Category: News

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 6: History & Community of RC Sailing in California

A Deep Dive into the History & Community of RC Sailing in California

In this episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson takes the mic solo to deliver a rich, insider tour of RC sailing across California. Drawing on decades of experience and deep connections throughout the community, Jess offers a deep-dive perspective on the people, ponds, and clubs that shape the Region 8 sailing scene.

The episode takes listeners on a journey up the coast—from San Diego to Northern California—highlighting the diversity of clubs, racing styles, and fleets. From tight, shifty local ponds to world-class venues, Jess breaks down what makes each location unique, how different classes demand different techniques, and how sailors stay connected through shared events, competition, and long-standing relationships.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exploring-californias-region-8-ponds-regatta-results/id1874110517?i=1000761135006

One listener on Spotify captured the spirit of it perfectly:
“So cool how plugged in you are with the other chapters! You should do a big episode with some other commodores! Kinda like the meeting of the families in The Godfather.”

We couldn’t agree more—this episode feels exactly like that: a behind-the-scenes look at a tightly connected network of clubs and personalities that together form the backbone of RC sailing in California and beyond.

Jess also covers major international and domestic racing & clinic highlights, including standout U.S. performances at the British Nationals and a preview of the upcoming IOM World Championships.

Closer to home, the episode wraps with a full recap of the 2026 DF95 Region 8 Championship at the San Diego Model Boat Pond—an outstanding weekend of racing, great conditions, and classic Argonauts hospitality, made possible by a dedicated group of volunteers and competitors from across the country.

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or just discovering RC sailing, Episode 6 of the Argonauts Raido is a must-listen—a blend of history, storytelling, and competitive insight that captures what makes this community so special.

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 5: Inside the DF95 Regionals

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 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.

🎙️ 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.

📊 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. ⚓

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

A Real-World Robotics & Autonomous Systems Competition

The San Diego Argonauts, San Diego’s premier radio-controlled model boating club since 1959, is seeking one or more local high school or college robotics teams to collaborate on a real-world applied engineering project.

The Challenge

Design, build, and deploy a GPS-guided robotic buoy capable of:

  • Navigating to a defined coordinate
  • Maintaining position
  • Stabilizing (anchor or dynamic positioning)
  • Returning to shore

Apply: [Google Form Link]

Photo credits: Jen Gollison & Gert Steinthaler
Yellow Buoy design credit: Gert Steinthaler (Lake Wörthersee, Austria)

Overview

Participants will design and build a robotic buoy that can navigate to a GPS coordinate, maintain position, and return reliably.

This project integrates:

  • Mechanical design
  • Electronics and control systems
  • GPS navigation
  • Software and autonomy
  • Real-world open-water testing

Teams will have access to mentorship and testing at the San Diego Model Boat Pond.

Why This Matters

This challenge addresses a fundamental engineering problem:

How do you reliably position and maintain a floating asset at a precise GPS coordinate?

Relevant applications include:

  • Marine robotics
  • Autonomous systems
  • Ocean and defense technology
  • Environmental monitoring

The Mission

Each team must develop a system that can:

  • Navigate to a predefined GPS coordinate
  • Maintain position within approximately one meter
  • Deploy a stabilization system
  • Remain on station for a defined duration
  • Return to shore on command

Optional objectives include:

  • Multiple deployment cycles
  • Extended station-keeping
  • Fully autonomous operation

Competition Structure

Phase 1 — Design Submission

Deadline: September 30, 2026

  • Submission of design concepts
  • Selection of participating teams

Phase 2 — Build and Mentorship

October – November – December – January – February

  • Approximately $250 in build support per team
  • Mentor check-ins
  • Optional on-site testing sessions

Phase 3 — Final Competition

March – April

  • Live deployment at the Model Boat Pond
  • Performance evaluation
  • Awards and media coverage

Competition Tracks

Track 1 — Manual / Assisted

  • Remote-controlled navigation
  • Manual anchoring
  • Basic stabilization

Track 2 — Autonomous

  • GPS-guided navigation
  • Station-keeping algorithms
  • Automated stabilization
  • Return-to-home functionality

Technical Approach

Teams may use any combination of:

  • Anchoring systems
  • Thrusters or propellers
  • Dynamic positioning
  • Hybrid stabilization methods

Scoring Criteria

  • Mission completion
  • Positional accuracy (target: ~1 meter)
  • Reliability / Repeatability
  • Speed (deployment and return)
  • Cost effectiveness of the solution (performance relative to build cost and complexity)

Prizes

  • 1st Place: $500 to school STEAM program
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $100

Additional sponsor-supported prizes may be introduced.

