This is my first attempt at building a boat and is based on TOPAZ (J8). The hull/basic kit is from jclasshull.co.uk and the sails from PJsails. My biggest mistake is to make her too heavy but I can't remove ballast, besides that she goes REALLY well. I am still fiddling with the tuning to remove the Lee helm and have already got her neutral. : ) The remote movable Genoa clew carriages are proving to offer brilliant control over the Genoa leech, powering up or down as required.

This tug is large enough to mount a iPhone inside the bridge. Footage was however done with a phone mounted in front of the bridge.
The various models you see was for the so-called Annual Record Day where the idea is to see how many boats can be in the dam. As you can see, very few actually run, and some only have a little toe in the water.
There was 122 "models" that day in 2022 setting a "new" record.
In 2023 nothing was organised and in 2024, the "record" was 75.

This was one of our first attempts to use video editing software. We now use Capcut and Audacity to create soundtracks, voice overs, model SFX etc.

The best part was a previous shoot in slow motion. Video was too blurred but it still looks kinda cool

Just when you think its safe to go back in the water...

Ok I am getting annoyed. The YT Video links wont save.
Right...not sure which one works but I posted it in the "tell us more"
What did you see?😛

After an upgrade from brushed to brushless, this is the result.

Built from Hampton fishing boat plans in 2018
Converted to hybrid in 2021 - Sails replaced with dericks and 5 blade prop gets fitted.
Becomes a Lobster boat.

Filming and sailing at the same time is a bit of a challenge so we mount cameras on the models.
You can follow our channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/@capetownmodelboatclub8570

This is a slideshow of day 3 in the pavilion when all the boats were in (first vid was set-up day and only about 70% had arrived) By this stage, over 10.000 people had been through. I came down on the bus to take these pics (round trip 72km) went back home, picked up the car and trailer, came back down at 6pm Sunday and picked up the boat. All round a 216km trip (city and back 3 times, well worth the effort though.
JB
wouldn't load before, seems to be loading now.

We had decent to good weather at Joey Ranch in Carrolton Texas...sail, scale, lates eighties FE, and a sub. It ws a great day at the pond!!

Was invited to take my restored 1970s 12ft racing yacht (red and white one-93 at 1:3) down to put in the display this afternoon, at the Viaduct Event Center In Auckland, and decided to get some pics of the boats on and off water before the crowds come over the next 3 days. Lots of beautiful restored yachts and launches, as well as smaller racing and sailing dinghies. A couple of NZ designed and built Chris Craft copies inside as well. Also steam launches and a few models.

The boat at 1:54 and 3:12 does not have the usual V8 as you would expect, but has a 4 cyl Mercruiser motor, not as the drive motor, but as a generator running 3 high output alternators powering an electrical system for twin electric motors, (round black objects seen in pic, in front of petrol motor). Shafts run each side of petrol motor, Has large control boards on each side for each motor. Boat and laminated wooden trailer designed and built by the owner, Took 2000hrs to build,- absolutely immaculate workmanship.
Also a short vid on an Auckland ferry trip I took while waiting for the liner Queen Victoria to
depart
JB

As far as I know, there is not a model boat club at Madrid. However, modellers gather Sundays at 10:30 to sail at a pond -actually a set of four connected ponds-, located in a municipal park, in the south of the city. Access is free.
The boat in the video is a sidewheeler, scratch built by my good friend Eduardo Yraola, who is a far more accomplished modeller than I am. She has steam propulsion, and sails at a majestuous pace.

Buxton Model Boat Club member Paul Brassington is an avid model submarine enthusiast. Here Paul displays his "Sinking Ship" at the Pavilion Gardens Buxton, causing shock and surprise to many spectators.
With a - `weigh, hey and up she rises !

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/dK3nJXcLljM

Zwarte Zee had a very qiet time on Sunday at Chichester - cold but bright, and nobody else there. Tried putting in youtube link, but failed, so this is the link -

Nice to see updates from Graham about Kate !!

blogs/111166

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ihLL-M-jAl4

Merry Christmas all!!