In collaboration with the Museum of Yachting (MoY) in Newport, RI, the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA) and US Vintage Model Yacht Group (VMYG) are creating a six-month series of model yachting events for the Museum’s 2004 season from May 15 to October 31, 2004. This effort will integrate AMYA radio-controlled (R/C) racing with specific out-reach opportunities, and feature a formal exhibit – "The World of Model Yachts" to provide a chronological and educational baseline through vintage and modern models, objects, plans and graphics. With over 60 models anticipated, this will be the largest, organized exhibit in the world devoted to the sport of model yachting and its historical lineage from full-scale yachting.

2004 AMYA-VMYG Team and Museum of Yachting Goals:

1. Educate the public and yachting community on the rich history of model yachting and its competitive aspect from the 1850s to present, and

2. Demonstrate how organizational and racing relationships between full-scale and model yachting have contributed to the evolution of yacht design and technology.

3.  

AMYA-sanctioned events will feature J, EC-12M and CR-914 class models, given their classic designs and the Museum’s mission:

• May 22-23 "Model Yachting for Youths" Mentoring Event with CR-914s on Ft. Adams State Park opening weekend,

• September 4 on Labor Day weekend J & EC-12M Invitational Race as part of the MoY 25^th Annual Classic Yacht Regatta, and

• October 9-10 on Columbus Day weekend J & EC-12M Class AMYA Region 1 Championships.

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Other MoY out-reach activities will be AMYA-VMYG team involvement in the 30^th Anniversary WoodenBoat Show at Ft. Adams July 23-25, on-site model demonstrations and a model yachting art exhibit during the month of October to promote the AMYA Region 1 regattas. The AMYA-VMYG team vision working with the Museum of Yachting is to broaden the appeal of model yachting by interacting with audiences, young and old, not usually found at today’s model yacht venues.

Key Models: J and EC-12M designs were chosen based on their America’s Cup yacht heritage from the 1930s to 1980s to highlight our sport in the context of renowned, full-scale racing designs. AMYA CR-914 design with its 1990s America’s Cup origin and affordability were appealing as the entry-level model to support a season-long, R/C sail-mentoring program for youths and adults. Marblehead 50/800 Class models with their developmental background will capture a 75-year perspective of yachting design technology with an evolutionary cross-section of designs displayed from 1930 to 2004. Exhibit will also include AMYA AC, Laser, Newport 12, Santa Barbara and Soling (2) and Star 45 class models with about 40 vintage models (from 1880s to 1960s) to further support linkages to full-scale yachting. In addition, the MoY exhibit will have motorized models for a historical snapshot of vintage powerboats as representative of other types of model yachts. These 1920s to 1960s era wooden gas and steam-powered model speedboats designs will depict the sport of tethered model boat racing.

2004 MoY activities are being promoted by Museum, AMYA and VMYG websites, magazines and through special announcements. Museum information is available at: www.museumofyachting.org and 401-847-1018. 2004 Model Yachting leads are Pete Maxson, AMYA Region 1 Director, and John Snow, US VMYG President at 585-637-3603 or pmaxson@rochester.rr.com and 781-631-4203 or jsnow@drc.com respectively. Additional details on the 2004 MoY activities can be found on the AMYA and US VMYG websites: www.amya.org and www.swcp.com/usvmyg