I've only recently gotten re-interested in sailing (mostly as a model hobby) and don't no much about it but I have a particular affection for "pond yachts" as they call them. They are very simple and you just send them in the water with a stick and let them sail themselves around...At least that's how I remember it working.
Now don't get me confused with someone who knows something about it, because I don't!
I'm asking if any of you guys have participated in this pastime and have any web/book resources they could share with us?
I also have several other questions....Sigh.
1. Who makes these boats? Do most just do it themselves? Bosun Boats, mostly known for their childish type bathtub boats, makes larger models that seem to be made for pond yachting. I have one named the "Courageous", simple with one mast, main sail, front jig and rigging and those plastic fittings to keep adjustments tight. I played a few times in the local pond when I was like 10, complete and utter failure, the geese too offense to the boat and promptly tried to destroy it. Anyway, I was wondering of Bosun Boats (made by Reeves?) are suitable for pond yachting, my paint is cracking here and there and the keel has rusted a tad where it meets the hulll, nothing serious though.
2. Do people still actually do this? (with the advent of RC, it would seem that "free-sailing" would be on the outs)
3. I've done extensive searches on the net, there are so few resources regarding this matter it isn't even funny. But I have a sneaking feeling that I suck at the internet.
4. One thing I've noticed on some pond yachts is that the boom controls the rudder somehow, can someone explain that?
5. As for my interest in this over RC methods (which I will probably try anyway), I just like how simple and practical they can be.