Freesailing
If you wonder how model yachts sailed before the days of radio control, the answer was: quite nicely, thank you.
Category Freesailing
Read MoreFreesailing
Vanes and the Sliding Rig
This material is a bit heavy going, but rewarding if you want to learn just how sophisticated self-steering boats were in the days immediately before Radio Control.
Theoretical Vane Setting
Most of us set the vane hit or miss; some adjust it according to the actual wind direction, and wonder why the boat refuses to steer the course desired. A few skippers have discovered the principle that a boat does not sail on the true wind, that is, the wind shown by the wind-sock or flag.
The Spinnaker
The proper use of a spinnaker adds speed and steadiness to a model yacht when running before the wind, and may also be used on a broad reach.