Category Archives: Scale

JANUARY 2023

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

__________________________

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

  1. Fillippo Busalacchi
  2. Gerry Wold
  3. Kim Robbins

Santa Barbara

  1. Gerry Wold
  2. Lesty Sala
  3. Bart Klatt

ODOM

  1. Gerry Wold
  2. Kim Robbins
  3. Greg Williams

IOM

  1. Konrad Witt
  2. Larry Grant
  3. Dennis Rogers

DF95

  1. Larry Grant
  2. Konrad Witt
  3. Gerry Wold

2022 SAIL POINTS WINNERS

Bob Williams presented awards to top skippers of the 2022 sailing season. Congratulations!

__________________________

FINAL SCORES FOR 2022

__________________________

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!

See You at the Pond, Gil

2022 Wrap Up and Outlook

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!

2023 Calendar

Early 2023 Highlights

January 21- Awards Banquet

February 18 & 19-IOM Region 6 Regatta

__________________________________________________________________________

Awards Banquet

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. 

Thank you and see ya’ at the pond,

Mark,

Staff Commodore

___________________________________________________________________________

IOM Region 6 Regatta

___________________________________________________________________________

Membership Drive

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

Mail to:

Gil Jansky

10641 Gabacho Dr.

San Diego, Ca 92124

___________________________________________________________________________

Nov. 19, IOM & DF95 Points

Today’s points racing had a respectable attendance with ten boats in each fleet. Skippers experienced warm pond-side sunshine and light onshore winds most of the day. Gerry Wold, our RD for both fleets, ran a tight ship. Skippers meeting was called at 11:45am and we were on the clock at 12:05 sharp. The IOM fleet was on the line first and completed 6 races with a mix of medium and long courses. Nice sailing guys!

A big thank you to our assistants:

RD: Gerry Wold

Boat Shed and cleanup: Steve Ross

Scoring: Bob Hirsch

The DF95 fleet jumped into the pond next with lighter wind conditions and challenging glare from the late afternoon sun. Courses were medium, then later modified to short with the fading wind. All six races were completed.

DECEMBER EVENTS

Dec. 3 – ODOM, SOL50 Points

Dec. 10 – DF95, IOM Points

DEC. 17 – SCALE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

AWARDS BANQUET

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.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

NOVEMBER 5, 2022

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!

____________________________

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!

_______________________

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

____________________________________

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.

______________________________________________________________________

NOVEMBER 5, Points- Soling 50 & ODOM

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!

Todays RD’s:

Gil Jansky-Soling 50

Bill Bridge-ODOM

_______________________________________________________________________

FINAL POINTS RACES FOR 2022 SEASON

_________________________________________________________________________

2023 IOM AMYA REGION 6 CHAMPIONSHIP REGATTA

NOR

Smooth Sailing, Gil

PIFA 2021

DUE TO COVID19 THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE CONFUSION ABOUT THE PIFA EVENT AND POND AVAILABILITY. PACIFIC ISLAND FESTIVAL 2021 HAS BEEN CANCELED AND REPLACED WITH VIRTUAL ACTIVITIES.

PLEASE NOTE.. THE POND IS OPEN AND AVAILABLE FOR USE ON SEPTEMBER 25-26. REMEMBER TO BE CONSIDERATE TO ALL USERS AND SHARE THIS VALUABLE RESOURCE WITH RESPECT.

Safe and Fun Boating

2021 RC Scale Boat Events

Dust off your boats and brush off those pandemic cobwebs. Time to start prepping for these upcoming, awesome RC scale boating events!

We’ve created a series of themed events.  Bring your themed RC scale boats, and let’s have some fun!  For more information see our Facebook page or contact the Scale Division Vice Commodore. Download our 2021 Scale Division Event Flyer (PDF)

Saturday, June 05, 2021 – “Scale Regatta & Tug Fest”

  • Join the SDA Scale Division’s popular Tug Fest to match your Tug’s pulling power against our contestants’ heavy hauler of the sea. Charge up your batteries and put on your biggest prop to show the other crews who has what it takes to keep the sea lanes open and the cargo moving. All scale boats are welcome for free running, including scale sailboats. (no entry or registration fees)
  • 8:00am-6:00pm

Saturday, July 17, 2021 – “Age of Steam”

Shine up your brass, tighten your fittings, fire up your boiler, and get up a full head of steam to show the world the ways that having a raging fire in a boat can actually work (most of the time).
Bring your steamers and favorite stories to share in this exciting hobby. Feel free to show off your stationary engines as well.

