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 Sailing can be a
very enjoyable pastime. It provides a chance to get away from the
pressure of daily life and it allows one to enjoy the great outdoors.
But for many, it isn’t practical or possible to purchase, maintain and
transport a large sailboat that might only be used on occasion.
When you pass Royal Harbor on almost any
Monday afternoon, you will see an alternative way to enjoy sailing
without the drawbacks of owning a full-size vessel. Lake Laemont is
located adjacent to the main entrance of Royal Harbor. This is where you
are most likely to see the scaled-down, model sailing vessels gliding
along the surface. You will also see a group of residents along the
shore of the lake, carefully controlling the vessels’ movements. This is
the Royal Harbor Model Yacht Club.
The purpose of the Club is threefold: to
promote model sailing and racing; to organize and support the continuous
education of the members so that they can learn to sail, maintain their
equipment and compete with one another; and to encourage the social
interaction of members to have fun. The club is organized into several
local fleets, and Fleet Captains are elected to oversee the activities
of the fleet. Each fleet consists of three members, which own a fleet
boat.
At present, there are 11 members of the
club, and most members sail a FAIRWIND, FAIRWIND II or FAIRWIND 900; a
type of sailing vessel that can be constructed from a kit. To become a
member, a resident can check the web address of the club to view the By
Laws that regulate the club’s functions. This website also provides the
10 Racing Rule Commandments that members must follow, as well as the
Kyosho “Fairwind” One Design Class Rules. These rules specify the
standards that each vessel must follow before it can be entered into
competition. For example, there are very specific rules to follow
concerning the hull and keel, deck and
 hatch, and the
rudder of each vessel. This includes the types of materials that may or
may not be used, the size limitations, displacement weight and ballast.
A kits parts list is also provided on the website, so the kit and
replacement parts can be obtained in local shops.
At the present time, the club encourages the
use of the FAIRWIND 900 model to be used in competition, but other
designs are welcome to sail with the fleet. Even non-sailing memberships
are welcome, and visiting guests are also encouraged to participate.
Ron Ardecki is the founder and present
coordinator of the club, which has been in existence for about two
years. On occasion, the club holds meetings to discuss any future
projects and to schedule their future sailing/racing competitions.
Sometimes, visitors are given the chance to try their hand at operating
one of the sailing vessels by using the hand-held controls.
They meet every Monday afternoon to race
their sailboats. Observers to the weekly sessions on the lake will find
that the activity provides an opportunity to relax and enjoy the
benefits of Central Florida’s warm temperatures and the gentle breezes
that Royal Harbor residents enjoy throughout the year.
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