Category: Competition Info

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🎙️ Episode 4 of San Diego Argonauts Radio Is Live!

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.

DF95 Chair Challenge Results (Mar 7th, 2026)

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

🎙️ Episode 3 of San Diego Argonauts Radio Is Live!

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.

đź“Š 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.

đź“… 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. âš“