What we Do
There are many aspects to what makes a radio or free sailor but the MYA is primarily of interest to those who wish to race them, and it doesn’t matter whether you are a mid week skipper who sails locally with your mates or a top end competitor who spends their time planning the next international event, the one thing in common is that if there is another boat on the water there will be a race, and that’s what we do, whether for fun, for the social aspect or for the competition its all racing.
Model Yachting
The term Model Yachting is based on the heritage and traditions of our sport which go back over 200 years, however the boats we sail are in most instances not models or scale versions of full sized boats but specifically design purpose built yachts for racing, nowadays primarily with radio controls but also for free sailing.
Whether designed on the kitchen table or the latest computer design package, a lot of time, energy and enjoyment goes in to making a modern model yacht.
How we do it
Most racing is done via a club structure, and to be a member of the MYA you have to be a member of a recognised club. This club will have a structure that provides organised and structured racing, typically to the World Sailing Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS); with occasional variations to take into account local requirements. The newcomer will soon pick up the basics of how a race takes place.
Radio Sailing will be around a series of buoys and a race will last between 15 and 20 minutes with a series of these in a days racing. This is probably the biggest difference between full size and what we do, instead of 2 or 3 races in a day, we will have 10 to 15 in a day, with 10-15 starts, 10-15 1st beats and 10-15 close finishes!
Free Sailing requires a different lake with access required all the way round and is the core form which the modern sport has evolved, this is a series of windward legs and downwind legs where every boat races against each other and the wins against other boats are added together to find the overall winner, although less obviously tactical, its challenges are still many with boat trim a great skill which takes time to understand and achieve consistently.
Like many sports; Golf, Motorsport or even full size Sailing the first time you participate it can seem “odd” but most people who experience radio or free sail cannot wait for the next time, and if the “bug” gets you it can lead to many hours of enjoyment across the country.
Most clubs will organise a club league or competition and for those with more time there are races organised between local clubs or districts. For the keener skipper there are national and international events with the associated social aspect!
Who does it
The sport has champions in their 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s & 70’s, in fact we have members in an age range from 7 to 97 with classes, races and series to suit all. It is a great way of making friends getting some exercise and removing the stresses of life.
Give it a Go
Whether you are an ex Olympian, World Champion, Full Size Sailor or just like the idea of having a go, there will be something for you in Radio or Free Sailing. Why not look through the MYA clubs page and find a club close to you.
The MYA supports and promotes the RYA Charter. Click the logo below to read more.
Download the RYA Charter here
