Construction Of Racing Sails: Feet
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Sails
By Rod Carr
Proper sail feet are configured to improve performance over the range of wind and wave conditions that you encounter on the racecourse. The mainsail foot is especially important in maintaining boat balance and power through the variability of wind that is encountered during a day of sailing competition. Read More...
Proper sail feet are configured to improve performance over the range of wind and wave conditions that you encounter on the racecourse. The mainsail foot is especially important in maintaining boat balance and power through the variability of wind that is encountered during a day of sailing competition. Read More...
Living with Light Air
by Rod Carr and Rick West
East Coast 12 Meter skipper Rick West of the Delta Model Yacht Club recently took the time to write up his experiences with sailing in very light air in a fleet which was not short of top notch skippers. Rick has taken on a substantial amount of travel to gain experience by sailing in the active Atlantic seaboard EC-12 Fleets. The following is an edited version of the exchange between Rick and I. Read More...
East Coast 12 Meter skipper Rick West of the Delta Model Yacht Club recently took the time to write up his experiences with sailing in very light air in a fleet which was not short of top notch skippers. Rick has taken on a substantial amount of travel to gain experience by sailing in the active Atlantic seaboard EC-12 Fleets. The following is an edited version of the exchange between Rick and I. Read More...
Sail Battens
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Sails
From Eisenhower Park MYC
Looking for easy, quick batten design for your sails? Something which will not cost you a lot of time and still do the job? Read More...
Looking for easy, quick batten design for your sails? Something which will not cost you a lot of time and still do the job? Read More...
How To Plank A Round Sided Model Yacht Hull
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Hulls
Planking a round sided hull is easy and fun. In fact it
is easier than one might imagine. It just takes a
little time and patience. The first thing to do is to
find a set of lines for a boat that you really like. If
its your first one you should start with a design that
has no complicated inside curves. At the bottom of this
document is a detailed diagram which can be printed and
referred to. Read
More...
Sail Design Basics II
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Sails
by Dave Acree
Now we have a basic overview of sail design, how is it applied to actually making sails? Remember, a sail has a curve or camber in it but how does that curvature get put into a sail? Sails made for model yachts are constructed by using panels. The use of panels and how they are put together, will give the sail the curve it needs. That is what this issue is about. Read More...
Now we have a basic overview of sail design, how is it applied to actually making sails? Remember, a sail has a curve or camber in it but how does that curvature get put into a sail? Sails made for model yachts are constructed by using panels. The use of panels and how they are put together, will give the sail the curve it needs. That is what this issue is about. Read More...
Sail Design Basics I
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Sails
by Dave Acree
This article is for those skippers who are starting to design and make their own sails. There are several good reasons to do this; the first is a cost savings and the increase enjoyment of building your own sail boat. This article is an answer to a question on how do you calculate your sail plan. The main point to start with is this article centers on the 36/600, 1 Meter, and Marblehead boat classes. Read More...
This article is for those skippers who are starting to design and make their own sails. There are several good reasons to do this; the first is a cost savings and the increase enjoyment of building your own sail boat. This article is an answer to a question on how do you calculate your sail plan. The main point to start with is this article centers on the 36/600, 1 Meter, and Marblehead boat classes. Read More...
Combination Mast Step and Keel Fin Trunk
The beauty of this unit is its simplicity. Read
More...
Mark Rounding
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Tactics
by Dave Acree
When you come out of a turn of a windward mark and a good number of the fleet are still behind you, your big effort should be getting and keeping clear wind. Read More...
When you come out of a turn of a windward mark and a good number of the fleet are still behind you, your big effort should be getting and keeping clear wind. Read More...
Mast Abeam Reverse
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Tactics
by Dave Acree
For those who like mast abeam, Rule 13 is the one rule you hate to see go away. Read More...
For those who like mast abeam, Rule 13 is the one rule you hate to see go away. Read More...
Light Air Sailing
By Struan Robertson
NSWRYA (Australia)
from the Miami Valley MYC Newsletter
Like most people I arrive at the lake on a sailing day hoping for that beautiful breeze. You know, somewhere in the mid-range of number one rig and just oscillating enough to make picking the right shifts interesting. Read More...
NSWRYA (Australia)
from the Miami Valley MYC Newsletter
Like most people I arrive at the lake on a sailing day hoping for that beautiful breeze. You know, somewhere in the mid-range of number one rig and just oscillating enough to make picking the right shifts interesting. Read More...
Start Wind Shadows
by Dave Acree
At the start of a race is the time where wind turbulence is the greatest. Before the ding of the starting bell, boats are circling around looking for a good starting position. All this circling of boats, cause a bunch wind shadows, and turbulence in the wind and water. Read More...
