Welcome to the OMSA Step-by-Step Victoria Radio Controlled Sailing Yacht construction manual. The "Thunder Tiger" Victoria class of sailboats is one of the most successful R/C sailing classes ever produced due to its low cost, ready availability and good handling traits. The Victoria can also be transported in almost any vehicle without removing the mast and sails. Sailboats smaller than the Victoria do not sail nearly as well.

The Okanagan Model Sailboat Association has concentrated on the very affordable "Victoria" sailboat kit that is manufactured in Taiwan by a large company called Thunder Tiger. There are many good places to buy it on-line, and your local hobby shop likely keeps them in stock or would be able to order one for you. The kit provides the basic sail boat, and to increase the reliablility and performance of your Victoria sailboat, you can add the LONGBOW fittings and racing sails as described on this web site.

The descriptions and photographs to follow are intended to make it easier for our local sailors to do their "home work" between our Victoria boat building sessions, but may be used freely by anyone choosing to copy our particular style of construction.

We are also aware that there are other equally servicable and attractive ways to build the Victoria. One of the best features of the Thunder Tiger Victoria Yacht is that there are as many ways to detail the Victoria construction as there are sailors to enjoy them.

Keep in mind that the Victoria class rules do not allow for any structural modifications to the hull, the rudder or the keel/bulb components other than cleaning up any rough casting edges on the rudder and keel.

A "go faster" tip for you r/c sailors.. A common oversight on the construction of r/c sailboats is the lack of the jib topping lift as described in chapter I of these instructions.. It can make all the diffence between "winning" and just another "also ran".

The instructions shown here on the OMSA web site represent some of the tried and true building styles that have been demonstrated by some of the sailing clubs that are even more experienced than our own sailing group, but you may come up with your own variations of the building techniques that will work just as well.

A word of caution, however. It is possible to construct a Victoria sailboat that is heavier than the allowable class minimum weight of 4 1/2 lbs, (2042 grams) so you should consider the weight of each component of your boat as you proceed. To be fair, your Victoria will need to weigh-in at 4 1/2 lbs or more, but it is not desirable to be any heavier than required.

Many of the builders have had difficulty sourcing the components that we use to customize the Victoria, but the Victoria hardware kits are now packaged up by LONGBOW Racing Yachts. The kits are described in full in the stepbystep LONGBOW catalogue.

The philosophy of our Victoria construction at OMSA is to construct a great looking and reliable racing sailboat without compromising boat-speed or handling.

 The Victoria Transporter.

Looking for a safe and convenient way to transport your Victoria in the back seat of your car? Here is a cheap and easy winter weekend project for you, conceived by Mike Frisque and built by Mike Wagstaff of the Okanagan Model Sailboat Association.

Start with a 36 inch length of 10 inch wide pine, then cut it into two pieces, one 24 inches, the other one 12 inches. Then screw them together at a right-angle.

1/4 inch deep slots are then cut into the larger of the pine pieces for the stock Victoria display stand to sit in, and an opening is carved out for the carrying handle.

A soft foam block is glued on for the transom-rest, and a quick-release strap is screwed on at the widest beam. The Victoria transporter can either stand up or safely lie down (bow up) in your vehicle.

There is even room for your radio transmitter.