The Racing Sparrow Blog

Here is where you'll find build stories, interesting sailing stuff and general model content!

2 months ago

Chip's Stunning Mahogany Build

Chris from Illinois USA sent in these photos of this amazing all mahogany and brass build. Some stunning craftmanship!

4 months ago

3D Printing Update: Print Your Own Radio-Controlled Yacht!

The process to design a 3D printed Racing Sparrow is going well. The first boat had a sea trial which quickly led to a s…
5 months ago

A 3D Printed Racing Sparrow!

The time has come, and I finally made the call to try and 3D print a Racing Sparrow model yacht. This is quite a departu…
11 months ago

The Design Rationale for the RacingSparrow 750

The Racing Sparrow is a model RC yacht designed by New Zealander Bryn Heveldt. Inspired by his early sailing experiences…
15 months ago

Radio Controlled Yacht Electrics - For Beginners

To a complete newby the electrics setup and installation may seem quite daunting. It's not easy to work out how everythi…
16 months ago

Model Yacht Design: Pushing the Limits with Racing Sparrow

The world of model yacht design is one of innovation, precision, and creativity. It offers a canvas for experimentation,…
17 months ago

Using 3D Programs to Design Boats: A Beginner's Journey with Fusion 360

In the realm of digital design, the boundary between what’s possible and what’s dreamt has thinned dramatically. This is…
19 months ago

Fearless Creation of Lead Bulbs: Exploring Alternatives without Hot Lead

Creating lead bulbs without the need for molten metal? We understand that working with hot lead can be intimidating. But…
21 months ago

Re-maiden of a Racing Sparrow prototype

Refurbishing my RS750 model yacht has been a fun little project for me, as I have always loved sailing and working on bo…
21 months ago

This Racing Sparrow has seen better days!

I was looking through my Dad's stuff the other day and found one of the original Racing Sparrow prototypes. It's a fibre…
22 months ago

John from Perth - Launch day

Greetings, after a delayed build process brought on by moving house, my RS750 was launched on the weekend after much ant…
23 months ago

Radio equipment evolution

The world of remote control (RC) technology has come a long way since the early days of 27 MHz frequencies. While the 27…
23 months ago

Gary Hirst launches his Racing Sparrow

Launched my sparrow 750 today in moderate wind and she sailed like a beaut. Weight all up 2.1kg, water line was perfect …
23 months ago

Build a Racing Sparrow in less than 3 hours

Greetings all ... I have been following the forum for a while now and am nearing completion of my first RC yacht, being …
3 years ago

80% RG65 - Auckland, NZ

Hi, Ive finally completed an 80% RS 650 at 500mm o/all length, beam 120mm. Mast height will be 760mm and bulb weight 370…
3 years ago

Bulb Creation from Finland

Because we are going to make I think at least 6 boats for now and more later i made plug for keel bulb out of birch and …
4 years ago

Virtual Regatta Inshore

Here is a great way to learn to sail right from your iPhone or Android mobile phone.
8 years ago

One Meter RacingSparrow from France

A stunning series of images from Garry Angel in France.
8 years ago

Modified Sparrow

After MUCH playing about with things I now seem to have hit on a winning design planned from the outset to meet our club…
11 years ago

Racing Sparrow Challenge

Here is the racing sparrow challenge one made from cardboard, three cut on laser cutter.
12 years ago

Jeff Fletcher from Bastrop, TX reports

Here are some pics of the frames I made with my CNC router. I used a 1/16" bit. Guys at the local pond loved the parts. …
13 years ago

A different use for your book

Hi Bryn, I bet when you wrote your book the last thing you had in mind was encouraging a young boy to read and use his m…