Build your own radio controlled sailboat
Read more detail about the book
Even those with limited building experience can join in on the fun with minimal materials and a simple toolset. Our eBook by New Zealander Bryn Heveldt covers strip planking, fibreglass strengthening, mould and casting techniques, electrics installation, spray painting and masking, sail making and tuning.
Print your own radio controlled yacht
Want to 3D Print a RacingSparrow? Well now you can.
We offer two sets of STL files and instructions for 760 & 1000mm models.
We have been hard at work designing the original Racing Sparrow to be 3D printable.
It is so easy to print and build and sails really well. We are really happy with how both models have turned out.
Racing Sparrow Blog
We share tips and stories from the model boat building community. Read all blog posts
3D Printable RG65 Prototype Update - Video
Ralf from Germany - Maiden Sail Video
Roland Beverley's Maiden Sail Video
RS1000 3D Sailing Video
RC Sailboats built by the Racing Sparrow community
We continue to be amazed at the beautiful model RC boats created by Racing Sparrow enthusiasts. Send your images to info@racingsparrow.co.nz.
Take a look at the full boat gallery page. So many fine model yachts!
3D - RG65 Racing Sparrow Prototype #4, Nelson, New Zealand
Jun 18, 2025
Ralf's RS760-3D, Germany
May 11, 2025
You really have designed a great boat and the assembly was easy and I had a lot of fun.
RS1000 #3 Final Prototype, Nelson, New Zealand
Apr 7, 2025
3D Printed RS1000 - Pinky - Prototype #2, Nelson, New Zealand
Feb 21, 2025
What our customers say about Racing Sparrow RC Yachts
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.
Free model boat plans
We provide a number of different boat plans that you can build using techniques covered in our full eBook.
You can download plans for boats of different sizes and specifications.
More about Racing Sparrow
What is Racing Sparrow and who is Bryn Heveldt?When I was nine years old my father, Ross Heveldt taught me to sail down at Bucklands Beach in Auckland. My wee optimist dinghy was called 'The Racing Sparrow', the nickname my uncle Bruce Curry gave to me when I was a small boy. Apparently I had an abundance of energy.
I studied at Whanganui School of Design and have been a designer / developer since 1998. I live in New Zealand.
Best wishes and happy sailing, Bryn Heveldt.
To contact me please email: info@racingsparrow.co.nz
