In this segment, Chris Chianelli goes over some basic sailing and wind terminology, and then gets the Seawind (TM) ready for some sailing competition.
Sailing Terms
Beating refers to moving as close into the wind as possible (figure A).
Reaching refers to when the boat is perpendicular to the wind, and the wind is coming off the beam (figure B).
Running refers to when the wind is coming from directly behind -- or aft -- of the boat (figure C).
Reaching is broken up into three further categories: - Close reach is when the wind is coming at a 3/4-angle off the bow of the boat.
- Beam reach is when the wind is coming from an angle perpendicular to the boat.
- Broad reach is when the wind is coming at a 3/4-angle off the stern of the boat.
Proceeding upwind with a sailboat is called tacking, and involves moving into the wind with a series of zigzag maneuvers (figure D).
Sailing Tips
- Important: When you take your sailboat to the lake, don't forget your boat stand (figure E). This is an important accessory to support and protect your boat as you prepare for sailing. While the boat is on the stand, make sure the sails are faced directly into the wind to prevent the boat from being blown over.
- Before you begin sailing, check to see whether anyone else around the lake is operating RC boats of any kind. You'll need to check with any other RC operators to avoid frequency conflicts.
- Before placing your sailboat in the water, turn on your radio transmitter (figure F), and double check all the linkages and rigging.
- With the radio transmitter on, check the operation of the servos and rigging (figure G).
- With the sailboat still on the stand, check the operation of the rudder (figure H).
- Check the operation of the sail winch (figure I), making certain that when the transmitter stick is down, the sails are fully hauled in.
- Once you've double-checked the rigging and controls, you're ready to place your yacht in the water (figure J). Make certain that you select a location where the water is deep enough to accommodate the full length of the keel and ballast.
Part of the fun of RC sailing is racing other boats. In the segment that follows, the Seawind competes with some other racing yachts in an RC regatta.
RESOURCES :
Kyosho Seawind RC sailboat
Great Planes Model Distributors
Website: www.greatplanes.com
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