Radio-controlled model sailboats will race across Tualatin Lake at the Commons on Sept. 19, in the first Tualatin Cup Regatta.
Admission is free.
The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. Three local organizations are co-hosting: the Commercial Community Involvement Organization (CCIO), the Rose City Model Sailboat Club (RCMSC) and the Tualatin Community Police Foundation (TUCPF).
The City of Tualatin promoted the regatta on its X account on Friday, Sept. 4, describing it as open to all radio-controlled sailboats with free lessons and giveaways.
Fleet racing starts at 2 p.m. in three classes: DragonForce DF65, DragonFlite DF95 and Tippecanoe T37.
At 3 p.m., open "Free Sailing" races begin, welcoming model sailboat owners of any class, including first-time racers.
An awards ceremony with trophies and certificates follows at 4 p.m.
The RCMSC, founded in 2010, already uses Tualatin Commons Pond as one of its two primary sailing venues in the Portland metro area, according to the club's website. The club was chartered in 2011 by the American Model Yachting Association.
Beyond the races, families can sign up for hands-on time with experienced skippers who will teach newcomers how to operate a radio-controlled sailboat.
Tabletop lessons on wind power, sailing strategy and knot tying will run throughout the afternoon. Space is limited, and organizers encourage early registration.
A kids' sailing area will feature handmade wooden sailboats controlled by strings in a kiddie pool. The first 20 children to sign up get to take their boat home. Kids can also try burgee and mainsail art activities.
Registration opens at 1 p.m. alongside boat displays and informal practice sailing.
A skippers' meeting is set for 1:45 p.m. Exhibits from local community organizations will be on-site throughout the afternoon, according to Tualatin Life, which first reported the event details.
More information is available on the CCIO website.
Upcoming community events
- Saturday, Sept. 12: Tualatin Emergency Preparedness Fair, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tualatin Public Library. The first 200 visitors receive a collapsible water jug, go bag and first aid kit.
- Tuesday, Sept. 15: Tualatin Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training class begins, 6 to 9 p.m., Tualatin City Services Building. The seven-week course covers disaster medical operations, triage and basic first aid.
