July 15 Club Points attracted a nice group of skippers eager to sample some beautiful Mission Bay summer weather. The sea breeze cooperated most of the day with fairly consistent wind in the 3-8mph range.
Chris Staiger manned our skiff and set marks to accommodate a light onshore breeze. He also served as our volunteer Race Director for our IOM fleet. During the skippers meeting crews agreed to sailing a gate, as apposed to our reaching leg, opening up more opportunities for our medium course. Good work Chris!
Mike Fruciano was our volunteer Race Director for the DF95 fleet, along with scoring assistant Ken Titilah. Thank you for your help.
Kerim Baran has been active with the San Diego Argonauts for many years as a spirited competitor In Soling 50, ODOM and DF95 fleets and has provided spectacular drone footage of many of our racing events. Kerim will be leaving the San Diego area for other adventures and will be missed on or pond. Smooth Sailing, Kerim!
July 15 IOM Points Races – Playlist
Thank you to all skippers and volunteers that participated today. Club members appreciate your support!
Mission Bay has come to life with summer activities.. beaches, barbecues and lots of boats and cars! Our pond was equally active with much of the same action, only in miniature scale! We even experienced a water skiing demonstration prior to our day of sailboat racing!
Dave Woodward drove from Yuma to volunteer as Race Director. He set the marks, called the line, and fetched everything at the end of the day! Dennis Rogers assisted with scoring the finishes. Great job guys!
Our pond was overcast most of the day with light and variable onshore breezes. Fleets experienced a mixed bag of long, medium and short courses as the winds fluctuated. A challenging day of sailing!
Pat Nevitt provided these beautiful score cards! We all appreciate your contribution!
Four Argonaut IOM Sailors traveled to Foster City June 10 & 11 for the 2023 IOM Regionals – Dennis Rogers, Jess Atkinson, Jason Brooks and Tom Warren. There were just 13 entries but a highly competitive field leaving Jason and I feeling at least this was a gaining confidence event. I was desperate for “B Rig” experience as I was told it can blow stink at the lake. I was also warned of Kelley fish and weed wrapping around our IOM appendages!
As it turned out, weed and jelly fish were the least of our concerns as Jason and I observed the rock stars show up on Saturday morning. These are the guys our parents warned us about.
George Pedrick decided to forego the competition and became PRO as Freddy could not attend. George moved us south of the Rec Center for more favorable course, and we all ran A Rigs the first day. But the winds did not cooperate early as George was able to get off several races before postponements and resetting the courses became the rule of the day. With a 180 wind shift, the first critical races required us to start from right to left and dyslexic vision hampered the rookies. Finding our speed was also difficult and we made major adjustments between the many races thus far. With another 180 windshift and wind building to upper limits of A Rig, Jason took the bait and was the only sailor to mount the B Rig. Unfortunately, he could not overcome the lulls. Saturday’s end results placed Dennis and Jess in the upper echelon with Gary Boel and Mark Gollison, and Jason and I scoring in the Top 20!
Sunday morning brought more challenges to George Pedrick as the City of Foster City booked two events…the Bay Area Dragon boat regatta took our Saturday race course away, and we had to push the course North of the Pagoda and into a short course configuration. And alas the wind gods came to play and pushed us all into B Rigs! “This ought to be interesting!” Lots of action! Be awake!
I quickly found I had boat speed up and down the course- Kantun K2 conditions.the boat from Croatia was flying! Planing, diving, and a hell of a lotta fun! I started moving up in the order, but also found close quarter port and starboards required situational awareness. Several times I sailed passed outside the finish line’s smaller balls, and had to circle back, costing me valuable positions. When George suggested we target completing 32 races total, I felt my last chances of improvement. Alas! I steal a second place, then a fourth, and finally I got the start of my dreams, and fought hard for another 2nd place…but dang! I nailed the final tack and WON my first race! I did a Fernando Tatis 3rd Base Shuffle and got Congrats from all! So that’s how it’s done!
We all had an excellent time, and as the results don’t lie, Gary Boel and Mark Gollison went One Two. The entire fleet gained a great deal of attention from the locals and the Dragon participants, who constantly banged their drums all day long.
I was very impressed that every IOM player is willing to help each other out, are extremely friendly and enjoy the spirit of competition. There were no protests! Penalties served without bantering. And the sailing skills outrageous!
George Pedrick announced that The 2024 US Nationals will likely be held in Foster City.
SIGN ME UP! And the Argonauts need to come up and play with the Best of the Best. They won’t bite! We will all benefit in enjoying top- level competition with classy people.
PS Gary Boel paid me off with a cookie! And Jess…thank you for encouraging Jason and I to compete. You are a true warrior!
