FAQ
Is Car Parking available?
There is metered on-street parking by RMYC.
What time?
Racing starts at 0930 but you need to check in by 0915. Racing is generally completed by 12 noon.
I own a Radio Controlled Laser model yacht (or another class). Can I bring it down to race?
Informal model yacht sailing takes place on Wednesday mornings. You are welcome to join us then but otherwise the answer is unfortunately No.
What about model power boats?
The Isle of Wight Model Engineering Society has a pond for model boats at Northwood (Cowes).
Does RMYC cater for disabled sailors?
There is wheelchair access to the lake. There are public disabled toilet facilities approx 500m from the RMYC clubhouse.
Are the boats difficult to sail?
There are 2 basic radio controls: rudder and sheet. A degree of hand/eye coordination is needed, and reasonable eyesight. If you can already sail a full-sized yacht or dinghy that would help but several RMYC members have no previous sailing experience.
Do I need any qualifications before joining in the racing?
No formal qualifications are needed but before racing an understanding of the Racing Rules of Sailing is important. Books providing this are available from Yacht Chandlers or on-line.
Do I need Public liability insurance cover?
Yes. On joining RMYC an element of your annual subscription pays for membership of the national body The Model Yacht Association (MYA). This membership brings with it Public Liability Insurance
Where can I obtain a radio controlled Marblehead?
The Marblehead Class UK website: https://marbleheadsailing.wordpress.com lists the most popular classes and suppliers. At RMYC, boats have been designed mostly by Bantock or Creed. The Model Yacht Association (MYA) website forum has a “Sales and Wants” page. https://mya-uk.co.uk/forums.
How much will I have to pay to get started?
Older 2nd hand boats can be obtained for as little as £200 or even less. However expect to pay between £500 - £800 for a reasonably competitive carbon fibre hull with the usual 4 rigs and a 2.4 ghz radio control system. A new boat suitable for competition at national level and above can cost £2500 and upwards.
How much it cost to join RMYC?
The present annual subscription is £25.00, payable in November and this includes MYA membership. Members pay an additional fee, currently £1.00, for each morning’s racing.
Who do I need to speak to to join?
Contact the Honorary Treasurer either at Ryde Canoe Lake on Sunday mornings or by email or message us Facebook.