RC Sailboats

RC Sailboats may be thought of as low key and easy going, but if you've been in a few off-shore races, then you also know that sailboat racing can become quite competitive and requires a very keen skill.

This is what makes this part of the Hobby Universe so much fun!

Set up a few bouys on the water and you now have yourself a race course. Add some wind and a few friends who also have RC Sailboats and you now have a regatta and a day at the races.

Now that I've hopefully gotten your attention, here are a few of the most popular RC Sailboats that I recommend:

Beginner Level: The RC Laser Sailboat sailboat is racing made easy. This boat can be operated by kids, adults, and seniors and can be ready for launching within 7 seven minutes of unpacking it!

This is a big and tough RC Sailboat. It can take a beating in even the heaviest of winds - - 35 knots!

The RC Laser Sailboat is a single-class sailboat that assembles quickly from only five parts - hull, keel, rudder, mast, and sail. It also has a variety of accessories available including a carry bag which I think is essential. you can keep this boat in your car, RV, or even on your real sailboat and sail it around while at your mooring.

click here to see the RC Laser in action!

Intermediate Level: The Megatech Nirvana II Racing Sloop is by far the best RC Sailboat available for under $200 and it is a cinch to control.

The boat is available in three different colors: Red, Yellow, and Blue.

It also comes in any one of 18 different frequencies so there are plenty to go around if you want to start a racing club...talk about room at the mark!

As you can see, the Nirvana II is not a small boat. In fact, it's 65.5 inches high, 32 inches from bow to stern, and a 7.75 inch beam.

I classify this boat for Intermediate Level enthusiasts because there is a certain amount of prep work needed including tuning the rigging, installing the on-board radio system, as well as the skill it takes to control the boat and trim the sails based on the type of reach you are sailing.

click here to read about installing the receiver and servos!

Expert Level: If you're real serious about getting into RC Sailboat racing, then you should consider the CR-914 High Performance Racing Sloop RC Sailboat

You can buy this boat as a kit for around $475 or already pre-built and ready to sail for about $900. Customized graphics are also available. My recommendation is that you get the kit and build it yourself. This way you will be intimately familiar with every aspect of the boat.

The CR-914 RC Sailboat is the largest single-class RC racing sailboat in the country with over 23 active fleets.

If you buy the kit, it includes everything you'll need to build the boat.

One piece Hull/Deck, Keel, Rudder, Two Channel Radio w/Rudder and Sail Winch servo, Mast, CA Glue, Upgrade Kit with new and improved building instructions, West System epoxy, micro balloons, sails, and a stand.

The only thing you will need is your choice of paint and batteries ( 12 - AA size Alkaline or NiCad batteries). Average build time is 15-18 hours with the majority of the time spent finishing the hull.

These guys are serious racers, click here to go the homepage of the CR-914 National Club to learn more!

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