Category: Sail
🎙️ 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:
⛵ 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:
We look forward to a productive and exciting day of learning, collaboration, and maritime innovation.
Points: DF95 & IOM (May 23rd, 2026)
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:
- Jess Atkinson
- Chris Davidson
- Larry Grant
- Tom Warren
- 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!
📺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/
⛵ RC Sailing & Boating Open House Event! (Aug 1st, 2026)
Join us for a day of fun
Join us for a free, hands-on community event where you can experience the thrill of radio-controlled boating & sailing in an inclusive & friendly environment at the San Diego Model Boat Pond.
Whether you are a competitive sailor, weekend hobbyist, part of a sailing team, or simply curious about scale boats, this event welcomes everyone to grab a transmitter and try RC Boating!
Here’s what to expect:
* Hands-On Experience – Argonauts members will hand you the control of their own scale boats & sailboats.
* Fun Mini-Courses – Short courses set up for casual mini-races, practice maneuvers, and casual boating.
* Expert Coaching – Real-time guidance from experienced RC skippers sharing tips & strategies.
* Free Food & Community Vibes – Picnic-style pizza & hot dogs for all who RSVP by July 29th via Eventbrite at modelboats.eventbrite.com
When & Where:
When: Saturday, Aug 1st, 2026 (10:00 AM to 2:30 PM)
Where: San Diego Model Boat Pond, Mission Bay Park
Cost: Free – Just show up and play!
Come learn, compete, or just play around on the water — no prior RC experience is needed.
Bring your curiosity (and maybe a friend), and let the San Diego Argonauts show you what RC boating & sailing is all about.
Questions? Email [sdargonauts@gmail.com] or visit www.sandiegoargonauts.org