Winter Walsh Wandering: Green Valley Model Sailboat Club March 20, 2016

We heard there was a model sailboat club that sailed on the lagoon on Sundays. So we're back today at the Sahuarita Park.

There were about 12 "sailors" with 1 meter, larger (Odom class, O on sail) and the Victoria, smaller(V on sail) boats. These sailboats maneuver only with wind. The sailors have handheld radial controlled devices that move the sails to catch the wind. They have a course set up and have competitive races.

Big challenge to line up for the start of the race. Gentle collisions happen with owner apologies voiced. There is a recorded machine that says" 50 seconds, 40 seconds, 30 seconds..... to start time. If a boat crosses the starting line early, it is penalized and has the make a 360 turn before it can continue in the race. There is a member who records who wins which race. Everyone was very talkative and encouraged us to get a boat and join the club. We met a guy who used to live in Racine and wished we had brought a kringle!!!

The wind was variable, sometimes gusting and sometimes dead calm.

Off to Parque Del Rio, about 4 blocks away. This is truly a neighborhood dedicated to children. There's another pool and lovely grassy lawns, playgrounds, and more bronze animal statues.