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Odyssey

Aussie II

Beginners RC Model Dinghy, Sailngboats andYachts The Yachts in this section are perfect for the Novice to Sailing and Building. They are simple to Build and easy to sail. They dont require any specialist equipment other than 2ch RC Equipment which is not included

Sailing model boats is best learned by hands on experience as every pond or lake in the world has unique properties. The lay of the surrounding land (hills, indentations, trees etc.) has a great bearing as to wind characteristics. One therefore learns in what conditions the vessel sails best with at the time of sailing. No two weather hours are ever the same so one is making it up as one goes. The main rule is to keep the wind at about 90° to 45° to the Side of the hull as these angles will drive the ship at it's optimum speed.
There are two ways if turning the vessel onto another course, into the wind and with the wind at the stern. The latter is only used when the wind is too strong to turn into as the vessel will loose ground. Turning into the wind is the most popular method as one is then gaining ground and the vessel turns quicker. The idea is to get a decent bit of speed up before turning into the wind as the weight of the vessel will add much needed momentum to the maneuver.

No sailing vessel will sail directly into the wind and looses momentum when sailing about 18° into the wind. 45° is the safest angle to maintain momentum, however on a personal note, I sail 45° in the direction I want to go, changing course to 90° for about 20 feet prior to swinging the helm hard over to make the turn while winching the jib sail over on the opposite tack while the vessel is going round. In the case of a square rigger, the fore mast yards are turned at the same time as the jibs, soon followed by the main and mizzen yards. The final sail to be trimmed is the mizzen boom or driver. If the first attempt is unsuccessful then have another go until one gets it right, however, leave plenty of room to make a few turns just in case a couple go wrong.

Sailing with the wind pushing from the stern is best done by sailing a few degrees off the wind. It is quite difficult to control the rudder with the wind full astern as the vessel tends to snake from side to side with resulting over steer trying to correct the course.

To save the vessel capsizing in a squall (a lump of fast moving wind) or to bring it to an abrupt halt, simply turn it directly into the wind. In the case of a squall, the only hope is that it doesn't last all that long as it is nigh on impossible to hold the vessel on station as the wind will eventually turn it back into the wind. If the squall doesn't let up, turn the vessel round and run for the nearest bank.

It is always handy to have a large 500 ml hypodermic syringe (the type used for injecting horses or elephants), as water will eventually get into the boat and will need to be bailed out. A foot or so of ¼" soft plastic tube fitted to the syringe will aid in bailing.

One major hint is to fit flags to the top of the masts as they will tell you where the wind is coming from for the model as the wind on one's face is never a good yardstick. Keep an eye on the ripples on the water as this is also a good indication where the wind is coming from. During summer months, the morning is often the calmest, while the wind freshens in the mid afternoon and trails off in the evening. To find the evening wind, watch the ripples on the surface and head for them.

Lastly, try sailing maiden voyages on shallow ponds no more than a couple of feet deep just in case the unthinkable happens and one has to go in after it.

R/C SAILING GUIDE

Radio controlled yacht models can provide the same enjoyment in “conversing with the wind” as their full sized counterparts can do. Using the natural energy of the wind, the model glides over the water, precisely controlled by its rudder and sails. Following are fundamental tips for operating in this elegant R/C sport.

1. RADIO CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

A 2-channel radio, with a stick controlled transmitter is required for R/C yacht models. Two servos control the sail and rudder.

. Rudder control servo:

Steers the vessel in the desired direction

. Sail control servo:

A small yacht model can be controlled by standard sized servos, but a special high torque servo may be required to control the sails on a larger sized model. Consult your hobby dealer to select a suitable R/C system.

2. WIND DIRECTION AND SAIL ZONE

The procedures for R/C sailing are the same as experienced on full-sized yachts. A yacht is capable of manoeuvring as shown in the illustrations. Bear in mind that a yacht cannot sail directly into the wind and there is an approximately 45 degree no-sail zone.

3. CONTROLLONG A YACHT

The sailing performance of a yacht is largely influenced by the wind direction in relation to its sailing direction. The wind direction varies each moment. Control of the sail and rudder obtains smooth sailing, always keeping the direction of the prevailing wind in mind.

4. ADJUSTING MAST AND SAIL

The sailing characteristics of a yacht can be altered by adjusting mast angle and sail tensions.

.Weather helm and lee helm

Three basic sailing tendencies are present when the rudder is straight (neutral). When the vessel tends to sail windwards (weather) with the rudder straight, the condition is called a WEATHER HELM. Opposite to this, when the vessel sails downwind (Leeward), it is called a LEE HELM. A vessel that sails straight ahead is JUST HELM. Helm conditions can be adjusted by mast inclination. Inclining the mast forward (forestay) provides a lee helm, while including it aft (backstay), provides a weather helm.

.Adjusting leech curve (sail tension)

Proper adjustment of your sails is essential in order to utilize wind power efficiently. During strong winds, the sails should be given extra tension and less tension during mild winds. Adjust the mainsail by the boom vang, using the adjuster. Extend boom vang rod for weak tension and shorten for more tension. Jib sail curve is adjusted by inclining or declining the sheet adjuster on the jib halyard.

Moisture can cause troubles with R/C systems and batteries. In particular, contact with salt water can cause almost immediate corroding of precision electronic circuits. Avoid contact with water as much as possible; however, in case the R/C unit and/or batteries accidentally get wet, immediately remove from the model. Drain and wipe off any water allow it to air dry in the shade. If salt water gets inside the R/C unit, remove the case and rinse with fresh water. Test the dried unit prior to reinstalling in the model. Send to the dealer/manufacturer for repairs if any malfunction is observed.

Sailing safety precautions

To avoid serious personal injury and/or property damage, operate all remotely controlled models in a responsible manner.

. Never sail R/C vessels near people (swimming, fishing, etc.) or animals, as it could cause a serious accident.

. To avoid damage to the vessel and prevent accidents, do not sail R/C vessels in fast moving currents or restricted manoeuvring areas.

. Never sail R/C vessels near full-sized boats as it could cause accidents.

. Never sail R/C vessels in harbours, ports, or traffic routes used by full-sized ships/boats, as it could contribute to accidents.

. Sailing in weak or no wind conditions could result in loss of control of the R/C yacht model.

. Avoid sailing in shallow waters, among water plants or in areas which could have underwater obstacles. The keel and rudder of the yacht model may become entangled or caught.