RC Yachting

Model Yachts in Christchurch, NZ

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Slope Soaring

I first came into this fascinating hobby in 1998 when one of my R.C. gliding colleagues commented, "We need to have our heads read to be standing out here!" We were both standing on a high rocky outcrop slope flying our gliders on the hills above Christchurch on a bright but very cold winter's day. The windchill was on the minus side of the ledger, our noses were blue and our thumbs on the sticks almost paralysed with potential arthritus.

J 45

Js 90 and 50

J 90 in the building jig

Dave Heanley's yacht

CMYC Wednesday Fleet on Lk Victoria

"Why not join me on Wednesdays sailing on the lake?" Rob went on to say, "Not so cold and you don't take your model home 'rekitted' in a plastic bag!" So I appeared at Lake Victoria one Wednesday in June 1999 and I was hooked!

There are many model yacht classes but in Christchurch at the moment the "1.2 metre "Canterbury J" is extremely popular and since that winter's day I have now constructed and sailed four Js, numbers 45, 50, 90 and the commemorative J100.

It is a fascinating pastime constructing these yachts and they represent on average 100 hours of enjoyable building time for each craft. The hull is of fibreglass from a common (standard) mould ex the "Canterbury J Association" as is the standard moulded lead keel. Builders choice dictates the deck and running rigging, but the sails and masts are subject to the "J Class" specifications.

Radio control is by a cheap two channel unit, though for J50, J90, and J100 I lashed out and bought the top of the range "SmartWinch" sail winches! Total cost NZ for each yacht about $800.

In other pages I endeavour to present a building guide for the Canterbury J with a step by step description of the building of J100. The description essentially covers from the laying of the keel to final painting but leaves the Running Rigging to the builders choice. There are some pages devoted to some mast fittings and to transmitter modifications.

[updated 30 Jan 2004]

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	Model Yachts in Christchurch, NZ
	WELCOME TO SIMON'S RADIO CONTROLLED YACHTING PAGE
Slope Soaring	I first came into this fascinating hobby in 1998 when one of my R.C. gliding colleagues commented, "We need to have our heads read to be standing out here!" We were both standing on a high rocky outcrop slope flying our gliders on the hills above Christchurch on a bright but very cold winter's day. The windchill was on the minus side of the ledger, our noses were blue and our thumbs on the sticks almost paralysed with potential arthritus.
J 45 Js 90 and 50 J 90 in the building jig Dave Heanley's yacht CMYC Wednesday Fleet on Lk Victoria	"Why not join me on Wednesdays sailing on the lake?" Rob went on to say, "Not so cold and you don't take your model home 'rekitted' in a plastic bag!" So I appeared at Lake Victoria one Wednesday in June 1999 and I was hooked! There are many model yacht classes but in Christchurch at the moment the "1.2 metre "Canterbury J" is extremely popular and since that winter's day I have now constructed and sailed four Js, numbers 45, 50, 90 and the commemorative J100. It is a fascinating pastime constructing these yachts and they represent on average 100 hours of enjoyable building time for each craft. The hull is of fibreglass from a common (standard) mould ex the "Canterbury J Association" as is the standard moulded lead keel. Builders choice dictates the deck and running rigging, but the sails and masts are subject to the "J Class" specifications. Radio control is by a cheap two channel unit, though for J50, J90, and J100 I lashed out and bought the top of the range "SmartWinch" sail winches! Total cost NZ for each yacht about $800. In other pages I endeavour to present a building guide for the Canterbury J with a step by step description of the building of J100. The description essentially covers from the laying of the keel to final painting but leaves the Running Rigging to the builders choice. There are some pages devoted to some mast fittings and to transmitter modifications. [updated 30 Jan 2004] COMMENT? then Email Simon (click on the URL to activate your mailer) Back to Top