Category Archives: News

MAR19 IOM & DF95 Points

Events, News, Photos, Sail, Videos, ,

March was an active month on our pond with three consecutive weekends of sailing events! Thank You, to all that participated!

The month wraps up with IOM and DF95 fleets, with a competitive day of sailing. Winds were  favorable all day and each fleet easy completed a series of six races.

Prior to racing and our skippers meeting Ken Campbell conducted a 10 minute discussion with the topics When do the Rules Apply and Proper Hailing. Hailing is a subject all skippers are aware of, but challenged to initiate, while engaged on the water. There were numerous questions and clarifications during this seminar. The challenge to all is taking the knowledge to the race course. Kerim documented the class:

When do the Rules Apply
Proper Hailing

Before the races, Commodore Mark Hallberg recognized volunteers by handing out cash awards to those who routinely contribute to club activities. This was a huge incentive to get involved with our club. Don’t spend your dividends all in one place!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

IOM’s were on the course at noon, greeted by southwest winds in the 6-8mph range. Medium courses were the norm. As the day progressed and the IOM’s had a few races under their belt, winds shifted right for a little variation. Nice conditions!

The fleet of twelve DF95 started their series of six races with slightly freshening wind conditions and competitive racing. Chris Stager is back on the Argonauts sailing circuit with years of RC racing experience. It’s great to see the level of competition continue to grow!

At the end of the day Bob Williams, on his 80th Birthday, fired up the grill and served delicious hot dogs. Happy Birthday Bob.. Thank you for all you do!

IOM’s Video 1 of 16:  (Automatically continues to the next video, or click next arrow)

VOLUNTEERS MAKE THESE EVENTS POSSIBLE-SMOOTH-AND FUN!

THANK YOU TO ALL THAT CONTRIBUTED TODAY:

Bill Bridge – Skiff and Mark Prep

Ken Campbell – Rules Seminars & Points Scoring

Ben Reeve – Registration & Collections

Kerim Baran – IOM RD and Drone Video Documentarian

Gil Jansky – Course Marks / RD DF95 series

Commodore, Mark Hallberg – Assistant RD and Scoring

VC Sail, Bob Williams – Grill Master

Keith Sternal – Skiff Clean-Up

Smooth Sailing, Gil

MAR5 Sail Points

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Saturday brought out a handful of heavy weather sailors to our pond, as winds teased to small craft advisory levels! Ken Campbells statement, that was included with his sailing scores, pretty much says it all – “In my 20-plus years of racing at the pond, I don’t believe I’ve ever sailed here in winds as heavy as today.  I’d estimate it was blowing at least 18 knots, with gusts well above that.”

Just before skippers headed to the water for sailing action Ken Campbell held a Sailing Rules Clinic covering a number of issues that are common on the race course. Kerim Baran documented the seminar. Thank you Ken & Kerim!

Leeward boat rights at the Start Line 
Room to Tack at an Obstruction –
Port-starboard with multiple boats on Port 
Inside the Zone at the FInish Line
 Inside overlap when rounding a Mark
Soling Race #6. Captured in a series of 3 videos. 
Winds gusting over 20 knots. Check out Ty’s boat speed in Video #2 from 3:55 to 4:30.

Special thanks to Kerim Baran for navigating the drone in WIND!

NO B RIGS

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO RACE DIRECTOR TOM WARREN AND OTHERS THAT HELPED MAKE THIS EVENT POSSIBLE!

DF95 & IOM-February Points

Events, News, Photos, Sail, Videos, , , ,

Twelve DF95 and five IOM Skippers closed out February points racing with delightful sailing conditions. Newbie RD Gil and seasoned score keeper Bill Bridge were the days event managers. 

The 95 fleet was on the course just after noon with a nice WNW breeze in the 6-8 mph range. As the afternoon progressed the wind range increased at the same time predictability decreased. Shifty and gusty! 95 skippers made the best of it with 6 fun races.

Our fleet of five IOM’s had their turn on the pond with winds continuing to pulse. Skippers experienced gusts and occasional speedy bow down conditions to light and variable drifty areas of water. Some refer to it as a  “crap shoot”! Observing the best skippers consistently score high in these conditions it appears there is more than just luck! Keep working.

After a fun day of sailing VC Bob Williams fired up our new grill that was generously donated by Steve Delva. Bob experimented with a new blackened hot dog recipe, that was not fully approved by Julia Child; but turned out to be wildly acknowledged by all attendees! Bob also presented beautiful hand made trophies to Bill Bridge, Ben Reeve and Gil Jansky for their recent volunteer efforts. Thank you Bob!

A fun day indeed.. Bring on March!

2022 IOM Midwinters Regatta- Final Day

Events, News, Photos, Sail, Videos,

Sunday morning on the Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond found skippers is quiet contemplation and focused trimming and tuning for the final day of the IOM Midwinters Regatta in San Diego. The pond waters were still as skippers shared ideas and tuning techniques among their friends and competitors. This class has a truly a collaborative group of skippers, which continues to raise and inspire a higher level of sailing.

