The latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio takes us to the beautiful Foster City lagoon for the 2026 California IOM State Championship—widely regarded as one of the finest radio sailing venues in the country.
Recorded pond-side during the regatta, Commodore Jess Atkinson talks with four competitors about the racing, boat tuning, and what makes this championship such a standout event. The episode also celebrates a terrific performance by the San Diego Argonauts, with all five club members finishing in the top 10.
The show wraps up with a call-in from Vice Commodore of Power Division Bill Bridge, who shares results from the NAMBA District 19 Heat Race Series in San Diego, where an impressive 137 boats competed across 11 classes.
Whether you’re planning a road trip to race new waters or simply want to learn more about the broader RC sailing community, this episode is worth a listen.
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.
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.
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
âš“ 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.
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.
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.
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.
On a related note: The CBS8 crew helped promote our STEM/Robotics initiative for high school & college students involving GPS-guided robotic buoys and autonomous marine systems. If you know any students, robotics teams, or STEM advisors who might be interested, please send them our way!
Episode 8 of San Diego Argonauts Radio is now live!
In this episode, host Jess Atkinson sits down with longtime model yachting leader and AMYA Hall of Fame member Bob Eger of the Sacramento Area Model Yacht Club during the Region 8 DF95 Travelers Trophy event at Bridgeway Lakes in Sacramento.
Bob shares stories from more than 50 years in radio sailing — from founding the South Bay Model Yacht Club in 1975, to helping grow Sacramento’s thriving racing scene, developing Star 45 and J-Class fleets, organizing large-scale regattas, and promoting the hobby to new generations of sailors.
The conversation also highlights Sacramento’s welcoming club culture, fleet-building programs, Thursday “Luffers” training sessions, and upcoming Sail Week and regional championship events.
The episode also covers:
The recent DF95 Travelers Trophy event in Sacramento
Growth of Star 45 and J-Class fleets on the West Coast
Upcoming AMYA and regional regattas
April race results from the San Diego Argonauts pond
Team Challenge and Bob DeBow Trophy upcoming events
Reflections on the passing of renowned IOM designer Ian Vickers
The Sacramento Travelers Trophy event was especially strong for the San Diego Argonauts, with club members claiming 5 of the top 6 finishing positions in a 14-boat fleet — a tremendous showing for the club on the road.
Whether you’re an experienced racer, a scale boating enthusiast, or simply curious about RC sailing, Episode 8 offers a great mix of history, competition, club culture, and the people helping keep model yachting thriving across California.
In this latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson takes us on a tour of the Pacific Northwest RC sailing scene—highlighting some of the most active clubs, unique sailing venues, and passionate communities from Oregon to Washington to Idaho, and even up to Salt Spring Island.
From the diverse fleets of the Rose City Model Yacht Club in Portland, to the strong IOM and DF95 presence in Seattle and Olympia, and the scenic sailing spots like Seafarers Memorial Park in Anacortes, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to travel, explore, or connect with other RC sailors.
You’ll also hear stories of legendary regattas like the Hood River Carnage, a look into grassroots boat-building culture (including T37 workshops at the Wooden Boat Museum), and tips on how to use the AMYA website to find clubs, regattas, and class info anywhere in the country.
The episode also wraps with updates on the DF95 Traveler Series stop in Sacramento, the IOM World Championships in the UK, and the always-popular Battle in Seattle.
Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just getting into RC sailing, this episode is a great reminder: there’s a whole world of ponds—and great people—waiting out there.
