wood model sailboats

Tippecanoe Boats

Tippecanoe boats.

RC Sailboat Racing: A group of Model Sailboats at a Remote Control Boat Race

We produce the highest quality model sailboats, toy sailboats, and radio controlled model sailing boats in the world.

After 36 years of business, there are now over 70,000 Tippecanoe model sailboats sailing in more than 65 countries around the world!

Children impressed by 12 inch Wooden Toy Sailboat sailing beside an RC Sailboat

Our Mission:

Our mission is to continue the wonderful tradition of model sailboats, especially wooden model sailboats, that really sail. Our boats have provided thousands of hours of happy outdoors experiences for countless adults and youngsters. We hear back from owners almost every day about how much they enjoy their boats and how pleased they are that we are doing what we do. In their small way, model sailing boats make the world a better place for all of us.

Our Origin:

Will Lesh is the founder, designer, and owner of Tippecanoe Boats. Will grew up with a classic Jacrim Seaworthy model sailing yacht which he sailed for many summers on Lake Tippecanoe along with his sister who also had a beautiful Keystone pond yacht.

“It has been in memory of those many happy hours that I have brought these beautiful toy sailboats back to life, and of course we have added a terrific collection of sensational RC model sailboats as well which make splendid projects for craftsmen as well as for first time builders and sailors.” – Will Lesh, Founder and Designer

Wooden Toy Sailboat: T12 Cruiser with red and blue sails

“I have a 100 ton license. I built my own 24 foot sailboat and sailed it across the Atlantic. I own a 34 foot cruising sloop, a laser, two MC Scows, a Hobie 14, a windsurfer, a 420, my 24 foot trans-Atlantic sloop, a 12 foot laminated mahogany sailing dinghy, 5 kayaks and 2 canoes (also two 37 foot steel sailboats in process). I am passionate about sailing boats and human powered boats of all sizes. But I still love sailing the model boats, they are so fun and beautiful and bring the joy of sailing alive in a very special way. In fact, I think I sail and race our model boats more frequently than I use my full sized boats! You can count on every one of our Tippecanoe boats, free-sailing toy boats and sophisticated radio control boats, to sail exceptionally well. I guarantee it!” – Will Lesh, Founder and Designer

Will Lesh lives and breathes sailing. He always has, and he always will.

Will started, and continues to run, Tippecanoe Boats in order to spread his love for sailing to all:

“I sail, therefore I am!”