Bakersfield Model Yacht Club

Fairwind Fleet Page

The Fairwind one-design class is fashioned after IOR offshore racing yacht designs of the 1980s and 1990s. The Fairwind R/C version is quite comfortable to sail in a wide range of wind conditions. It can handle large waves that can prevail on sailing areas larger than ponds and it can perform well in a wide range of wind conditions. It also looks great when being displayed on the mantle.

The boat is comfortable in size, being 35-1/2” overall length, weighing 8 pounds ready to race, and fabricated in ABS plastic. It is small enough to transport and display, yet large enough to be easy to see from shore while sailing.

The Fairwind is available in basic kit form from local hobby stores for under $200 without the radio transmitter. The kit comes complete with many cosmetic features that can be added to enhance the looks of the boat, or be deleted for simplicity and racing. The official AMYA Fairwind Class rules control items that affect speed while allowing some degree of latitude in other areas.

BMYC has a Construction Guide available for those who want to race their model Fairwind with inexpensive upgrades. Check this website under "Tech Corner". Total cost for a race ready Fairwind is about $400, complete with custom sails. The one-design nature of the boat leads to close, competitive racing with exciting starts, mark roundings, and tactical sailing.

LINK to AMYA Fairwind Class page: http://www.modelyacht.org/fairwind.html

LINK to Fairwind Website: http://fairwind900.home.comcast.net