Tom Warren IOM #48
The Crew
Hello IOM Sailors,
The regatta turned out pretty good. We had a bit of a crises as the City scheduled two water events on the same day. We both needed the same water and the Dragon Boats got there first and had bigger boats. So we set up a bit shorter course to leeward of them which worked out fine. The shorter course also meant we got in 17 more races Sunday for a total of 32 good races for the weekend. The day started out in A rig and switched to B just after lunch.
Special Thanks to Dick Hunter, Sandy Winton, Chris Sullivan, Gary Boell and Gene Harris for their contributions to making the event a success.
I need to confirm with Freddy, but I am confident we will be hosting the 2024 National’s on one of the first two weekends in June of next year. Pencil it in and start making plans to attend. Be sure to bring a friend or two.
Thank you to all that attended. I enjoyed the time we spent together, and I look forward to the next time we cross paths.
We had a successful day of racing thanks to a good crew of volunteers. This would not be possible without these eager hands that contribute to our pond sailing.
Pat Nevitt
Steve Ross
Kim Robins
Bill Bridge
Gil Jansky
Grey weather seems to be intrenched on the beaches, so sunscreen was optional today. Sea breeze was pretty much coming down the center of the pond in the low to mid single digits with a random gust to 8mph.
During our skippers meeting Pat Nevitt stressed the need to follow the rules, call fouls properly and sail in the Corinthian Spirt. So.. when you foul-do your turns!
Highlights from Soling50 Race 1- Finish would be a good topic for a Rules discussion.
The San Diego Argonauts are hosting their annual Region 6 Midwinters IOM Regatta this weekend and welcomed a talented group of skippers from across the USA, Brazil, Puerto Rico and Barbados. On Friday we also had the opportunity to host a blossoming Southern California Marblehead fleet with a one day Regatta. Twelve Races were run and it was a delight to witness these sleek fast yachts on our pond.
MARBLEHEAD ACTIONFriday IOM Practice
IOM MIDWINTERS-DAY 1
Despite ominous weather predictions regarding a large cut off low pressure system wandering off our Southern California coast, skies were sunny and we experienced a perfect winter day in San Diego. Winds were a little slow to get going but once the on shore began, light sea breezes lasted through late afternoon. A good day of challenging sailing!
DAY 1 RACE FOOTAGE-Thank You, Dan Shier
Stay tuned.. More good sailing tomorrow!
IOM MIDWINTERS- DAY 2
As we waited for a more prevailing breeze to fill in Fred Rocha presented Special Recognition Awards to our international skippers. Dan Mueller- Brazil, Tony Gonsalves- Barbados and Cristian Plaza- Puerto Rico truly raised the bar at this regional event. Special Appreciation awards were also presented to Dan Shier for Outstanding AMYA Promotion, Derek Landeau- Technical Chairman and Doug Hart- Protest Chairman.
Daniel MuellerCristian PlazaTony GonsalvesDerek LandeauDoug Hart
Our beautiful sunny morning was quickly replaced by an upper cloud deck that blanketed our bay. South winds that had plagued us earlier finally shifted right. Heat Number Five-A Fleet started mid day in a light SW 4-5 mph breeze. That said, the entire day winds were light and variable with huge holes and all fleets were challenged. Fred Rocha, determined to completes as many heats as possible, shortened, adjusted and shifted the marks as winds clocked back to the left. GREAT JOB FRED!
Last Heats of the day. The temperature drops.. The winds drop.. and light rain drops..
DAY 2 RACE FOOTAGE-Thank You, Dan Shier
TOP SKIPPERS
First Place- Daniel Mueller
Second Place- Tony Gonsalves
Third Place- Gary Boell
Fourth Place- Mark Gollison
Fifth Place- Chris Sullivan
Fair Player- Ian Beswick
Corinthian- Jason Brooks
A special thank you to all the participants and volunteers that made this event successful and fun!
It is almost the end of the month and I am way behind on my updates.. Yikes! We have had a busy start of the year with new membership and renewals, 2023 Points Races and planning for a long awaited and well deserved Awards Banquet and Trophy Presentation.. Let’s get started.
LUNCH BREAK
Saturday, January 7 began the first Points Racing of the new year. A truly beautiful San Diego winter day greeted Soling 50 and ODOM skippers eager to improve their skills and scores. Extra light winds in the 3-5 mph range prevailed throughout the afternoon so fleets were assigned short courses. Despite the very light conditions competition was tight at the top of the fleets. Unfortunately ODOM skippers had to scrap the last race of the day due to drifting conditions.
