By Krystle J Bailey
The South Jersey Model Yacht Club is hosting its first annual Beesley’s Point Beach regatta on Sunday, Oct. 1, featuring over a dozen RC Laser model sailboats. Remote control sailing is enjoyed worldwide by water lovers seeking a safer and easier way to enjoy their favorite pastime. With sails and rudders controlled by a handheld remote ‑a few feet away, participants are able to stay safe and dry while racing their boats through the water.
The nonprofit organization American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) was established in 1970 to promote the racing, designing, building, and preservation of all model sailing yachts. The organization is comprised of eight geographical regions across the United States.
In New Jersey, Fleet Captain and Region 2 Director Dave Branning oversees the Mid-Atlantic Region, which stretches from Long Island to the Northern Virginia border. Throughout the year, Branning hosts weekly opportunities for sailors to race their boats while enjoying friendly conversation and competition. This week’s regatta takes the competition up a notch, welcoming individuals from Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia to compete for the top four prizes.
While the local fleet has traveled to regattas from Florida to New England, this is the first regatta hosted here in South Jersey. The National Championship for RC Laser Class will take place Oct. 28-29 in Metedeconk River.
Dave Branning, who leads the fleet, explains, “I raced a cruising boat at one point, but when I retired from work in 2012, this hobby became an extension of my sailing career.”
It’s that hobby that Branning explains keeps members coming back week after week to put their boats in the water. Using only RC Laser boats, participants are encouraged to give model yacht sailing a try, whether or not they have sailing experience. For those without a boat, Branning offers borrowed and used RC Lasers for beginners interested in sailing. Entry-level cost ranges from $400 for a used boat to $900 for a brand-new RC Laser. Men, women, and children are invited to join the local fleet.
Sunday, Oct. 1, the sport of RC sailing will be on full display during the Beesley’s Point regatta. The skipper’s meeting takes place at 9:30 a.m. followed by approximately 15 races, weather dependent. Anyone interested in learning more or seeing model-sized sailboats in live action is invited to come out for a day on the water.
To learn more about clubs, regattas, and the AMYA magazine, visit www.theamya.org or email laserdave93@yahoo.com.
Krystle J Bailey is a published author, multimedia journalist, copywriter, and content creator. She is a regular Shore Local columnist and digital contributor as well as the booking agent and co-host of the radio show Joe’s Table for Two on WOND. Krystle can be reached at KrystleJBailey@gmail.com