Future Development

This initiative is designed as a multi-year platform.

Year 1:
Teams develop buoy infrastructure

Year 2 and beyond:
Expansion into additional challenges, including:

  • Autonomous vessel navigation
  • Multi-agent coordination
  • Dynamic course systems

Sponsors

We welcome sponsors in:

  • Robotics and artificial intelligence
  • Marine systems
  • Defense and engineering
  • STEM education

Sponsor participation includes:

  • Prize funding
  • Team support
  • Visibility within the regional STEM ecosystem

For sponsorship inquiries, please contact us.

Apply

  • Applications Open: [4/15/2026]
  • Application Deadline: [9/30/2026]

Application Form: [Google Form Link]

Contact

For inquiries from educators, faculty advisors, or student team leads:

Please visit our Contact page and / or reach out to:

  • Jeff Sparksworthy
  • Kerim Baran

    = = = = = = = = = = = =

Update & resources for project teams:

The following resources and information were shared with us after our outreach. These can be valuable resources for the project teams willing to work on this project:

1) DIY Buoy Guide: https://sites.google.com/site/csmyclub/home/csmyc-buoy-project?authuser=0

2) DIY kits & ready-to-use buoys:
i) https://www.dronebuoyproducts.com/

ii) A $395 ready-to-buy product that is very close to what we are looking for: https://www.dronebuoyproducts.com/product-page/32-drone-buoy-can-style

3) https://www.buoybot.com.au/

4) https://www.rcyachts.com/AnchorBot.htm

5) A drone that operates in air & water: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/1ARPs9A5Mrg

6) Gert S’s GPS-controlled buoy concept photos: [Link]

7) YouTube videos of RC Buoy projects from Robin Gray:

8) Another autonomous buoy project:

🎙️ Episode 2 of San Diego Argonauts Radio Is Live!

The second episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio dives straight into what’s been an action-packed start to the season for the San Diego Argonauts. From the Traveler Series regattas in Arizona and Eldorado—where Argonauts sailors filled the top 10—to the excitement building around the upcoming Region 8 Championship, this episode captures the competitive spirit and camaraderie that define sailing at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond.

A major highlight is a thoughtful and personal interview with IOM Regatta Chair Gil Jansky. Gil shares how a childhood gift—a vintage Marblehead built by his father—sparked a lifelong passion for sailing that began on Lake Michigan and continues today in San Diego. His reflections on preparation, race organization, and what keeps him coming back to the pond remind us that this hobby blends craftsmanship, competition, and community in a way few others do.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/preparing-for-the-region-8-iom-championship/id1874110517?i=1000749937891

The episode also looks ahead to the highly anticipated Region 8 IOM Championship, welcoming competitors from across the country for three days of top-tier racing. With 31 skippers and a wide range of designs—from Britpops to Vickers models—the fleet promises tight competition and spectacular sailing.

Beyond the big regattas, the show highlights the heart of the club: volunteerism, inclusion, and innovation. From Len Bose’s DF95 outreach day at Dana Point Yacht Club to the launch of the new “Chair Challenge” event—designed to make racing accessible for sailors with mobility challenges—this episode celebrates the Argonauts’ commitment to growing and supporting the RC sailing community.

It’s a great listen for members, prospective sailors, and anyone curious about what makes this club so special.

🎧 Tune in to the episode, and we’ll see you at the pond!

🎙️ Introducing San Diego Argonauts Radio — Our New Podcast Series!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of San Diego Argonauts Radio, the official podcast of the San Diego Argonauts Model Boat Club! Whether you’re an RC boating aficionado, a competitive sailor, a scale enthusiast, or just someone who loves big stories from our little pond, this podcast series is for you.


🎧 Listen to our very first episode — Starting the Year Strong:

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-the-year-strong/id1874110517?i=1000747773640

Episode 1: “Starting the Year Strong”

In this inaugural episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson hosts a lively 17-minute conversation packed with:

  • Highlights from recent Argonauts activities
  • Updates on the End of the Year Banquet and Pondside Chat Seminar
  • Results from January’s Soling and Odom competitions
  • A chat with a dedicated Argonaut who travels over four hours to race with the club!

Stay tuned for more episodes — we’ll be bringing you stories from skippers, insights into our events, tips for racing and boat setup, and plenty of pondside camaraderie.

📲 Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you never miss an episode!