RD-Steve Ross
Mark Setting- Ben Reeve
Scoring- Pat Nevett & Steve Delva
Course wrangling and skiff clean up-Tom Warren
January 14 was scheduled for DF95 and IOM fleets to kick off their 2023 points season. Mother Nature had other ideas with heavy rain and wind in the forecast. Our master VC of Sail, Steve Ross, got us all off the hook early after a number of motivational messages from reluctant skippers. It rained for 3 or 4 days and San Diego received A LOT of rain. IOM and DF95 fleets were rescheduled for Saturday, Jan. 28.
IOM and DF95 Fleets Rescheduled Saturday, January 28, 2023
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2022 Awards Banquet and Trophy Presentation
Saturday, January 21 the San Diego Argonauts celebrated a successful year of Scale Boating achievements and R/C Sailing awards. Mission Bay Yacht Club provided a beautiful bayside location and Hawaiian Style Buffet Dinner for the over 40 attendees.
Mark Hallberg greeted our group and introduced club officers. Tom Warren, master of ceremonies, kept the evening lively and guided us through the evenings program.
Rob Wood presented the Scale Division Awards to top members.
2019 SAIL POINTS WINNERS
Tom Warren presented trophies to skippers active in the 2019 sailing season. Due to COVID19 our clubs activities were suspended throughout 2020 and we wanted to recognize the sailors dedicated to our club. Belated Congratulations!
Soling 50
Fillippo Busalacchi
Gerry Wold
Kim Robbins
Santa Barbara
Gerry Wold
Lesty Sala
Bart Klatt
ODOM
Gerry Wold
Kim Robbins
Greg Williams
IOM
Konrad Witt
Larry Grant
Dennis Rogers
DF95
Larry Grant
Konrad Witt
Gerry Wold
2022 SAIL POINTS WINNERS
Bob Williams presented awards to top skippers of the 2022 sailing season. Congratulations!
Gerry Wold – 1ST PLACE ODOMKen Campbell – 1ST PLACE IOMGIL JANSKY- Best Improved SailorBen Reeve – Volunteer of the Year
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FINAL SCORES FOR 2022
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January 28 Points- IOM & DF95
Please don’t be fooled by these beautiful sunny images. A cool grey coastal marine layer dominated most of our day.
Bob Williams was our volunteer RD for the IOM and DF95 fleets. Thank You BOB!
Special recognition to the volunteers that made our racing today possible.
Steve Ross-Scoring Assistant
Pat Nevitt- Score Keeper
Chris Staiger- Marks & Skiff Cleanup
Fred Rocha manned the skiff and set numerous creative course situations. Pesky light south wind forced a skinny upwind leg for the IOM heats. DF95 skippers benefited by a moderate shift of breeze to the SW. Fred moved marks, once again, for sailing a more standard course for our pond.. Believe it or not-The sun was not out this much. Thank You Fred!
See the marine layer?
VC Sail- Steve Ross,
First, I would like to thank all of our volunteers for making Points happen for IOM’s and DF95’s. Bob Williams was the RD for the day, Thank you, Bob! Next, is Chris Staiger assisting with setting the course, also a Huge thank you to Fred Rocha for his racecourse management on a very challenging shifty wind that started with a light South East wind direction slowly shifting to South West. Fred spent most of the day in the dinghy and reorienting the race course with the shifting wind. Finally, I would like to thank Pat Nevitt for doing the scoring with a very quick turnaround on the results. Also, I would like to welcome Jess Atkinson to the Argonauts. Jess took everybody to school by winning the IOM and DF95 in a convincing victory in both fleets. Jess is a lovely guy with a wealth of knowledge of RC sailing.
Special thanks to our new members and all that participated today!
The San Diego Region is fortunate to have an exclusive Model Yacht Pond that is not shared with large or small personal watercraft. A location with easy access to young and old, in a naturally quiet surroundings, with excellent conditions for Model Yacht cruising and friendly competition.
The San Diego Argonauts Scale Division and Sail Division had a successful year featuring events that promoted interest in the pursuit of Model Yachting. Each division has built on our fundamental mission of assisting those interested in R/C boat construction and maintenance, to enhance their knowledge of rules and skills associated with competition, and to promote friendly competition and good sportsmanship. We have a really good thing going on the pond and all members should be proud of our accomplishments in 2022. We are on a steady course and growing strong! Thank You to all that have contributed to our success!
I’d like to remind our members that the Awards Banquet is rapidly approaching.
