An increasing number of lagos and ponds in The Villages are becoming sites of model maritime activity as residents and their guests sail a variety of radio-controlled watercraft for leisure relaxation and also for officially sanctioned sailboat race competitions. Various competitive meets throughout the year provide entertainment for both participants and spectators, who enjoy watching the tall, sleek sailboats in action.
Ashland Pond, in The Village of Lynnhaven, hosted the annual Gator Regatta this weekend — with races held both Saturday and Sunday. According to race organizer, Village of Amelia resident, Alan Perkins, the Gator Regatta was the second bi-annual combination regatta involving the two main R-C sailing clubs in The Villages: The Villages Model Yacht Squadron and The Villages RC Model Boat Club.
Under Perkins’ guiding hand, 28 RC yachts sailed 12 closely contested races on Saturday morning, with five different skippers taking line honors — and Brian Engle emerging as the event winner. Other skippers placing in this event were Don Thompson, John Goldsworth, Tom Engle and Liz Perkins.
Saturday afternoon, Soling 1M craft raced in another 12 hotly contested contests, with Brian’s brother, Tom Engle, emerging victorious. Also placing were Gary Dodson, Brian Engle, Kent Burgess and John Goldsworth.
On Sunday morning, with a light breeze out of the Northeast, eight skippers of EC 12 class yachts took to the water. After 10 races, it was clear this was a two-horse, um… we mean boat… race, with Brian Engle and Alan Perkins running neck-in-neck, so to speak. After the tie score at the ten race interval, Brian Engle sailed two ‘bullet races’ to win again. Alan Perkins placed second and Kent Burgess placed third.
Alan Perkins and all the model yacht competitors in The Villages appreciate the efforts of The Villages Recreation Department to supply shaded areas, as heat exhaustion and heat stroke were problems in previous years. They hope in the future to be able to warrant permanent structures for their races, which would also benefit other boat clubs using the pond.
Ashland Pond is considered by experts to be an excellent sailing venue, with roughly 1000 x 400 feet of water surface bordered by grassy slopes. It is oriented east-to-west, which is the generally prevailing wind direction.
According to David Brawner, president of the American Model Yacht Association (AMYA), regatta courses are set up with strict rules, marker buoys plus a start and finish line. The sailboats are 7 feet tall and weigh 25 pounds. Their cost varies depending on whether the sportsman builds his (or her) own boat; buys a pre-owned boat for upwards of $600 or purchases a top-of-the-line craft for thousands of dollars.
He notes how remote-controlled sailing competitions are becoming more and more popular with thousands of enthusiasts filling their ranks. “Temperature, wind direction and timing are precisely measured, and participants’ watercraft are closely monitored by judges as they glide through their paces,” said Brawner. The fiberglass yachts must be manufactured by one of a small number of accredited boat builders and are based on the design of the defender yacht in the 1960s America’s Cup competition.
After an arduous day of sailing, often in intensely hot sun or brisk wind conditions, participants often retire to a local recreation center for cool watermelon and beverages — plus warm camaraderie. Model boating enthusiasts encourage everyone to come out, find a comfortable spot, and view the maritime show. Folks from 5 to 95 can find fascination watching or performing these sports.
Next month, the national championships for this boat class will be held in North Carolina, followed by monthly Florida meets in Palm Beach Gardens, Naples, St. Augustine and other locations. Future regattas will be held in The Villages for Soling 1M class boats Nov.2-3 and for Micro Magic RV yachts Nov. 9-10.
Regatta organizer Alan Perkins and his wife, Liz, recently participated the Wisteria Cup Regatta against 18 skippers in Charleston, S.C.. Alan entered his EC-12 watercraft and won first place. Liz, also a skipper, won for finishing in every race — taking 13th place overall.
For more information, contact: The American Model Yacht Association: AMYA.org
The Castaways Electric Boat Club sails Thursdays @ 8 AM at Lake Miramar. Tom Hutchins 350-6956
The Lake-Sumter EC-12 Model Yacht Club sails Thursdays @ 10 AM summers and at noon winters on Ashland pond. Alan Perkins 352 674-9145.
The Model Yacht Micro Magic Racing Fleet, for Villages residents with big boat or RC yacht experience, sails @ 10AM Mondays at Ashland Lake. usa.magicmicro.org/news.php John Rowley: 751-3415.
