We’re down to the final 3 days before the Coastal Bend Model Yacht Club’s 9th Annual Saltwater Challenge (February 20–22, 2026), and the energy is building fast as the last preparations fall into place.
This week’s focus: a targeted dock refresh to make sure everything is ready for a fantastic weekend of racing—and a full season of sailing ahead.
During the rebuild, we replaced only the plywood top plates.
The FRP drop plates proved just how tough they are, holding up beautifully through an entire year of saltwater dunkings. The original plywood tops, however, didn’t hold up to those periodic submersions.
The solution?
New higher-quality plywood, carefully fitted and protected with multiple coats of oil-based marine paint to stand up to harsh coastal conditions and whatever the bay sends our way next.
These dock plates do more than look good—they provide critical protection for our inflatable dinghy when it’s secured along the seawall, where razor-sharp oyster shells make durability absolutely essential.
The photos below walk through the step-by-step transformation, from disassembly to final installation—and show the care and craftsmanship that goes into preparing for this event each year.
The result:
A stronger, cleaner, better-protected dock—ready for fast starts, tight mark roundings, dramatic finishes, and two days of outstanding RC Laser racing.
And now… the countdown is almost over.
Sunshine.
Great wind.
Friendly rivalry.
Old friends and new ones.
Some of the best RC Laser racing on the Gulf Coast.
We can’t wait to welcome sailors and spectators for an unforgettable weekend.
See you on the starting line—it’s almost time to sail!