Sea breezes begin to freshen as Fred Rocha calls a 10:30 am Skippers Meeting. “C” fleet is on the course for a 10:45 am start and another perfect day of pond sailing!

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!

Congratulation! Mark Gollison- 1st Place
Jess Atkinson- 2nd Place
Gary Boell- 3rd Place
George Pedrick- 4th Place
Christian Plaza- 5th Place
Gene Harris- FAIR PLAYER AWARD
Various segments from Races 15A, 16C, 16B, 18A

Special appreciation go to our dedicated IOM sailors that attended this years annual Midwinters Regatta in San Diego. Without your passionate interest and participation in this unique sport and hobby, our pond culture would not be the same. Good Luck in future regattas and see you next year!

This event was made possible by unconditional support from club volunteers: Kim Robbins, Bill Bridge, Ben Reeve, Commodore, Mark Hallberg, Dennis Rogers and Kerim Baran. Each one added a special contribution to make this a great event. VC of Sail, Bob Williams, has been a driving force to our club success.. NICE JOB!

Last but not least.. The man with all the energy and enthusiasm for our sailing addiction, Fred Rocha!! We could not do this without your genuine drive and passion! YOU ARE AMAZING.. Thank You!

SMOOTH SAILING, Gil

2022 IOM Midwinters Regatta-San Diego, Day 2

Events, News, Photos, Sail, Videos,

Our pond was greeted by a beautiful sunny morning, relaxing offshore flow and early prevailing NW breeze. Not to be argued with in the middle of February! Good sailing was abundant throughout the day with C fleet hitting the water at 11AM and A fleet ending the day while the sky was turning sunset orange. Thank you Fred Rocha for the tight rounds!

DAY 2 IOM MIDWINTERS-SCORES
ALL CLEAR

Special Thanks to Kerim Baran for spectacular drone footage.

segments from Races 7C, 7B, 7A, 8C. Captured in a series of 8 videos

2022 IOM Midwinters Regatta-San Diego, Day 1

Events, News, Photos, Sail

The San Diego Argonauts launched their three day IOM Midwinters Regatta with twenty six eager skippers and perfect perfect summer-like weather on Mission Bay Model Yacht Pond. Water level was a bit skinny due to recent maintenance and shoreline work, so our fleet was divided into 3 heats in order to avoid traffic issues. Sea breezes freshened by mid day with increasingly challenging shifts as the day progressed. Fred Rocha, master organizer and RD extraordinaire directed a full day of sailing for all!

3-2-1 LAUNCH
OFF ON THE FIRST WEATHER LEG
FRED!
DOWN WIND LEG
JESS ATKINSON-NICE FIRST DAY.. GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!
FEBRUARY 18, 19 and 20

Conditions are looking favorable for another great day of sailing tomorrow! Smooth Sailing..

February Update

Events, News, Photos, Sail, , , ,

In anticipation for an exciting 2022 sailing season our Argonaut maintenance team got the jump on some much needed skiff repairs and refinishing projects. Bob Williams and Steve Ross spearheaded the operation. Bob arranged the welding repairs of our launching dolly. It needed major chassis and axle work to keep it in service. Steve was are go-to materials and supply man. Gil provided additional elbow grease and light humor during the daily routine of sanding and painting. Ben Reeve wrote some pretty nice checks! The end result will add years more service to our launching equipment.. I hope everyone likes black!

Lets get back to the important stuff.. SAILING!

Saturday, February 5, was another San Diego “chamber of commerce” day! Full sunshine with light sea breezes greeted our Mission Bay pond. Prior to our start, Barbie paraded the shoreline on a scale air boat.. I guess she has moved on from pontoon boats and Corona’s!

Shortly after noon, under the race direction of Ben Reeve, ODOM skippers launched into a 6 race series. Winds were in the 6 to 8 mile per hour range with the usual holes and shifts. The following are the results:

Soling 50 skippers were up next with a similar wind range but seemingly more extreme shifts as the later afternoon winds favored a more northerly direction. I would describe it as a mixing bowl of swirling breeze.

We appreciate every participant and volunteer. You make this club possible!

SDA-Cal2022rDownload

FEBRUARY 18, 19 & 20

Register for the event! Or stop by to watch the action!

IOM MIDFWINTERS, Feb. 18, 19 & 20

If you are an RC enthusiast, big boat sailor or just pond side spectator the San Diego Argonauts welcome your interest into our FUN and challenging hobby of RC Sailing Boats, Scale Boats or Power Boats!

SAIL POINTS, Jan. 8, 2022

Events, News, Photos, Sail, , ,
Commodore, Mark Hallberg – Have Fun!

Commodore, Mark Hallberg was on hand to kick off the 2022 Sailing Season with an introduction to, Steve Delva, our newly elected and much needed Argonaut Secretary. Thank you Steve!

Mark also expressed an optimistic outlook to this years club social activities as we look forward to award banquets and more pond side barbecues. The fun light is on!

VC Bob Williams.. If you want to get scored in 2022 Points Races.. JOIN the ARGONAUTS! We welcome all sailors!