At the start of a race is the time where wind turbulence is the greatest. Before the ding of the starting bell, boats are circling around looking for a good starting position. All this circling of boats, cause a bunch wind shadows, and turbulence in the wind and water. Read More...
Irons
by Herman Kraus
Space Cost Model Sailing Club
On almost any given day down at the pond it is possible to see boats caught in irons. Being caught in irons. Being 'caught in irons' refers to a boat sitting at, or very nearly, head to wind with sails luffing and no forward motion. Left alone any boat will eventually drift out of irons with a 50-50 chance of coming out on a desired tack. Read More...
Space Cost Model Sailing Club
On almost any given day down at the pond it is possible to see boats caught in irons. Being caught in irons. Being 'caught in irons' refers to a boat sitting at, or very nearly, head to wind with sails luffing and no forward motion. Left alone any boat will eventually drift out of irons with a 50-50 chance of coming out on a desired tack. Read More...
What Knot For Me?
By Dick Hein, AMYA Treasurer
Here is a little knot trick I have been using for years any time I need a slip knot connection. Read More...
Here is a little knot trick I have been using for years any time I need a slip knot connection. Read More...
Weak Arm Winch?
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Winches
By Dick Rutledge, AMYA Vice president
If your arm winch is slightly weak, try running a short length of elastic cord attached to the arm. This way when the arm lets the sail out it pulls the cord and when the sails are brought in the tension of the cord helps pull the arm through the critical load area. I know some folks that do this in high winds only to give their winch some help.
If your arm winch is slightly weak, try running a short length of elastic cord attached to the arm. This way when the arm lets the sail out it pulls the cord and when the sails are brought in the tension of the cord helps pull the arm through the critical load area. I know some folks that do this in high winds only to give their winch some help.
Smooth Finish
Categories: Builder’s
Corner
From the Space Coast MSC Newsletter “The Dock Line”
When working with epoxy keep a small glass with isopropyl alcohol handy. When you are ready to smooth it out just dip your finger in the alcohol and rub the glue to the smooth finish we all like. the glue comes out nice and smooth and your finger stays clean too!
Read More...
When working with epoxy keep a small glass with isopropyl alcohol handy. When you are ready to smooth it out just dip your finger in the alcohol and rub the glue to the smooth finish we all like. the glue comes out nice and smooth and your finger stays clean too!
Read More...
Servo's and Their Problems
By Dick Wischer
Most of the servos we use are the ones that come with the radios we buy. There was a time when the, store would exchange the standard servo for one with more power (inch oz. of pull), and water resistant. Today that does not happen. Read More...
Most of the servos we use are the ones that come with the radios we buy. There was a time when the, store would exchange the standard servo for one with more power (inch oz. of pull), and water resistant. Today that does not happen. Read More...
Keep Your Receiver Dry
Categories: Radio
Controls |
Skipper’s
Corner
From the Space Coast MSC Newsletter “The Dock Line”
Ever lose control of your boat due to a wet receiver? Try this and it should help. Read More...
Ever lose control of your boat due to a wet receiver? Try this and it should help. Read More...
Main Sail Twist
From the Mesa Model Yacht Club website
In the Phoenix metro area it is not an uncommon sight to see tall sail rigs on model sailboats. This is because of the light winds which are prevalent in this area and many times you would see these rigged yachts sail away leaving the rest of the short rigged boats adrift. Read More...
In the Phoenix metro area it is not an uncommon sight to see tall sail rigs on model sailboats. This is because of the light winds which are prevalent in this area and many times you would see these rigged yachts sail away leaving the rest of the short rigged boats adrift. Read More...
Take It Easy
From The Dockline, May, 1997
Although the general principles of rigging and sail tensioning hold for all classes of boats this article is intended specifically for the Soling One Meter Class. It has been my observation that some skippers are prone to tension their sails and standing rigging much too tightly and as a result boat performance suffers greatly. Additionally, this over tensioning can result in mechanical damage to the boat and permanent deformation of the hull and or sails. What follows is a common sense approach to dealing with these problems. Read More...
Although the general principles of rigging and sail tensioning hold for all classes of boats this article is intended specifically for the Soling One Meter Class. It has been my observation that some skippers are prone to tension their sails and standing rigging much too tightly and as a result boat performance suffers greatly. Additionally, this over tensioning can result in mechanical damage to the boat and permanent deformation of the hull and or sails. What follows is a common sense approach to dealing with these problems. Read More...
Rig Selection
By Bob Stern
In this first of a five Chapters on tuning a model racing yacht, we'll look at rig selection. In the next sections are features on mast position, how to obtain proper trim to windward as well as how to alter that trim when sailing in non-optimum conditions. Read More...
In this first of a five Chapters on tuning a model racing yacht, we'll look at rig selection. In the next sections are features on mast position, how to obtain proper trim to windward as well as how to alter that trim when sailing in non-optimum conditions. Read More...
