This fascinating hobby is enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
Model boat building is almost as old as recorded history, and examples dating back to Phoenician and Ancient Egyptian times may be found in museums.
Although model sailboats were originally made for ceremonial or religious purposes, early examples have also been found that appear to have been made just for fun.
For many years scale boat models were also used in boatyards instead of drawings, to explain what was required to craftsmen who did not know how to read drawings.
Radio (RC) controlled model sailboat building has become a popular hobby throughout the world thanks to greater disposable income and increased leisure time.
Modern technology has made it possible for anybody with funds and access to open water to own and operate a remote controlled sailboat that looks and behaves like the real thing.
There are a many RC Sailboat clubs all around the world that help enthusiasts make contact with people who have similar interests.
These clubs are also able to offer advice on the best model to buy, or how to build your own.
All sailboats are driven by the wind that is caught in their sails.
These need to be frequently trimmed, in conjunction with the rudder, so as to trap as much wind as possible and gain maximum speed.
On model sailboats this is achieved through servo motors that are controlled via a hand held radio transmitter.
Experienced enthusiasts who have already owned several commercial sailboats bought at hobby stores often decide to build their own.
This may be because they want to experiment with new ideas.
More usually their decision is driven by a need to own something different.
If you choose to build your own sailboat you must first decide on the size you want.
There are several practical considerations that you must keep in mind.
These include the stretch of water where you will sail your boat, how you plan to transport it, and, if you are not so strong, how you will launch and recover it.
There are several ways to go about building your own RC Sailboat.
The simplest is to buy a kit at a hobby store, build it up, and finish it off with a different colour scheme or other detail.
This is a good way to start because you gain useful experience.
If this does not satisfy you then you ought to consider scratch building your own.
You will need to be good with your hands and have a small workshop with the necessary tools.
It's best to buy the tools as you go along to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
You may decide to buy a prefabricated hull and sails, or alternatively you may opt to make everything yourself.
Whatever you decide, your starting point is a scale drawing with enough detail to get you started.
If you are really ambitious you could even create your own design.
Beware of scaling down the plans of a full size boat unless you are an expert mathematician because the relationship is not direct.
Although your RC Sailboat may be small enough to fit into your hand, or so large as to require a trailer to transport it, all radio control model sailboats are built in the same order as full size boats.
The first stage is to form the hull, which must have space in it to accommodate the servo motors, batteries, and other gear.
After float testing to determine the optimum position for the keel, you complete the hull by installing the controls that will allow you control the model sailboat remotely.
Thereafter you fit the masts and spars, and install the sails and rigging.
When commissioning any radio control sailboat it is always a good idea to first work out a recovery plan in case the remote control or servers fail.
Begin by testing your model in a small pond that allows you to reach any point in the water or on shore.
Expand your scope progressively as you gain confidence, but never, never risk your pride and joy in a large lake or open stretch of ocean.
There are several ways to acquire the model RC Sailboat of your dreams.
These include off-the-peg, modified, scratch built, and totally original versions.
The final choice depends on you: your experience, your technical competence, and, of course, how much time you have available to spend on this fascinating hobby.
Whichever option you choose, the time spent will prove to have been worthwhile.
When you are finished, you can sail away to your heart's content, the envy of all who come to admire your radio control model sailboat.