Model RC Sailing Regatta Returns

For those enjoying the sport of Remote Control Model Yacht racing, the City of Marco Island will be the center of the universe on March 4th and 5th.  Model Yacht Racing enthusiasts will descend on the island to show off their skills and endurance during the 19th Annual Midwinter Championship Regatta hosted by the Marco Island Model Yacht Club.

Marco Island lays claim to hosting the longest running RC Laser Regatta in the nation, and the men and women who have been part of this endeavor since it all began in 2002 are very proud of that distinction, as well as the talent that resides here on the island.

The infrastructure which makes up the race course and its related viewing area was a collaborative effort between the Parks and Recreation Department and the RC Laser Club. “We can’t thank the city and its staff enough for believing in what we could create here,” said Rocky and Mary Lee Cale who have been at the center of nurturing the growth and popularity of the club and the upcoming 19th Annual RC Laser Midwinter Championship Regatta.

Starting at 1:00 PM Friday, practice sailing will begin. Later that evening they participants will gather at Joey D’s for dinner and festive kick-off to the Regatta.

On Saturday, check-in starts at 8:30 AM and the racing will commence after a 9:30 AM Skipper’s Meeting. Final race of the day will begin at 3:30 PM. Dinner will be held at the Bistro Soleil at the Old Marco Inn starting at 6:00 PM.

Sunday will find racers returning to the course at the Cale Model Yacht Racing Center at 9:30 AM and the final race of the day, as well as the Awards Presentations will begin at 3:30 PM. Those that wish will gather for a post-race celebration at Stan’s Idle Hour in Goodland.

Parking is available at Mackle Park and if you wish to observe the races you may do so along much of the area around the lake at Mackle Park. Questions can be answered by calling race hosts Rocky Cale or his wife Mary Lee Cale at 239-642-1825 (H) or 609-703-4310 (Cell).