As an onlooker, it appears quietly benign but as a competitor, it’s a silent battle of strategy and skill to find each puff of wind.

Members of Tauranga Radio Sailing Club are getting ready to host the DragonForce Df65 National Championship at Lake Taurikura in Pyes Pā this weekend.

“We have nine locals taking part as well as competitors travelling from Whangārei in the north to Nelson in the south,” said club member Peter Flowerday, who regularly travels from his home in Matata to sail in Tauranga or Pāpāmoa. “[There’s] Nineteen entrants all together.”

The 65cm yachts, which are popular around the world, are operated via remote control and the ‘driver’ can adjust the boat’s sails and the rudder as it races around a course on the water.

For life-long sailor John Rountree, the miniature version of the sport is the ideal pastime.

“Sailing is sailing,” he said. “You rely on the wind and getting the boat into the right position for it.

“I’ve judged at nationals before but never competed. This will be my first time entering. I’d tell anyone considering radio sailing to have a go.”

The DragonForce Df65 National Championship at Lake Taurikura in Pyes Pā is from 10am-3pm Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20. All are welcome to come and watch the action!