Learn all about radio control sail boats here

Radio Control Sail Boats Explained
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The uniqueness of
radio control sail boats

is that they depend on the wind for their propulsion and speed. The radio controller allows you to maneuver the boats direction by guiding the rudder, but there is no power motor on any RC sailboats.
Understanding the anatomy of a radio control sail boat is the first step in understanding how a sail boat works.

Listed below are the main components:

Rigging This is the general term for the ropes that provide support and/or control of components such as booms and sails.

Mast The mast is the long upward beam providing central support for the sails. The top of the main mast is generally the tallest point of the sailboat. If a true sailboat has a crows nest, or lookout, this is located on the main mast.

Mainsail This one is the largest of the sails, which are pieces of cloth used to catch wind and propel the boat. The design on a main sail is often the signature of a radio control sail boat.

Jib The jib is a smaller sail, often located towards the front of the boat from the main sail.

Boom This horizontal beam found below the sail keeps the sail spread out and controls its rotational motion.

Stays These are the rigging pieces that prevent fore and aft movement of the masts.

Mainsheet This is a rigging piece that affects the shape of the main sail. The mainsheet is tightened or loosened to achieve the desired results.

Jib sheet This is a rigging piece that affects the shape of the jib sail.

Transom The transom is the flat, back portion of the radio control sail boat.

Hull The hull describes the part of the boat that sits in the water.

Deck This is flat surface creating the top of the hull.

Keel The keel extrudes from the bottom of boat and holds the ballast.

Ballast This is the weight used for balancing the boat.

Rudder The rudder is located in the back of the boat, hangs into the water, and is the device used for steering.

Stern This is the rear portion of the boat

Bow This is the front portion of the boat

Helm The helm is the mechanism that provides operation of the rudder

Another part of radio control sail boats you should know are the directions in their nautical terms:

Fore means to the front of the boat

Starboard means to the right of the boat, if you are facing the direction the boat is traveling

Port means to the left of the boat, if you are facing the direction the boat is traveling

Aft means to the rear of the boat

Awash means level with the water

Inboard anything located entirely inside the hull

Outboard anything located entirely outside the hull

Now that you have the basic vocabulary to get your feet wet in the world of radio control sail boats, let's take you the next step.

SAILING TIPS:



When you take your
RC sail boat

to the lake, don't forget your boat stand. This is an important accessory to support and protect your boat as you prepare for sailing. While the boat is on the stand, make sure the sails are faced directly into the wind to prevent it from being blown over.

Before you begin sailing, check to see whether anyone else around the lake is operating a boat of any kind. You'll need to check with any other RC operators to avoid frequency conflicts.

Before placing your boat in the water, turn on your radio transmitter and double check all the linkages and rigging.

With the radio transmitter on, check the operation of the radio control sail boats servos and rigging.

With the sailboat still on the stand, check the operation of the rudder.

Check the operation of the sail winch making certain that when the transmitter stick is down, the boat's sails are fully hauled in.

Once you've double-checked the rigging and controls, you're ready to place your yacht in the water. Make certain that you select a location where the water is deep enough to accept the full length of the keel and ballast.

To save the boat from capsizing in a squall (a blast of wind) or to bring it to an abrupt halt, simply turn it directly into the wind.

It's always handy to have a large hypodermic syringe as water will eventually get into your boat and need to be bailed out. A foot or so of " soft plastic tube fitted to the syringe will aid in bailing.

Attach a small flag to the top of the radio control sail boats mast to tell you which direction the wind is coming from.

And finally, try sailing your maiden voyages on shallow ponds no more than a couple of feet deep just in case the unthinkable happens and you have to go in after it!

Enjoy your hobby!!