The Edina Model Yacht Club (EMYC) was formed in 1991 as a non-profit, radio controlled model boat club. Membership consists of approximately 120 enthusiasts of all ages, backgrounds, hobby-building skills, and interests. The primary objective of the formation of the club was to create a relaxing and friendly environment for hobbyists in which to operate model boats. Although casual in nature, the EMYC is structured and well organized in its activities and group planned functions. top

Location

The Centennial Lakes area in Edina, Minnesota serves as the home port for the EMYC and its on-water activities. This 1/4 mile long man-made lake winds its way through a 20 million dollar shopping and residential complex. The lake area is fully landscaped and is meticulously maintained by the City of Edina. It has become a favorite place for many to stroll, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Food and shopping are available as well. top

Types of boats

The club operates wind, electric and steam powered boats. No internal combustion powered boats are allowed on the lake in order to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. The club fleet can be broken down into four major groups:

Fast Electric

We have some SPEC classes organized to keep costs as low as possible and competition fare. We use the term competition lightly around here. We have a few rules but most emphasis is on FUN! From plastic to carbon fiber, if it floats and it is fast you'll find it here. Monos, Tunnels, Hydros we know how to have fun. Come see us on Thursday nights on the south pond for more help or information.

Sail

One of the largest groups within the club can be seen on the north and center ponds. The north pond is utilized for a regatta or other sailing event with some open non-competitve boating on the center pond.

Scale

The other group that a majority of EMYC boaters participate in and where the number of scale craft out number the annual membership by roughly 2 to 1. You see them on the center pond on any of the open boating nights. You can see replica's of the old Mahogany Barrel Backs like Criss Craft pulling water Skier's! Tugs that smoke and Steam powered craft. Although some are designed and crafted from scratch, the majority are built from kits. Anything that floats is acceptable but the most unusual and interesting boats tend to be those created from original designs. top

Cost

The two major components are the boat itself, and the radio equipment. Prices of sail and electric powered boat kits start below $100 and progress upward, depending on the size, quality of materials, number of parts, etc.
The Kyosho 'Fairwind' model is priced at approximately $200, while minimum radio gear prices start in the neighborhood of 50 dollars. As with the kits, the cost increases as additional radio features and options are added. Also, as a model is constructed either from scratch or kit, extras such as glue, sandpaper, paint, etc. are needed. Taking these items into consideration, it will cost approximately $325 and ten hours building time to get a complete and nicely finished 36" Kyosho 'Fairwind' sailboat model operating.

For Fast Electric racing expect the cost to be $200 and upward. Some race boats can cost much more than that. Be sure to look one of the racers up for help in choosing the one right for your needs. From a beginers kit in a box to an all out race design with custom ordered parts, we can help you find it. We can also help you avoid the common pitfalls of getting started in this hobby!

Sail, Scale, or Fast Electric don't forget the cost of support equipment. Radio, Batteries (some require many) Charger, among other maintenance needs. This is often overlooked and in some cases your better off with cheaper equipment where as in others you would benifit from the more costly high quality stuff. top

Membership

Membership in the EMYC enables one to participate in regular running activities as well as to become involved in monthly meetings, special events, and social gatherings. It also serves as a common base for the exchange of ideas, information, and shared interests. Membership dues of 20 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for individuals under 18 years of age cover a one calendar year membership. A monthly (except December) newsletter keeps the membership informed of activities and events. Discounts are available to club members at several local hobby shops including Hub Hobby. Can save a decent amount of $$ and still be able to shop locally.

You are invited to attend some of our events or meetings to get a feel for the group if that may help you decide on becoming a member. Several have done so over recent months and went on to become members. top

Events

A calendar of events is developed for each season, in addition to the regular running times (Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 PM until after dark, and Sunday from 4:30 PM). A variety of activities such as building seminars, club regattas, public shows, demonstration events, swap shops, and an end of the season "Dry Dock" party are scheduled annually. top

Additional information

Additional information may be obtained by, posting a message on the forum. There is also snail-mail by writing to the Edina Model Yacht Club, Centennial Lakes Hughes Pavilion, 7499 France Avenue South, Edina MN 55435, or by attending a club meeting-held on the third Tuesday of each month (except Dec.) at 7:00 PM in the Centennial Lakes maintenance garage (Band Room). You can even swing by anytime during the open boating sessions and ask a club member for more Information. We'd be glad to help you. top

Speed

The Sail boats are governed by the wind, and some can cross the pond at good speeds. The scale boats vary from put-put Tugs and Barges to your 10 mph Police and Coast Guard boats. The Fast Electric guys have a some boats that will top 40mph, truly a site to see! top

Power Requirements

Anything powered by Wind, Steam, or Electricity is allowable. We ask however should you have a Fast Electric boat that will run faster than approx 10mph (Viper, Dagger, Fighter etc.) you use the South pond for run times. We've had a few collisions out there and the last thing we want is someone to loose a "Winter Project" to a watery grave. Gas/Nitro powered boats are not permitted by EMYC nor the city of Edina. top

Frequencies

With the club now exceeding 100 in annual memberships one thing is of growing concern each year. The number of available frequencies or known as "channels" is not large enough. Therefore it is REQUIRED that you find the frequency board if you wish to run on the Central pond and check for your Frequency clip. If gone you need to negotiate run times with the current user, and we should all be fair on this. "Do onto others as you'd want others to do onto you?"

If you don't do this you place your own watercraft and another's in serious risk. Some of these boats have literally months of time put into their construction, and replacement value would be astronomical. top

Boats for Rent

We currently do not offer our boats for rent. Each boat is owned by a private member of Edina Model Yacht Club. It would be up to that individual owner to allow the borrowed use of there model. There was a service like this provided in the past, but due to service and maintenance requirements along with lost equipment it became unfeasible to continue that function. top