Power – San Diego Argonauts

⚓⛵ From RoboBuoys to 3D-Printed Sailboats: Our STEM Program Takes Shape

Just over two months ago, the San Diego Argonauts issued a call to San Diego and Southern California robotics and STEM students.

Our original vision centered on the RoboBuoy Challenge: inviting students to design and build remotely operated or autonomous robotic racing buoys that could position themselves on the water, hold their location, and potentially reshape a racecourse between races.

That vision is still very much alive, however, after conversations with local educators, students, and fellow model boating enthusiasts, we realized that there was an important first step we could take.

Before students build the racecourse of the future, why not help them build the boats that will race around it?

Enter the MiniMax

The MiniMax is a remarkably small, lightweight, two-channel radio-controlled sailboat created by New Zealand designer Brett McCormack. Its hull and many of its components can be produced on an ordinary 3D printer.

At approximately 22 centimeters long and only about 120 grams when ready to sail, the MiniMax may be tiny, but it is a real sailboat. It has an adjustable mainsail and jib, separate rudder and sail controls, and enough performance to support both recreational sailing and organized fleet racing.

Most importantly for our purposes, it offers students an approachable and affordable introduction to:

3D printing and digital manufacturing
Electronics and radio-control systems
Mechanical assembly
Materials and waterproofing
Buoyancy, balance and stability
Aerodynamics and hydrodynamics
Sail design and tuning
Troubleshooting and iterative engineering
Teamwork, sportsmanship and racing strategy

From One Prototype to a School-Built Fleet

Our initial goal was simple: print one MiniMax, build it, sail it, and learn everything we could.

That first prototype has now been completed and successfully sailed. Along the way, we worked through the kinds of real-world challenges that make projects like this so valuable: selecting lightweight electronics, configuring the transmitter and receiver, reversing servo direction, fitting extremely small components, rigging the sails, sealing the hull, and testing the completed boat on the water.

Each challenge became part of the learning experience, and part of the knowledge we can pass along to students and future builders.

The first San Diego MiniMax taking shape—complete with radio equipment, rigging materials and plenty of hands-on problem-solving.

The MiniMax has already proven that it can sail alongside vessels many times its size. During one of its first outings at the Model Yacht Pond, our little pink prototype shared the water with two beautifully detailed scale schooners, a fitting image of the extraordinary range of model boating.

Small boat, big pond: our first MiniMax sails alongside two large-scale schooners.

Now Working with Two San Diego Schools

The initiative has quickly progressed beyond a single experimental boat. The San Diego Argonauts are now actively engaged with educators at two local San Diego schools to explore how MiniMax construction, sailing, and racing can become part of a practical STEM and robotics experience.

At University City High School, we have been working with engineering and robotics teacher Zach Scott, using the school’s impressive fabrication facilities to print and begin assembling the next boats.

Jeff Sparksworthy and Kerim Baran from San Diego Argonauts with UCHS engineering and robotics teacher Zach Scott during a recent MiniMax work session.

The process begins with digital design files and rolls of filament. Hulls, keels, rudders, boat stands, and numerous small fittings emerge from the school’s 3D printers and are then cleaned, fitted, assembled, and tested.

MiniMax components being produced on a school 3D printer

From there, we install the radio receiver, two tiny servos, and the linkages that control the rudder and sails.

A newly printed MiniMax hull and stand during the early stages of assembly.

The transparent hull provides a clear view of the MiniMax’s compact radio receiver, rudder servo, sail servo, and control linkages.

The sail and rigging system introduce an entirely different set of skills. Students work with carbon-fiber rods, lightweight sail material, small fittings, and carefully measured lines to create an adjustable sailing rig.

Constructing a MiniMax sail and rig from lightweight materials and 3D-printed fittings.

A freshly printed MiniMax hull and keel assembly during preparation and finishing.

The Program We Are Developing

The current concept is for students to work in small (2-3 person) teams, with each team responsible for building and preparing its own boat.

