RG65 RC Sailboat: Class Rules, Boats to Buy and Setup
The RG65 is an international development class of 65 cm radio-controlled sailboats. The rules limit only three things: hull length (650 mm), rig height (1100 mm) and sail area (2250 cm²); everything else is free, which makes it a playground for designers and home builders. You can buy ready-to-sail boats such as the Bancroft RG65 Quickfire, HydroPro Affinity or Hacker Tango 65, or 3D-print one. It’s small, cheap to run and easy to carry. Here’s what to buy and how to set it up.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
RG65 class rules
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Hull length | 650 mm (25.6 in) |
| Rig height | 1100 mm (43.3 in) |
| Sail area | 2250 cm² (348.8 in²) |
| Everything else | Free (development class) |
From the class measurement rules (AMYA, RG65 UK). Most skippers carry several rigs of different heights for different wind strengths.
Which RG65 should you buy?
| Boat | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bancroft RG65 Quickfire | RTR with 2.4 GHz radio | Sailing within an hour; good starter |
| HydroPro Affinity | Plug and play | 650 mm, 915 mm A-rig mast, two rigs with mylar sails, carbon spars, 1290 g |
| Hacker Model Tango 65 RTR | Ready to sail | Competition-oriented |
| Racing Sparrow RG65 | 3D-printed (files/kit) | Standard or single-sail “Una” rig; cheap to build |
| Joysway DragonForce 65 | RTR | Its own one-design class, but popular and similar size |
From retailer listings (Motion RC, HobbyKing), checked October 2026. Ask your local club which boats they race.
RG65 or DragonForce 65?
Both are 65 cm boats. The DF65 is a one-design: everyone sails the same boat, so racing depends on skill and tuning. The RG65 allows any design within the three limits, so boats differ and development never stops. Many clubs sail both, sometimes in the same race. For a first boat, pick whatever your club races most.
Setting up and tuning
- Check the rudder and sail winch move freely and fully; set end points so the winch doesn’t strain.
- Set the mast rake as the builder recommends; rake back for upwind pointing.
- Set jib and main twist so the upper sail opens slightly more than the lower.
- Match the rig to the wind: tallest rig in light air, smaller rigs as wind increases.
- Waterproof the receiver and battery box; check for leaks after sailing.
Racing an RG65
RG65 races are usually short fleet races around a course of buoys, sailed under the Racing Rules of Sailing with a radio sailing appendix. Skippers stand together on the bank and call out when they touch a mark or another boat, then do a penalty turn. Starts matter a lot: a boat that crosses the line at full speed in clear air often leads to the first mark. Because the boats are small, choosing the right rig for the wind and keeping the hull and fin clean count as much as the design. Clubs and national RG65 associations publish event calendars, and beginners are welcome at most club races.
Building your own RG65
- 3D-printed hulls (PETG or ASA) with a carbon fin and lead bulb are popular.
- Balsa/ply strip-built or glass-fibre hulls work for traditional builders.
- Free and paid designs are shared in class communities.
- Keep weight low: a light hull lets you carry more ballast in the bulb for stability.
- Electronics: a micro receiver, a small sail winch or arm servo and a waterproof rudder servo (servo guide).
FAQ
Is the RG65 good for beginners?
Yes. It’s small, cheap and ready-to-sail boats are available. Join a club for racing and tuning help.
How big is an RG65?
650 mm long, with a rig up to 1100 mm tall and up to 2250 cm² of sail.
Can I 3D-print an RG65?
Yes, several designs exist, including the Racing Sparrow RG65.
How many channels does an RG65 need?
Two: rudder and sail control.
More on this topic: the complete RC Boats guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
