Jon Rogers provided fascinating insights into the rapidly expanding sport of RC sailing, highlighting the various sailboat classes available in the San Diego area.
Jon placed particular emphasis on the DF95 class, which is experiencing remarkable growth and gaining popularity among enthusiasts thanks to its affordability (under $500).
This 1hr+ long interview is full of great gems and topics such as:
– Useful tips & tricks of RC Sailing – RC Sailing Mechanics – RC and DF95’s as an Entry Point to Sailing – The Competitive Scene & Notable Sailors who participate in RC sailing – RC Community & Events in and around San Diego & SoCal – The Future of RC Sailing and its Olympic Potential, and more…
Overall, this interview captures the passion, community, and innovation surrounding modern sailing, blending the traditions of full-scale yacht racing with the emerging world of RC competition.
The morning of February 20, 2025, dawned crisp and clear over San Diego Pond, where six highly skilled skippers prepared for an intense day of Marblehead-class racing. Sponsored by the esteemed Argonauts Radio Sailing Club, the event promised high-level competition, tactical brilliance, and the sheer excitement of sailing these sleek, high-performance yachts.
As the starting clock sounded for the first of fourteen races, the fleet surged forward, slicing through the water with precision. Each skipper, standing along the shore with their radio controllers in hand, relied on years of experience to navigate the ever-changing wind conditions. The Marbleheads, with their lightweight hulls and towering sails, responded instantly to every command, making for a fast-paced and fiercely competitive regatta.
Larry Grant sailed a solid event from the start, but for much of the day, he trailed behind the early leaders, including Jess Atkinson and John Castelli, who set the pace with strong performances. George Pedrick and Chris Sullivan also posted consistent finishes, keeping the competition close. Gene Harris, showed determination throughout the event.
As the regatta progressed, Larry steadily improved, making small adjustments to his tactics and boat handling. By the final stretch of races, he had found his rhythm, closing the gap on the frontrunners. Going into the last few races, he had worked his way into contention, setting the stage for an exciting finish.
With more than one point separating him from his closest competitor, Larry needed a strong finish to secure victory. In the final race, the fleet charged off the starting line, with Jess pushing hard to maintain his advantage. Larry, however, executed a masterful upwind leg, positioning himself perfectly for the final downwind run. With a decisive move at the last mark, he surged ahead, crossing the finish line first and sealing both the race win and the overall regatta victory.
With the standings finalized, the results were:
Larry Grant – First place
Jess Atkinson – Second place
John Castelli – Third place
George Pedrick – Fourth place
Chris Sullivan – Fifth place
Gene Harris – Sixth place
As the sun dipped behind the horizon, the sailors gathered for the awards ceremony, exchanging handshakes and recounting the day’s thrilling battles on the water.
The regatta was a testament to the high level of competition and camaraderie within the Argonauts Radio Sailing Club, providing both participants and spectators with a memorable day of sailing.
Saturday Jan. 4 the San Diego Argonauts were honored to have Jess Atkinson conduct the 2025 DF95 Tuning & Race Performance Clinic. This is the first in a series of seminars designed to help with tuning and racing practice. In short, an effort to raise the bar of sailing in our pond..
Photo Courtesy, Ben Reeve
Jess started the clinic with a step-by-step setup procedure for the DF95, sharing race proven setting that will put your boat in perfect balance for speed on the race course. Skippers asked numerous detailed questions and it was apparent this was valuable information for even the seasoned R/C sailor. The group also included a new R/C Sailing member.. Welcome John!
After the tuning portion 16 eager skippers, with well tuned rigs, headed to the water for starting drill practice. The challenge.. a 30 second start clock. A tight starting line. A very short weather leg. Up and back as fast as you can. With NO touching other boats! You touch..two boats out.. A great drill! Now do that 25 times..
Jess also discussed numerous strategies to get the most out of your boat on the water, course positioning while racing, how to avoid getting in the tough spots and how to get out.. One of the final water practices was the 360 drill. Fast tacks and jibes to stay in the race even if you foul. A Fantastic Day! Thank You Jess!
Photo Courtesy, Ben Reeve
Special thanks to others that helped make this Tune Up Day happen:
Chris Davidson
Dennis Rodgers
Keith Sternal
Jason Brooks
Chris Staiger
Jon Rogers
There’s an IOM Tuning and Race Performance Clinic on the calendar for Saturday, February 1.
Don’t miss this opportunity to tune up for the 2025 AMYA Region 8 Championship Regatta!
The San Diego Argonauts are hosting the AMYA Region 8 IOM Championship Regatta in less than two months. Start making your plans for a fun 3 day event on Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond. Registration is open.
Zero to Ten… but mostly Zero from WNW. Those were the winds for the Argonauts’ final day of racing in 2024. While the day was sunny and pleasantly warm, sailing conditions were once again… fluky. The DF95’s went first with RD Ty Beach selecting mostly medium courses.
Next, it was the IOMs’ turn. RD Craig Mackey called medium courses, but ended with a short course to get the sailboats off the pond in time for the Scaler’s Christmas Parade of Lights.
