By ROBYN BRISTOW
Radio-controlled yachts venturing out on Lake Pegasus will soon be a regular feature.
The Pegasus Radio Sailing Club is being set up following huge interest during the recent South Island International One Metre championships held on the lake, with 29 skippers plying their skills.
The championship highlighted the lake as one of the best facilities in the country for the hobby/sport.
Several enthusiastic Pegasus residents already have, or have since bought, radio-controlled yachts of various designs.
They have been getting their boats out as often as they can during the week, and have been joined by a significant number of experienced radio yacht owners from the wider Christchurch area every second Sunday to enjoy competitive racing, share their knowledge and build camaraderie.
Spokesman Ian McGregor says this led to lakeside discussions about forming a new club for radio yachts at Pegasus.
A meeting last Sunday to gauge interest was attend by 20 people who unanimously decided to name the club the Pegasus Radio Sailing Club.
A steering committee was formed to prepare a draft constitution and health and safety plan, consult with the Waimakariri District Council and local Pegasus interest groups, develop a membership structure, insurance requirements, prepare an application and other necessary requirements to register the club as an incorporated society.
The steering committee aims to present the application in late November or early December to a public meeting of all interested people.
Anyone interested in knowing more, or interested in becoming a member, can contact Ian McGregor, Rick Proko, Gareth and Sheena Lyne, Paul Johnson and Bruce Edgar by email: pegasusrsc@nullgmail.com.