PHILIPPINE RC SAILING CLUB
 

Introduces
"TABO"
International One Meter

BACKGROUND:

RC sailing in the Philippines has become popular since the start of PRSC in 1998. The number of RC model yacht owners has continuously increased surprisingly, not only did the localization projects help with this, but more and more people are buying commercial models (read expensive boats).  Because of the increasing variety of RC models being sailed, the concept in promoting the hobby and sport was shifted from general promotion to promoting one design classes. This will not only ensure continues growth of RC sailboat modelers but also guarantee that Sailboat racing will continue. Priority was given to the promotion of the International One Meter class in the country. The reason for this is because the IOM is an Internationally recognized class as well as an ISAF Sanctioned class, this means that there are a lot of IOM sailors world wide.  Another big consideration is that our fellow RC yacht modelers in Singapore as well as other South East Asian Nations are starting to or have established IOM fleets already, not to mention the long existing IOM fleet in Australia and New Zealand.  This means that in the future there is a possibility of inviting our neighbors to an international regatta held in the Philippines and at the same time Filipino sailors may opt to visit countries and join their regattas as well.

Tabo ghosting in light air

HISTORY:

The biggest hurdle in trying to promote the IOM class in the Philippines is cost.  The cost of a commercially built IOM is about US$1000 at a minimum, this is about 6 months worth of salary in the Philippines, it is just too darn expensive, specially considering that while reading the IOM class rules, it is stated often that it's aim is to promote low cost alternative to the more relatively expensive Marbleheads and 10raters. The challenge is of course to help in making available, affordable IOMs in the Philippines.  Initial idea purchasing Second hand IOMs did not work as second hand IOMs still costs a lot, about 2 months salary. The answer came when an avid IOM sailor in Singapore offered to lend a Mould of a skiff type IOM which they made. A prototype was quickly made by a local hobbyist and the Tabo was Born.

The name "Tabo" (Ta-B^o) came from the Pilipino word for ladle or dipper used for taking a bath or transferring small quantities of water from a pail.  It is also the name of the boat that Crisostomo Ibarra used to go to Laguna through the Pasig River, he is the main character of Noli me Tangere, written by Philippine National hero Jose Rizal. 

CONCEPT:

The Concept and mission of the Tabo is really straightforward. It aims to offer a low cost alternative to commercially made IOMs. In order to achieve the targeted cost of around P13,000 (the approximate price of a seawind), the Tabo will be made by hobbyists and will be offered without any profit.  In other words in order to promote the IOM class, the Tabo will be offered "at cost" to any interested Filipino. Once enough interest is generated, we hope that this will give way to other local IOM designs thus allowing for more varied hull designs for better development of the fleet. 

The Tabo will already be raced in IOM class races, though it will almost be all Tabos racing, the class will be for IOM to give way to those who might decide to import or buy IOMs elsewhere and compete locally.  This is also encouraged in order for us to learn more about the Tabo design, it's advantages and disadvantages plus on how to squeeze some more speed out of them.

 
The Tabo's Skiff design thrive in strong breezes and flat waters

THE BOAT:

As mentioned earlier the Tabo is a Skiff type design IOM, it is very similar to the IOMs usually raced in NZ and Australia where the skiff design is very popular.  The Prototype has a currently overweight keel, but it will be adjusted in order to conform to strict IOM class rules. The Tabo will not be another ODOM, it will be an ODOM that will qualify as an IOM. In order to keep the cost low, almost all the parts of the Tabo can be found and purchased locally. This means that one can also upgrade the Tabo by purchasing parts from popular IOM suppliers like Sailsetc and shops in Australia. The rig will also be locally made, and the Tabo will come complete with an A rig. B and C rigs will be options that can be either imported or the local hobbyist who will be making the sails can offer them as well.

The first Tabo was made with a Hitec Sail winch servo, and the idea is to make them with this system. However some experiments will be made in order to consider using a Sail Arm Servo which is more readily available in the country.

 
Tabo Broad reaching, testing all points of sail

The First Tabo was test sailed at Manila Bay some time May 2004.  It sailed nicely and has sparked interest with those who were present during the test sail.  The One Meter soling that was brought along for comparison was totally out sailed, which was expected. However in the future the Tabo will be pitted against a Highlander IOM which is the first ever IOM in the country to see how they will fair against each other.

Tabo against a Soling 1 meter No contest!

AVAILABILITY:

The Tabo's development was slow, but after hull number one, the group of hobbyists working on this project are confident that ready to sail Tabos can be made in 2 months. Interested persons may contact me in order to coordinate ordering of a Tabo.  As mentioned estimated cost is about P13,000. Inclusive of a Hitec Sail winch, cost might go up depending on cost of other materials that are yet to be developed like keel bulb, sails and rigging.  In order to fast track and promote the fleet however, we will be willing to offer a complete kit for P13,000 for the first 5 persons to have a Tabo assembled for them.

 
Details of a Tabo, note that the rig is imported as evidenced by the Australian sail number, this was used for testing as the local rig has not yet been developed. Keel bulb is a one off, but can be replicated. Note the Hitec drum winch location. Bow bumpers was made out of slipper (rubber flipflops) materials but will be made out of molded silicon next time.