So our little fleet of HBRC 70’s had their first Nationals. Now we know everyone drools over the One Meter’s (and they should) but we have found a way to race cool fun RC sailboats at around $1,000. With the right set up and sails you are immediately competitive, assuming you know how to race, and do not have to worry about someone spending quadruple the amount because there is nothing really to upgrade. Check out the latest report from San Diego and the first ever Nationals.
A steady 5-7kts fueled the HBRC VO70 Regional Championships on Mission Bays Model Yacht pond for two days of intense racing. 20 races were sailed with two throwouts. Erik Shampain of Ullman Sails dominated the event winning with a final score of a cool 18 points. Double the points and you get Charlie Underwood in 2nd, followed by Chris Beckwith rounding out the top 3. Racing was tight and not without the usual regatta flair. Aggressive starts, general and individual recalls were just the start of things. A few collisions, port starboard situations, and buoy room rights sum up the first leg of most of the races. Downwind we saw pretty tame racing, then the heat turned back up as boats rounded the gate and headed back upwind. The latest class to join the model yachting ranks, we’ll see more of this boat in the future as it’s gaining traction and spreading around the country.
No blood was shed, and no boats were lost. This hot One Design is not only fast, but very tactical. In the end, it came down to putting the boat in the right place around the course. Special thanks to all that participated!