2022 Membership Form

2022-Membership-Renewal-Form-220110Download

Ben Reeve was our trusted RD for the day and assembled  an eager staff of volunteers that helped run a smooth day of racing. Tom Warren jumped in with mark setting and mark moving. Ben, Kim, Greg and Gil with boat clean up and storage. Ken Campbell for confirming and posting results. It takes a village. Thank You!

SOLING 50″s all clear!

Weather conditions for the first races of the season were cool and calm with just enough sea breeze to keep our hulls moving and complete 6 races for each class. Seven Soling 50’s started the series at noon in a medium overcast sky with south west winds in the 6 mph range. As the day progressed and the ODOM fleet had their turn on the pond, wind shifted to the right and became progressively lighter and variable. Short courses up and down were called in order to salvage 6 races. A day of challenging conditions and great competition!

SOLING 50’s on the weather off-set mark..
Run to find the wind
Beat to the finish line
Mad flyer to make something happen!

ODOM FLEET NEXT…

Special thanks to our photographer Sandra, warm hands, Jansky for snapping some action shots in between warming sessions next to the heater. We all appreciate your sailing images!

Ken and two Barbies sipping Corona tall ones.. Typical Navy guys getting an eye full!

If you are an RC enthusiast, big boat sailor or just pond side spectator the San Diego Argonauts welcome your interest into our FUN and challenging hobby of RC Sailing!

Smooth Sailing, Gil

2022 San Diego Argonauts & IOM Midwinters Regatta

Events, News, Sail

I trust all skippers are having a wonderful Holiday! This is a perfect time to reflect on last seasons highlights and plan for a fresh 2022 sailing season. Get those boat repairs and rig tuning issues knocked out early and don’t forget to update your Argonauts membership and AMYA enrollments.

SDA-Cal2022r-1Download

Lets get started on our pond with a fun 3 day IOM MIDWINTERS REGATTA, Feb 18, 19 & 20! The days are starting to get longer and winds typically reliable. Registration is now open.

22-IOM-MIDWINTERS-NOR-1Download

Register for the 2022 San Diego Argonauts IOM Midwinters Regatta

https://form.jotform.com/213594844249971

The more IOM’s on the starting line the more fun! Lets make this list grow!

Midwinters-list-1-11-22Download
2022-MidWinters-SIs-1Download
HMS-Rules-1Download
IOM-CR-2021-2Download
Racingrulesofsailing-20212024Download
Equipment-Rules-of-Sailing-2021-2024-1Download

San Diego Argonauts 2022 Calendar

SDA-Cal2022rDownload

NOVEMBER SAIL DIVISION

Events, News, Sail, , , , ,

I trust all Argonauts had a wonderful Thanksgiving.. We certainly have been experiencing exceptional fall weather!

This report comes as a lump sum-up of all activities for November, so lets dive right in. WE have elected new club officers, initiated annual registration with updated forms, called out to ALL Santa Barbara skippers for participation in 2022 sailing schedule and lots of sailing scores.

CONGRATULATIONS to our 2022 Officers:

  • Mark Hallberg – Commodore
  • Ben Reeve – Purser
  • Bob Hirsh – Secretary
  • VC of Power – Bill Bridge
  • VC of Sail – Bob Williams
  • VC of Scale – Rob Wood

This looks like a great team for the Argonauts, for 2022, as we anticipate another fun year of pond activities. Our officers are important for our clubs direction and intentions but also need constructive support and input from all club members. Don’t be shy if you have a good idea that builds a stronger organization.

This is also the time of year for recruiting and sustaining membership. If you have friends interested in RC hobbies, related to our unique pond, please reach out to them. If you are already a member now is the time to refresh your dues. Ben Reeve, our new Purser, will be happy to take care of this matter. The updated membership and dues must be mailed or directly provided to Ben pond-side.  If you would like to pay via PayPal please send Ben an email purser@sandiegoargonauts.com

This past year we experienced a dramatic reduction in the Santa Barbara fleet. As the the 2022 calendar and sailing schedule needs to be finalized. We greatly need input from Santa Barbara skippers with a genuine commitment from at least 3 skippers or we risk the loss of this elegant sailor on our racing schedule. Please contact Bob Williams, VC Sail with your input.

DF95 Thanksgiving Regatta

Thanks to Bob Williams and Ben Reeve this was a fun event. Ben Reeve was the RD and documented the event with this brief:

Today was exceptionally fun day.  Fifteen skippers showed up to race in unforgiving light winds from 3-6mph.  Consistency was the name of game as it is most days.  We attempted to get 12 races in, but after the 7th race we took a break to hope the wind would come back up.  We were able to get another race in and then the skippers voted to call it a day. Which was a good idea as within minutes of that decision the pond went to a glassy smooth finish.  Before I get to the finish order a big shout out to Bob Williams for doing a lot of work today to assist me, and another shout out to Kerim Baran for assisting us with the boat clean up and put away.

Master RD – Ben Reeve
Congratulations Jon Rogers – 1st Place
Congratulations Ken Campbell – 2nd Place
Congratulations Scott Harris- 3rd Place

20 NOVEMBER – DF95 & IOM POINTS

13 NOVEMBER – SOLING 50 & ODOM POINTS

Smooth Sailing.. See you all at the pond!