The program would progress through several practical stages:

Understand the boat — Learn the basic parts of a sailboat and how wind creates motion.
Print the components — Explore 3D-printing methods, materials, tolerances, and quality control.
Build the hull and appendages — Assemble, seal and test the hull, keel and rudder.
Install the electronics — Connect the receiver and servos and configure the radio system.
Build and tune the rig — Make the sails, assemble the spars and adjust the control lines.
Test and improve — Conduct flotation and sailing trials, diagnose problems, and make modifications.
Learn to sail — Practice steering, sail control, starts, mark rounding, and basic racing rules.
Race as a fleet — Conclude the program with an organized MiniMax regatta at the San Diego Model Yacht Pond.

Our working objective is to help students build a fleet of approximately 15 to 20 boats—enough for multiple teams to sail and compete together.

The final regatta will not simply be a race. It will be the culmination of an engineering process in which students see something move from a digital file to a collection of printed parts to a functioning vessel they can control on the water.

Learning from the MiniMax Creator

We also recently recorded an in-depth conversation with MiniMax creator Brett McCormack. Brett explained the history of the boat, the thinking behind its design, how it is built and sailed, and how he hopes it can introduce more young people to model sailing.

This interview, and the lessons emerging from our local pilot, will help us develop clearer build instructions, teaching resources, and practical guidance for schools and model yacht clubs interested in creating similar programs.

Phase Two: Bringing Back the RoboBuoys and Much More

The MiniMax fleet is our immediate focus, but it is not the end of the journey.

Once students have gained experience building, controlling, and racing these boats, a likely second phase (perhaps beginning next semester) will return to the original RoboBuoy concept.

Students could design and construct remotely operated or autonomous racing marks capable of propulsion, station keeping and course positioning. More advanced teams could explore GPS, sensors, microcontrollers, cameras, wireless communication and autonomous navigation.

The program could then expand beyond identical MiniMax sailboats into modified and increasingly sophisticated marine vessels of many kinds, including:

Autonomous and remotely operated RoboBuoys
Sensor-equipped research boats
Rescue and recovery vessels
Camera and environmental-monitoring platforms
Experimental sailboats
Tugboats and workboats
Submarines and underwater vehicles
Hydrofoils and other high-performance designs

The MiniMax provides an ideal starting point: a manageable project that students can complete, sail, and race while developing the skills needed to tackle more ambitious marine-robotics challenges.

Building Something Other Communities Can Use

The San Diego Argonauts are developing this program in collaboration with local educators and students. The experience gained through these first school partnerships will help us identify what works, what needs improvement, and what resources teachers and volunteers need.

Our longer-term goal is to make the resulting knowledge useful well beyond San Diego. We hope that other schools, robotics programs, makerspaces, sailing schools & clubs, and (model) yacht clubs will be able to adapt the concept and build fleets of their own.

There is much more work ahead… but the project has already traveled a remarkable distance in a short time: from an idea for robotic buoys, to the first 3D-printed prototype, to active collaboration with two local schools and the beginnings of a student-built racing fleet.

And soon, if all goes according to plan, a collection of tiny sailboats will line up together on the San Diego Model Yacht Pond, with students holding the transmitters.

Want to Help?

We welcome participation from:

Teachers and school administrators
High-school and college students
Robotics teams and engineering clubs
3D-printing and fabrication specialists
Sailors and model-boat builders
Electronics suppliers and hobby shops
Corporate and community sponsors
Volunteers interested in mentoring young people

If you would like to participate, support the program, or explore bringing it to your school or club, please contact the San Diego Argonauts.

Together, we can introduce a new generation to engineering, robotics, sailing, other marine vessels, and the remarkable possibilities that emerge when all three meet on the water.

🎥 San Diego Argonauts Featured on Hafu Go’s 20-Million-Subscriber YouTube Channel

From DF95 sailboats and scale warships to submarines and a one-of-a-kind hovercraft, our pond took center stage for a worldwide audience

About six weeks ago, popular YouTube creator Hafu Go and his production team visited the San Diego Model Yacht Pond to film a video featuring some of the most unusual and impressive radio-controlled boats they could find.

The finished video has now been released—and it attracted more than 1 million views in its first 48 hours.

With approximately 20 million YouTube subscribers, Hafu Go has built a huge global audience through fast-paced videos exploring extraordinary vehicles, machines and experiences. His latest production compares RC boats ranging from a homemade $1 steam-powered “pop-pop” boat to an extremely powerful custom RC speedboat valued at approximately $10,000.

