After surviving Saturday’s torrential rains, several diverse groups of mariners returned to Lake Mira Mar on Sunday to exhibit their hobbies for interested visitors. Despite a brisk wind, a half dozen members of The Villages RC Yacht Club put their remote controlled sailboats through timed trials, fighting strong currents and shifting breezes. These gents enjoy relaxed summer mornings of camaraderie several days a week while guiding their yachts around the lake. They also take part in officially sanctioned regattas several times a year on Miramar and Ashland Lakes in The Villages.
A few yards down the banks, members of The Castaways Electric Boat Club plied the choppy waters with miniature military and commercial craft models, setting up their own small floating dock nearby. Some of these craft represent navy and coast guard ships the men served on in their younger days. Others were purchased for pure enjoyment.
An exhibit of several meticulously maintained ships, owned by Country Club Hills resident Roger Frances, was set up on a long table for visitors to admire. Roger first went to sea in search of swordfish on his family’s Gloucester Massachusetts fishing boats. After a career in both the U.S. Coast Guard and as a U.S. Merchant Marine tugboat captain, Roger spends as much spare time as possible sailing his miniatures via remote control. His pride and joy,and perhaps his favorite craft, is a beautiful schooner, the Austin Adams, which was on display by the Castaway Club’s sign. Now in his retirement years, he feels the same excitement with his small watercraft as he did when he sailed on board full-size ships.
A different kind of excitement was available  at the expo as well, courtesy of Discovery Kayak Tours. Several Villagers and visitors rented kayaks, which activities they launched near the Lake Mira Mar bridge. The colorful kayaks shared the lake with the smaller sailboats and powercraft — a happy ending to the  Outdoor Expo in The Villages.
