Bob Beer, Peter Dube and Andy Andreoli. [Photo: Denise Ritchie]

The excitement got underway quickly, as a model sailboat, having lost its radio transmission, was blown across the pond in the gusty wind. The skipper hailed the rescue boat captain, but even the remote-controlled chaser couldn’t catch the runaway ship, which plunged into a dense thicket of reeds until a manned skiff could motor to its aid.

And that was just one of the unexpected dramas which unfolded during the annual Model Sailboat Frostbite Regatta, hosted recently by the Indian River Model Sailing Club at Hobart Park Pond.

The regatta has been a favorite of model sailboat hobbyists for over 20 years, drawing sailors from around Florida to compete with fellow enthusiasts in a series of two-minute races that test the sailors’ skills and patience.

Navigators, their feet firmly planted on the ground, control rudders and sails via radio; their bodies leaning into turns while tacking and tilting backwards when heeling, just as they would at the helm of a seaworthy ship.

“So many of us were avid sailors in our younger years, and model sailboat racing gives us the thrill of sailing without all the work,” explained Bob Beer, Indian River Commodore. “You actually feel like you are in the boat.”

Roughly 40 members of the local club hail from Vero Beach, Sebastian and Melbourne, with large contingencies from the Moorings and John’s Island. Because Hobart Park Pond is recognized as one of the best courses in Florida, this year’s regatta attracted sailors from Stuart, West Palm and Port St. Lucie.

While the club holds weekly races for three different models, this regatta was limited to the DragonFlite 95, nationally the fastest growing and most popular model. Manufactured in England, the DragonFlite 95 is 33 inches long, weighs only 3 pounds and is very fast. Its responsive handling also makes it a perfect entry level racer.

Racers adhere to self-regulated rules, calling their own fouls and completing penalty loops if they hit a marker or fellow sailor. The average race consists of 10 to 12 heats, with the winner of the most heats declared overall winner, with bragging rights and a trophy.

“Our club members are out here at least four afternoons a week,” said Beer. “We race different classes of boats on different days and invite all racers to join in the fun on Sundays. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon with friends in a beautiful setting.”

Asked how he got into the sport, nationally ranked Rob Hill said, “We were living in Atlanta and moved into a townhouse that had a big window.”

Wanting to fill that space, he began looking for an antique model sailboat, when he saw a YouTube video of men standing by a pond sailing remote-controlled boats.

“I had no idea these existed and it was an epiphany for me. That very night I ordered a kit and I never looked back,” said Hill, who now owns 18 models.

Members happily offer trial sails and help with model construction on practice days and Sunday fun days. Show up at Hobart Park around 1 p.m. and someone will likely offer you the controls. Then it’s up to you to harness the wind.

For more information visit IRMSC.org.