Along the way, several San Diego Argonauts members—and a wonderfully diverse collection of vessels—received their moment in the spotlight.

From the Slowest “Pop-Pop” to a 130-MPH Speed Demon

The video showcases an astonishing range of RC boats, beginning with a homemade $1 “pop-pop” boat powered by a tiny candle and steam—possibly the slowest and simplest vessel ever launched at our pond. From there, Hafu tests fishing boats, self-righting speedboats, hydrofoils, hovercraft, sailboats, submarines and museum-quality scale ships. At the opposite extreme is a highly customized, approximately $10,000 speed demon capable of exceeding 130 miles per hour. Seeing such radically different vessels together—from a gently puttering tin boat to a carbon-reinforced rocket skimming across the water—beautifully captures the extraordinary variety found within the world of radio-controlled boating.

Hafu Learns to Sail a DragonFlite 95

One of the highlights begins when Hafu is introduced to the DragonFlite 95, or DF95, one of the most popular radio-controlled racing sailboats in the world.

San Diego Argonauts members Jon Rogers & Kerim Baran gives Hafu a quick introduction to the controls and explains some basic sailing concepts—including tacking, jibing, sail trim and how to recover when a sailboat gets caught “in irons.”

Hafu then takes control of Kerim’s bright-green DF95 and races against longtime sailor and fellow Argonaut Jon Rogers, who tells him he has been sailing for 49 years.

With Kerim coaching from the shore, Hafu learns remarkably quickly. Jon even introduces him to a little sailboat-racing strategy by attempting to block his wind. Hafu ultimately crosses the finish first—although, as he readily admits in the video, Jon may have helped make that victory possible!

The short sequence offers millions of viewers a fun and approachable introduction to radio sailing. It demonstrates that these boats are not simply toys: they require an understanding of wind, strategy, boat handling and racing tactics.

A Submarine Beneath the Pond

The video then moves below the surface with a Thunder Tiger Neptune RC submarine, demonstrated by submarine expert Bob Martin of Nautilus Drydocks.

Bob explains how the submarine’s ballast system takes in water to make the vessel heavier and dive, then expels the water to become buoyant and return to the surface.

As the submarine slowly disappears beneath the pond, Hafu comments on how peaceful and fishlike it looks. Bob agrees that operating an RC submarine can be a surprisingly relaxing experience.

It is a wonderful demonstration of another fascinating corner of the model-boating world—one that combines craftsmanship, electronics, radio systems, propulsion, buoyancy and careful underwater navigation.

Museum-Quality Bismarck

The scale-model side of the hobby is represented by another Argonaut and his highly detailed RC model of the German battleship Bismarck.

Hafu explains that scale modeling is not primarily about achieving the greatest speed. Instead, the goal is to reproduce a real vessel with as much accuracy and detail as possible.

The Bismarck glides across the pond while the camera captures its intricate fittings and realistic appearance. Mateo describes it as looking like a museum piece—and Hafu readily agrees.

For viewers who may associate RC boating only with small, fast powerboats, this segment provides a glimpse into the historical research, patience and model-building skill involved in producing a fine-scale vessel.

Robin’s One-of-a-Kind Hovercraft

Perhaps the most unusual San Diego Argonauts vessel in the entire video is Robin Cahill Simpson’s custom-built hovercraft.

The model is approximately one-tenth scale and is based on the first full-sized hovercraft to cross the English Channel. Robin explains that the project took approximately two or three years to build, followed by another year of solving technical problems and getting it to operate properly.

The result is spectacular.

The hovercraft travels across the pond on a cushion of air, transitions onto land and even performs a spin for the camera. Hafu describes it as looking like a UFO and calls it one of the coolest vessels in the video.

It is believed to be the only operating model of its kind in the world—a wonderful example of the ingenuity, perseverance and craftsmanship found within the San Diego Argonauts.

More Than Boats: Sharing the Hobby With a New Generation

The video is entertaining, energetic and often very funny. But for organizations such as the San Diego Argonauts and all American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) Clubs, it also illustrates something important.

