Sarasota Model Yacht Club

About Us

The Sarasota Model Yacht Club got its start in Sarasota in 1996. Our club sails the American Model Yachting Association-sanctioned one-design Soling One Meter R/C , RCLaser DF65 and DF95 model yachts. The club meets four times per week for practice and racing at the Nathan Benderson Park at the south end of the University Town Center Mall which is located at Exit 213 on I-75.

The Soling 1-Meter kit-based model is a pleasure to sail. As a one-design, it is an ideal introduction to model yachting, yet it provides a competitive boat for the best of veterans as well and is available from “Boatyard John” (our club builder).

The RCLaser is factory-built ready to sail and available at intensitysails.com

We also sail the Dragon Force (DF) DF65 and the DF95 RC boats.

The DF 65 is one of the fastest growing class of RC sailboats in the U.S. The boat has earned this distinction by being a great one-design sailing boat while being the least expensive ready-to-sail boat on the market. At around $250 for a boat with radio and receiver and about 3 hours of assembly and you're on the water.

The DF95 is the fastest growing class in the USA and is near Ready-to-Sail in a kit form from Radiosailing.net or from “Boatyard John”.

All skill levels are welcome, from neophytes to crusty old salts! You will find that our members can be very helpful in getting you involved with this great hobby. Come on out to watch the hard-fought races or join us for practice and racing.

Our fleets

The Soling One Meter (S1M): This S1M the largest class in the U.S. and Florida.

The RCLaser: This is the largest RC class in the world.

The DF65 and the DF95: These are the newest and fastest-growing restricted one-design class in both Florida and the U.S. SMYC sails a modified version of the DF65.

IOM The IOM Class is considered a Development Class by the AMYA.

The International One Metre class is the fastest-growing class in the world. This class is distinct and different in purpose from the US One Meter class, and complements the International Marblehead Class as a simpler, less expensive boat. The International class has a one-design rig, and has minimum weights on the keel and overall, and restricts the hull material. The net effect of these differences is that the typical cost spiral of lighter weight, and more expensive materials and manufacturing processes, is arrested. This allows amateur designers and builders a chance to design and build with little concern that they are building in a disadvantage due to weight. This is a feature not found in any existing AMYA class, and is one of the reasons that the class is so popular around the world.

Where and when do we race?

We race at Benderson Park Lake (just South of the UTC Mall). If necessary we do have a backup site: The Meadows pond next to their Community Center (2004 Longmeadow). This is nearby Nathan Benderon Park.

We race DF05's and Solings on Saturdays 10-Noon year-round, and Tuesday & Thursdays 1-3 pm (Fall, Winter, and Spring).

We race DF65's Mondays and Saturdays at 1:00PM (Winter schedule). We race Lasers Fridays at 1:00PM (Winter schedule).

We race IOM's every other Sunday at 1:00PM (Winter schedule).

During the summer we change to 10-Noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays while Saturday remains the same. Contact the Commodore before coming out to race as the schedules change based on weather.

FAQs

Do we accept beginners?

YES. We encourage sailors of all skill levels to join us. A Mentor Program is available for beginners.

How can I get a S1M, RCLaser DF65 or DF95?

Soling 1M: We have a member called “Boat Yard” who has used/refurbished S1Ms’ for sale. You can also buy a new ready-to-sail boat from John. John's email boatyard80@gmail.com.

RCLaser: A new RCLaser is available at intensitysails.com at a cost of less than $600 with 3 complete rigs.

DF95: A new DF95 can be purchased from Radiosailing.net in kit form for $345, up to $610, which includes a transmitter and receiver, B rig, B sails, LiPo battery, custom stand and sail numbers for A and B sails. The boat can also be purchased and assembled by club member “Boatyard”. The assembly takes 3-4 hours.

DF65: The Fleet at SMYC is unique in that it caters to those unable to walk long distances while racing due to shorter courses then the other classes. The boat is available at http://radiosailing.net/. The boat can also be purchased and assembled by club member “Boatyard”

Do we have dues/fees?

Dues are $70/year and a signed liability Waiver for SANCA is required. SMYC is also a member of the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA). The AMYA has many resources for Individual members. Their web site is www.theamya.org.

The club's primary contact is Commodore Will Parry, (321) 446-8144 or email will.parry44@gmail.com

For questions regarding this website, please contact Will Parry.