Category: Special Events

Public model boat event info

🎙️ 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.

DF95 Chair Challenge Results (Mar 7th, 2026)

Summary from Commodore Jess Atkinson:

Today was a blast at the mission bay pond. Chair Challenge. 12 races without leaving your seat.

A look into adaptive sailing for mobility challenged sailors not able to walk the long distance of 12 races. All skippers remain seated. Short course, and a big start line.

9 skippers did the challenge with their DF 95’s. The weather was perfect.

Even had one of the skippers put on a B rig. He was flying in the last race. Super fast!

At the ribbons presentation, Steve Ross, in 5th place, said it was the first radio sailing award he’d ever received. Tom WARREN, in fourth place, was just nothing but smiles and said he had a wonderful time. Third place went to Kerim Baran, who brought a whole fleet of boats, so everyone gets to sail. Thank you, Kerim.

Big tie there between Pat Nevit and Chris Davidson, with Chris Davidson winning the countback for the tie. Pat sailed masterfully, with 29 pts before throwouts 11pts ahead of Chris. After the dust settled, it was a 21-point tie. Chris also sailed like a superstar. Having won 7 races on the day.

Was fun for the RD, too.


Videos were uploaded to Facebook:

1)https://www.facebook.com/100012585552614/videos/pcb.26213245328338096/893760663272089

2)https://www.facebook.com/100012585552614/videos/pcb.26213245328338096/1970988923486765

🎙️ 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!

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.

🎙️ 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!