Millions of people—especially young people—may never have seen a competitive RC sailboat, an operating scale warship, a functional RC submarine or a scratch-built hovercraft. A single well-produced YouTube video can introduce the hobby to an audience far larger than any club could reach through a traditional event or advertisement.

In this instance, Hafu Go found the San Diego Argonauts. His team was searching for interesting boats and knowledgeable people, and our members were delighted to welcome them to the pond, provide vessels and help bring the production to life.

But this same opportunity may exist for many other AMYA and model-boating clubs.

There are thousands of YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other digital creators looking for unusual stories, visually interesting machines, talented builders and authentic experiences. Model-boating clubs have all of those things—as well as colorful personalities, remarkable history and members who love sharing what they know.

Clubs do not necessarily need to wait to be discovered. They can identify creators in their regions, invite them to a sailing day, offer them an opportunity to operate a boat, introduce them to an experienced builder or arrange a friendly race. The strongest collaborations allow creators to tell the story in their own style while club members provide the knowledge, equipment and welcoming environment that make the experience possible.

One creator visit could introduce radio sailing and model boating to hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of potential new enthusiasts.

Welcome to Our Pond

We congratulate Hafu Go and his team on the release and thank them for visiting the San Diego Model Yacht Pond. We also thank the San Diego Argonauts members and other model-boating experts who contributed their time, knowledge and extraordinary vessels to the production.

For our club, it was a memorable day at the pond. For viewers around the world, we hope it will be an invitation to discover the creativity, engineering, camaraderie and sheer fun of model boating.

And for our fellow AMYA clubs, perhaps it will inspire the next great collaboration.

Sometimes the best way to grow our hobby is simply to place a transmitter in someone’s hands—and let the wind, the water and the boats do the rest.

🎙️Argonauts Radio – Episode 14: Are Marbleheads Making a Comeback?

Are Marbleheads making a comeback?

In the latest episode of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with Bruce Andersen, U.S. Marblehead Class Secretary and Chairman of the International Radio Sailing Association (IRSA), for a fascinating conversation about one of the oldest, fastest, and most technologically advanced classes in radio sailing.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/marbleheads-are-making-a-comeback-trend-or-here-to-stay/id1874110517?i=1000779643020

The Marblehead has a history stretching back nearly a century. Originally developed in Marblehead, Massachusetts, the class evolved from free sailing to vane sailing and eventually radio control. Today’s Marbleheads bear little resemblance to those early boats. At 50 inches long with 800 square inches of sail, modern Marbleheads are lightweight, carbon-fiber, deep-keel racing machines capable of remarkable acceleration and speed.

As Bruce puts it, if tightly controlled classes such as the IOM and DragonForce are the NASCAR of radio sailing, the Marblehead is Formula One.

Jess and Bruce explore the evolution of the class—from the home-built boats that once dominated American radio sailing, through legendary designs such as the Scalpel, to today’s extremely narrow and sophisticated Grunge and Red Ant designs.

They also discuss why Marblehead racing declined in the United States as sailors migrated toward the more easily transported IOM and, later, the DF classes—and why that trend may now be starting to reverse.

New fleets and renewed interest are appearing on both coasts, with experienced IOM sailors increasingly adding Marbleheads to their boat sheds. Regattas are beginning to combine IOM and Marblehead racing, and the Marblehead will be one of the featured classes at San Diego Argonauts Race Week 2027.

And there is a reason sailors keep coming back to them.

They are fast.

Really fast.

Modern Marbleheads feature sophisticated rigs—including their distinctive swing rigs—and acceleration unlike almost anything else in radio sailing. As Jess describes it, sheet in the sail and the boat can take off “like a rocket.”

Bruce and Jess also talk about how newcomers can get involved. Their advice is simple: don’t buy one first—sail one. Come to a Marblehead regatta, introduce yourself, and chances are someone will happily put a transmitter in your hands.

Also in this episode, Jess gives a big shout-out to everyone who helped make the 2026 San Diego Argonauts Open House such a successful “party at the park,” and wraps up with results and highlights from recent ODOM, DF95, and IOM points racing at the Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond.

If you’ve ever wondered why Marblehead sailors become so enthusiastic about these extraordinary boats—or you’re simply curious about the history and evolution of high-performance radio sailing—this is an episode you’ll want to hear.

