Racing Sparrow Plans
Check out these plans and resources, ranging from a 375mm boat to a 1500mm yacht. Pair these with our eBook guide for a fast, easy, and affordable home build RC yacht.
RS-RG65 - 650mm plans, measures to international RG65 rules
RacingSparrow RG65 v2Free Book Sample - PDF
eBook freeChaptersRacing Sparrow 1000 plans
RS 1000Racing Sparrow 1500 plans - A scaled up Racing Sparrow
RS 1500Racing Sparrow 375 plans - The smallest sparrow
RS 375RacingSparrow Footy plans
Footy Sparrow - experimental v1Common questions about the plans
What tools do I need to build a RacingSparrow?
1. Chisel
2. Craft-knife
3. Drill Bit - 2mm (5/64in)bit 4. Drill Bit - 5mm (3/16in) bit
5. Electric Drill
6. Felt Marker
7. File
8. Hacksaw
9. Hammer
10. Hole Punch
11. Lighter
12. Pen
13. Pencil
14. Pins
15. Pliers
16. Ruler (steel)
17. Sanding Block
18. Scissors
19. Screwdriver
20. Spirit Level (optional)
21. Sponge Brush (several)
22. Vice Grips
Do I need the eBook to build this cool rc sailboat?
No you don't. The book is designed for the newcomer to model yacht building. The book does make it a much simpler process with every detail figured out and covered in the book. Seasoned builders can simply have a go with the free plans.
Are the plans really free?
Yes all the plans are free to download and use as you see fit. The most comprehensive plans are the RS750 A1 full size.
Are there CAD files or 3D files?
Yes there is a 3D dxf file inside a zip file that you can download for free and use how you want. Some people use this in CAD programs or in 3D modelling programmes to great effect. Look under Racing Sparrow 750 plans on this page. An STL file for 3D printing is in the pipelines. Email me if you want a copy.
While we think 3D printing is great, we believe old-skool strip planking balsa is a wonderfully simple way to make a very lightweight boat with excellent longitudinal strength and beauty.
Builders eBook
Dive into the world of boat building with our eBook. Discover the craft of hull planking, fibreglass strengthening, and lead keel ballast casting.
Master the art of electrics installation, spray painting, sail making, and tuning of sails. Download a sample today and embark on a rewarding journey of boat construction.
What the builders and sailors say:
Being a complete novice, I purchased your book a couple of years ago and built two racing sparrows. Building on this experience I then went on to build, from scratch, an IOM (Triple Crown design).
I've since joined a local club and sail virtually every weekend. I would just like to thank you for your endeavours which have allowed me to enter a world I never thought was in my reach.
Coming upon your book, "Build your own Radio Controlled Yacht" in the Napier Public Library, I am hugely impressed.
The combination of your superb photos and illustrations with your easy writing style make it a standout publication and I hope it does well for you.
Thanks for an excellent design in your RG65. I trialled her again today in a solid 20 knots gusting higher. Even so in a steep chop and fingers off the rudder she drove upwind remarkably well, balanced perfectly.
Very impressed that a model boat can handle that with a large rig. I found the book excellent. Ive built several big boats, plus a few skiffs and without that resource building such a good boat would have been impossible.
Look at all these cool boats folk have made at home
There is also a full gallery with a boat load of photos of Racing Sparrow's
John Sterland, Australia
Dec 28, 2011
Kendal Allcott, Nelson, New Zealand
Feb 11, 2010
Terry Raggett's - RS750, Portsmouth, England
Jun 4, 2008
Miss Sunshine, RS750 by Terry Plumridge from Vienna Austria. Built for his wife Gertraud. Terry writes " Firstly thanks for writing your book, it introduced me to building from plans, and plank on frame construction, both of which I enjoyed tremendously."
Royal Declerks' Black Pearl, Mount Martha, Victoria, Australia
Apr 2, 2017
Peter Knox, Canterbury, New Zealand
Apr 30, 2008
John Goodyear with his RacingSparrow 750, United Kingdom
Nov 27, 2010
Jonathan Daniel
Oct 9, 2008
Fanie Nel - RS750, Krugerdorp, South Africa
Apr 5, 2023
Bryn's fibreglass Racing Sparrow, Wellington, New Zealand
Sep 2, 2008
This red boat is the latest racing sparrow that we've built and put to the test. It has been built for wellington conditions. It has the maximum 1.3kg lead bulb. It has a basic deck structure, no plywood, 1 layer of balsa with a coat of resin-only to save on weight and budget. It uses the more basic hatch construction of plastic sheet taped on with ducktape, very effective and waterproof. The sails are maxed out, being cut very close to the plans, maybe a little bigger, there are no rules about max sail area in the class rules! Another difference on this boat is the mast has been painted black for a different look.
Royal Declerk's - RG65(Foxy Lady) Sisters: 650 & 750, Mount Martha, Victoria, Australia
May 2, 2018