Brief Overview of the American Model Yachting Association

The American Model Yachting Association (AMYA)AMYA through its outreach programs and
was established in 1970 to advance the sport ofregulatory activities. Marketing activities include
competitive model sailboat racing in the Unitedpromoting the hobby through trade shows,
States. AMYA accomplishes this throughproducing and distributing brochures, and reprinting
education, setting standards, and supportingsignificant articles related to Model Sail Boating.
individual clubs through its members.On a more formal level the organization ensures
AMYA, which was established in 1970 by a smallthe orderly success of competitive events
group of dedicated professionals, has become thethrough formal controls. Racing models are
national governing body of competitive modelorganized into formal classes to promote fair
yachting in the United States. AMYA hascompetition. There are two categories of classes,
members through the world, any of whom maynamely one-design classes that provide little scope
represent the United States, provided that theyfor innovation, and development classes that
are citizens. The organisation was formed at apromote new designs. Every class has its own
time when there was resurgence in public interestmanagement structure, which may be either part
in model / rc sailboats following the emergence ofof AMYA, or affiliated to it. The organization has
pioneering new radio control technology.also published an extensive set of rules and
The association's collective knowledge andguidelines in terms which it organizes championship
professional approach help maintain its reputationracing competitions in association with its
as forerunner in the field of model sailboats in theinternational counterparts.
United States. Participation is open to anyoneAMYA maintains an extensive website which
sharing the goals of the association. Adultdetails its structure, policies and procedures in a
membership includes four quarterly issues oftransparent manner. On a more practical level
Model Yachting, as well as the rights to register inbeginners and professionals alike will find much of
any AMYA class, take part in any AMYAinterest ranging from how to get started with
competition, and to cast a single vote atModel / RC Sailboats through to advanced
association meetings.specifications for every class of yacht.
AMYA'S published body of knowledge lies primarilyAlthough it is a non profit collective, AMYA
in the Quarterly editions of its publication Modelnevertheless operates in accordance with modern
Yachting, which dates back to the early years ofbusiness practices. Moreover, office bearers are
the organization. Back editions of these can beelected for a period of one year and are held
purchased from the AMYA Online Ship Store. Theaccountable to members. This formal approach
virtual store also supplies a wide range of sailboathas undoubtedly contributed to its success over
books, sailboat plans, and other items of interestthe years, and is the backbone of the contribution
to supporters of this fascinating hobby.that AMYA continues to make to competitive
The general public is more likely to experienceModel Sail Boating in the United States.