You need a transmitter (Tx)2 channels (most use a 4 channel Tx), a receiver (Rx), a servo for the rudder, a winch for the sails and a battery pack to feed all the above with energy.
Your choice is simple as most RC sailors use transmitters from either Futaba, Hitec or Graupner.
In Ireland most RC sailors use is 40 MHz FM frequency which provides a good range of frequency so that we don't end up controlling some one else’s boat.
Again, keep it simple as there is no need to buy expensive programmable “60 channels” with all the bells and whistles, a standard 4 channel like the Futaba Skysport 4 is sufficient. You need to decide on the type of battery you will use as they come with a choice of AA size battery or with a battery pack.
They will come with their own receiver which you will need but most are sold with 3 servos and various bits. To cut down the cost some suppliers
You may be surprised at how much pressure the rudder is under in some conditions.
So you need a rudder servo that is light, with metal gears, High torque and ideally waterproof.
A wide range of them do exist and one of the most popular, if you're using Futaba Tx, is the (here comes the techy bit) P-S9202 with a torque of 5.0Kg/cm, water and dust resistant, dual ballraced, 0.22sec/60deg with a cordless motor. Pretty good starting servo for our IOM boats. Just plug it into your receiver and steer away !!!