Early Starters
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Tactics
By Dave Acree
For this series of Sailing Tips, we are going to begin at the start of a race with one of the most common problem, over the starting line early. I am not going to talk about how not to be over the starting line early, instead what to do when you are. Read More...
For this series of Sailing Tips, we are going to begin at the start of a race with one of the most common problem, over the starting line early. I am not going to talk about how not to be over the starting line early, instead what to do when you are. Read More...
Non-Optimum Conditions
By Bob Stern
I have explained how to tune a rig when the conditions were the optimum for the rig, i.e. the boat was neither under powered or overpowered.. Now, I will attempt to explain how to set up your boat for conditions which are not ideal.
Read More...
I have explained how to tune a rig when the conditions were the optimum for the rig, i.e. the boat was neither under powered or overpowered.. Now, I will attempt to explain how to set up your boat for conditions which are not ideal.
Read More...
Hardening the Mainsheet
By Bob Stern
When you tighten the mainsheet, you will increase the heel, and decrease the forward drive. Read More...
When you tighten the mainsheet, you will increase the heel, and decrease the forward drive. Read More...
Hardening the Jib Sheet
By Bob Stern
Again the opposite situation, where the jib's drive will be decreased, while its heeling force will be increased. Read More...
Again the opposite situation, where the jib's drive will be decreased, while its heeling force will be increased. Read More...
Heavy Air Sailing - Tips and Techniques
By Glenn Dawson (From the November 1998 issue of the
Australian Radio Yachting Association Newsletter)
Sailing in very strong winds presents its own set of difficulties and challenges. Some of the techniques encountered in the discussion on light air sailing apply to heavy air as well. Often, boats are traveling at vastly different speeds in heavy air, but for different reasons than in light airs. Read More...
Sailing in very strong winds presents its own set of difficulties and challenges. Some of the techniques encountered in the discussion on light air sailing apply to heavy air as well. Often, boats are traveling at vastly different speeds in heavy air, but for different reasons than in light airs. Read More...
Mast Position
By Bob Stern
The first thing that you need to do to tune your boat, now that you have selected your rig, is to determine the proper mast position. This is also the last thing you should do, after you have the boat all trimmed out. Read More...
The first thing that you need to do to tune your boat, now that you have selected your rig, is to determine the proper mast position. This is also the last thing you should do, after you have the boat all trimmed out. Read More...
Water in the Boat
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Hulls
by Dick Wischer
Many of you that read this will notice that we keep on the subject of water leaks in the hull. The reason is that it is the one worry that must be cured before you have major problems. Read More...
Many of you that read this will notice that we keep on the subject of water leaks in the hull. The reason is that it is the one worry that must be cured before you have major problems. Read More...
Tools of the Trade
Categories: Builder’s
Corner
By Dick Wischer
THE BASICS if you have a bare hull, deck, keel, rudder, mast, & sails from a manufacturer, here are some things you will want to have to assemble the model. Read More...
THE BASICS if you have a bare hull, deck, keel, rudder, mast, & sails from a manufacturer, here are some things you will want to have to assemble the model. Read More...
Balance Your Boat
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Hulls
by Herman Kraus
One of the most frequent questions heard at the pond is "why does my boat keep trying to turn all of the time?" Read More...
One of the most frequent questions heard at the pond is "why does my boat keep trying to turn all of the time?" Read More...
Sails, Part 1: Sail Camber
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Sails
By Dave Acree
I have recently talked to several individuals on the need for more "how-to" articles. The MMYC Newsletter has tried to help fill this void and will keep trying. So I chose sail making because this is the one area which is a mystery. Read More...
I have recently talked to several individuals on the need for more "how-to" articles. The MMYC Newsletter has tried to help fill this void and will keep trying. So I chose sail making because this is the one area which is a mystery. Read More...
Wind
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Wind
By Dave Acree
Wind is a body of air that is in motion relative to the surface of the earth. It is what causes the weather and without it our model yachts would not move. Read More...
Wind is a body of air that is in motion relative to the surface of the earth. It is what causes the weather and without it our model yachts would not move. Read More...
Windward Positioning
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Tactics
by Dave Acree
A successful strategy of sailing to the windward mark, starts with keeping a close eye on ever changing wind conditions, your position on the course and the competition on the course. Once you have decided which side is favored, all of your efforts are geared to take advantage of it. Along with finding the favored side, you next task it hold or gain your position in reference to your competition. Read More...
A successful strategy of sailing to the windward mark, starts with keeping a close eye on ever changing wind conditions, your position on the course and the competition on the course. Once you have decided which side is favored, all of your efforts are geared to take advantage of it. Along with finding the favored side, you next task it hold or gain your position in reference to your competition. Read More...