The banquet date is Saturday evening, January 21st. In order to facilitate the smooth running of this project I’m asking Argonauts to get their payments to me by December 15th. I will be at the pond on Wednesdays and Saturdays to accept your banquet support. If it may be more convenient for you, please send a check to:
Mark Hallberg
4989 Old Cliffs RD.
San Diego, CA. 92120
Be sure to write the check out to the ‘ San Diego Argonauts ‘.
Tom, Steve and Bob are putting together a little something for our pleaser. Rob Wood will also be making an award presentation for the Scale division.
In order for a successful banquet, the first in a few years, we need participation with a great turnout.
Tis the season to renew your San Diego Argonauts annual membership. The process is easy, fast and affordable! Here are a few easy steps to get another fun year of activities and Camaraderie with our unique R/C boat club.
Fill out the 2023 Membership Form
$20 cash or check, with completed Membership Form to Gil Jansky or any other Argonauts Officer that knows Gil.
Endorse $20 check to San Diego Argonauts R/C Model Boat Club
November is a busy month for our club with voting /changing of club officers, planning a January awards banquet, coordinating the 2023 activities and events calendar and closing out the 2022 Pond Season with More Racing.HERE we GO!
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CARING FOR OTHERS
Wishing Pat a speedy recovery!
One of the most important things we do as as social club is recognize and help members and friends that would benefit from our thoughts and prayers. Patt Nevitt has been fighting health issues for many months. He has sailed and contributed to the Argonauts even when his energy level was low and he felt horrible. Likely, many of us didn’t even realize what he was fighting. Last Thursday Pat had major surgery and is now recovering in the hospital. Tom Warren and others have created a thoughtful incentive for Pat to make a speedy recovery. A picture board full of great memories and get well wishes from us all.. We are all pulling for you Pat!
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2023 Officers
Commodore Mark Hallberg kicked off our meeting today with voting and a club consensus of our 2023 officers. Much appreciation should be directed to our 2022 board members that helped us recover from the dismal COVID years. Great Job!
Congratulations to our new Argonauts Officers:
Commodore- Tom Warren
Vice Commodore Sail- Steve Ross
Vice Commodore Scale- Rob Wood
Vice Commodore Power- Bill Bridge
Secretary- Steve Delva
Purser- Gil Jansky
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AWARDS BANQUETT
Mark is now actively collecting fees for our awards banquet. The cost will be $30.00 per person. In order to expedite matters, please pay with a check made out to the San Diego Argonauts.
Send Check to: Mark Hallberg
4989 Old Cliffs Road
San Diego, CA. 92120
Or, hand check to Mark at the Pond. Please include the number of guests you are bringing.
Mark would like to have a final count for the MBYC administration by the middle of December. They would be expecting at least 40 attendees. Realize, also, that this get together is for the entire club membership, though Sail Awards will be given out. Both the Scale and Power division members are invited.
This will be our first banquet in a few years and it will be held at an excellent venue. January 21st, 2023. Hor D’Oeuvers are served at 5PM, with dinner at 6PM.
We are winding down the final 2 months of the 2022 Sailing Season and today we had a nice showing of Soling 50 and ODOM skippers. It truly was a perfect fall day in San Diego. The sea breeze was a little better than anticipated and ranged from about 2-8mph with shifting directions from W to NNW. Fleets managed 6 races each with mostly medium courses. Nice sailing today!
A pesky low pressure system fouled our wind and weather for our Oct 15 pond sailing fleets! Despite threatening sky’s and extremely variable conditions, determined skippers tested their skills and luck.
Our robust DF95 fleet sailed their series of 6 races first. Medium course was generally the rule until late in the series when things were shortened up due to a waning breeze.
The IOM fleet had their turn in the pool just in time for the gentle breeze to turn into barely a breath. Race one, the short course, was just about an all day sucker! IOM race two, a medium course, began in true ghosting conditions. With the lifeless fleet spread out and drifting the rain and thunder eventually finalized this race day. Most made it through the finish line and the IOM’s retired after two drifters.
This is Ghosting.. Appropriate for Halloween?
A Special recognition to our RD’s: Craig Mackey and John Roger’s. Also thank you Jason Brooks and Kim Robinson for mark setting and retrieval. Your help is appreciated by all!
Bob Williams fired up the grill and served up yummy hot dogs for deserving participants. Several skippers commented the BBQ was the highlight of the day.
A big thank you goes to Kim, Tom, Steve for assisting in volunteering as RD’s & helping out with the RD. duties. And thank you Ken for the racing results!
VCS, Bob!
Thank You Kerim Baran for documenting Ken Campbell’s Racing Rules Clinic:
The San Diego Argonauts also held an IOM Fun Regatta on October 8. I understand the event was a lot of fun, but lightly attended. I will post results and other information when they become available.
