RC Sailing

RC stands for radio controlled. This is my newest hobby. I've always loved boats, especially sail boats. In fact, I have taken 2 sailing lessons! However, given my current schedule, it will be quite difficult for me to sail "the real thing" So I went for the RC version. Although the size is very different, the principles are the same. (I was also inspired by the character who owns a lot of RC toys from one of the cartoons my daughter watches. You know which one, right?)

After sailing for a few times, I'd like to share some of my thoughts:
1) This is a kinda messy hobby. It is not normally the type of things I like to play with. (You might say playing with computer is messy though but that's another story) For example, I don't like getting my hands wet. There were very few exceptions, and this has become one of them. Actually, my feet got wet when launching and retrieving the boat too. And of course, the boat needs to be cleaned after I sail every time.
2) This is a kinda niche hobby. Fortunately, there are several clubs in my area:
- North Bay R/C Sailing Association: sails at Marin County Civic Center Lagoon in San Rafael
- Shoreline Model Yacht Club: sails at Shoreline Park in Mountain View
- South Bay Model Yacht Club: sails at Lake Cunningham in San Jose. Also Sandy Wool Lake at Ed Levin County Park in Milpitas.
Other than these lakes, it is not allowed in most others, especially those in the East Bay Regional Park system (only one near Quarry Lake in Fremont allows model yacht and it seems to be for power boats rather than sail boats) Also, looks like the One Metre class is the most popular in this area. The folks at Shoreline sail CR914 but they are kind enough to allow me sailing my Nirvana II with them. I hope Nirvana catches on in my area soon. (If you sail one, please comment!)
3) I think a typical beginner like me go through these stages:
Stage 1: Happy as long as it comes back in one piece.
Stage 2: Happy as long as I could control it to sail in whichever direction I want.
Stage 3: Happy as long as it is moving at the best possible speed allowed by the wind condition.
My biggest fear so far is not being able to get my boat back. Touch wood it hasn't happened yet. I think it helps when:
- I sailed in a relatively small area
- I turned the rudder so that the boat sail in roughly the direction of where I was
- I used fresh battery and kept track of the time.
- I practiced using this simulator.

Here are some videos I took. (Just like my Go Motorboard 2000X, I bought my Nirvana II sight unseen. I hope my videos would help potential buyers)

Maiden Sail


In control (sort of)