While it may be a few months before sailing season, a group of Dartmouth residents have found that winter boating can be done — at least on a much smaller scale.

For the past 15 years, the Dartmouth fleet of the American Model Yachting Association has spent every Sunday during the off season — weather permitting — racing remote control sailboats at the New Bedford Yacht Club in Padanaram.

But even on Feb. 7 — just before a big winter storm that dumped more than six inches of snow in Dartmouth — the group managed to get in a few races.

“It was a bit shifty, but still great,” laughed group member Ted Scott. 

As for what brings them out every week, he said, “It’s something to do on Sundays is all.”

Scott noted that the mini-races make for a great social distanced activity amid the pandemic. “Wear a mask and stand on separate docks and you’re good to go,” he said.

Fleet Captain and South Dartmouth resident Ira Perry noted that the group came about from a desire to race boats when it's no longer in season, adding that they typically race their bigger boats during the summer. 

Since then, they try to meet at 10 a.m. every Sunday, with around 13 to 15 sailors racing from the docks of the yacht club.

“We’ve got a great group of guys,” Perry said.

According to the Fleet Captain, the remote boats “operate a lot like the big boats,” but have mechanisms in them that control the rudders and sails. There’s also a transmitter that beams the signal from the controller to the boats.

“You just have to get used to being not on the boat and sailing,” he laughed.

Races usually start with a one minute countdown to allow the competitors to get their boats into position. Once it starts, the fleet will try to go twice around two sets of buoys — with the winner typically tracking the times for those who follow.

“We try to get in eight to ten races a week — if not more,” Perry said. 

The unpredictability of New England weather can make the racing a bit difficult. 

K.C. Van Colen, the Commodore of the group, noted that snowy days like this past Sunday can make it “hard to get a good sail trim.” 

“It just kind of goes sideways and whatnot,” he said. “Plus the wind just tanked on us.”