RC sailboats
RC sailboats are the most peaceful way to enjoy radio control boating, but in a way are also the hardest rc boats to master - with a nitro or electric model boat you can just open the throttle and blast round the lake, but sailing a boat that relies solely on the wind does require some basic knowledge about how to use the wind to its maximum effect.
Like all rc models, they can be bought in varying degrees of completeness; you may want to enjoy building the boat from a kit, or you may just want to get sailing as soon as possible with an 'ARS' (Almost Ready To Sail) or 'RTS' (Ready To Sail) boat, such as Megatech's popular Nirvana 2, shown below.
The Nirvana 2 is a good size sailboat, and has been designed to handle club sailing competitions as well as leisurely trips around the pond.
This Nirvana 2 follows on from the very successful Nirvana, one of the most popular RTS rc sailboats for beginner and intermediate boaters.
See Nirvana 2 and similar rc sailboats in more detail.
The Laser, shown right, is another very nice example, a scale rc model of the famous competition class boat. This particular model is supported by a very good range of extras to enhance the racing experience on the pond.
An ARS model will be 90% finished with just maybe a few details left, such as deck details, for you to add over the course of a couple of evenings. With an ARS sailboat, you'll need to buy separately and install the radio control gear.
In comparison, an RTS sailboat like the Nirvana 2 is practically ready to sail straight out the box; everything is pre-finished other than maybe adding some decals, and the radio gear is fully installed and set up. It's just a case of buying the batteries for the rc gear, and then driving to the lake!
All rc sailboats will have a detachable keel and ballast bulb as well as detachable mast for easy transportation.
A stand, either wooden or plastic, will come with the model which you should always take with you to the lake (easily forgotten!). Without the stand, setting up your sail boat can be more time consuming and troublesome. At home, the stand can double up as a display stand if you want to show your sail boat off to your friends!
Radio gear for RC sailboats
A standard ARS or RTS boat will be 2 channel, the transmitter being the traditional 'stick' type rather than the modern pistol grip style, as there's no need for a throttle control.
One servo controls rudder movement while the second servo controls both sails together. It's normal on rc sailboats for a winch servo (pictured right) to be used for the control of the sails, rather than a standard servo. Winch servos are more powerful with increased movement, and have a nylon or metal pulley wheel in place of the normal servo horn found on standard servos.
A standard servo can be used on the smaller models, but models that are longer than 20 inches or so will require the more powerful winch servo, because when the sails are filled with wind they require a much stronger force to pull them round.
You may find that you need to upgrade to a stronger winch servo if you are sailing your model in stronger winds than the recommended speed, as stated by the model's manufacturer.
RC sailboats are a completely different game to nitro or electric powered rc boats. You need very few field equipment items and no-one will ever object to you sailing your model in a public place, as there are no noise issues.
If you can get into a local club or know a few people who have rc sailboats, then you can organize your own regatta - a great fun way to spend an afternoon!
See Nirvana 2 and similar rc sailboats in more detail.
Related pages
Sailing wind terms - the fundamental methods of getting your sailboat to go.