Are Marbleheads simply enjoying another moment in the spotlight, or are they truly making a comeback?

Give the episode a listen and decide for yourself.

🎪 SDA OPEN HOUSE 2026: A Fantastic Day

Our 2026 San Diego Argonauts Open House is in the books, and what a day it was!

First and foremost, thank you to everyone who volunteered, brought boats, shared their expertise, cooked food, helped with setup and cleanup, or simply spent time welcoming visitors. This event was a tremendous success because of you.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the day was seeing approximately one-quarter of our membership come together to make it happen. Members displayed their boats, taught newcomers how to sail, staffed STEM and Maker exhibits, answered countless questions, cooked lunch, hauled equipment, and made every visitor feel welcome.

The atmosphere at the pond was fantastic from start to finish.

Hundreds of Hands-On Experiences

Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to explore nearly every aspect of our hobby.

Beautiful sailboats, scale models, and power boats were on display, while many guests took the controls of an RC sailboat for the very first time.

One of the highlights was watching children—and plenty of adults—go from never having touched an RC sailboat to confidently sailing upwind in just 10 to 15 minutes.

It’s always exciting to see how quickly people discover that RC sailing is both approachable and incredibly rewarding.

STEM & Maker Faire Activities

A special thank-you goes to Jeff Sparksworthy, Rob Wood, Robin Cahill Simpson, and Steve Delva, who created and staffed our STEM and Maker Faire tables.

Visitors explored topics including:

– Electronics and batteries
– Radio control systems
– Glues and adhesives
– Fabrication techniques
– Building methods and tools

These hands-on exhibits sparked countless conversations and demonstrated that our hobby is much more than simply sailing boats—it’s a wonderful blend of engineering, craftsmanship, creativity, and lifelong learning.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

It’s always risky to start naming names because someone deserving is inevitably forgotten, but several members deserve special recognition.

Bob and Gil kept everyone well fed with the famous BobDogs.
Bill Bridge quietly handled countless behind-the-scenes tasks, including bringing coolers and helping with cleanup.
John Scripps made the pizza run happen.
Jess Atkinson, Pat Nevitt, and Tom Warren spent much of the day greeting visitors, answering questions, and representing the club.
Jon Rogers, Dennis Rogers, Gil, John Scripps, Keith, Steve Ross, Ben, Tom, Pat, and many others generously handed over transmitters and patiently taught visitors the basics of RC sailing throughout the day.

Special recognition also goes to Pat Nevitt and Dave Endert for bringing their beautiful schooners, which attracted plenty of attention.

Looking Toward the Future

One particularly exciting outcome was the attendance of two local high school teachers, who expressed genuine interest in partnering with the San Diego Argonauts on future STEM education programs. They experienced firsthand how RC boats can inspire students to learn about engineering, physics, electronics, and teamwork, and we’re looking forward to continuing those conversations.

Another idea that emerged throughout the day was to host similar events several times each year. Rather than limiting ourselves to one annual Open House, we’d like to organize periodic “Learn to RC Sail“ days focused simply on introducing newcomers to this wonderful hobby.

Thank You!

Finally, thank you once again to every member who helped make this event such a success.

As several members said afterward, this truly was an “Outstanding day at the pond.” The enthusiasm, generosity, and willingness to share our hobby with others reminded all of us what makes the San Diego Argonauts such a special club.

If you took photos or videos during the event, please send us a few of your favorites—we’ll continue updating this recap as more memories from the day come in.

We can’t wait to do it again!

More photos from the day:

🎙️Argonauts Radio – Episode 13: Conversations about our growing STEM outreach efforts

Can High School Robotics Students Change the Future of Radio Sailing?

In Episode 13 of San Diego Argonauts Radio, Commodore Jess Atkinson sits down with Kerim Baran and Jeff Sparksworthy to discuss one of the club’s most exciting new initiatives: bringing high school students, STEM education, and maritime robotics together at the San Diego Model Boat Pond.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-high-school-robotics-students-change-the-future/id1874110517?i=1000777517603

The conversation covers:

⚓ Our recent High School Maritime Robotics & STEM Workshop Day
🤖 The vision behind the upcoming RoboBuoy Challenge, where students will design and build radio-controlled (and eventually autonomous) robotic buoys
🛠️ The five hands-on maker stations that introduce students to electronics, radio systems, adhesives, metalworking, and basic fabrication skills
🏫 Partnerships with local high schools and the long-term goal of creating semester-long STEM and robotics programs centered around marine technology
🌊 Reviving the historic connection between San Diego schools and the Model Boat Pond—while inspiring the next generation of engineers, builders, sailors, and innovators.

