A fast-growing hobby on the Steveston waterfront hosted the Canadian Championships on the weekend.
The dock at Imperial Landing was the site of the Dragon Force 65 National Championships — featuring radio controlled 65-cm yachts doing a series of races over two days.
The event was hosted by the Steveston Radio Controlled (RC) Sailing Club that has seen its membership swell from four to 53 members over the last couple of years.
The club hosts regular races two Sunday afternoons each month for the 65 cm class and also on Thursdays for a larger fleet until the end of November.
“We do have a lot of spectators on a good day. You can hear them cheering for different colour boats,” said club member Al Oliver. “The public likes it and word of mouth and social media has generated interest too.
“We love the public to know we are here. The city is always trying to find appropriate use of their facilities. They feel we are and we really appreciate how good they have been to us. This is considered by far the best venue in Western Canada.”
Oliver added the boat kits cost under $300 and come with a two-channel radio. Strict rules ensure there are no modifications and racing comes down to the operator’s knowledge of the conditions.
“That’s the joy of this class and many other radio controlled boats. There are design rules so you must build your boat within them. It’s very restrictive that every thing has to be stocked parts from the manufacturer. Literally anybody can get into it. Any age and any walk of life. Many of these sailors have come from big boat racing but we really have done quite of bit recruitment from off the water here and they have no sailing experience. We welcome people with open arms, “ he said.
“There is so much thinking involved. Understanding the wind directions and current then you apply on top of that the racing rules. It’s mental sport.”
Coloured buoys are placed in the water which the competitors must work their boats through or around. A typical race takes around 10-minutes to complete.
Last weekend’s championships attracted competitors from as far away as California. The event rotates from the east to the west side of the country on an annual basis.
For more information on the Steveston RC Sailing Club visit their website.
