Anyone know the pre-history of the AMYA?

[chall]

In reading some older books it seems the AMYA was formed because the existing model sailing organization wasn't interested in RC. As RC became more popular, apparently the older organization tried to join up with the AMYA, but didn't succeed and later died.

Does anyone know the story on all this? What was the name of the older organization? Were they really so stubborn as to not see the future of RC sailing? Had the older organization been around many years?

It seems like there's an interesting story there.

Thanks,

Charles Hall
Raleigh, NC

[Mike Denest]

Have you tried http://www.amya.org? The association you are referring to was MYRAA (Model Yacht Racing Association of America). Lot's of politics, lot's of bull, diminished interest in building and sailing model boats killed it. Yes, adding radio control was blasphemy to the purists. Vane sailing is still around and quite popular in the UK, more so than here in the US. Check also the USVMYG. http://www.swcp.com/usvmyg/

[chall]

Thanks for the info Mike. I don't see any mention of this organization on the AMYA website. The Vintage guys mention it in passing:

http://www.swcp.com/usvmyg/history/histch2.htm

But maybe now that I know the organization's name I can do some Googling on my own.

[Mike Denest]

From the reading I recall, MYRAA had its own Class A, B, C, D plus Marblehead and A Class. You might try searching for some vintage model yachting books from John Black, Charles Darling, etc. Some booksellers who provide a search service may find copies for you.