Soling One Meter Class

The Soling One Meter is a low-cost, kit-based one-design class targeted toward getting new skippers involved in model yachting. It is a radio controlled version of the famous Soling racing yacht. The philosophy behind the Soling One Meter class is that a first-time skipper should be able to get into model yacht racing with a boat that has essentially no performance differences between a boat built by an expert. 

All aspects related to performance are intended to be restricted to what can be achieved by building the kit straight from the manufacturers plans. Other aspects not affecting performance are not as strictly controlled, however, a completed Soling One Meter must weigh a minimum of 10Lbs.

The Soling One Meter class was sanctioned in 1993 and has become very popular in a number of clubs in NSW. It is a one design class that must be built from a kit available from a single manufacurer, Victor Model Products. The hull and deck are vacuum formed styrene plastic, the spars are wood, and the sails are flat and unpanelled. Despite these limitations, the boat sails well, satisfying even veteran skippers with its balance and handling.

The hull structure consists of molded plastic parts including the hull, deck, two bulkheads and a transom. A plywood waterproof trunk assembly, located by a factory-precut slot, supports the removable keel within the hull. The rudder is supported by a wood block, also factory located. Rigging attach points are backed up with wood blocks for strength. The kit includes all required hardware to complete the model and the assembly manual leads you through assembly, step-by-step.The kit is available from local hobby shops or at the online hobby store, Hstore. As our racing is on Terrigal Lagoon, the mild steel parts of the kit have to be replaced with stainless steel fittings.

Control is accomplished using a simple, two-channel radio transmitting on ground frequencies of 27, 29, 36 or 40 MHz. The two control functions control the rudder and set of sails. As the force on the sails can be very strong, a sail winch is required to be fitted in the hull to control the 'in and out' movement of the sails. These winches can also be purchased from hobby shops. Stability has been designed into this boat so that even the beginner can enjoy the thrill of radio sailing from the start.

This model yacht fits inside most compact station wagons fully rigged. If required, the mast can be easily removed for transportation, and quickly re-installed at the lakeside with no re-adjustments necessary. The keel and rudder are also removable for storage. Mast rake, sail tension and shape are fully adjustable for maximum performance in any wind condition.

If you are thinking of building a Soling One Meter, then come down to a race day and talk to the skippers. They will be more than willing to help you decide what you need. From experience, construction time is approximately 40 - 50 hours and the cost for a completed Soling, including radio gear, is around $650.

The pictures on this page are of Solings built by CCRYC club members and are raced regularly.