What We Race |
Micro Magic - One Design One of the most popular model yachts in the world, the Graupner Micro Magic was designed for racing. Its performance is all out of proportion to its small size. The class is managed by a Class Owners Association that is part of the International Micro Magic Class. 53.5 cm long.
The Micro Magic Class is one of the largest in the world, with affiliated fleets in over a dozen countries spread over four continents. Micro Magic kits were previously manufactured by Graupner of Germany and since 2020 by Hacker Model Production of the Czech Republic. Their design and basic look are patterned after single-handed trans-Atlantic boats popular in Europe called Mini 6.5's. The boat features an ABS hull and deck, carbon fiber spars and high-quality rigging hardware. The standard kit can be assembled with common adhesives and epoxies by builders with novice skills. And pre-assembled ARTR (almost ready to race) boats and good used boats are readily available. The class sails under the well-established International Micro Magic Rules, and is governed in the United States by the Micro Magic Class Owners Association. Micro Magic class yachts can be sailed in a wide variety of wind conditions--from drifters to 30 knot winds utilizing smaller alternate sail rigs which are legal under the class rules. (The picture below shows Micro Magics sailing in strong wind with small rigs.) Their small size (21") and light weight (860 grams minimum) make Micro Magics extremely easy to transport and sail. Despite their size, they are very fast and sail as well as, if not better than, many larger radio-controlled sailboats. Class Website | |||||||||
Santa Barbara - One Design The Santa Barbara is an original design expressly for model yacht racing with the classic lines of a full-size yacht. This large-sized yacht's hull and keel must be initially purchased from the manufacturer. Decks and sails are strictly controlled, but may be purchased or made from scratch. Almost all other equipment is up to the owner.
70" long.
If you have been looking for a radio controlled model yacht that majestically sails and elegantly maneuvers like a crew driven Maxi or 60 footer, the Santa Barbara One-Design (OD) is for you. The Santa Barbara is a fractional rigged sloop on a 70 inch long hull. It's designed for racing in a range of sailing conditions from performing well in light winds to being, well behaved and manageable in rough waters and 15 knots of wind. It was introduced in 1964 and was one of the first classes to be accepted by the newly formed AMYA in 1971. It is recognized as a modern classic throughout the association. Because of the one-design concept the boats built in the 1960's are competitive to those boats built in the 90's when racing around the buoys. Because of the history of stability in design the Santa Barbara remains popular in the association as a "class boat". The portability of the Santa Barbara is enhanced due to the removable mast, rudder and keel. Most sedans or coupes can transport your yacht to the nearest pond for a day of sailing. | |||||||||
Soling 1 Meter - One Design Sanctioned in 1993. The Soling 1 Meter is based on the full-size Olympic Soling.
Specifications: 39.37" long, 8-5/8" beam, approx. 60" bottom keel to tip of mast. 10 lbs. min.
Features: Performance; Single rig allowed means lower total cost; One Design for equality of boats; Kit-Based, kits Available from two manufacturers; Wide distribution of local clubs in all AMYA Regions. The Soling 1 Meter Class was first sanctioned by the AMYA in 1993. With thousands of kits sold, and some 4000 boats registered, you can find a Club sailing the Soling 1 Meter in ALL 8 AMYA Regions, and three Provinces in Canada. Over 70 USA and Canadian Clubs list the Soling 1 Meter as the one or the only boat that they support. Something like 50% of ALL RC sailors own at least one Soling!! For over thirty years since being AMYA-sanctioned, the "Soling" has been a Class that offered top competition at the local, Regional, and USA as well as Canadian National Championship levels.
Class RulesThe Soling 1 Meter is a true One-Design: All aspects related to performance are intended to be restricted to what can be achieved by building a Kit straight from the manufacturer's instructions. (The Soling 1 Meter Class Rules may be downloaded from the links table on this page.) Performance: Soling 1 Meters point high, sail fast, and resist "submarining" like some other more narrow and lighter boats. On a fresh reach or run, the boat gives her skipper fully controlled, exhilarating performance. The fin keel draws only about 8" of water, so the Soling 1 Meter is easier to carry and transport, and can be launched from a shore without wading, as well as from a dock. And, the Soling resists snagging in pond weeds - she can almost always be sailed back to shore, instead of having to be rescued by rowboat. Low total cost: Unlike many RC boats, Soling 1 Meter Class allows one rig, using lower cost flat-paneled polyester sails. The Soling can be sailed in winds from near zero to over 20 MPH, using that single rig. And, in a regatta of less than 5 days' duration, you must use the same rig throughout the regatta. This saves hundreds of dollars for additional rigs and sails required to be bought in order to compete in most other popular designs. Soling 1 Meters must be built from a kit available from the original manufacturer- Victor Model Products (out of business as of 2018), AND currently only from one of two Class-approved manufacturers: 3DRC Boats offers Almost ready to Sail kits that can be finished in about 12 hours by virtually anyone. 3DRC also sells full rig kits, aluminum mast and booms, with or without major brand sails. Vac-U- Boats offers an unassembled hull kit. You cannot modify the interior construction of the 3DRC or Vac-U-Boat kits, such as removing structure, or adding carbon fiber or other "exotic" materials. Made in the USA: All Solings, since the first off the mold, have been made in the USA. To buy a NEW Soling, contact one or both of our manufacturers: 3RC Boats TM sales@3drcboats.com Doug Rieger 1-440-610-9542 http://3drcboats.com OR Vac-U-BoatTM philpace@vac-u-boat.com Phil Pace 1259 Humphries Rd. Conyers, GA 30012 http://www.vac-u-boat.com/ | |||||||||