ODOM
The ODOM is a One-Design One Meter Class as defined by the American Model Yachting Association (AMYA). The only exception is the ODOM Class insignia which is derived from the U.S. One Meter Class insignia but is unique to the ODOM Class.
Email the class secretary to register your ODOM. The cost is $7.
Class Secretary
vacant position at AMYA
ODOM (One Design One Meter) is a one-design class, created by selecting one of the best examples of the U.S. One Meter Class, which is a developmental class, and "freezing" it to make a one-design class. As such, all ODOMs still qualify to race in U.S. One Meter events. The ODOM is an AMYA sanctioned class.
Originally intended to be an entry level boat, The ODOM has grown into one of the fastest growing one design classes in the country. It is being enjoyed by a wide range of skippers- from beginners to world class sailors. It's popularity stems from the fact that it is very moderately priced, very easily transported (it can be fitted into many cars without even being unrigged), and a very good sailer. Where the Santa Barbara may be likened to a GT sedan, or an Infinity 54 to a Ferrari, an ODOM is more like a light and nimble sports car such as a Lotus.
Your finished boat will sail like a dream. She will heel at about 30 degrees in a two to ten knot breeze and point into the wind about 40 degrees, requiring almost no rudder input to stay on track. When you do steer the boat, you will find her to be very responsive to rudder inputs. Down wind running, wing and wing is very fast. She resists nose diving in strong wind puffs extremely well. An ODOM likes to be sailed in strong winds and has enough inertia to sail well through choppy water yet she's not too heavy to retard good acceleration in a puff. Visit www.theamya.org for class specifications, manufacturer's data, and contact information for the class secretary
Come Race an ODOM!
The ODOM (One Design One Meter) class of radio controlled racing sailboats was born in the mid – 90s as the brainchild of Eric Peterson and Ian Scott. The ODOM design was a derivative of Bob Debow’s U.S. One Meter class design ‘Mistral’. Unlike the International and U.S. One Meters, the ODOM is a one design class with most parameters covered by strict rules. Over time the ODOM, which is a kit boat, has been produced and sold by a number of people. The current builder and vendor, as of February 2021, is a fellow by the name of Ron Saxon, who ca be reached at: RSYachts1@gmail.com. The ODOM differs from many RC yachts in that it has a hand laid up fiberglass hull and deck. It is not constructed of ABS or PVC, which can be problematic structurally.
Similar to full size sailing yachts, RC yachts also suffer the vagaries of fashion and sexiness. There are always new models being developed and introduced, often leaving older, established RC classes struggling to survive. The Seawind is a classic example of this as is the ODOM, to some extent.
Despite this there are still quite a few ODOMs racing. There are approximately 214 registered, with the bulk being on the west coast, midwest and southern states west of the Mississippi. The ODOM has always been one of the primary classes raced at Maryland Model Yacht Club. ODOM participation was at it’s low point in the mid – 20s but is picking back up again.
The ODOM is an uncomplicated boat. It is easy to sail. With five minutes of instruction almost anyone can do a decent job of sailing the boat. When the boat is properly tuned it will sail to weather “on rails” with very little to no rudder input needed. And the ODOM is FAST, a real hot rod. If you want a boat that is easy to sail, well behaved and did I say fast, then you should strongly consider an ODOM.
Demonstrating the continuing popularity of the ODOM, used boats are not often on the open market. Come see us at MMYC if you would like one to race and we may be able to help you find one.
Below are several photos of ODOMS racing.
Tom Walsh
