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[des321]

Hi Everyone,
I started this hobby just six months ago and am really enjoying building and running my electric boats. Two finished and a third nearly so.
I have taken quite an interest in the sail side of my club and would like to have a go at it. Please can I have recommendations for a suitable model. I don't want at this stage to have a long build. I really want to get on the water fairly soon to learn the skills of sailing.
Thanks for any replies.

[tigertiger]

Beginner sail boats.

There is a discussion here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=13426.0

First thing to consider, what are others sailing at your club? And other clubs in your area.
If you get something the same, or in the same class, you will be able to race with them. You may not consider racing now, but it can be a bit of fun to add to your sailing day. Or for others it can also be competitive.

If you are interested in a particular boat post on here again asking abut the different user/racing groups for particular boats. visiting their websites will tell you what clubs in your area race that boat. For example I know there is an active grpup for MicroMagic and footys.

Next question, how big do you want?
If you want it small enough to fit in the car rigged, then look for boats of about 2ft (600mm) length. These are about 3ft-4ft (900-1200) tall with the keel bulb. They will lie down fully rigged in the footwell of the back of most European (compact) cars.

Boats to consider
Kyosho Seawind or Kyosho Seadolphin

Thunder Tiger Victoria
Build log here. http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4231.0
easy to build, sails straight out of the box and is often upgraded for racing.
I have one and love it, it was my first boat.

Graupner Micro Magic, a RTR model that is seen as a bit pricey, but is becoming very popular across EU and UK.

Graupner Saphir/Venus

Robbe Comtesse. Beautiful model sails well.

Nirvana II, RTR that has some good reports.

Laser - Goes together in seconds, a bit fidly to learn to sail, but then very fast. Easy to transport in thier own bag. Downside is they are not cheap.

If you want something different
Look at Victor models www.victor-models.com . These kits require more building.

Victor V32 - build log here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=507636#post5360557

Victor Smarsgad

Mary J Ward - a fishing schooner (my avatar is a picture of a modified model) build log here
 http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2716.0
Fairly easy to build.

Ruby B - a sailing cutter, looks like it is built on the same hull as the MJW

Consider scratch building

RG65 - build log http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=4027.0

Footy - these boats are only about 1 foot long (300mm) and are a new class. They are a fun boat, but because they are small they tend to bob about on the water. They are very popular.
A build log for a traditional footy here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=18266.0
A footy yacht build here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=6141.0
There are also footy pirate boats, brigs, etc.


I would not recommend

Any other RTR/ARTR under 2 foot (600mm), the only ones I know are more toy grade than hobby grade.

Seemingly cheap RTR Chinese boats. They come with a radio that may need to be replaced (the heart of any value), and the build quality (especially sails and rigging) means they need a lot of work. This defeats any perceived value and even their readiness for the water.
Build log for one of them here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=14796.0, read it to the end before making a decision.

[Islander1951]

One more that I would add to that list is the Graupner Trueblue, a better boat than I expected, but it doesn't like very light airs much.
The Victoria is a great boat, I started with one too.
Also a possible is the Robbe Windstar, not a problem build, and it can be upgraded to good effect later(or at once), as finances allow.
                      Islander51

[jonny shoreboy]

Sorry if this is a stupid question but...

How easy is it to sail a model yacht? I have been looking at the Victoria for a wee while now but the only thing that is putting me off is I have no sailing experience at all. I don't live near a model boat club so will be sailing on my own. Is it easy to learn or do I really need to find a model yacht club and ask them for advice.

Basically I am asking if I could buy a model yacht, put it together and take it to the pond and start sailing and having fun.

Is there a good book i could buy or internet site I could look at to learn the basics?

[tigertiger]

It is very easy and intuitive. Racing takes more practice to get the best speed out of the boat in given conditions, but sailing is easy.

I once sailed a boat that only had rudder control. The sails were set in a mid position, fixed. She sailed nicely, but not as well as a boat with sails that can be set.

There is a lot of talk of tuning your boat, again this is really only needed for racing.

The instruction book in the Victoria box has a guide to sailing as well. It is all very straight forward.

When you build the model there will be niggles, there always is. But just come on here and ask and the answers will appear.

One thing (niggle) I will say about the Victoria, the mounting points for the shrouds are plastic eyes glued in the plastic deck. These will come off the first time, but they stick back on very well the second time. I think the second time the glue has already attacked the surface of the plastic. This is a materials/glue issue and not a design fault. The second time stuck on they are rock solid. Don't do what some people do is immediately mail order new deck fittings, you don't need them.

[jonny shoreboy]

Cool, thanks for the feedback tigertiger. I really fancied something that was quite quick and easy to get on the water and the Vicky seemed like a solid bet. It's always nice to get the heads up though from someone with a bit of experience. I did fancy the ETNZ kit (as a kiwi) but from what I found on the internet a lot of people thought it really needed more doing to it (propbably just for racing thought?) and I just want to put something on the water and sail.

[Billyruffian]

I was in your same situation a couple of years back and, for me without a shadow of a doubt it would be the Micro Magic.  It now has its own class in the MYA. It is a quick build and the forum gives heaps of info about race tuning and setup.  Plus you can throw 3 or 4 of these little beauties fully rigged in your car and set off with a few mates for some good sailing.

It is a vey competitive boat that sails well in all winds.  I have 3 of them and have sinced moved up to the IOM class but still derive masses amounts of fun with the MM.
Have a good look at the web site and forum.