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Sailboats

Sailboats use the power of the wind acting on sails to propel the boat. Model sailboats are typically controlled via a multi-channel radio transmitter in the hands of the operator with a corresponding receiver in the boat. By changing the position of the two joysticks on the transmitter signals are sent over two separate channels on a single radio frequency (assigned to the individual boat/operator). On the boat, the radio receiver is connected to two battery powered electric motors or servos. Signals from the radio transmitter are interpreted by the radio receiver and translated into instructions to change the position of the servos. One servo controls the position of both main and jib sails together (allowing the sails to be trimmed), the other the position of the rudder (allowing the boat to be steered).

Sailing Monohulls
Model sail boats are governed by the same ISAF (International Sailing Federation) Racing Rules of Sailing that are used for full sized crewed sailing boats (with the inclusion of Appendix E, that introduces special rules to govern the radio-controlled sport).
There are four international classes of radio sailing boats recognized by the ISAF-Radio Sailing Division and several other international monohull classes: (from smallest to largest).

- International RG65
RG65 are monohulls with maximum lenght of 650mm, three different rigs allowed with a maximum sail area 2250 cm²

- International One Metre (IOM)
The IOM class rules specify a monohull of maximum length 1000 mm, with maximum draught 420 mm. There is a minimum weight of 4000 g, which makes homebuilding of competitive boats possible. The IOM has three one-design rigs. To keep costs down, hull materials are restricted to either wood or glassfiber, while masts and booms are restricted to either aluminium or wood.

- International Marblehead (M)
Maximum length: 1290 mm. Maximum draught: ca 700 mm. Up to six rigs are allowed, the tallest being about 2200 mm.

- International Ten Rater (10R)

- International A Class (A), the largest of the international radio sailing classes.

Sailing Multihulls
There are several multihull classes, one of the most popular multihull classes is the Mini40 class or F48 with 48inch maximum lenght and 48 inch maximum beam . Other classes are the 2m class, the new MultiOne 1metre class and the very new 65M multihull class . The 65M is a very exciting class with well sailing, small and easy to transport multihulls. Multihull classes from smallest to largest:

- 65M Class In 2008 some multihullers on various bulletin boards discussed building RG65 sized multihulls. The 65M class evolved with no other rules than overall lenght not exceeding 650mm. First designs came up in 2009 by Siri, who let Ernst Zemann a multihull designer draw two different hulls and Dick Lemke who started a Trimaran and a Catamaran. Several new designs followed. The 65Ms sail well, are easy to be transported and inexpensive compared to larger multihulls.

- 65M Class
The class homepage is here , new boats can be registered here , selfbuilding plans can be downloaded on this site for free.

- MultiOne Class
Multihulls with 1m length, unfortunately the class Homepage is not accessible any more.

- Mini40 Class Popular multihull class with boats not exceeding 1220mm in length and a maximum beam of 1220mm.

- 2m Class
Multihull class with boats not exceeding 2 metres in length with a maximum beam of 2 meters and a maximum mast height of 2,8 meters. There are no restrictions on sail area.

Power Boats
Power boats are typically electric or internal combustion, (ignition engine or glow plug R/C engine based) and some are steam powered (conventional type, and also flash steam). (At one time some boats used engines working on the compression ignition principle. These were not diesels in the true sense of the word but the modelling fraternity frequently referred to them as such. A few enthusiasts still operate such engines.) The power is commonly used to rotate a submerged propeller, aircraft propeller or jet which in turn provide the thrust to move the craft. Typically power boats have two controls, rudder, outboard motor or stern drive and throttle control. Powered scale boats will often have additional remote controlled functions to improve realism, e.g. sounding fog horns, rotating radar antennae etc. Some of the more sophisticated powered racing boats may also have additional remote controlled functions. These may include remote mixture control allowing the driver to optimise the fuel/air mixture during a race. Another function occasionally implemented for racing boats using a surface piercing propellor is remote control of depth or angle of thrust. There are three main types of power boat. RTR(ready-to-run), ARTR(almost-ready-to-run), and kit versions are available. All thoroughbred racing boats are made from kits and the builders add their own gear and radio.


Racing Power Boats

Radio controlled racing boats are designed for maximum speed and maneuverability. Various syles of racing include circuits of different shapes laid out on the water with buoys. The most common courses are the 1/6th mile oval that consists of 330' straight sections followed by 70' diameter turns. The International Model Power Boat Association (IMPBA) as well as the North American Model Boat Association (NAMBA) have specific rules and regulations to address the course, race rules, and formats.

In addition to oval racing there are straight a way (SAW) racing. This is a contest to see how fast you can make the boat go in a straight line. Timed events are held where the boats need to go through a starting light and an ending light. The speed is calculated by the timed difference from start to stop vs the length between the lights. Again IMPBA and NAMBA rules apply.

Some enthusiasts race in the sea controlling their craft from a pursuing boat known as a "chase boat". These courses will usually be a few miles long and the competition is judged against the clock to find the fastest in class. Within the various styles of racing there will be a number of classes depending upon engine size and type.