REMOTE control yachts are just like the real thing, only harder to control, according to a Banora Point yachtie.

Twin Towns Radio Yacht Club commodore Richard Harradine said this week's Christmas party marked four years since he and four others started the group in Tweed.

“There were a couple of groups on the Gold Coast but nothing down here in Tweed for remote-controlled yachts,” Mr Harradine said.

“We have enclosed water on Lake Kimberley and we only use one corner of the lake, so we aren't disturbed by anyone.

“We race the yachts and it can sometimes be harder to control the remote ones compared to real yachts.

“They are okay when they are going away from you because you use your left hand to turn left and your right hand to turn right.

“But when it is coming back towards you, you really have to concentrate as if you were on the boat steering.”

Mr Harradine bought his first remote-controlled yacht in 2000 after retiring and moving to Banora Point.

“I was looking for something to do and I used to race cata- marans in Sydney, mostly for the fun of it,” he said.

The group has grown to 15 members.

“It's not only about the sailing; it's a social outlet, and we have families and wives down during the afternoon,” he said.

“There are always people walking around the park as well, and they look at the boats.

“We get a couple of new members a year, some from the open day we have in January and some from being part of Seniors Week with the council.”

Mr Harradine said 13 boats were on the water this week for the final meet this year.

“It was also our Christmas party so we had food and soft drink in the park for the afternoon,” he said.

“We will have an open day in early January for anyone who wants to come and try sailing.”

He said a good remote control yacht could be bought for $1000.

“Some people will spend up to $4500, but I think you only need to spend about a thousand,” Mr Harradine said.