The second running of the Bob DeBow ODOM Masters Regatta was held at the San Diego Model Yacht Pond, continuing this new Argonauts tradition honoring one of the legends of our local RC sailing community. The regatta once again delivered a great day of competitive and fun ODOM racing.

Congratulations to all skippers who participated, and especially to our top finishers:

  1. Jess Atkinson
  2. Chris Davidson
  3. Larry Grant
  4. Tom Warren
  5. Gil Jansky

A special thank you to everyone who helped organize, set up, race direct, score, retrieve marks, and keep the event running smoothly throughout the day.

The Bob DeBow Masters series has quickly become one of the highlights of the Argonauts sailing calendar, combining competitive racing with recognition of the sailors who helped build and shape the San Diego RC sailing community.

We look forward to the next Masters event at the Pond!