By Steffen Klenk
There is nothing more relaxing than a day by the water. On a beautiful Sunday morning in the middle of October, over a dozen individuals prepared for an exciting day of friendly model yacht competition. This past Sunday, the South Jersey Model Yacht Club held its second annual Beesleys Point Beach RC Laser Regatta.
As the winds began to pick up late in the morning, participants began lining up right by the water. The sailboats are powered with the help of mother nature’s wind, and a handheld remote-control radio/transmitter to adjust the sails and rudder.
Skippers from up and down the region joined the day’s festivities, with some traveling from Connecticut, North Carolina and Pennsylvania to partake in the action. According to Fleet Captain Dave Branning, most of their members are over the age of 40 and see model yachting as a safe and easy way to enjoy their favorite pastime. “It’s a nice way to continue your sailing hobby without a whole lot of stress.”
Branning is the director for Region 2 of the American Model Yachting Association, covering New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York City, and Long Island. He also oversees the South Jersey Model Yachting Club, which organizes regular fleet racing gatherings and social activities. “Most of us came from a big boat background when we were younger, where we started with junior sailing and learned how to sail.”
One of those participants includes area resident Ray Szulczewski, who also goes by the nickname Cape May Ray. He not only enjoys the competitive spirit but also the ease of navigating with a smaller boat. “As you get older, it’s a lot more work and maintenance working on bigger boats and dinghies. Here, you put the sailboat in the car, and in five minutes it’s in the water.”
Occasionally, even the most experienced skippers can experience some minor setbacks, whether it’s a change in the tide, wind direction, or ensuring the onboard RC is responding. Kevin LeCompte of Lebanon, Hunterdon County, says the biggest challenge in racing is anticipating shifts in the wind. “It’s a huge calculation; the idea is keeping your course as in relation to the wind as possible.”
The group hosts their annual Beesleys Point Regatta every October, along with the Dead Crab Regatta, held at Corinthian Yacht Club in Cape May, in June, and regular practices. Most of its members have raced with other clubs in surrounding areas, including Mount Laurel, Raritan River, and Cooper River.
The American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) is a nonprofit organization and governing body dedicated to promoting remote-controlled sailing, along with designing, building, and preserving all model sailing yachts. The association is open to all members interested in their activities. The association recognizes hundreds of events each year and upward of 20 different classes of RC boats. “Boats range anywhere from one foot long to almost 10 feet, and some are obviously more expensive than others,” says Branning.
One of the best parts about model yachting is its ease and accessibility. With a little bit of instruction and guidance, and a small body of water, anyone can enjoy this simple yet fun activity.
To learn more about the South Jersey Model Yacht Club and all of their upcoming events and activities, contact Dave Branning by email at laserdave93@yahoo.com or visit the AMYA online at www.theamya.org.
Steffen Klenk is a photographer and multimedia journalist who enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life. You may contact Steffen at shorelocalsteffen@gmail.com.