  • Static displays and live steam demonstrations welcome!
  • 8:00am-6:00pm

Saturday, August 28, 2021 – “Gray Day & Commodore’s Lunch”

It’s your day to “Bring out the Gray” to join our fleet of battleships, aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, and other military vessels for a great day of sailing these classic warships. Be warned, however, that there may well be some subs, and a Bismarck or a Yamato lurking in the waters along with a German Schnell Boat, just to keep it interesting.
SDA Members – Please Join Us for Lunch – Members of SDA can all join us for our Commodore’s Lunch in which we host our members for a sandwich and chips meal on the green at the pond when the smoke of battle settles down for a brief cease fire.

  • 8:00am-6:00pm

Saturday, December 18, 2021 – “2021 Model Boat Festival of Lights”

  • Come celebrate the holiday spirit with the San Diego Argonauts Scale Division Model Boat Festival of Lights inspired by San Diego’s popular annual event. Bring the family, some lawn chairs, some hot chocolate, and a camera to get big time enjoyment from this small scale festival of lights.
  • 4:00pm-8:00pm

SAIL DIVISION-good things are shaking in the wind..

Normal club operations are expected to resume this summer, depending on all pandemic restrictions being lifted by the county and city.

As sailors begin more frequent use of the pond we must to be aware and show respect to other users of our valuable resource. Saturday morning is reserved for Scale Division. Stay off the water until noon! Use common sense when speedy Power Craft are sharing the water. Practice the Corinthian Spirit.

Sail members will soon be given several choices for a new Burgee. Make sure you voice an opinion. These new colors could show up on your hat, shirt or bumper sticker!

We have a busy summer ahead with lots of fun Club Points Racing, Regattas and Race Week in August. (check the current calendar) We are going to need volunteers! Don’t be shy because this is going to be a lot of fun!

We all share a truly amazing hobby and we are most fortunate to have a Model Yacht Pond in beautiful Mission Bay Park.

Smooth Sailing, Gil

IOM Starting Line Action

Pete Law: A Master Model Boat Craftsman

Kerry Law donating dad’s boats

I want to offer a shout out to Kerry Law, who reached out to our fearless leader with a generous offer to donate some beautiful RC boats made by her extremely talented dad. All of the boats appear to be meticulously crafted and engineered, needing only some minor maintenance and radio gear to get them ready for the pond. This was a fabulous gift, and it will boost our recruitment efforts when they are brought to the pond and run. Shown are the two scale models I received today. To my right is a Coast Guard utility boat, and to my left is a German Wasserschutzpolizei boat. These boats patrol the waterways, lakes and harbors of Germany around the clock. –Rob Wood

Rob Wood: To my right is a Coast Guard utility boat, and to my left is a German Wasserschutzpolizei boat.

Kerry, a huge thanks to your family. Your dad was clearly a master craftsman. I spent much of the weekend with a smile on my face as I updated two with modern running gear, cleaned, greased, and tested them.

Berkeley Chris Craft Cobra (Built by Pete Law 1994) 1:8 Scale (1 1/2″ = 1′) Length: 31″ Beam: 10 3/8″

Sterling Chris Craft 63′ Motor Yacht (Built by Pete Law 1984) Sterling kit B-11M 1:19 Scale Length: 40″ Beam: 10 1/4″

A huge thanks from Mark Weber! (Check out Mark’s video if their first test run.)

Originally, club member Ken Wilson planned on picking up the Sterling 63′ Motor Yacht. However, that quickly turned into a trade for Mark Weber’s dusty Emma C Berry RC sailboat (Built by Ed Sayres). In other words, the donated boats indirectly got other models into the right hands to make sure they see the sun and Pond again.

Ken Wilson with Emma C Berry RC sailboat (Built by Ed Sayres)

Other overjoyed recipients!

Thanks Kerry! We have the upmost respect to your dad Pete Law, a master craftsman.

Thank You Bill Edwards

The San Diego Argonauts would like to thank Bill Edwards and his family for remembering the club after he passed.

Family donated quite a number of beautifully crafted hulls, supplies and tools. Bill’s talent for wood working is clear from these hulls. Each quickly found new homes with club members who will carry on Bill’s passion for RC model boating.

Thank you Argonauts member Bill Edwards, daughter Joauna, and grandson Anthony.

A service for Bill Edwards will be held at Miramar cemetery February 12 at 11:30AM.

PS…anyone who got one of Bill’s hulls on 1/25/2020 and is looking for the plans, we’ve found those those. Contact Webmaster@sandiegoargonauts.com for more info.