After 24 races and plenty of fierce, tactical sailing, New Zealand’s Greg Stenbeck squeaked a narrow win at the recent International Yachting Series for Electron radio-controlled yachts.
Hosting five countries and 21 competitors, the regatta was held at Auckland’s Orakei Basin, and featured fleet racing over two windward-leeward laps. It was last held in New Zealand four years ago, and since then has been held in Australia and Rarotonga.
The Electron is a one-design, radio-controlled model yacht penned and built by one of New Zealand’s most respected yacht designers, Des Townson. With a LOA just shy of a metre and weighing a smidgen under five kilograms, anyone can operate the models, though experienced sailors definitely have an advantage.
Electrons are owned by sailors all over the world and have developed something of a following among superyacht owners who keep them as a recreational diversion when the tropical sunsets and pina coladas become a little ho-hum. There are 1,050 registered Electrons in New Zealand.
The prize-giving for this year’s event was presented by Sue Townson, representing the family of the Electron’s designer.
The Electron Owners’ Association was formed to foster competitive and fun racing of Electron yachts.
