RC controlled gps bouy marker

[William Spence]

I am enquiring if anyone has any details on where to obtain an RC bouy marker, if they exist.  We’re a small club in N Ireland and to lay our marks pre race entails someone rowing out to lay the race marks.  I’ve been made aware that there are RC that can do this.  Any advice or ideas welcome

billy

[Peter Baldwin]

There is a system called buoybot from Andrew Wilson based in Queensland, Australia that can set a course using RC controlled and powered marks with GPS holding capability - see the attached file giving more details.  Not aware of anything else with a UK or European source.

Buoybot - an affordable fit for purpose anchorless solution for RC sailing Dec 2022.pdf

[Stephen B]

They look amazing, and would save us loads of time, shouting at the boat from the bank, and arguing mid morning if we now ought to sail to 2 instead of 1 as the wind has changed, or re line the start line …..
And no doubt these will fall in price in coming years,

but maybe we lose the fun of wet fingers, lost marks, rope fouling bouys.

but for one a small trolley with 6 of these on from the club store, rolled down at 9.30. Placed in the water and all sailing out to their GPS point, then adjusted from the bank would be amazing and probably will be here in my lifetime

Edited January 3, 2023 by Stephen B

[William Spence]

Peter Baldwin

1 hour ago, Peter Baldwin said:

There is a system called buoybot from Andrew Wilson based in Queensland, Australia that can set a course using RC controlled and powered marks with GPS holding capability - see the attached file giving more details.  Not aware of anything else with a UK or European source.

Buoybot - an affordable fit for purpose anchorless solution for RC sailing Dec 2022.pdf 629.24 kB · 10 downloads

 

[William Spence]

That’s great info Peter many thanks for your input 

[Robin Gray]

Another variation is a radio controlled mark.  We have one version working in North Down in Northern Ireland.  It works quite well but needs more development as the motors we specified could be a little bit more powerful.  The anchor is a 2 pound fishing weight which can be dropped and retrieved remotely.

Youtube Video of mark being dropped and recovered: 

and a second one showing how it works:  

 

[William Spence]

Hi Robin

ive just been informed that this weeks racing will be cancelled due to high winds but our secretary Roy Younger is very keen to talk with you, if you would give him a ring at your convenience please

Roy Younger +44 7885 267266

hopefully see you next week 

[Robin Gray]

Will do.  If you want to see our marks in operation before that - we are racing at Millisle Lagoon on Friday at 1400 - I set the course from 1330 on.

[William Spence]

Hi Robin

Roy Younger has asked me to inform you that we’re sailing in carrickfergus harbour tomorrow at 13.30 if you could make it 

regards

billy