The episode also previews our August 1st Open House, where the public can experience these STEM activities firsthand, learn to sail RC boats, and discover everything the San Diego Argonauts has to offer.

🎧 Listen now and learn how today’s students could help shape the future of model boating!

🎙️ Argonauts Radio – Episode 11: California IOM State Championship Recap

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.

Also available on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foster-city-highlights-california-iom-championships/id1874110517?i=1000773692532

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.

⚡ 2026 NAMBA Power Boat Championships (June 12-14, 2026)

The San Diego Argonauts were proud to host another outstanding NAMBA Power Boat Championship event at the Mission Bay Model Boat Pond on June 13–14, 2026. This year’s event drew more than 100 boat entries—more than double last year’s participation—with competitors traveling from across the country to showcase some of the fastest and most impressive RC power boats in the hobby.

The pond was alive with activity throughout the weekend as racers, crews, families, and spectators enjoyed exciting competition, beautifully prepared race boats, custom trailers, team tents, and a strong sense of camaraderie. Participants included racers of all ages, with a welcome presence of youth and female competitors helping to demonstrate the growing diversity of the RC power boating community.

The event was organized by San Diego Argonauts members Bill Bridge and Al Waters, whose months of preparation helped deliver what many attendees described as a world-class racing experience. In addition to managing a complex race schedule, the volunteer team served more than 85 lunches over the two-day event and hosted a Saturday evening Tri-Tip BBQ dinner attended by approximately 55 guests.

A successful event of this scale depends on many helping hands. Special thanks go to the numerous Power Division volunteers as well as members from the Sail and Scale Divisions who assisted throughout the weekend, including support with pond operations and water-level management. Their efforts demonstrated the collaborative spirit that has long been a hallmark of the San Diego Argonauts.

As NAMBA Executive Secretary and longtime Argonaut member Al Waters noted, events like these are possible when many volunteers each contribute a small part, creating an experience that benefits the entire RC boating community.

The San Diego Argonauts congratulate Bill Bridge, Al Waters, and all of the volunteers, racers, and supporters who helped make the 2026 NAMBA Power Boat Championships such a memorable success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the pond again soon.

📺San Diego Argonauts on CBS News

A piece of fun news 🙂

The San Diego Argonauts were featured on CBS8 San Diego today!

CBS8 story on their website:
https://www.cbs8.com/article/news/local/zevely-zone/san-diego-argonauts-affordable-water-sport/509-d67e58f9-79ec-4434-a3a1-ebc6330861a7

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!

More info here:
https://www.sandiegoargonauts.org/2026/05/02/%e2%9a%93-calling-san-diego-socal-robotics-stem-students/

Argonauts Annual Banquet Dinner at the Southwestern Yacht Club

San Diego Argonauts recently gathered for a memorable evening at the beautiful Southwestern Yacht Club in Point Loma. With brisket on the buffet, a lively no-host bar on the deck overlooking the slips, and display tables showcasing the craftsmanship of our scale and racing divisions, the setting was perfect for celebrating another great year at the pond.

A highlight of the evening was the debut of a spectacular 22-minute video produced by former Commodore Tom Warren — a true labor of love capturing scenes from regattas, casual sailing days, boat builds, cookouts, and the countless moments that define our club culture. The video beautifully reflects the spirit of the Argonauts: competitive yet supportive, serious about rc boating & sailing yet never taking ourselves too seriously.

The banquet once again reminded us that the Argonauts are about far more than toy boats. It’s about friendship, shared stories, good-natured banter, and recognizing the accomplishments of members across all divisions. Awards were presented, laughter filled the room, and spouses and guests were warmly welcomed into our unique world of wind, water, and meticulous detail.

We invite you to relive the memories — or see what you missed — by watching this video. It’s a celebration of our boats, our pond, and our community.