Welcome to "Racing fun without getting wet and careering towards that inevitable dinghy inspired knee operation!"

The Emsworth Mill Pond currently hosts two bands of radio sailing groups, one, an excellent and well established club called the Emsworth Radio Sailors(ERS) who provide fun, competitive racing events throughout the year and the other, a collection of ESC club members who just race for fun, generally resulting in a post racing trip to the ESC bar.

ESC recognises the continually increasing popularity of radio sailing and have therefore created this ESC Radio Sailing Section to make the past time more open to its membership and provide this as an alternative to passing Swear Deep at 13 kts downwind with the kite up wondering if you paid the life insurance premium!

Instead, we have free competitive racing around the bouys, a boat on boat challenge every 15 seconds, countless port/starboard events, circa 10+ tactical bouy rounding within each 5-10 minute race, a fresh pre-start and 1^st leg every 10 minutes and more race banter than you can ever find in full size racing as you are standing right next to your opponents!

However, Radio Sailing isn't a replacement to full size sailing, it's a place to continue your sailing hunger, hone your race rule knowledge and meet others now addicted to little boat sailing! FYI, Russell Coutts and many of sailing's rock stars, including America's Cup team, UK national and international champions all race radio boats too.

There are many different classes of Radio Controlled racing yachts available, however the biggest growth seen recently is with the Dragon Force 95. Or DF95 for short. It is also one of the most cost-conscious classes, especially compared to the other class that races on Emsworth Millpond, the IOM class. The DF95 are easy to build, transport, maintain and there is a well-supported community ranging from local clubs and club members to global You Tube based support videos and advice to help you progress.

ESC Radio Sailing will join the existing relaxed racing events that are tentatively scheduled for every Monday 5pm during the summer season, hosted from the ESC club car park pontoon. There is often a second set of races scheduled each week, date and time confirmed via a WhatsApp group. All racing is subject to conditions, anything over 25kts typically results in an early trip to the bar.

Due to the immense generosity of one of our members, we have an ESC Radio Sailing DF95 available for trial and use until you get your own. It is booked via the WhatsApp group or direct contact with Jonny Hepworth or Jerry White (telephone/email access via club directory).

So, if you'd like to see what all the hype is about before buying your own, or just fancy a go then please make contact or just turn up at our scheduled race days and ask for help (preferably not within 10 seconds of the start gun!)

Jonny Hepworth

ESC Radio Sailing

ESC Club DF95 "Double O" !

Double O is free to use, with the caveat that if you break anything other than wear and tear items then you are expected to donate towards it's maintenance / repair. It comes with 'A' suite sails so not useable above circa 15kt winds. Instruction is available via other club members / Jonny Hepworth

The boat is stored locally so can be picked up on your way to the pond, it is provided in a sea worth condition and charged ready for club use, subject to when it has been returned and its returned condition.

As the club is affiliated to the MYA, public liability insurance is included.