Painting Tips for Model Yachts Building
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Hulls
By Dave Acree
Is painting your boat one of the things you like least? Tired of the runs and those little dust specks miring up your work? Well, here are some ideas and tips I got from Jim Meister on spray painting. Read More...
Is painting your boat one of the things you like least? Tired of the runs and those little dust specks miring up your work? Well, here are some ideas and tips I got from Jim Meister on spray painting. Read More...
Sails, Part 2: Sail Making
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Sails
by Dave Acree (From the Model Yacht resource center)
I hope the first article was some help in understanding sail design. Knowing how Camber is formulated does have a impact on how a sail performs. With that there is another important factor in sail making, it is plotting a sail's Draft Location. Read More...
I hope the first article was some help in understanding sail design. Knowing how Camber is formulated does have a impact on how a sail performs. With that there is another important factor in sail making, it is plotting a sail's Draft Location. Read More...
Sail Maintenance
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Sails
By Dick Wischer
Always take along some rip stop tape or some good quality scotch filament tape to repair damage to your sails. Sails can get damaged in many ways. Read More...
Always take along some rip stop tape or some good quality scotch filament tape to repair damage to your sails. Sails can get damaged in many ways. Read More...
Mark Rounding
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Tactics
By Dave Acree
When you come out of a turn of a windward mark and a good number of the fleet are still behind you, your big effort should be getting and keeping clear wind in your sails. Read More...
When you come out of a turn of a windward mark and a good number of the fleet are still behind you, your big effort should be getting and keeping clear wind in your sails. Read More...
My Feet Are Curling Up!!
Categories: Builder’s
Corner |
Sails
by Rod Carr
TriSpi mylar materials are manufactured in large rolls and then rewound onto smaller diameter tubing for shipment to manufacturers like model yacht sailmakers who turn the material into products. Read More...
TriSpi mylar materials are manufactured in large rolls and then rewound onto smaller diameter tubing for shipment to manufacturers like model yacht sailmakers who turn the material into products. Read More...
Living With Light Air
by Rod Carr and Rick West
East Coast 12 Meter skipper Rick West of the Delta Model Yacht Club recently took the time to write up his experiences with sailing in very light air in a fleet which was not short of top notch skippers. Read More...
East Coast 12 Meter skipper Rick West of the Delta Model Yacht Club recently took the time to write up his experiences with sailing in very light air in a fleet which was not short of top notch skippers. Read More...
Broaching
From The Dock Line, Dec. 1997
For purposes of this report a "broach" is defined as an uncontrolled turn to wind ward in response to a wind gust. Detailed explanation of the mechanics of a broach would be too lengthy for purposes of this article, therefore the following is a very simplified version. Read More...
For purposes of this report a "broach" is defined as an uncontrolled turn to wind ward in response to a wind gust. Detailed explanation of the mechanics of a broach would be too lengthy for purposes of this article, therefore the following is a very simplified version. Read More...
Seamanlike and Tactical Mark Roundings
Categories: Skipper’s
Corner |
Tactics
by Dave Acree
Now we have new 1997/2000 ISAF Racing Rules, I thought it would be a good idea if we go over a few new changes. Read More...
Now we have new 1997/2000 ISAF Racing Rules, I thought it would be a good idea if we go over a few new changes. Read More...
Telling Tales
by Jim Halay, Eagle Droppings Newsletter and Miami
Valley MYC Newsletter
A step in achieving boat speed is sail trim on the water using telltales. One of the problems model boat sailors face is that we are on the shore and the boats are on the water and the physical feedback of wind speed and direction is altered by the distance. The only reliable feedback we receive from our little yachts is the visual shape of the sails and relative boat speed. If we could only see the wind. Read More...
A step in achieving boat speed is sail trim on the water using telltales. One of the problems model boat sailors face is that we are on the shore and the boats are on the water and the physical feedback of wind speed and direction is altered by the distance. The only reliable feedback we receive from our little yachts is the visual shape of the sails and relative boat speed. If we could only see the wind. Read More...
Wind and Sailing
By Dick Wischer
Without wind there is no sailing, period. The wind is your propeller, the power that makes your boat go. The best explanation is this, without wind you have no means of propulsion. Read More...
Without wind there is no sailing, period. The wind is your propeller, the power that makes your boat go. The best explanation is this, without wind you have no means of propulsion. Read More...
Sail Trim
From the Miami Valley MYC Newsletter
By way of the Eagle Dropping, April 1997
The object of trimming the sails is to give the boat a slight weather helm during steady winds. With the proper amount of weather helm the boat will head up in puffs and fall off in lulls. Read More...
By way of the Eagle Dropping, April 1997
The object of trimming the sails is to give the boat a slight weather helm during steady winds. With the proper amount of weather helm the boat will head up in puffs and fall off in lulls. Read More...