RC Laser Class
Fleet Captain - Tom Walker
In December 2008, several MYC members purchased RC Lasers. The RC Laser is a one quarter scale model of a Laser which is fitted with radio controls so that it can be sailed by a skipper standing on the shore. The intent was to start a fleet of RC Lasers and sail informally until such time the skippers felt comfortable and then start racing. A total of twelve boats were purchased and various owners gathered to sail from the Yacht Club floats. Last summer, regular gatherings were held Thursday afternoons at 5:00 PM. Four or five “regulars” enjoyed sailing on Thursdays and from time to time on weekends.
Sailing the RC Laser proved to be very enjoyable. The skippers learned to sail not too far, so not to exceed the radio range of the transmitter. The matter of eel grass was noted as one boat would inexplicably stop as others sailed on by. Heavy winds and seas were encountered and the boats stood up to remarkable punishment. Flat calms were also endured as the fleet was swept out towards Misery Is. on an ebb tide. It was great fun and we learned a lot about the RC Laser. During the summer cruise to Maine, we had seven Lasers sailing during the “Gam” at the Creighton’s Island. It was a fun season.
During the past winter, our fleet has been formalized. The official name is “Manchester Model Sailing”. John Newhall has drawn up a set of bylaws governing the fleet and its members. The fleet has applied to the American Model Yachting Association for official recognition. Once this has been received we will be able and expected to run at least one regatta per year! In order to attract more owner/skippers, RC Laser sailing events will be published in the Yacht Club Calendar. Two RC Laser sailing events are currently scheduled for Sun. July 18th and Fri. Sept 3rd. There will be more events announced once the fleet members meet and work up a schedule. All are welcome to join whether you have a boat or not. The current fleet owners range in age from fourteen to over eighty! This is a sport which is fun for every age and experience level. More information will be forthcoming in the “Trident” newsletter and on this web site.
For more information about RC Lasers have a look at their website, www.rclaserna.com and the web site for the American Model Yachting Association, www.modelyacht.org . The AMYA is the governing body for model yacht sailing and racing in North America it is a part of US Sailing. The racing is conducted under “The Racing Rules of Sailing”, just the same as the “People Boats”. Please contact me if you have any questions or would like to try sailing a Laser. 978-526-4522 or twalker364@aol.com.
Hope to see you on the water! --Tom Walker