Boats, Tips, and Links

Our Club Boats:

The Victoria, the ODOM, and the DragonForce 65

Because each class of boat has different characteristics and performance on the water, and so that all members would have a common basis from which to sail and learn, the club has used two standard One-Design Class club boats: the Victoria and the ODOM. In order to provide a relatively low cost, "no assembly skills required," entry level boat, the club has added a 3rd standard One-Design Class boat to the fleet, the DragonForce 65.

Victoria

The Thunder Tiger Victoria, shown above, a scaled-down version of an America's Cup style yacht, was selected because of its durability, affordable price, and exceptional sailing performance. The Victoria's measurements are: Length: 30.7", Mast Height: 42.8", Beam: 7.7", and, by class rules, must have a minimum Racing Weight of 4.5 lbs. The Victoria is sold as a kit and sold by a few licensed vendors. A search of the Internet and asking members of your local club are the best means of finding a Victoria to purchase.

ODOM

The ODOM (One-Design One Meter) Class, shown above, is the club's higher performance class. It is some-what larger than the Victoria, and is one meter (39.37") in length, has a beam of 8.25", stands about 6 feet tall and has a minimum racing weight of 7 lbs. 6 oz.

DragonForce 65

Boats in The Dragon Force 65 Class, pictured above, were first sold in 2013, and now (2018) there are over 500 boats registered in this class in the U.S. The boat is 650mm (25.59 in.) long, with a 116.5mm (4.58 in.) beam, weighs 1200G (2.64 lbs.), and has a sail area of 2226 cm2 (345 in2).

Additional Information

Tuning

Remarkably, the Maryland Model Yacht Club sails the same boats that we do. Here is a very good tuning page that contains tuning information for the DF65, ODOM, and Victoria.

Rules

We have a set of rules that are specific to our club and in addition to the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Racing Rules of Sailing. Please review these Annual Sailing Instructions here.

Radios

IMPORTANT: Model yachts require at least a two channel R/C transmitter for controlling the sail and rudder positioning servos, and each R/C transmitter must operate in a way that does not cause interference with nearby boats. It is strongly encouraged to use a radio system that employs the newer 2.4 GHz spread spectrum R/C technology so that there is no issue with conflicting channels, as is the case with the older 75 MHz systems. If you must use this older system, be sure to check with other sailors at the lake to avoid channel conflicts. These days, very few of us are still using the 75 MHz radios.

Tips for Building & Modifications for a Competitive Victoria

There are several modifications that we suggest if you wish to have a "race ready" Victoria. Most of the information is available on the Victoria Class AMYA Page.

After you get the hull completed, you should consider carbon fiber spars and the purchase of commercial sails. Other than learning how to tune and sail your boat, we have found that these two modifications are the fastest way to get to the front of the fleet. Ray Sata's excellent step-by-step Victoria Tuning article is a great introduction to tuning your Victoria.

Good Luck with your project! If you need help, contact any of the club officers and they will get you the information you need.