Our friend, Eric Schade, with assistance from Dave Jackson, developed this 48"-long radio-controlled model sailboat, which Eric has named the "Independence." At least a hundred Independence yachts have been built by individuals and in classes at the WoodenBoat School and Pequot Yacht Club on Long Island Sound. At Pequot, they have been racing the boats twice weekly for years. Check out these videos of the Independence models in action!The Indy is a "One Design" class, so your boat will be able to compete with other Independence Class R/C boats in your area. Whether you want to join an existing R/C group, create a new one, race with a buddy, or just enjoy sailing your model around your local pond, this boat will be a great introduction to R/C sailing. The fun will continue as your skills improve, and before you know it, you will have raced this Indy model for years.A powerful and responsive sailing model, the Independence is equipped with straightforward and inexpensive remote control technology (not included). It utilizes the same pre-cut plywood panels and stitch-and-glue construction as our full-size boat kits.We offer a complete set of plans and manuals for the home builder. Folks who have not built an R/C model before, may choose to buy our CNC-cut wood parts kit, which includes pre-cut and drilled Okoume marine plywood, timber parts, and the instruction manual. The kit includes a supply list showing the additional hardware, radio, and materials that will be needed to make it a functional RC boat. The kit does not include the lead keel, hardware, sail, or R/C equipment (see link below). Lead bulb and rigging hardware kit is available from Eric Schade at Shearwater Boats. The instruction manual details the R/C equipment. We like the following simple radio setup, but alternative radio gear may also be used. Please read this PDF document for suggestions on what R/C Equipment ;to purchase. Don't hesitate to get in touch with Eric Schade directly with questions about design or hardware.
